The Song Voice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama

As we near the end of an incredible year at Grail Springs I reflective with many moments of deep gratitude to the Dalai Lama. One of the most significant days that changed my view of life forever came in 1988 when I received a ticket to see His Holiness at the University of Toronto, a moment that put me back on my true path.

The Dalai Lama is bestowed with holding the world vision of 'compassion', his message to us that we all hold the power do the same. Just imagine, if all of humanity woke up with compassion in our hearts and minds tomorrow morning, just this one thing, every child would be fed, wars would end, capitalism, human trafficking and animal exploitation would cease and the list goes on. By end of week, we'd be living in a different world. 

This morning I was inspired to play a cd gifted to me by Chandra, a dear friend who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2006.  It is a rare 30-minute recording of His Holiness singing a healing chant. (This powerful meditation has become a regularly schedule class at Grail Springs.) As I sat here meditating on compassion a gun shot pierced the moment, a stark reminder that deer hunting season has begun and our own family of deer that have graced the grounds and provided so much joy to all of us may no longer be. For a quick moment it was an unsettling reminder of the opposing views of life, BUT this was followed by an even more powerful moment, fuel to my soul and a greater conviction to live a life of service forever. Whatever it takes.

Hear the rare song voice of His Holiness the Dalai Lama singing the 'Heart Healing Chant'

 

Holding the Vision,
Madeleine Marentette 

Grail Ladies: The Lovliest in the Land ~ by Andrea Connell

From June 28th to July 1st I had the extreme pleasure of attending Grail Lady Faire, an annual event presented by Grail Springs  in Bancroft ON. The Faire is organized to feature a variety of keynote speakers and workshop leaders offering grounded, high energy, and empowering presentations for women only! My friend, the incredible Mary Giuffre of FengSHe.org and I were asked to give a talk on Infinite Abundance and we were happy and proud to stand among such a fine lineup of presenters.  The talks were inspiring and informative as well as empowering and transformative for all the participants. But that was only one aspect of Grail Lady Faire!

Emerging Grace & Beauty
From comments I heard over the course of the week it was obvious that women walked away from the seminars altered. They felt motivated to start expressing their own truths more than ever before in all their relationships personal or business. They felt joyfully connected to their natural power as women and as the week went on it became very evident that they were embracing their femininity in more direct ways. Hair and summer gowns and dresses flowed easily, faces beamed with smiles and full bellied laughter and tensions released into the grounds and rippled over the waters of Grail Springs. It was living testament to the inspired vision of owner and our gracious hostess, Madeleine Marentette.

When women gather amazing things can happen…there is nothing like it when women get ‘it’! In the safety of the company of their own kind they reveal themselves; their worries and fears, their hopes and dreams and their glory. They begin to radiate with an intense fire that rises up from deep in their creative bellies. Their hands heat up and easily reach out to support one another in revelation and they hug (and cry) – a lot!  Their capacity for compassion is astounding, and in the space of a few days they renew themselves fully and completely. As they become restored in their immense power they begin to envision a new world that is about peace, love and passion!

Sharing The Bounty
As their heart ‘cups’ fill they dream of ways to share their renewed bounty with friends, family and humanity. It doesn’t take much to inspire women to love. When they are given the space and permission – like we were on the Sacred grounds of Grail Springs – to tap deeply into the wellspring of nurturing creative power always being offered by our beloved Mother Earth, women respond instantly. When we are held in the Great Mother’s arms we feel within our own hearts the resonant beat deep in the earth’s body and come to remember that we are never disconnected or abandoned by her. She is always in communion with us, we need only open our hearts and touch her with consciousness to receive the blessing of her love.

The Grail is intent on treading lightly upon the earth and their luxurious spa business policies revolve around earth sustainability and natural products. When the earth is honoured as deeply as She is at Grail Springs she responds abundantly. The grounds abound with enormous trees and perennial gardens, offering many spaces and opportunities for group and private ritual, ceremony and gathering. Throughout the week women gathered outdoors to exercise, dance, pray and discover themselves through a myriad of ways. By the process of sharing their stories, networking their businesses, and healing their wounded souls they came to restore their innate beauty and force of being! It was exciting to watch and it was my privilege and honour to read cards for some of these women as they quested into their personal potential and purpose. The heartfelt sincerity and soulful authenticity that emerged was spectacular and awe-inspiring.

Transformative Power that Heals
I am still sitting here, at home now, witnessing the continuing expansion in my own energy field and I reflect on the energy patterns I observed during the week. In the beginning, on occasion, I encountered energies of anger, worry and pain that can often cloud an otherwise beautiful aura, I saw the outside worldly patterns of masculine authority being worn protectively as a shield over a softly glowing field, and I felt the energetic probes of doubting, fearful minds reaching out suspiciously looking for safety and trust. But as the week progressed  I watched these same energies of fear, judgment and trepidation melt away and be replaced with an unparalleled harmonious radiance that emanated far out into the heavens. It is this kind of energy transformation that will heal the world. When and only when we each learn to respect and honour the sacred within one another as a pure reflection of Divine Intention will we be fully empowered to create the healing that is needed on a global scale at this time. Women have the ability to lead this movement forward into a new world if they can remember their brave spirits, their boundless energy, their unlimited resourcefulness and their beautiful, beautiful heart filled compassion.

From a Quantum perspective consider this: when introduced to high vibrating healthy vital molecules, slow densely vibrating molecules will always strive to vibrate at the higher frequency to experience health and vitality. It is our most natural state of being to be open, radiant, healthy and strong. As we consciously try to raise our vibration, activate our truest most authentic selves, and believe in our selves as light filled beings we create and manifest the opportunity to heal ourselves, each other, humanity and our earth simply through the magical process of synergistic attunement. And believe me this, the energy at Grail Spring is nothing short of magical and already in sacred alignment for our highest good all we need to do is to step into and receive the abundant power that arises freely when we allow ourselves to be all that we can be!

