|
Printable Version of
This Page
COUNCIL for CULTURAL and
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY and
SENTIENT EXPERIENTIALS
joyously announce hosting during Mango Season
A Timeless 10 days / 9 nights
Rainforest Plant Medicine
Council Gathering
"Nature as Teacher, Indigenous Wisdom &
Rainforest Conservation Strategies"
at GUARIA de OSA “Orchid of the Osa"
Rainforest Ocean Wilderness Discovery Centre and
Ethnobotanical Gardens
where the Rainforest kisses the Ocean
on the OSA PENINSULA of COSTA RICA!
APRIL 16 - 25, 2008
Celebrating Earth Day on the 22nd!
* * * *
Notes:
- All activities are optional.
- Thank you for networking this event to interested people.
* * * *
Join us on an unforgettable adventure of self-discovery, wellness
and exploration of rainforest plant medicine traditions with time-honored
maestros from the Ecuadorian Amazon,
an intrepid Ethnobotanist, a shamanic yoga teacher, a proper fire-keeper, alongside mindful/considerate participants — gathering in
the heart of the Osa Peninsula also known as “The Little Amazon
by the Ocean” endorsed by National Geographic as “the
most biological intense place on Earth!”
top ^
Intention
COME:
- To experientially learn from ancient rainforest plant medicine
traditions stemming from the time-tested, traditional healing
and well-ness practices of Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon.
- To welcome an alchemic transformation, healing, and re-integration
of body, mind, heart and spirit.
- To receive insight and guidance from these ancient and profound
worldviews and thus strengthen one's essence and improve one's
health.
- To enjoy and be nurtured by the pristine Pacific Ocean and mighty
rainforest ecosystems on the Osa Peninsula and her natural wonders.
- To support the Biodiversity of Rainforest Conservation efforts
because proceeds from your tuition, in part, is channeled to Guaria
de Osa’s non-profit Grupo Osanimi’s Cultural Heritage
Revalidation and Rainforest Conservation Project in the Ecuadorian
Amazon. For more information please go to our web site –
guariadeosa.com
- click on Grupo Osanimi Council
for Cultural and Biological Diversity where volunteers
and donations are needed.
top ^
Themes
to Explore
- Experience the prehistoric origins of Plant Medicine Traditions
from the Ecuadorian Amazon as taught and lived by the Secoya elders.
- Welcome the past, present and future importance of Indigenous
Plant Medicines and its healers and gardeners.
- Appreciate the connection and relationship of plant medicines
with the ancient traditions of Tao.
- Connect the magnitude of these two Indigenous Spiritual Sciences
and aspects that nourish renewal and wellness in our personal
life, our community life, and the life of our environment, locally
and globally.
top ^
Teachers
and
Ceremonial Masters
Jonathon Miller-Weisberger (aka Sparrow), Ethnobotanist
and student of Traditional Chinese and Indigenous Medicine, a Naturalist,
and Rainforest guide, has more than 10 years of ground level experience
in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Jonathon is the founder and steward of
Guaria de Osa Rainforest Ocean Discovery Centre and the director
of the Council for Cultural and Biological Diversity - CCBD aka Grupo Osanimi. His friendship
and work relationship with the Secoyas date back to 1994. Born in
Berkeley, raised in Ecuador with his sister, Jonathon has over 18
years of Rainforest Conservation advocacy beginning from his early
years at Humboldt State University. He writes and submits articles in Spanish and English, keeps volumes of excellent journals, and a book is now in progress.
At all Sentient Experientials' Council Gatherings, whether at Guaria de Osa or in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Jonathon has the important task of holding the container. More
at: http://www.osanimi.org/contents.html
"Over the years, I have been working on what I call The New
Ethnobotany, an emerging discipline that seeks to enact new methods
of cultural transmission to revive, validate, and strengthen the
vast plant lore among and within Indigenous and rural peoples'
communities. I believe that the preservation and attentive transmission
of Indigenous plant knowledge both among forest communities and
the world at large are crucial links in ongoing forest protection.
Ultimately millions of hectares of priceless tropical Rainforest
lie in the hands of Indigenous peoples' communities undergoing
rapid changes and cultural dissolution, and the fate of these
forest lies directly in the ability of Indigenous People(s) to
continue renewing their relationship and sustainable approach
to living in the forest. Consequently much work is necessary among
these communities to, at the very least, strengthen traditional
plant knowledge. The problems of deforestation are tremendously
complex, yet, that shouldn't stop people from finding practical
solutions to this global concern. We are seeking to discover effective
techniques and strategies towards these ends."
