Spiritual Travel to Tibet: A Meaningful Journey

Here is a travel company (actually a Tibetan Cooperative) called Tibet Travel Coop that uses a Tibetan staff of travel agents, tour guides, cooks, drivers and hosts who know the Tibetan travel industry and have been working in every part of Tibet. The picture of the Coop members is great - all the families too including the children. There are some very moving testimonials from travelers who plan to go back. This is definitely an authentic experience you won't soon forget. Here is some of the text from the website.

Knowledge

As Tibetans, we can share our communities, customs, history, and spirituality from our hearts and experiences from childhood live rather than from travel guidebooks. After all, we believe you come to Tibet partly to experience Tibet's culture and having a good Tibetan guide matters.

Responsible Tourism

We support local communities, use local services, volunteer in local villages, and donate a percentage of our profits to sustainable projects. After all, our bottom-line is not just measured by how much we made but how many Tibetans we are able to employee and how well we are able to protect the environment for future visitors to enjoy.

 The trips are divided into 3 sections: spiritual journeys, cultural odysseys, and trekking adventures. The cultural odysseys are further broken down into homestay, classic Tibet, spirit of Minyak and shangri-la! In this case I won't elaborate more. I urge you to explore this fascinating website yourself and find out the incredible journeys that you also could take with them. http://tibettravelcoop.com

Near Death Experience Predicts the Future Ahead on Earth

In 2012 a woman named Martha St. Clair nearly drowned while water skiing. As you will hear her describe in this video, she fell and was pulled under the water when the rope became tangled around her leg. She had many of the same experiences as others who have come back from the other side, but this time she was shown what was ahead for this planet and why we are all here this time during these huge changes. This is a must-listen for anyone spiritual who wants to survive the coming days.

Near Death Experience Predicts the Future Ahead on Earth

Now that you know what Martha saw, perhaps you would like to read more about near death experiences. It's a popular subject these days. If you go to Amazon and type in "near death experiences" you will find 14 books on the topic published in 2013. I've chosen one to share with you but please leave a message regarding any other good choices you know here below this article or on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mysticfare Here is one of the best new books. What Happens When We Die: A Psychic's Exploration of Death, Heaven and the Soul's Journey After Death by Echo Bodine. Here we have much the same material in much more depth as the video you just watched. I hope you like it.Just click on the image below to see more.

Meditation Reduces Risk of Death by Half

This article, written by J.D. Hayes in NaturalNews.com describes from several source test studies that groups who learned meditation showed a reduction of heart problems, anger and were able to reduce smoking and alcohol consumption vastly better than the control groups who were given classes on health and fitness. Here is part of it.

One "treatment" that has begun to generate interest is meditation and, in particular, how it can be utilized to effectively treat dire medical conditions such as heart disease. To that end, researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee have found that people with coronary disease who began practicing Transcendental Meditation were 48 percent less likely to have a heart attack, stroke or die from all causes, compared to a group of study participants who merely attended a health education class over more than five years.
In addition, researchers found that those practicing meditation were able to lower the blood pressure, in addition to reporting less overall stress and anger, The Times of India reported. The study also found that the more regularly patients meditated, the greater their rates of survival.
"Meditation is now widely accepted as a mind-body technique for maintaining holistic health and wellness. In medical and rehabilitation settings, meditation has proven to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for treating a variety of conditions and the psychologic effects of chronic illness and pain-effects often not addressed in conventional treatments," adds Dr. Sala Horowitz, PhD, in a paper discussing the newest research into the health benefits of meditation.
"Evidence suggesting that meditation has neuroprotective properties has implications for enhancing cognition and preventing dementia," she wrote.
To read the original click here.

I agree that meditation is a wonderful gift to humanity with endless uses. However, I have known people who simply could not learn to calm their minds, no matter what techniques they used to learn it. I wonder about these studies and whether all members of the meditation groups improved. It is hopeful that some of them at least were able to use meditation to reduce risk of death by half.

Journeys of the Spirit Revisited

For those of you familiar with this website you might know that one of the regular listings under the heading, “Mystical/Spiritual Tours and Retreats” is Journeys of the Spirit. Sheri Rosenthal, a former doctor who was wealthy but not happy, found her focus in life through a spiritual direction and through journeys to sacred sites. She continues to create with her talented staff the journeys she herself calls, “transformational, soul-stirring and awe-inspiring”.

