The Joy of Learning!
by Marty Klein
Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, I remember two distinct messages about my ability to learn. In school I was forced to sit at a desk for most of the day. I did not want to be there, yet I was told that it was important for me to learn what school was offering. I remember being very bored, spacing out, goofing off--basically doing anything I could to pass the time creatively in such a controlled environment. Occasionally a subject would stimulate some curiosity; I would perk up for awhile, then inevitably regress into feeling utterly stifled. Despite my lack of desire for school knowledge, I managed to do well enough.
However, it was a whole different story after school and on the weekends. I remember running like the wind, confident and delighted in my body's agility, continually working to develop my speed. I remember the thrill of learning to ride my bike, throw a wicked curve ball, bat from both sides of the plate, and catch anything that was thrown to me. This kind of learning excited me. I watched every move that my favorite ball players made, committing to memory their batting styles and fielding subtleties. Having an endless amount of attention for these subjects, I was eager to learn.
It wasn't only sports that truly interested me--I loved the weather. I set up my own little station, quietly plotting the daily maps while hoping for major snowstorms so I wouldn't have to go to school. I created complicated temperature charts and detailed weather maps, acquired publications on hurricanes, tornadoes, and other phenomena. I loved the weather; it was what I really wanted to learn all about! Folks said my head was in the clouds, and that's exactly where I wanted it to be. Although I never became a major league ball player, I did become an Air Force meteorologist. My love of the weather has never abated; I still find it utterly fascinating.
Southern Springs is all about fostering the joy of learning. All of us in this organization are working to create an environment that encourages an approach to learning that may even surpass the pure excitement we had as children. Our learning center will be a place where everyone looks forward to inspirational experiences and learning opportunities--a dynamic environment where a sense of community flourishes. We are excited to share this adventure with you. We would love for you to contact us and bring in your vision of learning and playing. Come join our dream of creating a beautiful, vital learning center here in the Tallahassee area!
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Toward Powerful, Loving Relationships:
A Weekend Workshop for Individuals and Couples with Charlie Kreiner
September 23-24 * Cost: $150 * Wakulla Springs Lodge and Conference Center near Tallahassee
To Register
This hands-on, experiential workshop offers cutting-edge thinking about relationships, women's and men's issues, healing from the effects of role conditioning, and building relationships rooted in liberation. For over 20 years, Charlie Kreiner has been an independent counselor, educator, activist, and consultant on human liberation. Kreiner presents a model for relating that is based on the reality of our humanness, rather than on the limited roles offered by society. Information and experiential tools will be provided to help us deal with what gets in the way of having our relationships be all that we want them to be.
A prime objective of the workshop will be to learn how we can access our ability to heal from hurts that prevent us from having effective relationships. Each of us will have the opportunity to safely explore our feelings and thoughts about what relationships mean for us and what we want from them. Participants will be able to work closely with Kreiner, in a safe, supportive environment to reclaim the essence of what we seek in relating.
We all need opportunities to share what it is like for us in our relationships, and we all need support in making relationships work. Kreiner provides both a model for accomplishing that sharing and the necessary tools for us to be of real support to one another. Throughout the weekend, we will have the opportunity to gain experience in using these tools in supporting each other in small groups and pairs.
For anyone who wants to explore making his or her relationships of all types more effective, enjoyable, and workable, this workshop offers an invaluable opportunity.
Charlie Kreiner is founder of the Institute for Diversity Education in America (IDEA). His experience as an educator and activist includes having been the Dean of Students at Wesleyan University; Director for Men and Men's Liberation of the International Re-Evaluation Counseling Community, and a board member of the National Organization of Men Against Sexism. He has conducted events across the U.S., Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East, Scandinavia, and Australia. Kreiner will also present a short public lecture on Friday, Sept. 22.
Charlie Kreiner offers us a special opportunity
By Marty Klein
In 1978, I went to my first workshop led by Charlie Kreiner. I was young, with a strong desire to learn and grow as a human being. I felt overwhelmed by the openness of the participants, their ability to express themselves emotionally, and their desire to seek out sincere intimacy and closeness during much of the weekend. However, I came home somewhat more connected emotionally and able to think more intelligently about myself and the dynamics of human relationships.
I was very impressed with Charlie--a tall, solid man with a rich, deep voice, clearly intelligent and powerful. What I remember most was how much he loved people. His caring was truly sincere. He had a great ability to be present with people no matter what issues they were working on, and he would stay with them for as long as it took. His calm, clear presence provided a strong feeling of safety.