Agustin "Tin Tin" Piaguaje is about seventy years young,
a traditional Secoya healer and ceremonial master from the Secoya
Community of San Pablo on the Aguarico River in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
don Agustin will facilitate deep healing transformation giving participants
a first hand opportunity to meet a true deep-forest healer and cultural
master. His songs, guiding your meditations, are profoundly and
uniquely cherished.
Delfin Payaguaje is a Secoya grandfather and a traditional
elder, the son of Fernando Payaguaje, one of the greatest spiritual
masters the Secoya People have ever known. don Delfin's quiet nature
and poised grace bring multiple blessings. It is an honor for us
that he has accepted our invitation to join in the 2008 council
gatherings. This will be the first time don Delfin will travel outside
his mother country. At Guaria, he will join us on our forest walks
with his eyes that see the visible and the invisible. Don Delfin
will also share his experiences of life in the Amazon Forest.
Alfredo Payaguaje dedicates his life to the cultural rescue
of his peoples' ancestral traditions studying the plant lore and
mythologies with his elders. The grandson of the most outstanding
Secoya plant master, Fernando Payaguaje, the son of don Delfin Payaguaje,
Alfredo, a young grandfather, is a Secoya Ethnobotanist, who wrote
the first story of don Fernando. He is a long-time friend of ethnobotanist,
Jonathon Miller-Weisberger, who in 1998 prepared Alfredo with ethnobotanical
field skills. Alfredo will share insights into the Secoya cosmology
and be the translator for the Secoya elders at Guaria de Osa.
"My vision awoke when I began to notice that the youth of
my community no longer had the interest to learn about the uses
of our medicinal plants. Since nobody else was, I began to study
with the elders and I found what I was learning to be very interesting.
By learning about the deepest knowledge of my elders and the reality
of what Nature offers us, I realized the need that we have to
keep our relationship with the medicinal plants. Then the inspiration
arose within me to make a garden of all of the various useful
plants, not just the ones we have in cultivation but also the
important forest medicines, to bring these to light and to share
the importance of knowing and loving them and of their benefit
to humanity.
My vision and purpose for this work is to serve my community,
to transmit the wisdom and teachings to the children and students
who today are naive about the importance of our true relationship
with Nature. What I wish to create is a center for the rehabilitation
of our vanishing traditional wisdom so that we can revalidate
our relationship with Nature and the Plants which help us learn
these truths."
— Alfredo Payaguaje, Secoya ethnobotanist
and
author of El Bebedor de Yajé / The Yajé Drinker
Leonell Mendoza is an Ecuadorian from the coastal province of Manabi and father of three. He faithfully sustains the spiritual science of the Secoya, learning with the elders, and has achieved several levels of graduation from more than 5 years of diligent self-discipline and selfless service. Leonell's dedication to healing is based on a call to social responsibility and service. His 'day job' is driving folks home from the market place in his pick up truck. Leonell's experiences as a traditional healer and ceremonial master are remarkable and his songs are pure and strong.
Rodrigo Yelpi is a master metallurgist and baker who has lived since 1995 among the Secoya elders. His passion for life and unadulterated vision has shown him the path of selfless service while at the same time having a darn good time. His jewelry and baking are equally unforgettable. Not a moment is lost with Rodrigo and every second with him will be well remembered. He is a true brother and reliable friend to the Secoya elders. Rodrigo Yelpi will accompany the Secoya elders from the Ecuadorian Amazon to the "Little Amazon" at Guaria de Osa on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. He is also translator for the Secoyas and the fire-keeper for this auspicious, epiphany event.
Victorio Villareal Villareal “Cascarilla” –
another grandfather is Guaria de Osa’s
non-resident staff. He is a Costa Rican native, a classic and timeless
elder from the Osa Peninsula. A Herbologist and Natural Healer,
don Victorio explains the complex inter-relationships of species.
He comes to Guaria to lead shorter nature walks; identify the local
medicinal and useful plants; helps you identify the birds and spot
well-camouflaged creatures; and he shares his insightful knowledge
of medicinal plants and pre-Columbian archeology. don Victorio's
other gifts, talents, and passions include plant healing, story-telling
of the region, predicting the weather, and serenading Latin American
guitar music of yester-yore. He brings Guaria to life with his all-star
marimba band and will challenge you to an unforgettable game of
dominoes!