Upcoming journeys:
Heart Wisdom of Whales and Wild Dolphins, Panama, 9/15 – 10/11/13
Highlands and Mystical Islands: Sacred Scotland, 9/15 – 9/24/13
Reconnecting to Truth through Horse Wisdom, Tucson, Arizona, 9/18 – 9/22/13
Journey to Machu Picchu – Authentic Spiritual and Cultural Wonders, Peru, 9/26 – 10/ 5/13
Access your Dreams Retreat, Assisi, Italy, 10/12 – 10/18/13
Kindfulness – a Healing Retreat in the Himalayas, Nepal. 10/16 – 10/25/13

I like how this website is organized into categories such as By Region, By Trip Type, By Month and By Price. The home page features a map of an imaginary island with the types of trips such as Women’s Retreats, Mind-Body-Spirit, Spirituality in Business, Power Journeys, Volunteer Travel and Yoga Retreats. The option to plan your own retreat is also possible. Sherri has a recorded message for you which you can experience on this home page if you have Flash on your computer. Here a sample of what these trips are about.

Ready to move deeply inside yourself using ancient and indigenous spiritual traditions and ceremonies, meet local shamans, connect with other realms, trance dance or participate in a sacred plant ceremony? A Shamanic Journey is the perfect experience for you!

Is your business at a standstill, mental barriers and limiting thoughts blocking your abundance? You need a Spiritual Business Retreat to put you on the road to success!
Do you wake up wondering whose life you’re living? Feel like you’re lacking clarity? Find yourself short-tempered, frustrated or unhappy? Wish your relationships were more supportive and loving? Want to forgive and move on, but can’t?
If you crave freedom from your own life and mind you would definitely benefit from a Personal Intensive!

To read the original click here.

I understand from people who have gone on the Journeys of the Spirit tours that the service also includes travel and meals. Check out one of these great tours and let me know how it was. To contact them go to: http://www.journeysofthespirit.com or call 866-866-5566. If you mention MysticFare you will receive a discount on your trip.

Mystical Meditation in Action

The organization, Profound Mystical Meditation, has been in existence since 1965. It was founded and still led by Dr. Francisco Coll in Iowa. There is also an International Conference Center and the Americana Leadership College all initiated by Dr. Coll. There are 4 main concepts:

• Each of us is a soul with a physical body
• Everyone has Angels (Spiritual Guidance)
• We come to Planet Earth with a purpose
• We have been, we are, and we will always be

I couldn’t agree more, so I was eager to find out what they offered and what accommodations were available. Here are 3 scheduled workshops: Angel Encounter Workshop, Discover Your Sea of Tranquility and Tranquility and Accomplishment Technique Workshop. They also offer classes with titles such as “Meditation in Action” and “New Spiritual Horizons”. Also of interest are Angel Consultations and the course to become a Certified Spiritual Educator.
I’ve long wanted to find a group that combines mysticism with meditation, so I was very pleased to find this beautiful website and meet a group that has been going for over 35 years. Even more intriguing is the retreat center, part of the Americana Leadership College and located in Iowa. As they explain on their website:

Americana Leadership College
International Conference Center
Osceola, Iowa
FINALLY... A retreat center where you can

• Relax and unwind in nature
• Attain an integrated, balanced, conscious living lifestyle
• Learn deeper Angel communication techniques
• Discover your True Life Purpose

Nestled in the rolling hills of south, central Iowa is the 170 acre International Conference Center. For over 36 years people from around the world have come to discover their true inner self and their life purpose in a relaxing natural environment.

Read the original here.
The retreats occur on major holidays such as Easter, Memorial Day weekend, month of July, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. For more information about this group, please visit their website at: http:// www.profoundmysticalmeditation.com  If you are lucky enough to visit and take a course or workshop, please leave a comment or contact me: contact@mysticfare.com
Unfortunately there is no mention of fees or accommodation on the website, so I can't share that with you at this time.