So hats off to you Grail Ladies! – You all became the loveliest in the land! Now all we have to do is stay that way!! Blessings to you all for all that you shared and a very grateful thank you to Madeleine, Dawna and all the staff of Grail Springs for the wonderful opportunity you provided us all with! A special thank you to Jordyn for your gifted hands and the unbelievably luxurious Seaweed Scrub! It was a glorious experience that will stick with me for a long, long time!

SAVE THE DATE for 2012: June 25-29! Buy your ticket at www.grailladyfaire.com

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The Inside Scoop: Interview with Madeleine Marentette (Part One)

The Inside Scoop: Interview with Madeleine Marentette (Part One): "Madeleine Marentette Founder Grail Srings & Grail Lady Faire “SITTING ON THE FENCE!” When I heard about The Grail Lady Faire , I wondere..."

Grail Lady Faire: The Power of ‘Right Thought in Action’

"The World will be saved by the Western Woman."
~ The Dalai Lama, 2009 World Peace Conference, Vancouver, Canada

Canada’s 5-day Summer Festival for Women who care about their Planet: June 27 to July 1

A paradigm ‘shift’ is not on its way. It’s here. And if you are a ‘sensitive’, you’ve been very aware of this cosmically aligned upheaval, trying with all your mightiness to hang to the edge with what’s left of your fingernails, seeking some semblance of familiarity, calm and hope that everything is going to be alright. “It’s all good” seems to be the positive affirmation of the day and delivered with a smile! 

It has been a decade since the original vision for what is now Canada’s annual 5-day summer festival for women who care about their planet; new-thought leaders, green vendors, eco-entrepreneurs, spiritual guides and conscious mothers raising conscious children. You know when something is so right when it delivers successfully with ease and grace, and that is exactly what happened at the launch of last year’s The Grail Lady Faire. For days, weeks and months following the inaugural faire, we fielded dozens of emails from attendees and presenters alike with a common message; whatever they were asking to birth, whatever they projected out to the Universe, whatever finances they required or a business partner they were searching for, showed up.

There is a great mystery to be understood by all with respect to manifestation, especially elevated by the mighty power of a group gathering where affinity is present in ceremony. Only a few days ago I returned from what is now becoming a yearly group trek to Machu Picchu, where I clearly recognized the undeniable signs of Mother Nature responding to ‘focused mind’ and focused intent and invocation.

As exciting preparations are now underway for the opening ceremonies beginning on June 27^th, I invoke that this will be another magical, inspirational, evocative, and important event for all, a pivotal point for great change and transformation both personally and for the planet. One thing I know for sure, every woman counts in this movement towards change. WE are riding that tide. Like walking a tightrope, keeping your eyes focused on the next step, knowing the end is in sight and staying calm. These are the keys to a successful outcome. And I know, women are really good at being focused when they want to be.

I share the Dalai Lama’s view; it is women who will decide our outcome. It is up to women to empower themselves with their innate female gifts that were for so long suppressed, hidden and systematically written out of history, to dig deep within themselves and rediscover their passions, convictions and take decisive leadership roles as guardians of our planet.

If you too have heard the call, then please join with us on June 27th to July 1^st as we continue to co-create together a new world of peace, truth and freedom for all.

Grail Lady Faire www.grailladyfaire.com
Grail Springs Health Spa & Wellness Retreat, 2004 Bay Lake Rd, Bancroft, Ontario
When: June 27th to July 1st
Call for tickets: 877-553-5772 or purchase online www.grailladyfaire.com

"The SUPRA 'Law of Attraction' and its two missing Sister Laws they didn't tell you about!"

In order for us to successfully create, hold and manifest our life visions, our inner life has to become stronger and more real to us than our outer life. Our outer life is the mirrored manifestation of our inner world and it shows itself in three distinct ways:

1)    Association: the people in our life
2)    Form: our body, clothes, home, workplace, car, environment
3)    Realizations: our view of life, beliefs, practices

On our next live call we will journey through an exercise in self-discovery, journaling your findings on these three outward appearances in your life. They can hold a lot of information about you, your power to manifest using the law of attraction whether you are conscious of it or not, and what exactly is it that you are creating for yourself.

And then perhaps you will want to change it!...:o)

I will also be sharing with you the other two lost sister laws to the Law of Attraction, completing a very important Trinity. ‘The Secret’, the movie, opened the door… On June 1st I will take you deeper into the vault and share an ancient pearl of wisdom that only a few sages have ever explored or understood. I will explain a universal principle, a formula that will brings the true magic into your life. Consistency, certainty and creativity is abound, once it is understood and applied.

Grail Springs Global Village Membership: Join me for my next LIVE new moon call on June 1st at 12noon EST.  This important call is part of the new Grail Springs Village online membership if you have not already heard. We are taking our retreats to the next level, creating a series of tele-calls to support our community. Trip through an entire year of what it is like to live healthy, happy and wise as a conscious soul.

On this next call we will revisit the most important Law of all the Universe: The Supra-Law of Attraction.

How Sexy are Your Chakras?

Let's face it, healthy, is sexy! There is nothing sexier in my mind than a man who takes good care of his body, who meditates, does yoga, is kind, and doesn't eat animals! The bio-energy field that surrounds every living thing, from a planet, human being, animal, tree, leaf to a cell is a read of our 'vital life force' energy. Essentially, it is a read of how alive or dead we are! Today science can read this frequency as it appears by way of a light and colour spectrum resulting from bio-feedback or bio-pulsar measurements. Here are the seven Major Chakra Centres and their corresponding Colour, Glands and Organs.