Debi DiPeso, the owner and director of Bliss Yoga Center in Woodstock, NY will be the yoga teacher-in-residence. Debi has been combining Yoga with the ancient Andean and Amazonian Shamanic teachings in her own personal practice for the past few years. She has learned that the Yogis of India and the Shamans of Peru have many things in common, not the least of which is a deep love and reverence for the earth. They all teach that to loose a connection to mother earth is to loose our connection to our selves. Both traditions offer practices to strengthen our roots, open our hearts, expand our minds and free our spirits. This is Debi's first presence at Guaria de Osa.
Dahlia Kresch Miller (aka Esther Miller) was
born and raised in Panama by Polish-Jewish immigrants and has spent
most of her life in Latin America. Dahlia lived in Ecuador from
1968 – 1985 where she raised two graceful children: her daughter
Ladna - who is an ecologist/biologist, coordinator of Grupo Osanimi’s
Rainforest Conservation
and Cultural Heritage Projects in Ecuador, a photographer and an
avid practitioner of Capoeira; and her son, Jonathon, who is an
ethnobotanist, founder and steward of Guaria de Osa and the director
of Grupo Osanimi/The Osa Foundation, and an avid practitioner of
Chinese Medicine and its philosophy and Martial Arts. While raising
her family in Ecuador, Dahlia taught high school in Quito; and in
her home, she gave piano lessons (she went to Juilliard Conservatory
of Music in New York), and held vegetarian cooking classes (an original
concept in those days in Ecuador). In 1974, with Gilad Zamir from
Israel, she co-founded “Hojas de Hierba” a cultural
centre named after Walt Whitman’s masterwork, Leaves of
Grass, programming live cultural and educational activities
like Ecuador had not seen before alongside a restaurant that served
the first vegetarian dishes in Ecuador together with other 'firsts'
in this beloved country of hers. In 1994 she received her Masters
Degree in the Interdisciplinary Studies of Consciousness at John
F. Kennedy University in California. Dahlia has been Sentient Experientials’
Liaison for Ecuador since 1994 and Guaria de Osa’s Liaison
since 2001 – and continues to be the fulfilled mother of Ladna
and Jonathon! During these early years and growth of Guaria de Osa,
her Ph.D. degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology at the California
Institute of Integral Studies – with a focus on Living Systems
Theory and the Gaia Hypothesis – continues to be a work-in-progress.
The well being of the Rainforest and her culture(s) is where Dahlia
turns her personal, professional, and passionate attention.
To get to Guaria de Osa effortlessly -
please contact Dahlia to register for this shape-shifting event!
E-mail:
Tel. (510) 235 – 4313 in California
top ^
A 'typical'
day during a Council
- 6-7:30 AM: Sunrise meditation and Dao-In Yoga an ancient energy
conducting exercise from the traditions of Tao where we also practice
breath work techniques to strengthen one's health and well being.
- Presentations and dialogues with themes to explore throughout
the week:
- The traditional context of Plant Medicine Traditions in the
Amazon; Indigenous World View, Cosmology and Mythology; comparative
study of Amazonian and Taoist spiritual views; and how these traditions
translate into a modern context as lessons from Nature.
- Interwoven throughout the schedule are several Rainforest walks
to experience the highlights of the Osa Peninsula the pristine,
ancient and towering gallery rainforest, beach and ocean ecosystems
the wondrous and awe-inspiring world of biological diversity!
- Several Renewal Methods of fasting, cleansing, and purifying
with medicinal rainforest plants time-tested by the Secoya Culture,
for example:
- Plant baths for aura cleansing
- Purging with medicinal rainforest plants at 3 am to balance
the body's pH crucial to any healing or detoxification program
and for preventing disease. Most people in today's modern
society are acidic because of diet, sedentary lifestyle (or
in some cases, over-exercising), stress, pollution, and the
accumulation of chemical and heavy metal toxins. When the
acid and alkaline properties are of equal strength, we say
the pH is balanced. Purging (vomiting) with medicinal plants
with the heavenly stars looking at us is a very good thing
to do!
- Three traditional healing ceremonies for spiritual and physical
self-integration, renewal and wellness facilitated by traditional
masters who come from a direct lineage going back generations
within the Secoya Community of the Ecuadorian Amazon while being
marinate' by their heavenly shamanic chants.
