Looking for Something Spiritual on New Years Eve?

I don't know about you but I get very tired of the usual New Years celebrations involving long hours spent drinking and over-eating, culminating in an often rowdy and certainly noisy change to the new year at midnight. Here's a nice alternative - a group called SpiritKeepers who enjoy their Dances of Universal Peace to ring in the New Year.

The New Year's celebration will include Dances of Universal Peace, which uses simple dance moves combined with chants and songs. Most dances are circular, with members rotating around each other while holding hands or looking into each other's eyes.
Dances of Universal Peace is a spiritual practice melding several world traditions as a way to connect both with the body and soul, according to an introductory book for participants.
"Dancing is part of the richness of what we do," Timothy Dobson, one of the New Year's event organizers, said in a May interview.
To view the original article, click here.

Megan Quinn writing for Daily Camera in Boulder, Colorado, also describes some of the other workshops held at the centers StarHouse and SpiritistCenter, both in Boulder. Even if you don't live near Boulder it's worth checking out these two good centers as examples of what could happen in other communities to improve mind, body and spirit.

Studies Show Prayer and Exercise Best for Healing

According to Pat Thomas writing for NYR Natural News there are a number of research programs that have concluded that the fastest path to recovery, whether mental or physical is a combination of prayer and moderate exercise. The studies didn't limit the type to prayers or mantras - everything from "Hail, Mary full of grace" to "Shalom" to "Om". Pat points out that spiritual healing goes beyond religion but uses the methods of religion. There is also a paragraph sharing the results of experiments on plants that showed growth increased for ones that were healed or prayed over. I suspect it is the transfer of energy and the intention that works this "magic".

Most of the available evidence shows that prayer is most effective as a complementary rather than a primary therapy. Nevertheless there is reasonable proof that prayer has a healing effect. One analysis of 23 studies involving more than 3000 individuals concluded that more than half demonstrated that that prayer had significant effects. In this review therapeutic touch appeared to show the most promise.
Naysayers point out that no study has ever proven the ability of prayer to stop a person from dying from conditions such as heart disease and cancer. They note, and fairly, that the quality of the studies done into spiritual healing can be very uneven and often do not follow people for long enough to make sweeping statements about its effectiveness. This however appears to be missing the point.
Scientific research by its very nature requires a measurable endpoint – usually focusing on quantity rather than quality of life. Even Dossey has warned that holistic practitioners should not overextend the power of spirituality; we will all die eventually.
Short-term studies do show that prayer can have an effect on longevity (see below) but perhaps more importantly prayer may be a beneficial way to improve the quality of life for those in need. Even researchers who are sceptical have been moved to say that the occasionally remarkable results of studies into spiritual healing are interesting enough to warrant further, and more serious, investigation.
To read the source of this passage click here.

Have you had experience using the power of prayer or healing to improve the condition of another? Please share your story below. Here is a great book for you to read more about this: Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine by Larry Dossey.

The Healing Season

With the holidays fading into the background, January is often a time when people diet and start to take better care of their bodies. This article points out that it can also be the time to use spiritual healing methods to improve your mental and spiritual health too.

Here are some ways to heal a troubled spirit that work for me, and that I am currently practicing.

1. Meditation.I have been trying to meditate for years, but thanks to Deepak Chopra and Oprah giving away a 21-Day Meditation Challenge for free I have been meditating more frequently and it really works. I encourage you to try it if you’ve never done it before. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work so well the first time. I’m told it takes 21 days to create a habit.
2. Journaling. Here’s another one that I just hadn’t been able to get into in the past, but I’ve been journaling and it has completely been a cheap form of therapy. With journaling you can say what’s really on your mind.  We all possess the ability to heal ourselves within our spirits and some times you just have to write it out to see it.
3. Help somebody. I often find when I call a friend and ask, “How can I help you today,” I always feel better. It truly puts things in perspective when you help someone and put your spirit in a posture of service. With so much loss this year, including those affected by Sandy, there is always someone who stands in need. You probably don’t have to look too far outside of your family and friends.
4. Forgive someone and apologize. I have often said in this column that forgiveness is for you. It is crucial to healing a wounded spirit and broken heart. Even if you don’t contact the person, still forgive them in your heart. And then, apologize if you can. “Apologizing doesn’t mean you’re wrong; it just means you value your relationships more than your ego.” – Will Smith
5. Celebrate. I come from a family that knows how to party. Don’t forget to celebrate all that you have and the people in your life. Nothing says the holidays and joy to me more than being able to celebrate and party with the people that mean the most to me.
To read the original of this passage click here.

I'm sure not all of them will suit you but it's good to be reminded about these things. I challenge you to copy and post this list some place in your space. Then see what happens when you read it every day. Let me know how it goes, OK?

Parishioners Re-enact the Travels of Joseph and Mary

San Antonio, Texas has a strong Latino presence being close to Mexico and having been part of Mexico at one time. This article from MySA relates the yearly procession of parishoners as they travel around the community with the actors chosen as to play Joseph and Mary looking for lodging. Finally they find it at a cafe and the celebration of Las Posadas begins with refreshments and song.