Spiritual Retreat in South Africa

Now that South Africa is politically more stable it's a nice, warm, interesting place for a retreat. Please check out the Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge located near Johannesburg. The name, "Kurisa Moya" can be translated as enchanted wind or sacred spirit. The Farmhouse is booked to one group at a time and includes 5 bedrooms, a large living room, dining room and kitchen.

• The homely kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering although breakfast, lunch or dinner can be brought to your kitchen hot and ready to eat (book meals with our chef at least a week in advance).
• The Farmhouse is delightfully off-the-grid, and there are a gas fridge and freezer, 6-plate stove (with an oven) and hot-water geysers, as well as solar, candle and gas lighting.
• The Farmhouse is serviced daily and linen and towels are provided.
• There is a weber-braai and a sociable braai area in the garden. (Black Wattle firewood provided)

To read the original of this passage click here. The following one minute video will show you more. The activities include biking, birding, hiking and nature walks, fly fishing and massage sessions. If you are interested in this unique adventure please contact the owners at: info@krm.co.za or write to them: P.O. Box 280, Haenertsburg, 0730, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The phone: +27 (0)15 276 1131 Finally, the website: http://www.krm.co.za. Most importantly, if you go, please let me know how you liked it and what was the best part. Leave a message below this post or use: contact@mysticfare.com

Spiritual Beings Called Plasma Beings

Here is an interview with Drunvalo Melchizedek, a channel who says he can talk to plasma beings who live inside the Earth and are immortal. This account jives with the accounts of the Hopi Tribe. These beings appear as a small sphere of white light. How many people report seeing these things? Watch and find out more.   This report says they can take human form and they are in our government. They live in caves with large crystals that they lead us to. It's quite a fantastic story. My comment: anything is possible. They want to help us go with the changes they already went through and lead us into the ascension process. Thanks to http://www.JuicyLivingTour.com and http://www.LilouMace.com for posting this video on April 10, 2013. Drunvalo has written lots of books, but I recommend this one to find out more about these beings: The Mayan Ourobous: The Cosmic Cycles Come Full Circle. If you click on the link below you can find out more about it.

Peaceful Retreat in Middle America

Some of my readers will know that I like to feature retreats that are off the tourist trail in remote or less-frequented places. However, you don't have to go half-way around the world to find such places. Here is a retreat center near Loveland, Ohio about 20 miles away from Cincinnati called Grailville. It advertises, "A place of tranquility, spirituality, transformation and respect for the natural world since 1944." The scheduled retreats are quite eclectic - everything from aroma yoga to writing as healing to meditation, all scheduled in April. They also invite you to plan your own retreat, either alone or with as large a group as the facilities will handle in their guest cabins.

Now, more than ever, the world needs haven like Grailville, a sacred place to experience the beauty of the natural world. A few hours or days at Grailville can restore and rejuvenate you. We host retreats, programs, meetings and events. Come with your group or individually to nurture body, mind and spirit.
Our guests, often spiritual, education, healing and arts organizations, are accommodated in our five guesthouses which can host up to 75 overnight. Space for day meetings, workshops, and special events (such as weddings or reunions) is available for up to 200 people.
We offer programs affirming our authentic selves, creating space for the sacred, transforming our lives and addressing the needs of the world. Join us for spiritual retreats and celebrations, arts workshops, retreats and performances, women-only retreats that inspire and inform, and hands-on skill building workshops.
To read the original click here.

The website description goes on to describe the name, Grailville.

We are a center of the Grail in the United States and further the Grail’s vision of a world of peace, justice and renewal of the earth, brought about by women working together as catalysts for change.Grail members are connected by their spirituality. An ecumenical community of women, the Grail supports and celebrates each other’s spiritual paths. The Grail is committed to a shared vision of peace in a global community.

To contact this retreat center, go to the website, https://www.grailville.org and explore what is available. It says something that they have been in existence since 1944, probably longer than many of their members' ages.

Spiritual Meditation App: the Insight Timer

It was bound to happen. Technology has taken on the meditators and designed an app specially for them. It's not only a timer with Tibetan bell sounds for the beginning and end of the sessions but a link to other meditators worldwide who happen to be "in the Zone" at the same time as you are. Well, here is the demo for you to watch yourself. Here's what Jordan Shapiro, author of FREEPLAY: A Video Game Guide to Maximum Euphoric Bliss has to say in his article in Forbes (online version).