- On exhibit and for sale will be Pablo Amaringo's visionary paintings.
- Click on Pablo Amaringo Gallery at www.guariadeosa.com
- Listen to rare recordings of shamanic healing chants from the
Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon.
- Tui Na Massage by Monica Serrano, Guaria's staff member.
- Enjoy live traditional marimba music by Guaria de Osa’s
staff.
top ^
Getting
to Guaria de Osa
We make the following round-trip reservations
to get you to Guaria de Osa effortlessly!
- Costa Rican domestic round-trip flight. In 2008, San José
/ Osa Peninsula (Drake/Palmar Sur) cost US$216 round trip
- Taxi transfers in San José: Juan Santamaria International
& Tobias Bolaños Domestic Airport to & from hotel,
if applicable; our taxi staff can also serve you if you want to
visit prime areas in San José (about $20/run)
- Hotel in San José: cozy and affordable, centrally located
near museums, shops, and parks with benches to sit on and watch
the people go by.
- Osa Peninsula Transfers by land and water to Guaria de Osa
(two boat and one microbus transfers included in tuition; please
pay the 4th taxi transfer at the river town of Sierpe - about
$20 to Palmar Sur airport.)
About International Flight Reservations
- Although we welcome you to come early or stay after the Council
Gathering Event (at an extra nightly fee) we do ask, because of
the nature of this event, that all participants arrive into Guaria
on Day 1 and depart on the Day 10.
Therefore:
- When purchasing your international flights please make sure
you arrive into San José, the capital city of Costa Rica
the day * before * the Council Gathering starts!
- Because of the transfer schedule from the Osa Peninsula to San
José
if you plan to leave Guaria de Osa on the * last day * of the
Council Gathering –
it is important to make your departure reservation from
Costa Rica happen after 2 or 3 pm on the last day of the event!
Why? Because the morning transfer from Palmar Sur airport arrives
into San Jose at 11 am; the drive to Santa Maria International
is about an hour; then 2 – 3 hours is expected for an international
departure.
About Taxi Pick–Up at Santa Maria International
- As soon as you have your international flight information, please
e-mail that information to: puravida@guariadeosa.com
- Entry: name of airlines, flight number, time and date of
arrival,
from which international airport
- Departure: date and time of departure.
- At Santa Maria International there are two exits to the street.
After you finish with customs, please take the left exit to the
street and look for a Guaria de Osa sign held by two strong brown
arms. Our taxi staff will help you with your luggage and drive
you to the hotel where we’ve made a reservation in your
name. If you need our cab staff to drive you to visit a museum,
etc. etc. – feel free to ask him. Please pay driver directly.
About Domestic Flight from San José to the Osa Peninsula
As soon as you reserve your space, you will receive information
on how to pay Nature Air your Costa Rican domestic reservation.
Day 1 of the Council Gathering:
Our taxi staff will pick everyone up at the hotel where you’ve
spent the night before. You will be driven to Tobias Bolaños
domestic airport to fly to Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula en route
to Guaria de Osa.
Day 8 of the Council Gathering:
If you’re leaving Guaria de Osa on the last day, our taxi
staff will meet you at Tobias Bolaños to drive you to Santa
Maria International, the hotel in San Jose – or wherever you
wish to go.
top ^
Tuition
Tuition: $1900/participant
Space available: 15 participants
$1000 pre-payment will reserve your space.
Balance is due by or before March 15.
Payment can be made:
with Paypal using a debit or credit card;
personal check, cashiers’ check;
money order; American Express Travelers’ check
Note: For extra nights, before and/or after a
Council Gathering,
cost is $100/night/person for lodging and meals
plus extra Osa Peninsula transfers - $35 one way.
top ^
To
Register
To register please contact Dahlia Miller
Email:
Tel: (510) 235 4313 (U.S. office)
Please write your check payable to: SENTIENT EXPERIENTIALS
Mail your check and travel documents to:
Sentient Experientials @ Guaria de Osa
PO Box 1004
El Cerrito, California, 94530
In the spirit of networking,
we thank you for passing the news on to others about this significant
event.
top ^
To
Reserve Your Space
Please send your $1000 deposit or full tuition accompanied with 3 Travel Documents to Mail
- Reservation
- Release of Liability
- Disclaimer & Safety Rules.
Please read Medical & Evacuation Insurance (PDF) bullet in case what health insurance you have does not cover Costa Rica.
