September/October 2008 NW Newsmakers
NW Newsmakers 9-08

Khenpos Visit Portland

The Khenpos, two of Tibet's most beloved lamas, visit Portland on Sept. 16-18 to give teachings, transmissions and empowerments on the nature of the enlightened mind. Call 503-230-4841 for information.

Free TaKeTiNa Circles in October

TaKeTiNa is a new way of learning, connecting to ourselves and others through the archetypal realm found in rhythm. Reinhard Flatischler, the facilitator and founder of TaKeTiNa, has been bringing this unique and powerful rhythmic process to the world for more than 35 years, and teaching five different teacher trainings in the U.S. since 1998.

Rhythm archetypes, as Flatischler calls them, are the natural laws of vibration found in our body/mind awareness. One of the guiding ideas of TaKeTiNa is that our most profound learning occurs between chaos and order. Because TaKeTiNa occurs in a circle with others, you can experience the chaos of "falling out" of rhythm, while at the same time feeling the support of the group. Then, finding your own way back into "the groove" can build profound confidence that life is carrying us.

"Letting gocan bring about flexibility in the circle and deep trust in oneself that allows self-organizationto emerge, guiding the organic evolution found in any open system," says Zorina Wolf, an advanced TaKeTiNa leader who has been studying TaKeTiNa with Flatischler since 1998.

Twice a year, a group of 24 individuals from around the world gather in Oregon at the Still Meadow Retreat Center for a 15-day intensive rhythm teacher training. The latest graduating class of basic TaKeTINa teachers are offering "initiation" circle sets from Oct. 1-12. Circles are free, but registration is required. To register, visit www.villageheartbeat.com/events.html or call 503-309-6411.

Earth Gatherings Teach Sustainable Living

Every summer and fall, people gather in Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Ore. to remember how to be stewards of the Earth.

Over a three-day weekend on Sept. 18-21, the family-friendly Earth Gathering event helps people get back to nature through workshops, learning sustainable living skills, exploring diversity, taking nature hikes and eating organic food. Appreciation of community is encouraged through music by performing artists, stories around the camp fire, bard circles and time to make new friends.

"People are encouraged, nurtured and befriended," says Bob LaDu, Jr., director of the nonprofit organization. "These Earth Gatherings are the first step in creating a strong and safe community that can be self-sufficient, accept and honor diversity, and restore and maintain balance between our civilization and wilderness."

LaDu hopes to purchase private land to hold future Earth Gatherings. He'd also like to build an experiential learning center and create a community of people who live, work and teach how to live in harmony with nature and each other.

"I believe we can begin to restore the balance we are losing in our society and culture by showing people how it can be done," he says.

To register for the event, visit www.earthgatherings.org.

The Healings of Bruno Groening

Spiritual healing is not new. In fact, the teachings and spiritual healing practices of Bruno Groening, a simple blue-collar German man who helped thousands of people, are still practiced worldwide nearly 50 years after his death. Thousands of healings are documented and verified by qualified doctors from around the world.

Since 1992 the Medical Scientific Group (MWF), a group of physicians from 60 nations led by Dr. Gerhard Blaettner of Germany, has documented thousands of cases of physical healings attributed to Groening's teachings. A detailed compilation of more than 200 healings are available at the organization's website.

Known as "the miracle doctor," Groening attracted thousands of people to healing events and was featured in newsreels, radio interviews, newspaper articles, and documentary films in the late 1940s and 1950s.

Attend a free lecture by the MWF in Canada in Mississauga, Ontario on Oct. 18 and in the U.S. in San Francisco on Oct. 19. For event details, visit www.bruno-groening.org/english. Introductions and meetings are held in Portland and Eugene every three weeks. Email Susan Overback in Portland at soverback7@msn.com or Gregg LaMothe in Eugene at lightwave11@hotmail.com.

New Thought, New Name

New Thought Ministries of Oregon, which celebrates its fourth year at the Kingstad Center in Beaverton, has changed its name to the New Thought Center for Spiritual Living.

The center is a trans-denominational spiritual community that honors all paths to God, providing spiritual tools for personal transformation and helping make the world a better place. Sunday Services are held at 9 and 11 a.m. at the Kingstad Center located at 15450 SW Millikan Way in Beaverton.

Oregon Environmental Council Turns 40

This year the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) celebrates its 40th anniversary by throwing a green bash on Sept. 12. OEC showcases the delicious bounty of Oregon by serving up sustainably grown local food, wine and beer. To top it off, entertainment is provided by Oregon's own Live Wire cast.

For details, visit www.oeconline.org.

The Way of Peace, The Way of Art

The Kingstad Gallery in Beaverton, Ore. will be exhibiting works of art that further the causes of peace and reconciliation in our communities, the nation and throughout the world. The exhibition takes place Dec. 12 to March 6.

Applications for the juried exhibition are due on Sept. 29. The selection process will place a strong emphasis on how the artwork addresses potential solutions, reconciliation, and the power of the human spirit to overcome oppression and loss.

For details, visit www.kingstad.com/gallery/call_for_artists.html.