We recently had a meeting where we reviewed this year of 2009 at Heartwood Spiritual Center. We made lists of all the things that had been accomplished. We surprised ourselves as the list kept going off the flip chart page. We saw that we had built five campgrounds, remodeled the kitchen, built out houses for all the campgrounds, fenced in and maintained our vegetable garden, maintained the trails and created trail signs, purchased through gracious donations two large tents for group events, built a rock meditation area and maintained beautiful flower gardens throughout the field. We had set out early a strong calendar of events but due to many circumstances
we had to alter that calendar. We saw that a model of planning that works the best for us to let things unfold.
We also asked ourselves the question: What are we about here at Heartwood Spiritual Center?
We saw that we are still a place where people can come to have their own unique relationship with Spirit.
We also saw something else emerge this year. It was reflected in group experiences where the model of sacred circle was practiced. In this circle each individual is honored, valued and celebrated for their uniqueness. At the same time the safety and beauty of Heartwood allows everyone to feel and know their Oneness with each other. We lived and saw this model come to life through Spirit Expression Sundays twice a month, Tribal Playshops, the Celestine Gathering and the Conscious Conversation Gathering. We know the difference that this has made in our own lives and others report that it has made a difference for them. We are grateful to be of service in this way. Here is a quote from Sir Rabindranath Tagore that spoke to me of my own experience:
We are all the more one because we are many.
For we have made ample room for love in the gap where we are sundered.
Our unlikeness reveals its breadth of beauty radiant with one common life,
Like mountain peaks in the morning sun.
As we look forward to 2010 we will let events unfold. We will continue to hold space for individuals and groups to come here and experience and express Spirit in their own unique way. We plan on sharing our Spirit Expression model with other congregations and groups through this next year. If you are interested in having a group retreat here or offering a workshop at Heartwood, please email heartwood@wildblue.net. We have made our rates for space rental very reasonable.
I am excited and pleased to announce that my first book is available in pre-release for you to purchase. It is called Spirit Expression for EveryOne, a Guide to Living a Soul-driven Life. This book is based on my meditation writings and gives ways to deepen your relationship with Spirit. It also details the guiding principles for conducting Spirit Expression Circles and how this sacred model can bring about a world of spiritual acceptance and co-existence.
This pre-release copy will make a wonderful holiday present for yourself and others. You can purchase this now for $10 copy and $3 shipping. At this time we will be happy to accept checks or money orders made out to Heartwood, 341 County Road 633, Mentone, AL 35984. Begin your order by emailing us at heartwood@wildblue.net. Or you can pay for the book on Google Checkout for 13.00, shipping included, Buy Now button at the bottom of this newsletter. For excerpts from the book please go to this www.heartwoodspiritualcenter.blogspot.com, Spirit Expression for EveryOne.
We are also excited to announce that this book will be published in the spring of 2010 by "A Better Today Publishing." Our deep gratitude to Steve Maraboli who directs A Better Today Publishing and who we met through his attendance at the last two gatherings. Steve has a very popular, uplifting and empowering radio show on the Internet, you can catch it at www.empoweredlivingradio.com. We want also to thank Kelly Leavitt, Sheri Malman, Willy Mathes, Neko Linda and Jeff Kravitz for their professional support in getting this book accomplished.
We especially would like to thank Kelly Leavitt for doing our newsletter and website for the last five years. She has a true gift of translating feeling into word and form. We are walking the new path of managing the websites, blog and newsletter ourselves. Thank you dear friend for all that you have done.
We would also like to thank each and every one of you for supporting us and helping us create a sacred and special place. Your support, whether it has been from afar, or through your presence here at Heartwood, makes a difference and enhances our hearts and spirits. We feel blessed and deeply grateful. During the holiday season we light candles in gratitude and know that our lights shine outward from this place and touch many hearts.
We gratefully accept year end tax deductible donations to help us continue to build Heartwood. We are focused on being able to have flush toilets for our guests in the next year. Your donation will help us towards this goal.
With gratitude, appreciation and love,
Cathy, Ted, Robert, Joshua and Magnolia
Checks or money orders to:
Heartwood Spiritual Center, ADL
341 County Road 633
Mentone, AL 35984
or donate on our website http://www.heartwoodsanctuary.com/donate.htmlt