7th Crown: White~Pineal~All Organs
6th Third Eye: Indigo~Pituitary~Brain
5th Throat: Turquoise~Thyroid~Larynx
4th Heart: Green~Thymus~Spleen (organ of vitality)
3rd Solar Plexus: Yellow~Pancreas~Stomach
2nd Sacral: Orange~Adrenal~Sex
1st Base: Red~Gonads~Kidney

What you can do to create sexy energy health!
* take 5 mins daily to breathe, rest and relax; restore calm in heart and mind
* learn a new meditation
* take up yoga or Pilates
* run or do some type of cardio 10 mins per day
* start your day with the 6-min Grail World Mantra
* book yourself at least one energy therapy per month; chakra balancing, Reiki, Cranio-sacral therapy
* eat live wholesome food; as much organic locally grown vegetables as possible
* take a Himalayan salt bath once a week
* commit to finding your resolve each and every day

What Seeds of Changing Are You Planting This Spring? - by Kari Henley, Huffington Post

The first day of spring is Monday. From my little corner of the world on the East Coast, it has been the longest winter on record. Just hearing the birds chirp again was startling, and the sight of grass was a shock to the eyes. Not only has the winter been unending, but the relentless pound of natural disasters, economic woes and endless bad news leaves a deep longing for the promise of spring at every level. The seeds of change are sprouting everywhere we look.

Historically, March 21 is known as the vernal equinox -- an equal balance of light and dark. It is a nice time to get quiet, go out in nature, plant seeds and embrace the new changes to come. It is also a full moon- neither waxing or waning, but suspended brightness. Spring is a time of quickening, and our energy, plans and mood all elevate with the lengthening of the sunny days. Instead of just letting the equinox pass by, how about using it to conduct an internal once-over? What changes need to be made in your life? In order to make them happen, do you need a little inner spring cleaning?

Take advantage of this time to take stock of what is soggy, melting and slipping away in your life to make room for fresh shoots. What old beliefs or cumbersome habits are you ready to shed? What layers of consciousness need to be swept away to prepare for something new? While it may be tempting to leave the old behind and jump feet first, remember that the equinox is about balance. Simply chucking everything out the proverbial window is not what we are talking about here.

Spring is a time of transition and new growth, and the old wet leaves provide lovely protection while we are trying on a new pattern, or gaining confidence with a new project. Nothing in nature is instant, yet we are often so impatient with change, and want to run from one thing -- relationship, job, focus -- to another, without taking time for balance, rest and reflection.

"Whenever we are faced with a time of change in our life, we often forget how important it is to pause, be silent and alone for a while, or even to take a retreat to truly prepare ourselves for what is coming next," said Madeleine Marentette, founder of Grail Springs Spa and Retreat Center -- a place many go to spend a week doing just that. "Making space for an internal change in life is sacred time and deserves to be given undivided attention."

When a seed sprouts, there is enormous work done underground before it ever breaks through the hard, cold surface. Is change scary? Of course. That inner voice is ready to burst through, but has to open underground, and then with strength, fortitude and an unrelenting push upward eventually burst through with the triumphant colors of the first purple croucus. Often we negate the power of a transition in our life simply because we are afraid of that darkness, or of risk it takes to burst into the new.
People are hungry for change at a very deep level. Look at the transformation in the Middle East as a clear reflection of our collective consciousness. The old ways are going, and fast. Superficial change is not going to cut it anymore. We want to dig down to the "destiny" level of life and live from that place full time. We want to build bridges between the old and the new and spring forward into a new level of global community. Our society cannot afford to continue in the same mindset we have become so comfortable. The tragedy in Japan is a fresh reminder, after the floods in Pakistan and the oil spill in the Gulf that our world needs a fresh spring cleaning if we are to survive.

I have had the amazing privilege of interviewing 100 amazing women during the month of March for the 100 Women of Destiny TeleRetreat. These experts are from all walks of life, including business, fashion, entertainment, authors and activism. Guess what they all had in common? They took advantage of change or transition; they listened to the little voice inside and went for it. They had planted the seeds of their passions, and soon the garden took over.

Tzeborah Berman is an executive at Greenpeace International in Amsterdam. She told me her own story of taking risk and following the voice of change. As a young woman, she saw the deforestation of her native British Columbia and helped organize the largest protest ever- with 10,000 people. She was arrested for her efforts. After lawyers argued and won her case, she went to work for Greenpeace and after ten years, has helped to save over six million acres of trees worldwide. She is now an expert in climate change.

"The world is living the tipping point right now," she said. "The times require us to engage."

On this vernal equinox and full moon, let us all take a moment to pray for those suffering in Japan. For the fifty workers who are giving their lives at the nuclear power plants to protect us, who will not survive the radiation exposure. Let us contemplate what we can cultivate inside ourselves to rise to the precarious situation that lies ahead. If all of us listen to the voice of change and have courage to grow, who knows what can happen? We need strong advocates to feed hungry children, fight for sustainable energy and build bridges to neighboring nations bursting forth wtih the clarion call of freedom. What seeds of change are you planting this spring eve? Tell me your stories below.

 

Follow Kari Henley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/karihenley

Machu Picchu: The Power of a Journey to a Sacred Site

To paraphrase a Tibetan saying: “One day in a sacred site is like a thousand days of meditation.”

I couldn't agree more. A sacred site is an earthly location where energy radiates at a higher frequency. There is a power found in sacred places not found anywhere else.  Ancient civilizations had a profound relationship with Mother Earth, sensitive to these power points of energy called ley lines.  Ley lines are the spiritual life force inside the planet just like meridians inside the human body.  The ancient sacred sites are often built on these ley lines and in the reflection/formation of star systems.

This all became very apparent to me while visiting Machu Picchu what will be two years ago this May. There is an exchange of energy between the visitor and the essence of a presence of the site. Even the most unmovable human being are moved by what they feel here.They say sacred sites gain strength from each visitor.  I believe this is true because of what I have seen and felt at Grail Springs retreat.

Because of the increased energy levels at these sacred sites, it is wonderful if you can experience them with a group of like-minded people, led by an experienced guide who can relate to the energies and who will best be able to assist you in adjusting to these frequencies. For me, that was Vera Lopez. Two years ago she asked me to assist her along with 31 other women for a very special Mother's Day gathering at the top of Machu Picchu. It left me breathless and in awe of nature's beauty!