About International Flight Reservations
- We suggest participants arrive one day before the date of your
chosen Council Gathering.
- On the first day of your Council Gathering, everyone will fly
from San Jose on the domestic flight to the Osa Peninsula en route
to Guaria de Osa.
- Costa Rican domestic reservation will be pre-paid directly
to Nature Air.
- For anyone who needs to leave Costa Rica on the last day of
the Council of your choice
your morning transfer from the Osa Peninsula arrives into San
Jose at 11 am.
- Thus, it is very important to book your departure international
flight back to your home country anytime after 2 pm.
- If you have to stay overnight in San Jose, we will reserve a
nice cozy and affordable hotel for you.
top ^
Tuition
Includes
- While soaring to new levels of mindfulness and consciousness
… shape shifting facilitated with Rainforest Plant Medicines in
the company of 8 multi-cultural facilitators together with the
flora and fauna nestling Guaria de Osa
- 10 days/9 nights lodging
- On non-fasting days: Three scrumptious, home made meals with
vegetarian options
- Osa Peninsula Transfers: from local airstrip to Guaria de Osa;
total 2 boat transfers and one taxi transfer; please pay taxi
driver directly for the 4th transfer from the river town of Sierpe
to Palmar Sur airport
- Three guided journeys into towering gallery rainforest:
- Paradise beach and rainforest waterfall walk to Rio Claro
- Hiking St. Joseph's Ridge Trail
- A hike bordering Corcovado National Park
- Ethnobotanical Plant and Talk Walk through Guaria de Osa's Gardens
- Dialogues on ethnobotany, wisdom transmission, Indigenous world-view,
cosmology and mythology
- Renewal Cleansings: Two 3 am mornings of purging to cleanse
the body
- Renewal Ceremonies: Three days of fasting to prepare for evening’s
ceremony
- Please note: One-on-one healing, however, is
not included; cost is $75/session (and a long session it is!)
- Yoga Classes and 15 yoga mats
- 10% donation to The Osa Foundation's Rainforest Conservation
Projects. To learn more about our rainforest conservation efforts,
please go to www.osanimi.org
and our Rainforest Conservation page at www.guariadeosa.com
- Filtered water in the dining room and kitchen; for all other
uses at Guaria, there is spring water that gushes pure water –
naturally filtered straight from the rocks
- Solar system lighting
- Clean linens and towels
- Costa Rican Tourist Tax on lodging
top ^
Tuition
Does Not Include
- All San Jose expenses: hotel, taxi transfer, meals, including
airport exit tax;
as of 2006, airport exit tax cost $26/person (including children);
you pay this when you depart Santa Maria International at the
airport's tax counter.
- Costa Rican domestic air flight $192 round trip
- Gratuity: Guaria de Osa is ready to lend a hand 24 hrs/day,
7 days/week, 12 months/year with quality attention. In gratuity
for service rendered, we propose $10/night/person to present to
Guaria's administrator who will, in turn, distribute to staff
both 'on stage' and those 'behind the curtain.'
- One on One Healing: $100/session
- Laundry service - available at:
- 25 cents/small piece (example: underwear)
- 50 cents/big items (examples: pants, shorts, t-shirts, beach
towels)
- Special dietary requests - other than vegetarian: $70/week/person
- Surfboards and boogie boards rental: $15/day
- Use of internet:
- cost is $5 up to one hour to use our computer
- bring your laptop: $30 to be connected to our wireless
satellite connection and you can use your laptop during your
entire stay
- Rates are subject to change
- At Guaria, we accept: Costa Rican Colones, US Dollars, American
Expresss Travelers Checks or PayPal with a major credit card.
- Past guests expressed it was handy to bring extra money - anywhere
from $200 to $500 - to cover additional experiences and adventures
to supplement activities readily on hand at Guaria de Osa.
- Please refer to our Price List at http://www.guariadeosa.com/fees/index.html
- What Guaria de Osa can offer is listed at the links below:
top ^
Disclaimer
Guests will undertake full accountability for all that is experienced because essentially your sojourn at Guaria de Osa, albeit an enriching adventure, is a personal experience.
Guaria de Osa wishes to reserve the right to change the itinerary if by chance there may surprisingly arise any unforeseen circumstances, such as raw weather, ocean conditions, including last minute cancellations by guest teachers, or other unforeseen circumstances. Please trust that whatever changes are made will not affect the quality of the experience.
top ^
Reflective
Endorsements
“With these few words, I wish to infinitely thank Jonathon
for the great assistance that he gives the Secoya People.”
