2010 Convergence Programs:

Awakening the Dreamer – Changing the Dream of the North with Leila Bruno.

Based on our own experience, and according to a majority of the world’s social, political and scientific experts, there is now overwhelming evidence that our current society is unraveling. There is no villain here. We are caught in a trance, a bad “dream.” We are living from a WRONG VIEW of separation. This inaccurate way of seeing the world is one in which such unthinkable acts as dismantling forests, polluting oceans, extinquishing species and disrupting the climate appear necessary — and even reasonable. This view of separation is having serious consequences for all the children of all species for all times. But here’s the good news: not everyone is caught in the trance. The Shambhala teachings are guiding us to see, ” When human beings lose their connection to nature, to heaven and earth, then they do not know how to nurture their environment or how to rule their world…healing our society goes hand in hand with healing our personal, elemental connection with the phenomenal world.” -and particularly, we have living examples: some Indigenous Peoples, who still live in their traditional Earth-honoring ways, have valuable earth-connecting wisdom to share with everyone and have urged everyone, for the sake of all life on earth, to “change the dream of the North.” These are the generating principles behind the Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium, whose goal it is to bring forth an ecologically sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet. In our time at the Convergence, together we’ll examine how our spiritual practices can help us help others. What is invisible that wants to be made visible? If we are alive at this time, we have a part to play, so how can we empower ourselves and others to make a difference? By going on a personal journey, that we take together, let’s investigate how to use our strengths – our spiritual disciplines and the indigenous earth wisdoms we have been taught — to bring forward a better world. For more information, see: http://www.awakeningthedreamer.org/

Earth Energy Rising: reconnecting to the rhythm of the Grandmothers with Prune Harris. Can you imagine your most ancient Grandmother? Did she walk like you? Do you walk like her? With each step we place upon our Great Mother we walk within a rhythm of ancient lineage, merging our energy with the sentient wisdom of the Earth. And yet, for many of us living in modern times, our ability to be conscious of this connection is compromised. In ‘Earth Energy Rising’ we will explore how this rhythm of ancient lineage is ever present and accessible. Through story, song and movement each of us will reconnect with this rhythm, enabling it to flow deeply within us, allowing a sharing of ancient knowing and a nourishing courage to take each step in harmony. (If willing, please wear a skirt or wide legged trousers.)

The Moving Mandala with Nancy “Dancing Light” Sherwood. The Moving Mandala is a sacred resource. The principle of all  mandalas is to help us see reality as it is, in it’s wholeness, with nothing added and nothing to take away. The Moving Mandala takes place within a container based on a sacred geometry of 12 points joined to the Great World Tree. For mystics it is an architecture of Light. The Moving Mandala is paradoxical in nature, and I believe that the container is shamanic because of its connection to the ancestors; the universal mandala appears in many plant and/or fasting visions that shamans employ in order to see the basis of creation. The Moving Mandala affirms that healing energy transcends time and space and is everywhere, all the time. We can all ride the wave of energy that brings the expression of our wholeness into being. Whatever piece of the Moving Mandala a person expresses individually, there is inherent wholeness in that expression. Let us join together within the sacred architecture of  the Mandala circle of Light, to go beyond our individual ego’s preconceptions and enter a state of compassion and essence—embodying a community expression of Love, with movement, shape-shifting, sound, music- in short- playing the instrument of the body to align with the soul. Let us extend the dream of Mockingee land from the legacy of our ancestors into contemporary time. Let’s play together, as One.

Introduction to Weather Shamanism with Beth Lenco. Weather is the primal force that gives form to the Earth. It is the daily expression that un- derlies all that we do. It shapes our very existence, and lets us live. Yet how often do we ig- nore, fear, or berate it’s actions? How often do we wish it was something other than it is? How frequently do we pray for it to serve our personal needs for the day? Weather can be used as a dumping ground for the frustrations and irritations in our lives.  As shamanic practitioners we understand that all things are alive, and have Spirit, and that we are one with this spirit. How does a disharmonious relationship with weather effect it’s spirit, and therefore our spirits? How do we move into “right relationship” with local and global weather? And how will this effect us and the planet as a whole? Coming together in a circle to explore healing relationship and alignment with the weather spirits, is work of  the weather dancer. We learn how to live in harmony with the natural pat- terns of  Earth’s expression. We learn from the spirits, and we learn from each other by sharing our weather teachings in circle. In this introductory workshop we will explore our personal connection with weather and how to begin or deepen a path of “right relation- ship”. We will learn about the divine aspects of weather as well as the neutral behavior of our global weather patterns. With joy and gratitude, I invite you to come together in a circle and experience how deeply our hearts can be touched by the sprits of weather, and explore the path of Weather Dancing.

Michelle Haddal’s Nourishment Initiative Program for the Convergence.The Nourishment Initiative Program is: Based on sustainable food source choices, fairly traded, ethically harvested, and processed with intention. Michele will employ her skills as a classically trained Chef, her deep connection to local foods, and her passion for Earth mother to create a unique catering service to meet conference participant’s needs. Menu development will address all aspects of nourishment mind, body, spirit, and fresh seasonal cooking. Provisioning of supplies will rely on Michele’s relationships with Farmers, Fishers and Processors. HANDS ON LEARNING Participants are invited to join Michele during this growing season. Gathering in “work party sessions” as produce becomes available when locally abundant. Some sessions will focus on ethical harvesting of wild plants. Some sessions will focus on “putting food by” in the form of canning, jarring, drying or, freezing. Michele will share her knowledge and skills with hopes to inspire others to become more connected to their food sources. IN SERVICE TO EACH OTHER Another aspect of the Nourishment Initiative will take place during the conference. We will request all participants to serve on work teams. This is in response to the desire to make this gathering sustainable and accessible to all. In the spirit of community, in service to each other Kitchen work will include, Harvest of wild greens, food preparation, food serving, set up and cleanup. Daily devotions to a kitchen and dining room shrine will also be featured, as well as spirit plates. In addition to kitchen service, other work tasks must be looked after. These jobs include: Grounds Keeping- recycling, garbage detail, general outdoor tasks, Housekeeping- washrooms, public spaces Trail crew- camp service project to develop waterfront trail Departure crews- tear down and cleanup Set up crew- opening camp set up.