When you visit a sacred site such as Machu Picchu, Avalon's Glastonbury or Grail Springs, clarity of Spirit becomes yours. You can hear your higher voice, your wisdom talking. 
It can activate an internal healing, rejuvenate mind, body and soul and bring new revelation upon new revelation

On returning home from this sacred site journey, I was forever changed.  I am more in tune with Mother Earth then ever before.  I've felt vibrant peace and joy at the very center of my Being since. It has forever altered my perception of life and the lives of all those with whom I have traveled. …and they, in turn, have altered their communities and the world.

Thank you Vera Lopez for this once-in-a-lifetime journey of the Spirit.

If you have always heard the calling of Machu Picchu to you, I'd like to invite you to join Vera Lopez and myself May 12-24 as we embark once again through the portal of Machu Picchu. For more information please visit  http://www.grailsprings.com/MachuPicchu

Find out more about this journey in a Introductory Conference Call this April 3rd at 1pm EST with Madeleine Marentette and Vera Lopez.
http://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/PBC12QQCJD5A8O11
 
Vera Lopez, a native of Brazil, has studied many spiritual practices for over 35 years, including a variety of healing practices, shamanism, metaphysics and universal laws.  Since founding Spirits of the Earth in 1989, she has been able to assist hundreds of people connect to their inner selves while guiding groups to sacred sites.  She has an extensive knowledge of the sacred sites of Peru and the Andean Culture.
http://www.spiritsoftheearth.com/Adventures_For_The_Soul/Welcome.html

Super Manifesting Your Life Using Celtic Solar Astrology - begin today Dec 21st, full moon Winter Solstice!

Part 1 ~ Winter Solstice

The first full moon in December signifies the beginning of the Winter Solsticewhereby thousands of people around the world begin a conscious process of inner self-reflection while also focusing on their vision for the upcoming year. For many, this process runs from the full moon before the Solstice (December 22nd ) until New Year's Day.

For the ancient Celtics it marked the rebirth of the sun, symbolically moving away from dark and into the light. The Winter Solstice was one of the most important celebrations, a practice going back thousands of years, not only with the Celtics but the Nordics, the Mayans, the Egyptians and many other ancient cultures.  The reverence for solar power took root in organized agriculture, significant to community survival, as well as spiritual rebirth.

Solar astrology is the science of relationships between all living things within the universe. Using this system has proven to be a powerful process in manifesting my own dreams and goals and recognizing my personal responsibility and relationship to the planet. We are significantly influenced by that which is present around us; weather, other people, world events, solar and planetary influences. How aware we are of these influences gives us a better understanding on how to transform these influences into positive experiences in our life.

From December 22^nd to March 21^st, is when the mind is most potent and fertile for creative thinking as we are burning less energy physically. There are more opportune times to use mental energy and more opportune times to use physically energy (March 21^st to June 21^st).

From the full moon in December right through to New Year’s Eve, spend time reflecting on what goals you wish to see actualized for the upcoming year.  I happen to have twelve ‘baskets’, areas of life that I am specifically setting goals for this coming year.

A helpful tip...When considering your aspirations for the New Year, make sure you include aspirations for all of you... career, body, mind AND soul. Don't forget about your spiritual needs…and playtime which is often forgotten about. If you are spiritually content and connected, the physical, the career, your relationships, they will get the boost they need and everything will start working in alignment:


health
relationships

·         spiritual growth

·         education

·         financial

·         career

·         philanthropy

·         travel

·         community

·         play

·         hobby

·         planet

After applying this process steadily for almost six years now I am beyond convinced that setting goals ignites the process of manifestation and also attracts opportunities towards me. Of course you have to align yourself with making it happen ~ in other words, you have to create the plan of action and then get to work.

7 Simple STEPS to get started with super manifesting your life:

• STEP 1: Purchase a journal and be sure this journal is only used for the purposes of manifesting your dreams and goals. Make it small enough that you can travel around with it, put in your purse, car or briefcase.

• STEP 2: Ask yourself…. Did I accomplish what I set out to do this past year? And how well did I do it? What didn’t I accomplish and why not? Take a good accounting of the year’s harvest.

 • STEP 3: What did I learn spiritually this past year? This is so important to understand. And what do I have to be grateful for? These answers are full of little pearls of wisdom ~ if you don’t ask or recognize, you’ll miss acknowledging the greatness of what has already happened as a result of your visioning. Gratitude and knowledge are both KEYS to your evolution and desired future.

• STEP 4: Next ~ look towards the New Year. What’s your passion? Get clear about what you want. More than likely ideas have already been brewing in your mind. When you ask a direct question, just wait. You’ll get pretty specific answers and when it feels right, go with it. Tip ~ the response you get always match your level of passion.

• STEP 5: Make New Year's Eve a special night. At some point go sit somewhere, light some candles and get quiet. Collect your thoughts. Make your commitment to YOU. Say it out loud. Read your list of goals that you desire to accomplish. And when you are done, be done. Then go have a great time and celebrate with friends and family. Celebrate the passing of the old, and the welcoming of the new.

• STEP 6: Right after January 1st, begin to align yourself with your goals and dreams. In other words ~ what’s the plan? What do you require to start the process? Write it down. By the time the Spring Equinox - March 21^st rolls around you need to be ready to roll up the sleeves and get to work. I call this 'Launch Day' or seed planting day.

 • STEP 7: Take few minutes at the beginning of each and every day to review your goals, vision your goals, and ask what needs to be done next to see it through. It will bring forth new ideas to act upon. Get everything lined up that needs to be lined up. Call the people that need to be called to give you support. Figure out the budget needed. Put everything in place that needs to be in place to ensure success.

And then get ready for ‘Launch Day’ and then get ready to see your dreams and visions come true...!!!

