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Archive for the ‘Spirituality’ Category

Professional Hypnosis Training Course

Posted in Spirituality, Study Groups and Classes on April 7, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

May 20, 21 & 22, 2011

Location: Sanford, Florida
1110 Lexington Green Lane Sanford, FL 32771
Phone number for registration is 386-214-4388
e-mail at Crystal@h2hbirthcenter.com

This valuable training course is offered by Dr. Ronald P. De Vasto, founder and director of the Hypnotic Research Society, Inc., a teaching and healing organization dedicated to promoting the use of and providing training in the field of hypnosis.  Dr. De Vasto has taught his proven techniques and special skills to physicians, dentists, psychologists and laypersons alike.

This course teaches the many ways to establish altered states in others and to use these states to help create beneficial change. This is an in depth three day workshop for the beginner and an excellent review for experienced professionals wanting to update their knowledge. Some of the topics covered are: techniques to hypnotize people individually- from the standard to the unique and unusual methods, group hypnotic techniques, self hypnosis and stress reduction, safeguards for your clients protection, evaluating a subject for the most effective technique, and working with obesity, stuttering, and smoking cessation. Dr. De Vasto has spent twenty-five years developing and perfecting these unique and life-changing techniques that he will be sharing during the course.

Whether someone is planning to create a new career in this profession, to enhance an already thriving practice in the mental and medical health fields, or for personal satisfaction and interest, this course promises to provide valuable information and skills that would take years to learn on his or her own.

For more information contact Dr. Ronald P. De Vasto 407- 970-0243.

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Mystic Grove Annual Beltane Celebration

Posted in Spirituality, tagged , , , , , , on May 4, 2010 | Leave a Comment »

The Mystic Grove is getting ready  for their annual Beltane Celebration. A family friendly event!

Annual Beltane Celebration

hosted by Mystic Grove

The new ribbons go up on the May Pole about now so you know what that means… Beltane time!

Beltane is the celebration of the glory of spring at its height. All ages are welcome to attend this family friendly event. Dress is casual, or feel free to come in Spring or Beltane inspired dress! (ex: spring colors, bubbles for the kids, flowers in your hair.)

Flowers most welcome for the altar and around the May Pole. You may also bring a CLEARLY LABELED dish for the potluck. (Name of donor, name of dish, non-vegetarian, vegetarian, etc.)

DATE AND TIME

  • Beltane Celebration is May 8, 2010.
  • Ritual is at 7 PM in the RE Courtyard. Potluck and fellowship to follow in the Assembly room.

LOCATION & RSVP

First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St
Orlando, FL 32803

Please RSVP over Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org or Facebook so we know how many to prepare for. Look forward to meeting you!

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Mystic Grove Annual Winter Solstice Celebration

Posted in Spirituality, tagged , , , , , , on December 15, 2009 | 1 Comment »

If you prefer going all night rather than all day, the annual Mystic Grove Winter Solstice Celebration is also in the downtown area!


Annual Winter Solstice Service and Vigil

Please join us for a well-loved tradition organized by the Mystic Grove and friends. We gather to admire the seasonal altars and bask in the glowing warmth of this lovely candle-lit holiday service. This year we welcome back the beautiful sounds of the Harmony Sisters and other performers, listen to the Story of the Celts, and dance the spiral dance around the Yule log.

After the service, watch the Yule Log be lit, tell each other your holiday stories, and stay a while to enjoy the warmth of community! Those who wish to stand guard by the fire until dawn are invited to bring comfy chairs, blankets, and whatever else you may enjoy as we “camp out” and ensure the Sun will rise again!

First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St
Orlando, FL 32803

  • Winter Solstice Candlelit Ritual/Service  — 7 PM – 9 PM
  • Winter Solstice All Night Vigil — 9 PM – 8 AM

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Sunrise to Sunset Winter Solstice Celebration at Florida School of Holisitic Living

Posted in Spirituality, tagged , , , on December 15, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Looking for downtown Winter Solstice fun? Florida School of Holistic Living is going all day on Dec 21,  You can hit nearby First Unitarian afterward if you want to keep going all night.

Sunrise to Sunset Solstice Celebration
Monday December 21
gathering begins at 6:30 am in the garden
(622 N Thornton Ave, Orlando)
Sunrise at 7:14 am + Solstice at 12:47 pm + Sunset at 5:34 pm

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet

We invite you to join us to celebrate Winter Solstice with us in the garden under the Bodhi Tree.

Winter Solstice occurs when the sun is at its southernmost point, thus it is the shortest day of the year. On this darkest day of the year, we gather together to celebrate the light beginning its return.