ANGEL CELESTINO PIAGUAJE, Secoya educator
and author
“Grupo Osanimi is important work, needs to be supported
and is making a real difference.”
TERENCE McKENNA, ethnobotanist and author
“Jonathon Sparrow Miller-Weisberger and his colleagues
are doing important work for the preservation of tropical ecosystems,
and the indigenous gnosis of the forest inhabitants. They are literally
rediscovering the "roots" of humanity's million-year old
symbiosis with the plant kindom. Their work is ethical, motivated,
and deserves support. In this era of shrinking ecosystems, disappearing
species, and cultural dissolution the work of Jonathon and his organization
is of incalculable value for every species, and for all species
who share this fragile planet.”
DENNIS McKENNA, ethnopharmacologist and
author
“The Rainforest Conservation work of Jonathon Sparrow
and his Indigenous colleagues
ranks among the most respectful, creative and promising ventures
underway on behalf of Earth and ancient Earth ways. This is truly
Deep Ecology in action - a privilege to behold.” JOANNA
MACY, Buddhist scholar and Living Systems educator,
author, and, with John Seed, Pat Fleming, and Arne Naess, co-founded
THE COUNCIL of ALL BEINGS (CAB) - a training in movements for peace,
justice and ecology
“Group Osanimi is doing courageous and innovative work.
By seeking out ways to assist cultural transmission while organizing
to protect Ecuador's forests, they are working to preserve ancient
botanical wisdom, not on some dusty bookshelf, but in the hearts
of indigenous youths and in the forest itself. This is a bold and
crucial step in these times.”
ROBERT HASS, poet, United States Poet
Laureate, 1996-1997
“Jonathon's collaboration as an ethnobotanist fulfills
important contributions in collecting medicinal plants and fruit
seeds of the area and contributing to the National Herbarium of
Ecuador from areas not visited, such as Napo-Galeras, slopes of
Cerro de La Plata Mountain Range, and the Headwaters of the Shiripuno
River. His seriousness, delivery, and professional talent are a
valuable assistance in complementing our objectives.”
DAVID NEILL, Curator of the Museo de Cienca
Nacionales Herbarium, Ecuador
“Jonathon Sparrow and the rainforest workers in Ecuador
are doing invaluable work. Not only with the Huaorani Indians but
with many tribal groups. These young people are conscientiously
recording botanical medicinals and new species of rainforest plants
and bringing hope to Indigenous People. We all have pride in their
efforts and support them in their endeavors.”
BILL MOLLISON, originator of Permaculture, author, biologist, farmer,
teacher and Australia’s Man of the Year
“Well Jonathon Sparrow, you’ve done yourself proud
– big dreams require big beautiful places to happen. See you
next time.” SCOTT PITTMAN,
Permaculture Institute, New Mexico
"Jonathon is an ambassador of Gaian consciousness. He is one
of the jewels of the planet." MICHAEL
COTTINGHAM, Ethnobotanist, co-founder of The Herbal Medicine Program
at The New Mexico College of Natural Healing
"Well Jonathon Sparrow, you've done yourself proud big dreams
require big beautiful places to happen. See you next time." SCOTT
PITTMAN, Permaculture Institute, New Mexico
"Guaria de Osa is where the Spirit of the Rainforest is alive
and well…where the vibration of healing and awakening gets into
your dreams and makes you feel like anything is possible on this
Earth. As if that were not enough Jonathon Miller-Weisberger - a
'young Schultes' - is a master with the plants and they speak to
him. He helps you listen to their myriad voices, each a wise voice
singing a different part in Nature's chorus. Come to this place
and you will be forever changed." BILL
PFEIFFER, Sacred Earth Network
“don Victorio embodies the spirit of the rainforest
and the culture of the Osa Peninsula.
Sharing his intimate knowledge of the medicinal qualities of local
plants and trees enhanced the special nature of Guaria.”
KAREN TABERSKI, Marine Biologist
“Dahlia Miller brings her gaia/kali spirit to the Council
Gathering while invoking the balancing presence of the Great (Feminine)
Mystery.”
ARMAND HUET de GRENIER, Spiritual
Ceremonial Counselor and Teacher
“As a medical doctor, I have worked with Armand DeGrenier
for over twenty-five years.