~ excerpt from my bestselling book 'Grail Springs Holistic Detox: For Body, Mind & Spirit'...available at www.Amazon.com

Oracles of Sacred Animals

We are 'surviving life', not 'living life'. Indigenous peoples from all corners of the world have predicted this moment for thousands of years. Stripping, manipulating and destroying our planets resources; oil, clean water, soil, animals, and each other, have left us in a state of illness and uncertainty.

Modern man has become lost souls in the frenzy of gathering his riches via industrialization and capitalism created by himself for himself after the second world war. When man finally lets go of believing that he is superior to all things, and reconnects with the knowledge that we are One, humanity will experience the indescribable bliss of living in community with nature ~ which is lived and revered here daily at Grail Springs.

We have a forgotten heritage of looking to the elements of nature for answers, guidance and messages. Animals are our ally's. Not a resource. They are our teachers and healers. This sacred relationship has almost evaporated from man's consciousness. Thankfully there is a minority of soulful humans who are holding on to the tradition with all their mightiness, giving hope for its glorious restoration one day. Rooted in the arcane schools of thought, is a fundamental understanding that humans ARE nature, and that the animal kingdom, along with the mineral, plant, human, and soul kingdom, are intrinsic to each other.  The five kingdoms are united as One.

Of late I have been reawakened to study these sacred relationships, animal oracles and totems. I am in the humble midst of intense new understandings and re-connections.

Last week, with eyes wide open I gazed into the eyes of the Hawk messenger.  In Druid tradition he is known as Seabhac, and he represents the magician Merlin. Seabhac brings with him the ability for one to see their life in perspective, to free you from unnecessary baggage and to connect one with their ancestral roots of chivalry, healing, and specifically, the Quest for the Holy Grail. It was a fine day.

Once you know where you come from, you can know where you are meant to go. Perhaps you reading this post today will be a reawakening, to reacquaint yourself with that sacred relationship we are gifted to have with the animal kingdom, assisting human evolution through self-realization and unconditional love, the greatest riches of all the Kingdom...

For Nicolya.
In loving memory of Kaunuk - a true and noble King.

David Wolfe Shine's the Light on the Best Day Ever!

Walking home across the grass meadow from Grail Springs will never be the same again. Rather than having my head up in the clouds I’ll be focused on the ground foraging for my lunch! Thanks to live food guru David Wolfe who delivered a revelatory presentation to a packed house in the Great Hall this past Friday, we were inspired to get back to raw nature and the gifts she delivers to us.  

Just yesterday, I picked a handful of some remaining wild red clover, munched them down with a funny curiosity.  These are supposed to be good for hot flashes.  They were a little dry but had a surprising sweetness in more ways than one. There was something very satisfying, joyful and hugely profound in this simple act.

It is no coincidence that David arrived here this past week after first discovering and meeting him exactly seven years ago at a health show in Toronto. Grail Springs has been activating the next step in its evolutionary life; sustainable permaculture.

Wikipedia definition of ‘Permaculture’: An approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that mimic the relationships found in natural ecologies.

With the help of a team of permaculture consultants from New York, and a sustainability expert from Connecticut who spent a few days here last week analyzing the property and delivering a plan, we are committed to getting Grail Springs off the grid as much as possible over the next few years. This event along with the discovery of the Anastasia book series ‘The Ringing Cedars’ last month and then David’s visit made it clear, there is a divine plan at hand here.  And we are listening.

Simply said, creating a 'Heaven on Earth' at Grail Springs has always been the vision and goal. Every decision is made from this awareness. Starting from the inside out, we've successfully delivered transformational programs to thousands of individuals over seventeen years based on a tried and true holistic model; that all things are connected; body, mind, heart and Spirit. And the Mother Earth. There is a definitive truth that I know for sure... "What is good for us, is good for the planet. And what is good for the planet is good for us." No two ways about it. My hope is that Grail Springs becomes a working model for others to follow suit.

I am dancing in this new light of awakening, inspiration and action. I am grateful for the team that has gathered and is committed to the big picture vision both for Grail Springs and abroad. I'm reveling in the energy of excitement for what is possible. And right now, in this moment I am truly feeling this is 'The Best Day Ever' (aka David Wolfe website www.thebestdayever.com).

And together we create 'The Best Planet Ever'!

Anastasia: A True Living Avatar

I barely have time to write these days let alone find the necessary time it takes to read a book cover to cover. But each time I have had that privilege it was because of a compelling urge within, and as it turns out, those books have each had a monumental impact on my life. What I know now... listen to those compelling impulses and messages from the Universe. There is a very good reason why they are being transmitted to you.

The book 'Anastasia' by Vladamir Megre (one in a series of eight) is no exception, three individuals insisting within weeks of each other that I must read this book. So when the opportunity arose last week to choose reading material for a cross-country flight to British Columbia, I chose Anastasia. And I am forever grateful and forever changed once again because of the written word.

I now understand why my friends were so insistent and also why they had so much trouble describing the book to me. Ironically, I really had no clue as to what the book was about, yet I was compelled to read it.

Before I got to the part where she reveals to Megre, a seemingly innocent bystander who became her scribe, that she had deposited something of a magical secret code into the book, and that any who would read it would experience and gain a shift in consciousness, I was without a doubt experiencing that shift.  I knew that something quite extraordinary, somewhat indescribable, but also familiar, was happening to me.  It was other-worldly, magical and fantastical. And I was so glad for it. I'm still wafting in that energy and don't ever wish to get off this holy cloud.

When I caught up with my son Michael at my mother's ocean-side home on mystical Bowen Island cocooned in heavy mist, crashing waves and ancient cedars (which have more meaning to me now then ever before), I read to him each night and we both realized something wonderful; there is an ancient esoteric story that I have known about for over twenty years; that there walks upon the earth, seven living individuals called ‘Avatars’. Each representing and possessing a special ‘Ray’ or gift.  We believe Anastasia is one of these true living Avatars, one who works in full communion with Nature and it's Laws. I have known of no others until now. 