During the next 15 years or so I attended at least 30 workshops with Charlie. The topics varied greatly but the leadership remained solid and consistent. I grew immensely in my understanding of why we act as we do. I learned about sexism and why many men and women struggle in their relationships. As I gradually developed a strong sense of self-respect and dignity, I learned at last that as a man I am good through and through. Charlie has been one of my most important teachers, always lovingly guiding me away from irrationality and towards a healthier, more emotionally connected life. I feel blessed and grateful to have had such a teacher and friend.
In September, Kreiner is coming to Tallahassee to present "Toward Powerful, Loving Relationships." I encourage you to consider this weekend workshop as a very special opportunity to be with a unique, interesting man and a wonderful workshop leader.
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Understanding Men:
An Evening Lecture for Women and Men with Charlie Kreiner
Friday, Sept. 22, 7:00-9:00 pm
United Church in Tallahassee, 1834 Mahan Dr. * $10 at the door, no preregistration
Charlie Kreiner has spent countless hours over numerous years listening to and working with men from all over the world, assisting them in creating the lives that they want for themselves. The experience and information he has gained is invaluable--his understanding of the realities of men's lives is rarely found. Charlie will share what he has learned about who men really are, the role that society offers them, and why they act as they do. He will also look at men and violence, men and sexism, how men are hurt and oppressed by society, and how men can heal and be assisted to heal from the effects of these hurts. Join us for this rare opportunity to gain insight into the lives of men. For more information on Charlie's work visit www.radthots.com/wwcharlie.
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Vocal Visionary Training with Amy Fradon
October 23-25 & 27-29 in Tallahassee
To Register
"Moving the voice brings joy, freedom, and health to all." For our third workshop this fall, Southern Springs is bringing Amy Fradon, a talented musician and voice workshop facilitator, back to Tallahassee.
"Every day people come to me to get help with how to make their voices work for them," says Amy Fradon, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and teacher. "There is something so profound about opening up the throat and letting a sound come out. It's not just a song . . . it's the very soul within us that comes pouring out and with it our whole history. Singing and speaking are noble and vulnerable acts and require tremendous courage and self-awareness to do effectively. I watch incredible transformations take place in people as we work together to bring real awareness of the connection of mind, body, and spirit through their voices. It is so much more than just singing a pretty song and it is also why singers move us so very much. When it works, singing taps into the most profound depth of feeling and consciousness.
"This workshop provides a forum in which to begin the journey of self-discovery through the medium of the voice. It is not just about singing, although it includes singing and vocalizing as the primary tools to really deepen awareness of our energy systems and our hopes and desires. Freeing and balancing the voice has a powerful impact on freeing and balancing our lives. In my 15 years as a voice teacher/healer I have witnessed this on many occasions. Sometimes the mere act of making a conscious sound such as a sigh or a note can start the process of getting in touch with the rich inner realm of emotion, desire, and great visualization capabilities."
Amy Fradon has been a professional singer/songwriter and teacher of voice and the healing art of sound for over 15 years. She has recorded eight albums and has released her second solo collection of songs entitled Passion Angel which continues to receive excellent reviews. She has sung with numerous artists, including Rick Danko, Maria Muldaur, John Sebastian, the Fugs, Livingston Taylor, Dr. John, and Orleans. Amy has toured extensively in the U.S., England, Scotland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. She is currently working on a new CD.
Amy has a private practice teaching voice and giving bodywork and breathing sessions. She is the founder of the Vocal Visionary Training Program which is a journey of self-discovery through the medium of singing. She leads workshops called "Singing for the Totally Tone Deaf." She has also led numerous classes on the art of sound and healing and has taught a series for children called "The Joy of Singing."
Amy has studied bio-energetic related therapy and has done considerable work with humans and dolphins. She is a certified Delphys Practitioner trained in alternative healing and counseling modalities and energy work. Amy has recently joined Face the Music, dedicated to facilitating self-expression and enhanced communication in the corporate world through the medium of music
Vocal Visionary Training is a safe place to explore any aspect of voice. There will be sharing, exercises for integrating the group and learning more about how we engage in the world, as well as some powerful individual work. Care is always taken to include each participant in a way that suits his or her particular needs. No singing experience is required, but each person should have a song to sing (as simple as "Happy Birthday") for some parts of the journey. You will never be put on the spot but always encouraged to take risks. This workshop will be presented twice with a limit of 12 participants each. The cost is $175 for Oct. 23-25 (M-W), and $200 for Oct. 27-29 (Friday-Sunday). Location TBA. Call 878-8643 for more information.
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Local sages lend skills to May Benefit Celebration
by Tamara Weinstein
Since the inception of our Holistic Learning Center, all of us on the board of directors of Southern Springs have shared our dreams of bringing the world's wisdom to Tallahassee. Such riches the world has to offer! And so, we have brought Judith Orloff, a medical intuitive; Jalaja Bonheim for our sacred women's circle; Marge Piercy and Ira Wood, a writer so prolific and a teacher extraordinaire; Dr. Rudolph Ballentine, a maverick in radical healing; Joy Hopkins-Hausman for a wonderful workshop for women with cancer; Amy Fradon who sang for us so beautifully; and Jonathan Horan who taught us how to sweat our prayers through ecstatic dance.