He has helped clients that I have referred to him with a variety
of personal, relational, and spiritual challenges. The shamanic
and psychotherapeutic tools he works can inspire deep transformative
change in anyone willing to explore the landscape of their inner
world. Armand also is very experienced and skillful in guiding ritual
and group process, providing a safe and supportive atmosphere for
participants to share and connect with each other.” DIRK
VANDERSLOOT, MD
“Armand is a shaman's shaman. Armand animates everything
he touches; explores all that he encounters; learns from all his
relations; he is always in motion. He has shared his early encounter
with Michael Harner and introduced core shamanism and other spiritual
work to Nova Scotia. In this respect he is the ‘father’
of contemporary shamanic practice in Nova Scotia. The students of
his first drumming circles are working across Atlantic Canada making
their contributions. Armand works tirelessly offering his remarkable
individual healing work, drumming circles and ceremonies to all
who ask. If you have not been in a circle led by Armand then find
one... he is creative, energetic and compelling. Armand's spirits
dance in his eyes, flow like a river in his being and entice you
to open to the wonders of the sacred. He is teacher, healer, visionary,
warrior... a shaman extraordinary!”
A. MARGUERITE CASSIN, PhD, professor and shamanic student
“Armand lives a path of openness and surrender. I have
danced in the sacred with Armand for almost 2 decades and am witness
to his years of committed teaching, dedication and humility. Armand
is a man of integrity, a gracious and compassionate “Grandfather”.
He honors the way of heart. He inspires by example. He holds the
vision of wellness for many. Armand stands beside me. I trust him
with my Soul. I am blessed to have him in my life.” C.
J. SILVER, Affiliate of the EarthSea Shamanic EcoVillage and co-creator
of the EarthSea Society, NS
“Armand DeGrenier’s work as a counselor/shamanic
practitioner and group facilitator merits my highest heart-felt
support. I have worked with him personally and have referred friends
and clients to him. He is compassionate, skilled, creative, focused
and competent in assisting those who ask to deep psychological and
spiritual healing. His own willingness to “walk his talk”
provides an authentic and loving guide for all who open to his facilitation.
Armand has a unique ability to provide a safe environment for deep
work with a loving sense of honesty peppered with humor to assist
transformative experiences. He is expertly skilled in gently eliciting
and inclusively facilitating multi-tradition and spirit inspired
contemporary shamanic ceremony: for birthing, funeral send off,
namings, weddings, separations, health trance-forms, heart healing,
soul retrieving, conflict resolution, living, work space and geographical
spirit cleansings and for various life transitional honourings and
planetary health attendings. It has been an honor to work with Armand
both as a friend and as a mentor.” JEAN
FOREST, RN, MA
“My journey with Gaia centered consciousness has been
greatly enhanced by my participation in shamanic groups, ceremonies,
and one-on-one sessions facilitated by Armand DeGrenier. My work
with him continues to be deeply healing and transformative. It moves
me forward by leaps and bounds on my journey to assist others in
becoming stewards of the Earth. In gratitude” GAIAMORE
(inspired creator of the EarthDeck and Nature Divination Photography)
"Many thanks for sharing the beauty and wisdom, shining the
deep listening and the natural healing vibrations. What an inspiring
and uplifting, magical and amazing meeting place. And the sounds
… the music …" NERUPA HOFFMAN-PAISS,
Yoga teacher, mother, and wife; and AMIR PAISS, Musician, father
and husband
"Love, Love, Potency. Fabulous eco journey in
the jewel of Central America." GANGA
WHITE, founder of White Lotus Foundation, Santa Barbara, California
and author of Yoga Beyond Belief
"For Jonathon! Thanks for your work in the world! With best
wishes."
JEREMY NARBY, author of The
Cosmic Serpent, DNA, and The Origins of Knowledge
"Jonathon! What good magic here at Guaria de Osa! Presided
over by a most benevolent array of plant energies and animal intelligences,
leafing and leaping spirits, laughing under a gazillion gleaming
stars, accompanied by the steady drumbeat, like a dark heart of
the wave on the sloping strand in wilderness and wonder." DAVID
ABRAM, author of The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception
and Language in a More-Than-Human World
"I felt as if I were on my own private South
Pacific Island! Everyone is so kind, knowledgeable and helpful!
Food is amazing! The orthopedic mattresses were well worth all the
trouble it must have caused to get them here. Thank you for helping
to make me conscious of my impulses and the power of my intuition.