Anastasia, her presence in my life and in humanities life today is timely. I personally was asking to go to the next level of awareness, something new to fill my cup as I have felt somewhat depleted after an intense year of activity. Though I do not know her personally, I felt transported into her presence, and doing so, I embodied what I know is the purity of Spirit in the human form, and a power that exists for us to work in direct communion with the elements of nature. She made me feel and she made me realize that I have much more to explore and reveal within myself and my surroundings, and that though I've touched on this purity of Spirit on occasion, and have a fine respect and relationship with Mother Nature, I have just barely made the first turn on my journey. I am so glad to have been given this new compass. I intend to follow her with open heart and open mind into the next seven books in the series, entitled 'The Ringing Cedars'.

I hope YOU are receiving this transmission...:o)

Me to We ~ It's a Matter of Perspective

If you have young, bored teenagers in your household and they haven't heard about the 'Me to We' movement founded by two young Canadians Marc and Craig Kielburger, I'd highly recommend that you sit down together and check out the website www.metowe.com. If your kids are inspired by this call to action directed towards young people, trust me, they'll never need to complain about being bored again.

Me to We was inspired over ten years ago according to Fred Kielburger, the boys father who I met this past September 30th when kindly invited by a visiting Grail guest to sit in the Kielburger family box at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. It was worth every minute of the five hour return trip. To hear and feel the energy of the collective roar of 20,000 teenagers shouting the cries of 'Freedom!' for every child around the world who suffers poverty, abuse, slavery or war, even now just gives me goosebumps. Opening with Deepak Chopra and followed by a continued line up of inspirational musicians, philanthropists and survivors of war and destruction delivering incredible stories of triumph over tribulation, made me walk away with certainty that there is an undeniable tidal wave of positive change happening around the world, even in the most darkest places.

The movement 'Me to We', is exactly that. It is a movement that takes us from the ideas of separation to that of union. From competition, to collaboration. It is a mind-set. I'll be honest, there was a day when I was of the separate, competitive mind-set and it was not a fun road to travel. Then exactly three years ago someone handed me a book called 'Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World'. And another light switch turned on at just the right time in my life.

From that day forward I consciously began to reach out to other entrepreneurs and actionists in the spirit of true collaboration and cooperation. And wow did life take off, climbing upwards and onwards into the stratosphere of open possibilities. Life just got fun, and better, and still gets better in every way both personally, spiritually and in business.  Perception IS everything. Moving from the 'me' to the 'we' perspective will reveal your true life destiny.

As I sat in what was the best seat in the house, no sooner had I arrived and introduced myself, I was immediately collaborating and talking possibilities with a most intriguing young doctor who started a medical clinic in the mountains of Tibet. As it happens, he is also a huge advocate of meditation and integrated medicine. Now how can it get any better than that? Stay tuned! And get yourself into the WE stratosphere!

Our Story: Herstory and History

~ by MARY McGILLIS, Courtesy of FengSHe.org

History became legend and legend became myth. There was a time of legend when King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table lived on our planet. Myth? When something so resonates with you that the truth of it is felt in your bones, that your hair bristles on your arms and you tingle, you must pay homage to this knowing.

Fact? Whether myth, legend or fact, this planet is a planet of storytellers and our purpose here is to create our story. Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon tells the story of King Arthur from the perspective of the women and showcases the transition of the very different worldviews when they collided over 1000 years ago.

In her acknowledgments, she speaks of the complexity of the sources for her work: she virtually memorized the Sidney Lanier edition of the Tales of King Arthur by ten years old and skipped school at fifteen to hide in the library of the Department of Education in Albany, New York, to read a ten-volume edition of James Frazer's The Golden Bough and a fifteen-volume set of books on comparative religions, including an enormous volume on the Druids and Celtic religions. Her reading list before she was 16 ~ whew!

Zimmer Bradley's Merlin, recognized that it is the belief of mankind which shapes the world and of all reality. He explained that his time was a powerful pivot in time, a moment to change the world. Merlin saw the change begin with the arrival of the followers of Christ: "...the views they hold are altering this world; not only in spirit, but on the material plane. As they deny the world of spirit, and the realms of Avalon, so those realms cease to exist for them. They still exist, of course; but not in the same world with the world of the followers of Christ. Avalon, the Holy Isle, is now no longer the same island as the Glastonbury where we of the Old Faith once allowed the monks to build their chapel and their monastery." As her story goes, she sees "the world once again come together, a world with room for the Goddess and for the Christ, with a leader to make us one. " A world of balance? The double scales even? The sly grin of some, the knowing grin of another ~ each soul adding weight to one side of the scale or t'other or both. The plot thickens in all of our stories.

Fast forward to 2010 and visit a new Lady of Avalon, Madeleine Marentette, holding sacred space in Canada at her retreat, Grail Springs. Read her story in the best selling Grail Springs: Holistic Detox for Body, Mind & Spirit

The day before her fabulous 7-day first annual Grail Lady Faire , Madeleine hosted a Pachamama Alliance's Awaken the Dreamer symposium. On a rainy morning beside the pristine, spring-fed Chalice Lake at Grail Springs she invited over 100 people to be seated and quieten themselves. Under a canopied tent, the Goddess-like Marentette announced her first guest speaker would be joining on the screen monitor behind her, his first ever attempt at Skype. Right on cue, Neale Donald Walsch, author of the Conversations with God series, greeted the delighted room.

In 15 minutes, Walsch summed up his take on the God conversations: when God first asked him to write a book and call it Conversations with God, he thought "ya, right", but knew he had to do it. After 27 books, he understood what God was saying: "You've got it all wrong". Walsch noted that he has already sold 7 million copies of his one book The New Revelations , so he wasn't trying to sell any, but highly recommends that everyone read it, as God offers possible and powerful answers to the questions facing the world. Walsch understands that it is okay to give money to third world countries to help them in their terrible plights; it is okay to open a homeless shelter in a big city; it is okay to try to help anyone and everyone, but in the long run, this aid will not make a difference. Neale Donald Walsch said that the only way we are going to evolve to a peaceful, happy race is to change our worldview. We must look to the indigenous populations around the world to understand why. Humans are connected with the animals, the oceans and the earth. What we do to the animals affects us. What we do to the environment affects us all. We are all interconnected and dependent upon each other. Humans must keep in balance with the planet.