Or, maybe the reason we meditate in the first place is to get out of a dieting and quitting mentality. To remember that everything can’t be isolated, analyzed, and measured. Perhaps we meditate in order to remind ourselves that in a world that is caught up with innovating and rebranding, the human soul does not need to be reinvented or transformed.

Sarcasm aside, Insight Timer raises questions about both spirituality and technology. Are bells, chimes, and singing bells religious artifacts, or simply tools that aid in the efficient execution of spiritual goals? Spotlight Six Software, the one person company that makes Insight Timer, clearly thinks that these are tools, and that an app that makes meditation more convenient does a service for humanity. It makes meditation easier. To read the original click here.

I can't think that my original meditation teacher, Konsho Morii at Koyasan in Japan would have liked this app. I suspect the Dalai Lama would laugh about it as he embraces modern technology. I have to admit I found the free version, downloaded it to my Android Galaxy and tried it out right away. The tones are very realistic and there are some other lower tones while you are meditating (I don't think I imagined it). I understand that it is available for iPhones, Androids, iPad and Kindle Fire. If any of you readers try it please let me know your reactions, OK?

A New Train Trip Starting Right Now

For anyone who enjoys train travel the Canadians have put together a series of super trips through western Canada and down to Seattle in the US. This video you are about to watch is a promo for the trips with Tanya Memme, former Miss Canada as the narrator/host. The trips run from $2500 - $5000 depending on the service level for 3 or 4 days on board the Rocky Mountaineer. Although the trip is right in my back yard I would consider taking it just for the experience shown in this video. Enjoy. Remember the 4 "S" - scenery, service, sweet and savory food , and social. If you would like to try this trip please click like below. Sorry - there's no "love" to click!

Guide to Solitary Spiritual Retreat Centers

Some of you might want some time alone for reflection. Maybe there has been recent life changes or you just need some time to unwind and recharge. I personally find time alone very beneficial as a way to reflect upon what has happened and future directions. Here is a post that lists "hermitages, cabins and other places of spiritual reflection", thanks to the TAT Foundation. It might be just what you need.

His listing of retreat facilities will help you find a place of solitude to spend quiet time in reflection. Places offering only communal meals are included, and noted as such, for consideration of those doing fasting retreats. Places with shared kitchen facilities are included and noted as such. Facilities requiring previous instruction, active guidance or a particular belief-system are not included.
Many facilities require reservations, sometimes months ahead due to popularity. (For a last minute budget alternative, try an inexpensive motel room with kitchenette, especially during an area's off-season.) The majority are run by religious organizations but welcome all guests. Also, many either operate on a suggested-donation basis or reduce charges for those unable to pay the full amount. Costs under $40/night or the equivalent are noted as "economical." Stays of a week or longer are sometimes discounted. Note: click on the facility's site link for additional information.
To read the original click here.

thanks to Phil Franta for this picture

The TAT Foundation is an interesting group as well. It was founded by Richard Rose "to provide a forum for friendship and the spiritual search". They meet hold events 4 times a year at their Headquarters in West Virginia, and there are also various study groups hosted by individual members in their own communities. for $40 per year you could become a member of this non-profit, totally volunteer spiritual group.

While TAT has no dogma or creed, it does have a core viewpoint. These core values were eloquently described by one of the founding and still-active members as follows:
  The search for Truth and Self-definition through self-inquiry and...
  Honest and open discussion of the ways and means for accomplishing this among friends and fellow seekers.
The original is here.

If you wish to know more about TAT or about the retreat listings, contact TAT at tatsociety@tatfoundation.org or online at http://tatfoundation.org.

Psychics and Healers Wanted

This is not my typical article but the notice came through the Humanity Healing University, a good source for information and learning. As they advertise for their online campus for Humanity Healing University, "Supporting the like-minded souls of the new conscious planetary culture".
Well back to the job opportunity. The organization is called the Supreme Psychics, and they are presently looking for "gifted psychics, clairvoyants, tarot card readers and astrologers" to join their team. All you need is a computer connection, a webcam and of course a computer. I suspect you also need psychic or healing expertise and experience, but they are encouraging anyone to apply.The benefits are enticing: work from anywhere in the world, set your own hours, make money and get paid every two weeks, 24/7 technical support. Well check it out. It might be for you or someone you know.
To read the full report click here.

