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September/October 2007 NW Newsmakers
Northwest Newsmakers Sept/Oct 2007

Get Inspired at Spiritual Film Festival

Celebrate human spirituality through film at the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival on Sept. 14-16. The Idaho event features 19 spiritual films and guest speakers ranging from filmmakers to a Buddhist nun.

The festival presents a diverse range of films. Buddha's Lost Children tells the story of Tiger Monk, a former Thai boxer turned Buddhist monk, and his journey to better the lives of the children around him. Invitation from God engages in conversations with Thomas Keating, the charismatic Cistercian monk, on centering prayer. I Named Her Angeltells the story of a young Turkish girl and her unusual request to become a whirling dervish at the age of 12.

Visit www.svspiritualfilmfestival.org for details on theater locations and lodging.

Deva Premal Sings the Moola Mantra

Deva Premal is living a musician's dream career. Barely a blip on the mainstream music industry's radar, she has sold over half a million albums and performed for thousands of fans (or friends, as Deva would say). She and longtime partner Miten have created an original model on how to succeed in music on their own terms, touring the globe each year, making their own decisions along the way.

Her new release, Deva Premal Sings the Moola Mantra, features an extended presentation of the powerful Moola Mantra, a Sanskrit mantra. This expression of oneness honors all spiritual paths, religions, creeds and traditions, and celebrates the divine light in every living being.

Experience the bliss for yourself on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Seattle Unity Church, 200 8th Ave. N. in Seattle, and on Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 1126 SW Park Ave. in Portland. Visit www.devapremalusa.com.

Learn More about Oriental Medicine

Are you interested in learning more about acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?

The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) is offering four informational workshops on Oct. 21 for the general public. Topics include natural facial renewal and the use of Oriental Medicine in breast cancer treatment.

AAAOM's professional workshops run from Oct. 18-22. Visit www.aaaomonline.org.

Time for a New Spirituality

Neale Donald Walsch has a vision torecreate the world through a New Spirituality education.

"The 'New Spirituality' is a way of honoring our natural impulse toward the divine without making others wrong for the way in which they are doing it," says Walsch, who is the bestselling author of the Conversations with God series.

The School of the New Spirituality expands on the world's theologies and philosophies to embrace diversity. The school aims to help people create in their own communities New Spirituality classes, courses, camps, retreats and events for all ages. Walsch also is developing the New Spirituality University (NS-U) with leading spiritual leaders as professors of accredited degrees to empower those who wish to teach.

Visit www.schoolofthenewspirituality.com.

New Inland Northwest Holistic Directory

Practitioners in the Idaho and Spokane area now have a new way to reach consumers. A Guide to Holistic Wellness, an annual directory for holistic practitioners, includes helpful information on alternative healing as well as a detailed directory. Visit www.guidetoholisticwellness.com.

Standing for Peace

What happens if a group of individuals feel that they are not represented by the votes of U.S. senators and congressional representatives to fund the war in Iraq? They may go to the U.S. Constitution to find a legal way to recall elected officials.

We the People for Peace, an organization against the war in Iraq, found that the U.S. Constitution does not provide for recall of U.S. congressional representatives.

"So our only recourse is a people's petition asking these elected U.S. senators and representatives to step aside so we can elect someone who will truly represent us," the group states on its website. "The petitions that we are using are unofficial. However, if enough petitions can be signed and sent in to them in a steady stream, we are counting on getting their attention with our strong wording, so when the funding bill comes up for a vote again in September, they will have a better idea of just how sincere we are about ending this war."

Visit www.wethepeopleforpeacenow.org.