Parishes with heavily Hispanic memberships often organize Las Posadas, sometimes on each of the nine days leading up to Christmas Day. The custom originated in the 1500s when Spanish missionaries used live, interactive dramas to pass on biblical stories to indigenous people in Central and South America.
The Holy Family's determined search for lodging was a key narrative, a long-awaited prophecy in the Christian faith, ushering in salvation from sin and hope for life's trials.
Parishioners are the cast. Mary and Joseph lead the way in costume, while pilgrims follow behind in plain clothes, reciting prayers and singing call-and-response songs. The script calls for visits to houses where residents emerge to deny Mary and Joseph lodging until finally arriving at a home willing to take them in.
At that moment, the somber journey then turns festive. The moment is for caroling, piñatas and traditional foods, such as pan dulce and tamales.
Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Posada-A-Christmas-spiritual-journey-4135919.php#ixzz2FhpNR1jn

This drama has been repeated every year for now 200 years both in Texas and Mexico. How about other parts of the world? Yes, according to Wikipedia the origins are in Spain but it is mainly celebrated in Mexico and Central America. Here are a few regional variations:

In Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco the Vallarta Botanical Gardens hosts a Las Posadas celebration on December 20. During workshops in the daytime, participants make their own nativity scenes with local natural materials including Spanish moss. In the evening, carolers proceed to nativities that are placed among important plants including poinsettias and native Mexican pines. A bonfire and more singing rounds out the celebrations.
In Wisconsin, the procession may occur within a home, rather than outside, because of the weather.^[3]
An event in Portland, Oregon terminates with Santa Claus and donated Christmas gifts for needy children.^[8]
In New York, worshippers may drink Atole, a corn-sugar drink traditional during Christmas.^[9]
A large procession occurs along the San Antonio River Walk and has been held since 1966.^[10][11] It is held across large landmarks in San Antonio, Texas, including the Arneson River Theater, Museo Alameda, and the Spanish Governor's Palace, ending at the Cathedral of San Fernando.^[12]
To read the original click here.

There are also similar celebrations in the Philippines, Cuba and Nicaragua given on different days with similar names. If you have ever visit one of these countries at Christmas time be sure to take part in the parades and festive celebrations. It makes this holiday season seem more current and real.

A New Theory Regarding the Nazca Lines of Peru

Dr. Clive Ruggles of Leicester University and Dr. Nicholas Saunders of Bristol University proposed the theory that the figures etched into 50 miles of Peruvian desert between 100BC to 700AD are not there to be seen from the air but are to be walked like a labyrinth. Dr. Ruggles claims he was perhaps the first person in 1500 years to walk these paths.

Scientists claim that a "labyrinth" of geometric shapes and lines was not created to be seen at all, and was instead a walking path which played a role in ancient rituals.
Professor Clive Ruggles of Leicester University said, "Unlike some of the famous zoomorphic (animal) figures, its irregular form provides no reason to speculate that it might have been intended to be viewed from the air.
"It was not meant to be 'seen' from outside at all, but rather to be experienced from within. It was meant to be walked."
Ruggles and Dr. Nicholas Saunders, of Bristol University, traced three miles of paths during a five-year project, becoming the first known people to do so in more than 1,000 years.
Although parts of the lines have been washed away by flash floods, the remainder are well preserved and edges are still sharply defined.
Ruggles claims to have been the first person to discover the labyrinth among the patterns while studying the lines in 1984.
To read the rest of this passage click here.

What is more mysterious is why this idea has been somewhat hidden since 1984 and is now being publicized now. Also, the images I see look very much like animals, not labyrinths. However, it is curious that the edges of these lines are still so well marked as if they were walked as Dr. Ruggles suggests. What do you think about this idea? Leave a comment below, OK?

Yoga Retreat in the Bahamas

Last month I promised to post more retreats in warm weather locales. Here's a marvelous one with yoga, kirtans (chanting) and the blissful beaches of the Bahamas. Shivananda Ashram has ongoing programs and also "vacation packages" to fit your schedule. Some of the upcoming courses include: advaced asana course, yoga for mood management, cardiac yoga teacher training, advanced hatha yoga retreat and introduction to teaching yoga to children. The ashram is based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda. one of the greatest yoga teachers whose methods were brought to the west in 1957 under the organization of International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres. Swami Sivananda wrote over 200 books and was influential in training countless students before his death in 1963. Here is more about this ashram from their website.

The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is located across the bay from Nassau, Bahamas, on one of the finest beaches in the world. It is truly an island paradise and a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and five and a half acres of lush tropical gardens, the Yoga Retreat provides the ideal environment for practice, rest and rejuvenation. With its celebrated lineage of Yogic Masters, the Yoga Retreat offers a rare combination of a traditional ashram with the feel of a Caribbean resort.
During your stay at the Retreat, discover how the powerful tools of Yoga can aid in your personal evolution, helping you to live in constant peace with yourself, humanity, nature and God.
Come by yourself, bring a friend or bring your whole family. Our staff is always happy to welcome and accompany you as you settle into your stay with us.
To read more click on this link.

It's easy to reach this ashram on a flight to Nassua International Airport. Please check to see if you require a visa to enter the Bahamas. Then take a taxi to the ashram dock where you will be met by the water taxi for a 10 minute ride. There is a schedule for this taxi which is posted on the website. The meals are buffet style and vegetarian. Please enjoy this amazing retreat and let me know about it!