Through it all, though, we kept coming back to the cornucopia of power and wisdom in our own little community. At first we batted back and forth the thought of a local presenters' workshop. Did folks want us to sponsor them? Didn't they already present themselves? Would the community appreciate our presentation of these teachers?
After laying our hands on the pulse of our community, we were blown back with a resounding "Yes!" from both presenters and participants. Off we took on our voyage to create our day-long array of mini-workshops by local teachers. After all the phone calls and setting up of arrangements, the beautiful spring day arrived. Nestled in the cozy rooms of the United Church and Full Flower School, these teachers and scholars shared some how-to's on the path to a life of clarity, fun, and health. We had a lovely turnout, and as I wandered about peering into different rooms, each group seemed to express a small family. It was quite a warm, homey feeling. Each space held a different vibration, a different story.
I opened a door to Tantric meditation, sounds of running water, slow breath, the air charged and high. In the writers' workshops, there was a snapping, dynamic attention woven with laughter and tears as experiences unfolded. A calmly focused room of yoga; a room filled with dancing bodies mirroring each other; and so many others. Bodies stimulated, hearts calmed, and minds opening. And, in between, a vegetarian banquet, both healthy and succulent. Time with friends and new connections. Teachers and other participants networking and playing together.
As the afternoon faded to dusk, and the workshops drew to a close, gentle guitar and sweet voices synchronized the group's energy. To cap off our day of fun, the evening party commenced. In the many-windowed sanctuary of the United Church, the room rocked to the reggae sounds of the band ITAL STEW. After much wild and funky dancing, we took a break for the raffling of generous prizes--books, massages, health treatments, etc., donated by local businesses. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first annual Southern Springs "Clear Heart Award" to Susan Taylor. This award recognizes a lifetime of consistently modeling the qualities of Commitment, Loyalty, Enthusiasm, Altruism, and Reliability.
At evening's end, a community of happy, tired friends drifted into the night. The organizers looked on with warm satisfaction--we had succeeded in our attempt to nourish our community, support local sages, and edify, educate, and open one another to new possibilities. The benefit raised about $1,600--in addition to 12 new or renewing members. It was a beautiful day.
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Looking for Land
I was thinking about Southern Springs and what we as members can do to assist in its development. The seed has been planted, but each of us can help in the growth necessary to fulfill this vision of a special place where we can come together as equals to grow in consciousness. One way to do this is to notify board members of land for sale in order to find a permanent home for our organization. Each individual's action contributes to the whole, and there is joy in sharing this creative process with one another. I am meditating for a few moments every day in order to support the vision--please join me if you feel moved to do so.
--Cheryl Gibbons, Land Acquisition Committee Chair, 668-5247
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Ecstatic dancers "sweat their prayers"
By Gretchen Hein
"Our ancestors danced 'til they disappeared in the dance, 'til they felt the full force of spirit unleashing their souls. This was their religion, and it was ecstatic and personal and tribal, and it moved through time like a snake," writes Gabrielle Roth in Sweat Your Prayers, her latest book on ecstatic dance.
During the weekend of May 1921, Gabrielle's son, Jonathan Horan, led the first movement-oriented workshop offered by Southern Springs. It was truly stirring! We danced, sweating our prayers, reaching for ecstasy, reclaiming ourselves. Our bodies moved with the five rhythms of the soul: flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness. We worked with these rhythms, exploring both their positive and shadow sides.
Almost everyone found a rhythm that they moved to with ease and that could be explored in more depth. Then there were the rhythms that challenged us, and they had to be explored as well. We used movement to go deeper, to go beyond, to move our bodies--bodies that have been stilled far too long, much too often.
I strongly encourage you to read Sweat Your Prayers by Gabrielle Roth. It is filled with insights about the connection between our bodies and movement and our well-being. She gives specifics concerning each of the rhythms and suggests music that suits each rhythm and rhythms to use for specific moods. She tells stories of people using the rhythms to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Gabrielle has also produced several videos that give more information about her work.
In response to those requesting more ecstatic dance, Southern Springs will host a monthly gathering beginning this fall. A small charge for each session will offset the cost of renting a space. Any extra money will go into our Land Acquisition fund. As usual, Southern Springs members will receive a discount. If you are interested, please send your name, email or phone number, and the three most convenient times for you to attend, to either Gretchen Hein or 850-878-8643. We will contact you with more information.
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