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NAMASTE.

JOYFUL BLESSINGS TO A NEW YEAR…2010..

Another Woodford festival signaling for many the closing of the old and the arising of the new…symbolised by a gigantic and amazing Woodford fire ceremony.

For the Zenthai Woodford team it is a great opportunity to unite our intentions, be inspired by the boundless talents and hopefully inspire others  towards the depth available through conscious touch. To anchor the team into each day each therapist is asked to select a word to remain a focal point for the day to keep our intention united and focus aligned especially when the energy resources are being challenged.

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During a recent Zenthai retreat the final day revealed itself as the group focused on ‘ do your best ‘ from the Toltec book ‘ The Four Agreements.’

What I strongly realised during this group introspection was that this ‘doing our best’ is really a powerful practice of present moment awareness. If our ‘best’ has reference points in the past or future we really miss the agreement being shared…This ‘best to every moment’ allows the presence of ‘failure’ or ‘not good enough’ to completely dissolve.

It is a powerful reminder that life is always moving … never still. ..life force of ki .. like a river continually flowing. The Thais and Chinese make often referrals to ‘ wind’…in the body and around the body. Empty wind ( deficent), turbulent wind ( uncontrolled), stagnant wind (NO movement). In harmony we are moving with the wind .. transient states shifting as nature and experiences ask of us. Likewise .. hought by its very nature is still. Stuck usually in past or projected in future. If we get stuck with thought therefore we may forget that we are truly life … life that is always moving.

” Doing our best” therefore is a constant reminder to not become too anchored in thought but more so remain aware of lifeforce and wind .. moving, growing, expanding, evolving … not resisting.

A great analogy I heard recently is of a Hot air balloon. Anchored to the ground the wind is forceful,trying to lift it up and away…the rope to the ground( our thoughts) keeps it resisting where the movement wishes it to go.  Cutting loose of the rope and suddenly the ballon is free, airborne, moving in space and time….the wind doesn’t  exist any more.

Freedom and spaciousness.

May we ‘cut loose’  during this celebration period ..soaring with the winds of loving kindness. Moving with this rhythm that is natural…accepting, being and therefore ‘potently’ giving.

My blessings

Gwyn

What’s on …

• Dec 23rd .. SACRED CHRISTMAS AT NINDERRY HEALING CENTRE  6PM ( BRING PLATE OF FOOD, SMALL GIFT AROUND $10 FOR BASKET)
• Dec 27 to Jan 1st.. Woodford…Zenthai has 3 workshop presentations and One performance.with Rasayana…check program
• Jan 28 to 31st….4 day intensive..bookings have started
• Feb 14th..one month retreat in Laos .” Thai Massage Circus”
• March 25 ..6 day Life force retreat in Bali..
• April 1 st Zenthai workshops at Bali spirit festival
• May 6th..Advanced Zenthai (n 8 week course)

Shanti Agung

I can still picture Mr. Komangs face now on the final day of our inaugural Bali Retreat, when all were slowly departing. Holding his chest with his  hand and tears welling in his eyes.

” So sad, Gwyn” he says in reference to the departure of so many that had touched and been touched by him.

Days earlier we had all been singing, dancing , drumming in bliss at the base of Mt.Agung in a state of euphoric contentment. Likewise, sitting on my surfboard surrounded by idylic waves, coconut trees and blue open sky  I was truly in heaven…one week later my heart is truly hurting as I feel the pain and loss of so many in the recent Pacific tragedies.

A state of equanmity simply doesn’t exist when living on this plane outlined above.This awakening for me is a deeper realisation of how we so strongly connect to life’s experiences and therefore it being the dictator of our own ‘beingness’.

It is taking courage and conscious effort to slowly allow this to dissolve.

An intention in this latest full moon is to shift my reference point away from lifes experiences to life itself. As ‘ life itself’  I am referring to that which is our life force, completely present, absent of a mental commentary, beyond form (Ekhart Tolle), complete love and acceptance ( Adyashanti) or simply sitting with God ( Yogananda).   It can be likened in Bodywork to having focus on the techniques versus the boundlessness nature of touch. In focusing on techniques it has continual commentary, a striving and doing, some great techniques so not so good…whereas when focusing on the boundless nature of touch..we really get to ‘feel’ beyond form, the depth of loving kindness ,an exploration beyond the surface of the skin ..mystery,discovery and movement all found together in the present moment.

