Wisdom
Tabernacle
The
Wisdom Tabernacle is an interactive, experiential exploration of
world religions and wisdom traditions. There are books about wisdom
traditions, dreams, and religions to sample, CD players with religious/meditation
music, a “prayer chair,” finger labyrinths, a fountain
and an altar for meditation purposes, Zen mini-meditation garden
to construct, Buddha Board for contemplative brush painting, sacred
geometry readings, vibrational tuning with a Himalayan
singing bowl, areas where you can make a journal, write a postcard,
paint mandalas, make a bead mala,
and more. Both 6 ft. classical and 18 ft. Chartres replica labyrinths
are also available for your use.
Workshops can also be scheduled as part of
the Wisdom Tabernacle experience. Examples of workshops that can
be scheduled include:
Contemplative Brush
This beginning brush stroke class offers an opportunity to learn
how to cultivate one’s inner-Chi, or energy, through the practice
of brush calligraphy. We will experience “meditation with
a brush..” The Dalai Lama has said “It is in the context
of a calm mind that we may say that even one careful stroke of a
brush can speak…” Every student has artwork at the end
of this course. Each session begins and ends with a brief meditation
period. The primary goal of this class is to deepen and expand one’s
knowledge of contemplative brush painting as a medium of artistic
expression.
The
Art of Haiku:
The primary goal of this class is to learn how to choose and arrange
five and seven syllable words/phrases to form haiku poems.
Haiku "is the shortest form of poem we can find in world literature.
It has been called 'the wordless poem.' But however minute in outward
appearance, haiku possess the ability to see into the very essence
of their subject matter, bringing to both practitioner and reader
alike a feeling that they have passed through the well known "gateless
gate" of zen and attained a state of enlightenment for a brief
moment.
Haiku deal with aspects of our normal, everyday existence with immediacy,
forsaking pages upon pages of verse and commentary in a manner similar
to the Japanese contemplative brush artists. Both, "...more
or less influenced by the way of zen, tend to use the fewest words
or strokes of the brush to express their feelings. When feelings
are too fully expressed, no room is left for the unknown..."
Haiku, as a result of their brief nature, offer no instruction,
but rather share a deep insight of the practitioner which then manifests
in the mind of a reader as well.
Clutter
Clearing
Comedian Steven Wright
once noted that you can’t have everything because where would
you put it? In our materialistic society, most of us have accumulated
lots of “stuff”. This workshop will help you differentiate
between clutter and necessary belongings. You will learn strategies
for clearing (and keeping cleared) problem clutter areas.
Creating Sacred Space, Altars and Rituals
Satisfying
rituals to commemorate the transitions of life allow us to celebrate
our milestones and achievements. Family rituals build harmony and
unity. Learn how to create enclaves of sacred time and space that
reflect and support your life and aspirations. Included are ideas
of where and what as well as how
to assemble appropriate rituals and “altars” for your
unique needs.
Feng
Shui 101
“Bagua
Basics”
This beginning workshop introduces one of
the basic feng shui tools, the bagua, so that you can start to understand
the flow and patterns of energy in any given space. You will learn
to apply this tool to both macro and micro spaces and will be able
to see the effect a space is likely to have on those inhabiting
it. Bring a reasonable to-scale floor plan of your home to use in
analyzing your space.
Feng
Shui 102
“The
Three Pillars”
While there are many layers of feng shui
analysis and multiple factors to consider, three features of your
home are the foundation of assuring that your life is full of opportunity,
health, and abundance. Get these three areas right, and you’ve
made a good start toward creating a supportive work or home environment.
Labyrinth
Labyrinths are ancient pathways for the human spirit. The labyrinth,
dating back 3000 to 4000 years, is a single walking path that leads
to the center in a spiraling, circling pattern. It is used as a
walking meditation for deepening spirituality and enhancing one's
psychological growth. The symbol of the labyrinth is found in many
locations around the world. Throughout history, labyrinths appear
in story, myth and architecture; in art and dance; in the games
of children and in traditional rites. Labyrinths are an ancient
pattern which can offer a framework for self-exploration.