Spiritual Trip of the Week: Bali with Guides

The Spirit Quest Tours staff have done it again and now they are taking a group to Bali June 22-28, 2013. The itinerary sounds heavenly - massages, great restaurants, well here it is:

•Visit with Ketut Liyer, Elizabeth Gilbert’s Balian and teacher
•Enjoy a vitamin lunch at Wayan’s tiny restaurant – you can also book a body reading and healing
•Stay in an incredible hotel in the heart of Ubud, right down the street from where Liz stayed (but nicer)
•Enjoy Balinese Hindu temples as the Balinese do – learn how the locals pray
Meditate or practice yoga each morning, or sleep in!
•Meet Yude Andiko, the musician Liz toured Bali with, and listen to him play his own “Yudele”
•Delight in dinner in “Italy”
•Shop for Balinese batik, wood carvings, art, and silver jewelry – all made by local artisans
•Relax with a Balinese massage
•Many meals and all activities are included

Price includes accommodations, most meals, meditations, and all specified itinerary activities (see itinerary).

* DISCLAIMER

This tour is not affiliated with or endorsed by Penguin Books or Sony Pictures.  Elizabeth Gilbert will not be leading this trip.  Julia Roberts has probably never even heard of Spirit Quest Tours. Javier Bardem will not marry you. Richard from Texas (RIP) will not give you advice.  James Franco will definitely not make out with you.  Still, you should come on this trip.

To read the original of this quote, click here.

The number to call in case you are interested is 877-406-5206. Many of the meals and accommodations are included in the total price of $3995 for the Pool Villa or $2995 for the Delux trip. Deposit is $300. Air fare is not included. I liked reading some of the testimonials such as the one: "I have been forever changed by Bali. — Kiya, San Francisco". Bali is a special place in this world, amazingly small but just amazing. Why don't you find out for yourself?

Retreat to a Franciscan Monastery

Fr. David Gaa

I try to feature retreats that are reasonable in price and a bit unusual, off the tourist path, so to speak. Here is one that fits this description, at Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in California. People have been retreating to monasteries and hermitages since they were formed in the Middle Ages. This is actually an old idea brought to modern-day standards. Here is part of the description from the website: http://www.sanluisrey.org/Retreats.

The Franciscan Retreat Center at Old Mission San Luis Rey offers a place for solitude, healing, and revitalization with a wide variety of spiritual and educational programs. Create your private day away (Quiet Days), join us for a half day or evening session (Twilight Retreats) or treat yourself, or a loved one, to a complete weekend of spirituality and sacred space. The Friars and staff are here to assist you on your spiritual journey.
The facilities are available to religious and educational groups, non-profit organizations, civic organizations, companies and corporations. We do, however, reserve the right to refuse the use of our facilities to anyone whose philosophies diametrically oppose our mission and purpose.
To read the original click here.

The Mission offers silent retreats and short retreats with guidance by the monks if requested. They are also set up for large groups up to several hundred people with affordable lodging and a camp ground for tents.
If you are the type of person who likes scheduled retreats, some of the workshops for the near future include: Couples Retreat (2/8-2/10), Twilight Retreat with Fr. David Gaa (2/15), Quiet Monday (2/25), Spring into Serenity Retreat for Women in Al-Anon (3/15-3/17), Family Vacation Retreat (7/8-7/12) and Senior Vacation Retreat (8/5-8/9).
Sound interesting? Contact them easily by phone or online. And let me know how it was!

A Guided Meditation to Meet Your Spirit Guide

Here is a short guided meditation from BDevine posted January 9, 2013. This woman judging from her accent is either from Australia or New Zealand and has a very soothing voice which is good for a guided narrative or even a hypnosis session. For those of you new to guided meditation, the speaker suggests that you will experience certain things and the rest is what occurs to you to see, hear or otherwise experience. Take a few minutes and relax while listening to it. If you would like to know more about guided meditations and they seem useful to you, I recommend this book: Guided Meditations, Explorations and Healings by Stephen Levine