In relating this transient and expansive nature of life into the daily arena, I have been tremendously  supported by not only sitting in stillness in nature or at the altar with a mind at rest but also by igniting new passions. To fully embrace the transient nature of life itself I have found it invaluable to keep the passion fire alive. When referring to passion, it is not the passion that relates to continually creating new projects ( however this does help)but moreso the falling in love with ‘life itself’. The unpredictability, the mystery the unexhaustable expansiveness, the elusiveness….. It is like changing your focus from swimming on the surface of the water to diving down deep and allowing the subtle currents to take you in the natural flow, as your remain fixed in wonderment.

Without this we don’t move, stagnancy arises and we rob ourselves of all the treasures of a magical life journey. Right now ..what is something that really makes your heart sing? Feel it , MAKE THE EFFORT, and we move …if it doesn’t evolve the way it was planned..it remains fine as we are moving with ‘life itself’..unconditional love and acceptance.  We have made the step towards a state of complete equanimity…it is here that we are truly free.

I know now if I see Mr.Komang holding his chest again with eyes welling in tears …I will smile, wrap the whole of arms around him and remind him everything is just fine.

As a final note I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the 30 participants that created the Magic in our inaugural Shanti Agung Bali Retreat. Like I have expressed many times it was like we were soaring afloat of two large wings abreast. The open heartedness and uniqueness shared from  each person is what truly created the magic.
As we all experienced on a clear blue sky day when the clouds have parted was the majestic and mighty Mt. Agung, so serenely still yet radiantly captivating. Many like me, sitting in awe at its majestic presence.
May many blue sky days continue to happen for you so your own Agung within yourself can be revealed

.HO.

Blessings

Gwynny

Dates …Oct 8…student clinic ( 7 weeks of thursday arvo)
……..Oct 10 ..1 to 5 pm working bee at centre..followed by rice,dahl and music.
…..Oct 15..Acro yoga ( 7 weeks of thursday Morning)
….Nov 7 and 8/  Nov 21 and 22..Faciliatator course
…Nov 26th ..Zenthai therapist graduation
…..Dec 3 to 6..4 day Zenthai intensive
…Dec 27..Woodford..Zenthai experience

During a recent yoga class at Mt. Ninderry I asked students to inquire within to find a word or words to empower themselves. I do this often not only recognising the power of words but also appreciating the depth and wisdom  of the group or universal consciousness.

Later, within sharing sessions we are able to all dive into the meanings that come up for many and thus maybe discover a word or words that was initiated by someone else but may offer valuable insight and sometimes profound transformation for yourself.

This occurred for me, when later in the tipi fire circle, a close friend and dear student shared the words of ‘Opening to the Mystery’.. Initially the  impact of the words didn’t really reach home, but days later I was able to fully feel the depth and transformative power within the words. Firstly, there is an encouragement to simply not resist, to accept, to embrace there is a divine power always at work guiding the journey.The law of Accepting or Non-resisting.

However, secondly by using the word ‘mystery’ there was this feeling of child- like wonderment being fueled within me. This was accompanied with images of magic, spontaneity and  joy which lifted the lid on the creative potential box…not only towards what was being created but what could I create. Then, thirdly..the word ..’opening ‘ being a vivid reminder to allow growth within all experiences whether they are joyous and pleasant or difficult and challenging. This ‘opening’ allows us to be reminded to keep our arms out wide to the array of opportunities this life has for us to grow and be our full potential.

With the Zenthai retreat in Bali now only one month away…this ‘opening to the mystery’ appeared very apt. Zenthai stepping into an international field, Bali …the land of openness and enshrouded in mystery, …4 teachers/ 22 students..it is unfolding with so much grace.  I am also very conscious in such times not to drop into countdown time and remain awake to the mystery that is happenning right now..this pristine night. clear still air ..all here and not to be missed.