Moving out of the despair felt by Merlin, into the concern understood by Walsch and finally we are all beginning to feel the sheer excitement of Grail Springs, where there is an understanding that the balance is shifting to a kinder world in which each individual is aware of their impact on the worldview. Go forth and Be (man/woman) Kind!

Heaven's Kitchen Reports: Top Chefs, Hotels and Restaurants Go 'Meatless'!

Halleluiah.

World renown chefs, hotels and restaurants are joining the meatless movement by offering vegetarian and vegan dishes in their establishments. This is welcoming news for the health and wellbeing of people, animals and planet.

Casino owner Steve Wynn announced that he has made vegan options mandatory at all of his Los Vegas properties which predictably will have a domino effect all the way down the Vegas strip. His vegan menus are not your typical 'salad greens with bottled dressing', but a substantial and sophisticated choice menu for any foodie.

I was also over-the-top delighted to hear that Iron Chef Mario Batali has joined "Meatless Mondays" campaign, offering vegetarian dishes in all of his restaurants from Los Angeles, Las Vegas to New York. His logic, "to reduce meat consumption in order to improve personal health and the health of our planet."

Tal Ronnan, aka 'The Conscious Cook' who created Oprah Winfrey's vegan based 21-day cleanse, was invited to train upcoming chefs in vegan cooking at the famous French culinary school Le Cordon Bleu in St. Louis. Now that's a shift!

And there are so many other chefs, too many to mention, who are making the shift from carnivore to vegetarian to vegan. Once a chef has seen the shocking videos of what animals endure at factory farms and slaughter houses they rethink their role and impact. It is hard to turn a blind eye from the devastating impact animal factory farming has on climate change unless you are completely void of conscience. 'Old school' is quickly becoming 'extinct'. which is exactly what needs to happen before we do.

Hell's Kitchen Gordon Ramsey take note...Heaven's Kitchen is heating up!

A Call To Conscious Evolution: Our Moment of Choice

On August 31st my son Michael and I attended 'A Call To Conscious Evolution: Our Moment of Choice', an event hosted by the Evolutionary Leadership Council at the UCLA Campus. Founding members include the likes of the intoxicating Rev. Michael Beckwith of Agape Spiritual Center who did not disappoint, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, Jean Houston, Dr. Bruce Lipton, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Ashok Gangadean, Lynne Twist, Lynne McTaggart and Gregg Bradden just to name a few. You can imagine what a powerful energetic vortex of creative mind stuff that was generated under the roof of Royce Hall.

"So what exactly is an Evolutionary Leader?" some have asked.

An evolutionary leader is a person in tune with the divine impulse, listening very closely to the collective conversation rising up on the present state of humanity and our world. It is those who act on the impulse coming from the supra-intelligent universe; the pressing need for solutions for environmental sustainability now and social justice for all sentient beings; people and animals alike.

An evolutionary leader is someone who has observed and studied the path of evolution and can identify the process and patterns that have emerged in the past and has a fairly good concept as to what's coming next using both logic and intuition. There are millions tapping in to this collective impulse as a time of choice, thought and conversation and this group is growing exponentially every single day. Perhaps you are one of them.

This recognition of the present imminent reality has led to an influx of potent creative thinking including a shift from the business-as-usual model of 'competition' to that of  'collaboration' (governments and politicians take note). This shift is a monumental leap in human evolution, and a prerequisite for success in rebuilding the vision for a new sustainable, peaceful world.

While the grassroots movement is making major strides, what is required next and quickly is a major shift in big government and world banking arena. Big investment needs to up the ante and  quickly move dollars into the hands of the problem solvers and creative thinkers who have come up with ingenious and sustainable solutions to save our planet. The solutions are there. And the money exists.

For the first time in history we are on mass, conscious of consciousness itself and as we move from the fourth kingdom known as the human kingdom, into the fifth kingdom known as the soul kingdom we will begin to discover a new and bountiful resource for creativity and group cooperation. For the first time in history we can precipitate our future and consciously create and manifest the sustainable and peaceful world we want with a fairly accurate, calculated outcome. I hope it is indeed the next chapter in the story of human evolution.

What I took away from the event on a personal level was a deep satisfaction knowing that the flames of this movement are catching fire. People do care, they are making major life commitments. As I stood on the impressive open air veranda at the post reception with my good and most elegant friend Professor Ashok Gangadean, a founding member of ELC, both of us taking in the palpable buzz of energy and feelings of hope for humanity, a brilliant shooting star arced over a perfect end-of-summer twilit sky. It was an auspicious sign, like a telegraph from the supra-intelligent universe..."MESSAGE RECEIVED...CARRY ON".

Michael Marentette, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and myself Madeleine Marentette

If you'd like more information or would like to join forces with the 'Evolutionary Leaders', visit the website. They also offer a down loadable 'Evolutionary Leadership Tool Kit'

Reflections of Summer

A glorious tangerine full moon dances over Chalice Lake this misty morn offering a gentle reminder that playful Summer is beginning to yawn while fiery Autumn is beginning to stretch and stir. It causes me to reflect on the passing of the last few months filled with profound experiences, new relationships, revelations and realizations, perhaps one of the most gifted summers I’ve lived in a while.

On June 26th Grail Springs hosted the Pachamama Alliance and the ‘Awaken the Dreamer’ Symposium, attended by travelers from as far away as Finland, Australia, India and the UK. Transformational leaders shared their ‘dream’, and how that dream has come to fruition in their work today focusing on three fields of service:

•    Environmental Sustainability
•    Social Justice
•    Spiritual Freedom

We heard from the likes of Swami Pragyapad from the Art of Living Foundation, Barbara Marx Hubbard, founder of Conscious Evolution Foundation and Neale Donald Walsch, New York Times’ Best Seller for ‘Conversations with God’ series. The day was palpable, the revelations and inspirations many.