Sunrise Ceremony
with meditation, music, breathwork, and prayer

Garden Play and Seed Planting
Help prepare the garden for the coming season and plant seeds for the garden, to take home and to share with our community

Bring an instrument to share in music making

Massage/reiki/healing exchange

Sunset Ceremony with fire pit, music and releasing exercises

Join us at Sunrise or throughout the day for a time of reflection, celebration, and community.

“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent upon it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.” ~Galileo

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Haba Limited Edition Wooden Nativity

Posted in Fun Stuff for Kids, Spirituality, tagged , , , , , , , , , on December 8, 2009 | 2 Comments »

If your spiritual or religious tradition(s) put you in the market for a child friendly Nativity set, I’d go with the Haba Limited Edition one.

I bought it at Oompa.com for Julia when she was about 3 years old as a Christmas gift. It is a bit of a splurge, but I fully expect it to go throughout her childhood and then some.  Three years into it and the set looks new except for the unfinished stable.  That got some crayon on it somehow — nothing a little sandpaper won’t fix.

The Haba set is made in Germany. Each solid hard wood piece is reasonably chunky,   easy on the eyes, and decorated with non-toxic, child-friendly paints and finishes.  Julia had no trouble with it at 3 years old, but back then I kept a sharp eye on the shepherd.  His staff sticks up and could be pokey.  The laying down sheep with no legs is a bit small… could be a choking hazard. The angel’s halo could also be a worry.  But those are the only pieces and could be reintroduced later when the toddler/preschooler is  bigger.

ADVENT TABLE IDEA

I bring this out each year for her to play with during December and January.  When she’s done playing with it each day it all gets left out on a table as our Advent and Epiphany calendar.

For Advent, we cut out yellow construction paper stars and number for Dec 1 – Dec 24.   We use a piece of tan microsuede fabric to be “sand” and tape the stars down on it.  Then Mary and Joseph can “travel” each day along each star until arriving at the stable and we pull the Baby Jesus piece out of hiding.   Other years it is the Baby Jesus piece that “travels” to be “born” but whichever way you do it, the point is that the whole family is in the stable by Dec 24.

For Epiphany (the 12 days of Christmas up to Jan 6), we cut out orange stars from construction paper.  This is so the Three Wisemen/Three Kings can travel to visit the stable too now that the baby is born.

At our house, Julia opens presents from extended relatives on Dec 24 and 25th and doesn’t get her stocking from us until Three King’s Day on Jan 6th.  We like that this spreads it around a bit so she isn’t overwhelmed and neither are we. The table display keeps her busy with pretend play and counting off the days.

Other than wishing that  the stable had come in natural but finished in the low gloss like the other pieces to make it easier to wipe and clean, I think this set is just about perfect for a kid!

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What you DON’T tell your doctor could hurt you!

Posted in Action Alerts & Activism, Acupuncturists, Alternative Education, Chiropractors, Family Doctors, Food and Nutrition, Health and Safety, Health Food Stores, Homeopaths/Herbalists, Natural Baby Care, Natural Pregnancy, Natural Products, OB/GYNs, Pediatricians, Spirituality, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 15, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Do you use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? Do you tell your doctor what you are using? If not, you could be at risk for dangerous interactions!

images-1What exactly is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Complementary is defined as a treatment used in addition to conventional medicine.
Alternative is defined as a treatment used instead of conventional medicine.

What are some examples of CAM?

  • herbs and vitamin supplements
  • acupuncture
  • hypnosis
  • spiritual healing and prayer
  • massage
  • yoga
  • homeopathy
  • chiropractic
  • aromatherapy
  • special diets

Multiple studies have shown that the most common types of CAM used in the United States involve taking a vitamin, dietary supplement, or an herb (Cheung, Wyman, Halcon, 2007, p. 1003).

Who uses CAM?!

Lots of people! Some studies have indicated that as many as 75% of people have used some form of CAM over the last year.

What’s the big deal? If this is all natural stuff, how could this hurt me?

Great question!  Natural supplements and medicines definitely have their place in keeping us healthy and treating our ailments. BUT many patients don’t realize that their CAM use is significant to their conventional treatment they receive from their doctor, and unfortunately many doctors don’t think to ask what non-prescription items their patients are taking (Cheung, Wyman, & Halcon, 2007, p. 115).