In this time of rapid change, it is easy to be unsettled or decentered by the pace and the very  transient nature that now surrounds us all. My suggestion to remain centered and grounded with clarity and purpose is to try what was shared around the tipi fire..
‘Be open to the mystery’.
Give it a go..
Many BLESSINGS

Gwyn

Whats on …

• August 6th..One day workshop..Thai foot massage
• August 13th…4 weeks Wat Pho Thai Massage.( 4 consecutive Thursdays)
• September  7th to 18th..Shanti Agung Retreat..Bali
• October 8th..Acro yoga/Student Clinic 7 week series( 7 consecutive Thursdays)
• October 24 and 25 .. Zenthai Facilitator Program
• November 26th..Graduation for Zenthai students
• Dec 3rd to 6th..Zenthai 4 day intensive

“The life which is unexamined is not worth living”  Plato

“Know thyself”  Socrates

“Hidden opposites will have their day: its what you don’t see that can hurt you”…..Dan Millman

Yes, I have been encouraged over the past 2 months of teaching our bi- annual oriental  psychology class to take a deep and conscious introspective gaze and illuminate the shadow. There has been joy, honesty, courage and growth all within this experience. The simple release of bounded energy that occurs with the ceasing of defending our self image is an opening to vitality, understanding , humility and compassion that makes the experience very worthwhile.

The identification of our ’self ‘ to life’s experiences rather than life itself is truly an ongoing consciousness  lesson,  that if not noticed can truly allow so much delusion to be mistaken as truths. The awareness of life’s movies and all the various roles we play depending in what channel we are presently tuned to  ….can truly allow us to step into each with the lightness and joy of a child.

One unveiling that came to me during a Zenthai body work session is the importance to tune to only one channel at a time. When we are in roles as friend, carer, helper, sister/brother, etc whilst also attempting to be a conduit of pure prana healing flow the experienced is definitely diminished. When the channel is finely tuned with one line of focus, the music and following  unhindered experience is potent, transforming and full of clarity. This honest examination of my practice will definitely have an impact on my following sessions.

Another unveiling that came to me during our study was the need to not label things as immoral or negative as this may lead us to sweep them under the carpet rather than expose some characteristics that can very often be turned around to be your fuel. Our anger, for example, can be pushed aside, thus not allowing our powerful, assertive warrior aspects to be expressed. Often this pushing aside will lead to an uncontrolled explosion that is destructive and hurtful for many.

A great teacher once said to me the quality of our life is dependent on the quality of the questions we ask ourselves. A reminder I share with you now.

On other notes ..the 4 day intensive ( July 9th)is now completely full with a waiting list.

The Bali experience still has a couple of vacancies and I did hear today there are some super cheap airfares ( $225) GOING AT THE MOMENT..if you don’t have fare yet?? Asia Air.
On this note the temple will be holding a sacred ceremony on the 7th of July in honour of the spirit of the new temple and land. This is a very auspicious time and we will be holding our own  ceremony at the healing centre to connect at this date … I would love any that are interested to join us….

July 7th .. 5 to 5.45pm Acro Jam..flying and music
……………5.45.to 630pm…fire ceremony with chanting and meditation

On this still and blessed night under the powerful rocky face of my beloved Mt. Ninderry I send you my blessings of joy and oneness

Gwyn

….”You realize that all along there was something tremendous within you, and you did not know it ”  Paramhansa Yogananda

Namaste .. a big thank you to all who supported the open day yesterday.

As expected in was a small cosy group and I feel it served a purpose in allowing the Kula to simply connect , catch up and enjoy the space without a time framed agenda. We also managed to raise over $200 for a very worthwhile cause..

Thank you. I am always in gratitude for the nonstop support and selfless efforts so many share at the centre in so many ways …. thank you, thanx, thanks..

One of questions I was asked on the day by a very dear friend was “What do I perceive as The Zenthai Family?” .. Quality questions such as these really allow quality introspection and therefore a more conscious and awakened presence. My immediate response was it allows an ongoing connection with the centre and  individuals who have had heart filled expressions in the sacred space and the art of Zenthai. I feel the only way to keep some contact with the experiences and relationships that have evolved from there is to sustain a regular line of communication.

This open hearted free expression of how we ‘Feel ‘  and what we envisage for our souls growth are both potent remedies to fulfilling our souls purpose. To me we all do yearn for something greater than happiness. We yearn for meaning, purpose and connection. The Purpose of a Zenthai family is to simply offer that. The relationships and experiences that you may have discovered during your time at the healing centre as a student or client .. I hope can give you a sense of the strong interconnectedness within us all..Through this thread called love we are able to embrace a glimpse of our undivided self … our part of a greater whole, a kula , a family. Read the rest of this entry »

Namaste…..blessings to all. This week we tackle the path of nonresistance..I use the word tackle…as we need to ‘bring to the ground’ this powerful aspect of being and act it within the dance of daily life.

