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January/February 2003 NW Newsmakers
Community News

East Asian Calligraphy and Zen Painting Retreat at the Great Vow Zen Monastery

Explore the relationship between body and mind through meditation and the calligraphy brush. Receive hands-on guidance from internationally known artist and calligraphy master Kazuaki Tanahashi. Anyone interested in meditation, calligraphy or painting is welcome. No experience is necessary. The 3-day retreat begins on January 24th and will culminate with a Human Brush performance by Kaz Tanahashi at 7:30pm on Saturday the 25th. The cost for the retreat is $100, which includes meditation instruction, dormitory accommodations, and meals. The cost for the Human Brush performance only is $10. For more information or to register contact the Jena Botte at 503-728-0654 or mail@greatvow.org.

Living the Mystery

At a time when many search for self-development techniques and instant enlightenment, the simple message of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is refreshingly palatable. Punditji, as he is fondly called, is a renowned Indian spiritual master in the Vedic tradition who founded the Art of Living Foundation. "Sing, Laugh, Dance and Meditate" is his message. As Punditji speaks, his message moves beyond familiar words to the concepts behind them, which often remain elusive. "The more you try to understand, the more confused you become. Knowing is not the realm of the heart, Being is. Mysteries are there not to be understood but to live. Living the mystery of life is joy." A basic principle underlying his teachings is that meditation alone is not enough. "In teaching meditation and yoga to people all around the world for nine years I noticed they had very good experiences during meditation, but in day-to-day life, joy and love did not manifest and open up fully." By teaching a technique called Sudarshan Kriya, he has discovered the bridge that integrates spirituality into daily life. In practicing this technique taught on the Art of Living course, which has the breath as its focus, toxins and negative emotions stored within the system are released. The result is a deep cleansing on the cellular level, producing a renewal on all levels, spontaneous joy and an increased feeling of well-being over time.
A senior teacher from the organization, Janael McQueen will be visiting Portland to teach this course. She has been with the foundation since it's inception in the US and embodies the peace, joy and wisdom that the knowledge and practices inspire. For course details, please contact David (503) 533-0824 or visit www.artofliving.org

Dancing When Found, Benefit for the Lost Youth of Sudan

A Special Evening of Story, Song and Dance at 7:00 pm, Saturday, January 18th, 2003 at Lincoln Performance Hall, Portland State University, 1620 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR.
After losing their families and seeing their villages burned, thousands of orphans wandered for hundreds of miles across the Sahara desert and from country to country. Each time they found a haven, the misfortunes of war drove them on not knowing what the future held. We call this evening Dancing When Found because the Lost Youth find their way, their spirit, their joy and essential means of expression when they dance. You are invited to attend this unique event, to witness the spirit of survival and if possible to support the ongoing journey of the Lost Youth.
Sponsored by the Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, a non-profit (501-C3) organization seeking to create cross-cultural alliances, mentoring relationships and social connections built upon personal trust and commitment to bridging unhealthy divisions in contemporary communities.
$20.00 Suggested Donation. For further information and tickets contact MOSAIC in Portland (503) 630-2140   www.mosaicvoices.org ;   info@mosaicvoices.org

Transform public spaces into community places

Want to make your neighborhood more colorful, safe, and people-friendly? Come to a community meeting on Thursday, January 30th, 6-9pm, to learn more about transforming your neighborhood intersections into public plazas! Creating our own public places reflecting local culture is one of the most powerful strategies for retrofitting the landscape so that it connects us as neighbors.
In this collaboration between Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Program, The City Repair Project and KBOO Community Radio 90.7fm, will provide technical assistance, facilitation, and inspiration for individuals and communities creating neighborhood public gathering places. Light dinner, childcare, and Spanish translation will be provided. If you need transportation or other translation assistance, contact us.
Contact us too if you are interested in converting your intersection into a neighborhood gathering place or if you want to get involved in planning the Convergence (with opportunities small or large!). Jenny Leis; Southeast Uplift; (503) 232-0010 x25; jenny@southeastuplift.org.

The Natural Way: Indigenous Voices

A workshop series on earth healing and spiritual growth from an indigenous perspective continues on Thursday, January 9, 7-9:30 pm at Portland State University, Smith Center, Room 228. Two generations of leaders from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla will be speaking. Carl Sampson is a Walla Walla chief and the descendent of the important chief of treaty times, Peo-Peo-Mox-Mox. Don Sampson is the Executive Director of the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission and is the recipient of the 2002 award from the Ford Foundation for Leadership for a Changing World. Sponsored by the Earth and Spirit Council and PSU United Indian Students in Higher Education. Details on this continuing series can be found on the Earth and Spirit Council website www.earthandspirit.org. 503-452-4483

Anna's World Celebrates Anniversary

Anna's World, on the second floor of the Skidmore Fountain Building amidst the festivities of the Portland Saturday Market, enters its second year of operation. Anna Redhawk (owner) and Wizard Calvert (manager) offer candles, incense, oils, tarot cards, rune stones, wands, crystals and other ritual tools, as well as books on magick and metaphysics.  They also offer an exclusive "Lending Library" (membership required) and much more. Anna's World strives to help people along their chosen path of enlightenment with supplies and services, including psychic readings and healings by Liz Weber and Anna Redhawk who have more than 50 years of combined experience. The store, located at 28 SW First Ave #222, Portland, is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in January and February (5 days/week from March). 503-222-1003

January Birthday Parties Again Honor Poet William Stafford

Maintaining its tradition of celebrating the birthday of Oregon's most famous poet, the Friends of William Stafford will hold its Stafford Birthday Commemorative readings in January at sites throughout Oregon and Washington. The public is invited to these free events, which have come to be known as "birthday parties." Each will be hosted by a local writer, and selected local poets will read a poem by Stafford and one of their own written in the spirit of Stafford's work. More than 23 readings are scheduled, featuring more than 100 invited poets.