Here are just a few examples of how taking natural products in conjunction with prescription treatment can hurt you:images

  • Some herbs can increase bleeding time, so taking a prescription anti-coagulant at the same time could case a life-threatening hemorrhage (Lindquist, Tracy, Savik, & Shigeaki, 2005, p. 63).
  • Licorice is sometimes used to settle an upset stomach, but if you have high blood pressure, beware! Licorice can also raise your blood pressure (Jonas, 2001, p. 211).
  • Many women use black cohosh to treat symptoms of menopause, but it also may “adversely affect hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005).
  • Anti-oxidants are fantastic, but they don’t mix with some cancer treatments! Radiation therapy is used to intentionally damage DNA in cancer cells, but if you use anti-oxidants at the same time, the necessary damage can’t happen (Vapiwala, Mick, Hampshire, Metz, & DeNittis, 2006, p. 472).

How can I find out if the medicines I take can be taken with my natural supplements, vitamins, herbs, and treatments?       images-2

Talk to your doctor! Every time you go to your doctor, you should update him/her on the substances that you are taking into your body (including what you rub onto your skin!). Unfortunately not all conventional doctors are aware of possible interactions, so you should also tell your pharmacist when you go to fill a prescription.

images-3

You can also do some homework yourself. Check out these great (and reputable!) sources of information about natural medicine alternatives and potential interactions with conventional drugs:

  • PDRHealth: search this database for information about drug interactions with herbs and supplements.
  • National Cancer Institute: search this database for information about the compatibility of CAM and cancer treatments.
  • Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: search this database for comprehensive information about natural medicine alternatives and potential interactions with conventional drugs.

Stay safe! Talk to your doctor and pharmacist and do your homework!

References

Cheung, C., Wyman, J., & Halcon, L. (2007, November). Use of complementary and alternative therapies in community-dwelling older adults. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 13(9), 997-1006. Retrieved May 18, 2009, doi:10.1089/acm.2007.0527

Jonas, W. (2001, September). Advising patients on the use of complementary and alternative medicine. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 26(3), 205-214. Retrieved June 1, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.

Lindquist, R., Tracy, M., Savik, K., & Watanuki, S. (2005, April). Regional use of complementary and alternative therapies by critical care nurses. Critical Care Nurse, 25(2), 63-75. Retrieved May 18, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.

Vapiwala, N., Mick, R., Hampshire, M., Metz, J., & Denittis, A. (2006, November). Patient initation of complementary and alternative medical therapies (CAM) following cancer diagnosis. Cancer Journal, 12 (6), 467-474. Retrieved May 14, 2009, from Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition database.




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Orlando Pagan Pride “Harvest for the Homeless” Sept 19!

Posted in Action Alerts & Activism, Animal Advocacy, Fun Stuff for Kids, Organizations/Activism, Spirituality, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 7, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Orlando Pagan Pride Day will be held on Saturday, Sept 19th from 10 AM -5 PM at

First Unitarian Church of Orlando
1901 E. Robinson St
Orlando, FL 32803

The theme for the event is “Harvest for the Homeless.”

Let’s reach out to those less fortunate than ourselves and Harvest a FEAST for our homeless brothers and sisters, both 2 legged and 4 legged!

There will be kids activities on the playground, a labyrinth to enjoy and a Bardic Circle. Food will be supplied by the Castaways’ Salmagundi with burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips, water and soda. With every food purchase you will receive a raffle ticket.

For more information on the International Pagan Pride Project, please visit www.paganpride.org

paganpridelogo

SPONSORS

The sponsors for the event are

  • Four Winds Lodge
  • A Temple of the Sacred Path, Inc.
  • ATC
  • The Mystic Grove at First Unitarian Church of Orlando
  • The Wiccan Religious Cooperative of Florida
  • The Coven of the Goddess Moon headed by Lord Morpheus and Lady Danu
  • The Coven of Mysty Mountain

ADMISSION AND DONATIONS

Admission is FREE with a food donation!

We are accepting dry good/canned donations for the following charities:

  • Second Harvest Food Bank
  • Catholic Charities
  • Rescuing Animals in Need(RAIN)

With every donated item received you will be given a raffle ticket!