Two labyrinth workshops are available.
Labyrinth
walk:
Come discover a secret that's stood the test of time for thousands
of years. Learn more about the energy around you, the history and
mystery of various labyrinth designs, and the non-material world.
This is a workshop for those interested in learning how labyrinth
walking - walking in circles - can put direction back into your
life. Groups will examine the myths and folklore surrounding the
labyrinth and explore movement methods for traveling this ancient
pattern. Discover how this time-honored tool for quieting the mind,
facilitating meditation, insight and celebration can work for you.
In this presentation, you will also have an opportunity to walk
a labyrinth, followed by time to reflect on this experience in a
supportive group, facilitated by Rev. Dr. Rayne.
Labyrinth building workshop
This two-day workshop will feature a variety of topics, including
history of the labyrinth, finding the energetic center for a labyrinth,
measuring earth energy fields, locating cosmic and telluric chimneys,
clearing the energy field, and the history of various labyrinth
designs. A walking meditation and ceremony concludes the event.
We specialize in the construction of a five to seven-path spiral
labyrinth. Participants will join together to construct a labyrinth
and learn methods for designing and building one for their own use.
The workshop is hands-on, and interactive.
Meditation:
Basic instruction in a variety of meditation techniques will be
shared. Focus is more on centering and relaxation aspects of the
practice. Through an understanding of how to simply stop, observe,
and breathe, we will be made aware that there is nothing to achieve
in meditation, other than to recognize that when engaged in meditative
practice, one becomes “the universal mind sitting in contemplation
of itself.” This understanding of meditation brings a new
focus and energy, to bring oneself to peace, serenity, calmness,
and opening oneself to new insights.
Reiki
I
This
all day workshop includes information concerning history and lore
of traditional Reiki. Students will also be provided a Reiki energy
attunement that places student in direct contact with the source
of life energy (or ch’i). This enables a student to channel
universal life force energy to him or herself and to others directly.
There will be an opportunity to practice.
Sacred geometry and dowsing energy
Energy medicine is a practice we can all do, and it can have a profound
impact on our bodies, homes, our neighborhoods and our planet. Workshop
includes basic instruction in elements of sacred geometry as pertains
to dowsing energy. Various methods will be shared to quantify findings.
Techniques are useful for energy medicine, meditation, protection,
space clearing, feng shui, and raising vibrations to create sacred
space.
Sacred Writing and Journaling
Through a combination of music, meditation, and art, we will explore
various spiritual components of written expression. Participants
will write poetry and prose drawn from direct experience with both
mundane and divine sources. Group sharing and reflection about our
work is an integral part of this experience.
Vision Seeding
One
way to support your intentions for growth or new possibilities in
life is to make a vision seed map. This map is a visual representation
of your aspiration or intention. It is one way to reinforce a resolution
to live a healthier lifestyle, for example, or to support your career
growth, or to strengthen a relationship. In this workshop, you will
not only learn several methods of making a vision seed map, you
will actually produce one of your own.
Comments
from UU Churches:
“My experience today with the multiple interactive options
provided by the Wisdom Tabernacle were meaningful and emotional.”
“I had never walked a labyrinth before, and I entered it feeling
some anger and frustration. Along my journey I felt those emotions
being dissolved, replaced with a sense of peace and the sensation
and knowledge I am loved and respected.”
“The music of Marina Raye was soothing, and the picture albums
of people and nature took me to different realms of reality and
beauty.”
“I sat for some time coloring my unique mandala, then creating
a bead bracelet of stars, butterflies, turtle and round beads for
my grandson.”
“I wrote a love note to my best friend who I wished could
have shared the peace and serenity of the day with me.”
“Thank you so much for your many contributions to our congregation.
We have had many positive comments about the activities on Saturday.
One woman told me that the Wisdom Tabernacle events were close to
a life-changing experience for her.”
For
more information, contact Wisdom Tabernacle at raynemakers@gmail.com