One challlenge that we have been faced ( to practice nonresistance) is the ‘no phone/ internet/communication’ since our shift to the other side of the mountain…so I will try to relay some recent unfoldings here

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“The real miracle is not to walk on water, but to walk on the earth, to be alive in the present moment” Thich Nhat Hanh

Within the first two days of my latest journey I was ready to embrace the powerful aspects of Joy and Love.. These two words were my mantra for the following month …reminding of the importance of saturating our being daily with the aspects we wish to be surrounded in.

The first 3 weeks in Laos with 35 students and part of an incredible teaching team of 5 (two French, an American, a Greek and me .. The Aussie)…positively allowed some valued insights into my passions as a healer and a teacher.

This year I stepped up a notch in the accomodation department and laid my swag in a beautiful river bungalow overlooking Laos farming and meandering river through this amazing landscape. The space allowed  much treasured time to vision, surrender, reflect, refuel and embrace all the mystery in it all.

Within the 3 weeks somewhere amongst the ongoings… I’m sure someone and/or experience handed me a new set of creative artwork brushes.

Unconsciously, my Zenthai art had slowly being dissolving its creative flair..so this experience was a real awakening…much appreciated. The occasion was a vivid reminder of the constant need to continually refuel and inspire our work as healers…. …not allow the stagnation to creep in. The new breath of air, new colour, fresh is flowing …in many aspects of being.

This passage from Eknath Easwaren highlights the point..” You can make your entire life a work of art”…The words we speak. the work we do, the love we give, the food and recreation we ingest and even the healing sessions we share on the zenthai mat can be a loving expression of beauty and presence to this call.

Once again , departing the course 1 week early was a difficult challenge, however , was able to settle my rumbling Asian belly in Chiang Mai before spending a magical week with Gaia in Bali. After a short teaching episode in Ubud with Adam (acro) the remaining week was spent in Pantai Jasri ….the Site of our new Zenthai temple…Shanti Agung.!!!

Facing the sacred and powerful Mt. Agung..the centre backs onto a thick coconut grove which is broken by a small dirt path leading 200m to one of the most amazing oceanic headlands you may imagine. This is real Bali…blue ocean, fish boats, coconuts , grassy edges, rice fields, kids swimming freely whilst adults sit and chat within the cool sea breeze. Despite the lack of surf this time around was able to soak up the peaceful pace and warm natured locals that village life presents. Gaia and I on Love filled mission with the Komangs…buying fridge, stove , selecting tiles and toilets, designing temples and pathways,etc……..all in creative joy!

Back in Seminak on our last night , Gaia and I experienced the most glorious ocean sunsets…ever!!  Awoke the next morning to the huge swell pump-ing along the entire coastline. The long spell of still, mirror like ocean had passed on. The water was moving with renewed vigour….Water flowing freely, powerful and strong  yet with its deeper senses of grace and a recognised presence…Ho! This is blessed life.

On the house keeping front..

1. Advanced Zenthai starts this week (19th March)
2. 5 spaces remaining in Bali retreat….new flyer and info out this week
3. No Acro classes until after Easter..need time to move house and spend quality time doing Ju Jitsu with my two beautiful sons.
4. Thank you to brother Cliff in erecting a new Mt. Ninderry Dunny in my absence…you are a legend

I love you all

Blessings
Gwyn

Acceptance and Trust

Namaste..Yes the title of this newsletter is where i am presently at as I sit and write. Always reminded how our our yoga is so totally immersed in everyday living.

Connectivity, gaze, focus, flow, clarity love, contact, …were all our total immersions for the 2008-2009 Woodford experience. Despite the heat being very challenging at times the absence of rain, the new intro of acro flying, a fantastic new setup and position and a group full of enthusiasm and heart really opened the door for what I feel was a very succesful experience in so many areas. I sincerley thank all who were involved in some way.

The two main messages which I feel were beautifully conveyed is how supportive the family is of each other and the neccessity of full heart presence to allow true healing experiences to evolve. The two zenthai performances/ workshops were well received ..they have both been filmed so let me know if you would like a copy.

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Konichwa beautiful Zenthai Family.

Lisa here, typing on my computer in my little home called Taiyso (meaning Sun House), with the organic farm outside and only sound of rain droplets and the occasional footsteps passing by on their way to the train.
Incredible! as I am actually in the middle of Tokyo, completely grateful to have been offered a little sanctuary.

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