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

The Orlando Pagan Pride Day Workshops will be held in the Courtyard and the schedule is as follows:

Time Item
10 AM -11AM Universal Energy and YOU by Whitelight A look at magick and its control from a metaphysicists point of view
11 AM -Noon Introduction to Obi Divination by Ochani Lele, Author of The Santerian Gods: Spirit of Odu and Obi: Oracle of Cuban Santeria
Noon-1 PM Musical Alchemy by Elizabeth Sturino
1 PM – 2 PM The Science and Art of Ritual by Lord Morpheus
2 PM – 3 PM Main Ritual by The Coven of Mysty Mountain
3 PM – 4 PM Concert featuring Ken Spivey and Shining Wheel Pagan Chorus Concert, (wandering minstrel performances all throughout the day featuring Ken Spivey, Rick DeYampert, Kevin Doyle and Sherry Oliver)
4 PM – 5 PM Drum Circle led by Karl Miranda

TALK LIKE A PIRATE

Saturday, Sept 19th is also International Talk Like a Pirate Day so look for the pirates, engage them in conversation and iffen ye knows the 5 A’s of Piratin, ye gets FREE raffle tickets! Arr!

(That is a hint and one of the A’s…search Youtube for the Pirate Guys to learn the other 4!)

MORE INFO

Tory Estes Stevens is the local coordinator for the Orlando Pagan Pride Day. If you are interested in vending, reading, entertaining, presenting a workshop or attending Orlando Pagan Pride Day, please email ToryBadger@aol.com for more information.

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Avalon Summer Sale and Faery Festival July 25!

Posted in Deals Around Town, Spirituality, tagged , , , , , , , , , on July 20, 2009 | 1 Comment »

This weekend might be a good time to visit Avalon if you need to stock up on candles, incense, gifts, and more!

avalon_summersale

Avalon
1211 Hillcrest St.
Orlando FL 32803
www.avalonbeyond.com

Join us to Celebrate Summer and to rededicate the store after our recent renovations. Tie a prayer onto the Faery Tree and ask the wee folk to bless our happy home.

Saturday, July 25, 2009!

In Store:

  • Everything on Sale 11am-7pm
  • Psychic Faire 11am-5pm

Outside:

  • Craft Vendors, Henna, Massage, Belly Dancers and more!
  • Costume Contest – Bring your Wings!

Artist/Vendor Space Still available – Call Miranda at 407 895 7439 Mon-Sat 11-7pm

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UCF Professor to Speak about Florida’s Ecosystem

Posted in Conservation / Environment, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, Spirituality on April 16, 2009 | 1 Comment »

I just visited the University Unitarian Universalist website to see who the speaker for this Sunday would be and found that a UCF professor will be visiting!  Dr. Martin Quigley serves as director of the Arboretum as well as a biology professor at UCF.  Here’s the description of the planned program from the UUU website:

We welcome Dr. Quigley as an environmental expert. He is a respected professor at UCF and serves as the Director of the Arboretum. He shares his vision of making peace with the unique Florida ecosystem as opposed to replacing it.

I just wanted to let our CFGG readers know about this upcoming talk in case anyone is interested in attending.

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“Change Your Mind Day” on April 18!

Posted in Spirituality on April 10, 2009 | 2 Comments »

“Change your Mind Day” is back! While I’ve been to Dances of Universal Peace before, I haven’t gotten a wide sampling like this event does. Some friends of mine went to it last time and told me it was really good!

cymd

Changing Times, Peaceful Minds –

“Change Your Mind Day” Returns to Orlando

Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 1:30 p.m. till 5:30 pm.
Marks Senior Recreation Complex
Marks Street and Magnolia Avenue
99 East Marks Street, Orlando, Florida 32803

Our political and economic life is in a state of flux. How do we meet these changes with a peaceful and compassionate mind? More and more Central Floridians are expressing an interest in meditative awareness and a mindful way of life.

“Change Your Mind Day” offers a unique opportunity to learn about meditation and related practices in a friendly and welcoming setting. The event is free of charge and open to all.

Meditation Talks:

  • Peter Carlson, The Eightfold Path: Easing Suffering
  • Bob Allen, The Fruits of Practice
  • Ross Payne, Renunciation: A Voluntary Simplicity of Being
  • Claudia Schippert, The Heart Sutra: Going Beyond Nirvana, Helping this World
  • Ricc Bishop, Transforming Adversity into the Spiritual Path

Other Events:

  • Tai Ji Chi Gong , with Eric Raboy
  • Dances of Universal Peace, with Manny Gross
  • Using Yoga to Experience Change With Acceptance and Grace, with Candice Mitchell
  • Taste of Mindfulness, with Elizabeth Cohen

The event is hosted by

  • Orlando Insight Meditation Group
  • Fish Lake Sangha
  • Thursday Night Meditation Group
  • Dances for Universal Peace
  • Vajrapani Buddhist Center
  • Orlando Zen Circle
  • Marks Senior Recreation Complex

For more information, contact Judy Douglas at 407-859-8670 or njbdouglas@yahoo.com.

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