You are a treasure that I will always keep in my heart." BOBBY
SAGER, Sager Family Foundation, Boston, Massachusetts
"Sacred Love." STING, England
"I came here as one and left as another. Thank you."
SIMON ASTAIRE, England
"My trip to Guaria de Osa was a psychospiritual journey that
opened up possibilities in my personal and professional life that
I had only dreamed of before. And it was exotically beautiful, rejuvenating
and fun!" RACHEL HARRIS, Ph.D.,
psychologist & author
"Beautiful spot, great gardens, fantastic buildings, wonderful
forest, very rich people. Thanks for the help, hospitality, generosity,
honest, and all around good vibe. And the presence of the plants
is palpable." LINCOLN STOLLER, physicist
"don Victorio Villareal Villareal is a wise, warm, and sensitive
elder filled with knowledge of the plants, nature, the history and
customs of the Osa Peninsula and humor which he readily shares.
He cast a spell in the evening as he shared his heart through his
singing and guitar playing. It was hard to say goodbye." PATRICIA
HARTIGAN BLOOM, Reg. Nurse/Attorney at Law, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist,
Vibrational Healer, Founder of A Healing Alternative, Mill Valley,
California
top ^
Just
Some of our Favorite Interdisciplinary Readings
Ayahuasca Visions: The Religious Iconography of a Peruvian
Shaman,
by Pablo Amaringo and Eduardo Luna. To order: North Atlantic Books,
Berkeley - chard@northatlanticbooks.com
Ayahuasca Reader: Encounters with the Amazon's Sacred
Vine, edited by Luis Eduardo Luna and Steven F. White;
(read A Huaorani Myth of the First Miiyabu,
by Jonathon S. Miller-Weisberger)
Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth, attaining
Unlimited Life, by Hua-Ching Ni
Breaking Open The Head, by Daniel Pinchbeck
(read Ch. 22 on Sentient Experientials in the Ecuadorian Amazon)
Coming Back To Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives,
Our World,
by Joanna Macy and Molly Young Brown; foreword by Matthew Fox
HerbalGram: The Journal of the American Botanical
Council
http://www.herbalgram.org
If You Love This Planet: A Plan to Heal the Earth,
by Helen Caldicott, M.D.
In the Rainforest: Report from a Strange, Beautiful,
Imperiled World,
by Catherine Caulfield
One River, Explorations and Discoveries in the Amazon
Rain Forest,
by Wade Davis
Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the
Pillage of a Continent,
by Eduardo Galeano
Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual
by Bill Mollison
Riding the Horse Backwards,
by Arnold and Amy Mindell
Seven Life Lessons of Chaos: Timeless Wisdom from the
Science of Change,
by John John and F. David Peat
Shaman’s Drum Journal, A Journal of Experiential
Shamanism and Spiritual Healing
http://www.shamansdrum.org/
Shamanism, Colonialism, and the Wild Man: A Study in
Terror and Healing,
by Michael Taussig
Taoist Inner View of the Universe and the Immortal
Realms,
by Hua-Ching Ni
The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge,
by Jeremy Narby
The Lost Language of Plants: The Ecological Importance
of Plant Medicines to Life on Earth, by Steven Harrod
Buhner (Please read Ch. 11 Living Biognosis
the work of Sparrow, pgs. 249 268 and other writers.)
The Nature of Shamanism: Substance and Function of
a Religious Metaphor,
by Michael Ripinsky-Naxon
The Reenchantment of Art, by Suzi Gablik
The Reenchantment of the World, by Morris
Berman
The Shaman's Body, by Arnold Mindell
The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language
in a More-Than-Human World, by David Abram
The Tao of Physics, by Fritjof Capra
The Three Halves of Ino Moxo: Teachings of the Wizard
of the Upper Amazon, by Cesar Calvo and Kenneth Symington
The Way of the Shaman, by Michael Harner
The Web of Life: A New Scientific Understanding of
Living Systems,
by Fritjof Capra
Thinking Like a Mountain: Toward a Council of All Beings,
by Joanna Macy, John Seed, Pat Fleming, Arne Naess
Thought As A System, by David Bohm
Vine of the Soul, Where the Gods Reign,
by Richard Evans Schultes
Workbook for Spiritual Development of All People,
by Hua-Ching Ni
World as Lover, World as Self, by Joanna
Macy; foreword by Thich Nhat Hanh
In the spirit of networking,
we thank you for passing the news on to others about this significant
event.
top ^
|