The following day we launched the Grail Lady Faire, Canada’s first 7-day festival for women empowering women. As I sit here trying to find the words to describe what happened during that week, I am finding myself grinning and feeling a bit mischievous, like I have a big secret. Canadian singer and songwriter Pamela Gerrand described it as being in a portal. Founder of the Red Tent Temple Movement Alisa Starkweather referred to it as being deep inside a protective container. Spiritual guide Vera Lopez described as being in the chalice itself.  The energy created and held by these pillars of the divine feminine; powerful, conscious women of service, was unlike anything I have ever witnessed. There was an undeniable Presence responding to our intention and most of the 200 women who visited over the seven days, also felt they had passed through an invisible veil. Welcome to Avalon…:o)

With over 21 presenters delivering over the next seven days, we were filled with reverent ceremony, spontaneous outbreaks of music, drumming and song, powerful invocation, provocative speeches and practical workshops. Women gave their all. I was gleefully taken aback by the important work that is being developed and delivered by women around the world. We are an unstoppable force. And unlike most gatherings I have been to in the past, there was a new and beautiful balance of both essences of Love and Wisdom, the key to women's next step upon their evolutionary path.

I thank those who gave their all, and to those who attended and brought their open hearts, their joy and their wisdom. I relish in my new found friendships. And as the full moon of August disappears behind the tree line, I already count down the number of full moons left until the next Grail Lady Faire. (9)    
Save the Date: June 27 to July 4, 2011!

Grail Lady Faire Inspired ~ by Lee Maidlow

Grail Lady Faire INSPIRED ~ by LEE MAIDLOW: Into the belly of the labyrinth we walked, hand in hand opening our heart of hearts. Rains fell in cleansing form. The winds of change blew in. Alternating sun and cloud moved in synchronized fashion with laughter, tears, and celebration as the Earth drew out the authenticity of each woman present. We heard the call and embraced the magic of each moment.

Incredible speakers, amazing workshops and the divine feminine energies wove a web of connectivity. Layer upon layer melted away. Outmoded facades dropped, effortlessly as we embraced the warmth of real, each in ways intimate and unique.

The Grail Lady Faire 2010 was indeed transformational. Some women graced the Faire with their presence for the full 8 days. Others came to the Canadian Shield, from near and far, for the lingering flash of their presence to be felt by the very ground that called them to hold space.

We reached the belly of the labyrinth, in our own way, shape, form, space and time. Standing naked to the power that we are, we breathed as one. The 'Call to Action' drew us out as our transformational experience led. Cleansed, nourished, activated and encircled in sea star hood, with intuited knowing we co creatively balanced as one. In ways so magically intertwined the effect of the 'Empowered Women's Woodstock' on each participant and beyond will be felt in ways expansive and all inclusive for quite some time.

Until next years Grail Lady Faire set for June 27 to July 4, 2011 the interplay will grow, as it is divinely woven. Dreamers shall stage connectivity, for we rose to the occasion. We heard the call of the Eagle and the Condor and the mysteries of these transformative times ring from each cell in each part of the body of earth where nothing but love will remain. I for one most certainly appreciate with smiles and giggles the syncro eventualities the heart field coordinated, with blessings by FengSHe.org, Madeleine Marentette and the Grail Team for my presence at the Faire.

Three cheers to humanities sovereignty. May we listen, share and act with and for earth and prepare for further balancing as more light infiltrates our corner of the universe.

Again in 2011 we will walk into the labyrinth in Central Ontario Canada and listen!

Canada's 1st Ever Summer Festival for Women Who Care About the Planet! Only 5 days away...

Millions of women today are experiencing a welling up inside; a profound sense of urgency to act, to be of service to planet, children, our elders, animals, environment, and to each other. Whether it is a vision to build a green company, produce a green product, deliver a message, a program, or a project, it is this inflow of a divine spiritual impulse that has us journey forward into uncharted territory, compelling us to find creative ways to restore environmental sustainability, social justice and spiritual fulfillment for our World.

Grail Spring's Transformation Retreat Center in Canada is pleased to present the World's first ever women's 7-day summer festival, where we open our hearts, mind and Spirit to the incoming feminine. Join 150 plus women, including over 20 thought leaders, authors, wisdom keepers, performers, musicians, recording artists, women on the evolutionary edge of a movement. Learn, embrace and embody the divine feminine principles that have historically been written out of mankind’s history. Once lost but now found, this will prove to be a provocative seven days of realization, communion and revelation, of thoughts long neglected. Find out why we as women hold the keys to the future of our planet! Here is a list of the keynote speakers. Plus there are another 20 women presenting workshops throughout the week.

• Dale Allen, Inspirational Speaker
• Janet Attwood, The Passion Test
• Bernadina Catari Alvarez, Wisdom Keeper, Peru
• Debbie Danbrook, Recording Artist
• Imani, Mamalution Revolution
• Lili Fournier, Producer
• Pamela Gerrand, Recording Artist
• Siri Sevak Kaur, teacher of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan
• Vera Lopez, Wisdom Keeper, Brazil
• Spryte Loriano, President Humanity Unites Brilliance
• Madeleine Marentette, Author, Founder of Grail Spring's Retreat
• Marcia Martin, One Degree Media
• Minnie Matoush, Wisdom Keeper Cree Nation
• Caroline Mills, Green Business
• Dr. Christine Page, Bestselling Author 'Spiritual Alchemy'
• Tracey Penington, Ripple Energetics
• Debra Poneman, Inspirational Speaker, Author 'Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul'
• Dr. Sugar Singleton, Braveheart Women
• ALisa Starkweather, Founder of the Red Tent Temple Movement
• Pat Potter, Enviromental Activist and builder of 'Earth Home'