Events
future events
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Feng Shui and Vital Design
December 1, 2012 — December 7, 2012 8:00 pm — 9:30 PM
Rancho La Puerta, Baja California, Tecate, Mexico
At varying times during the week of December 1-7, seven presenters will offer lectures and workshops, including William Spear whose topic is Intuitive Feng Shui®. Feng Shui is more than just an art of placement: it is the deep, ancient understanding of our outer and inner environment. This body of knowledge rests on common sense and awareness of the invisible life force that permeates all consciousness and matter — from the microcosm of cellular organisms to the macrocosm of constellations. The talks review the origins and applications of Feng Shui in everyday life and include practical recommendations that result in positive changes. Some of the content will cover:
FENG SHUI and HEALTH
Intuitive Feng Shui’s® vast scope encompasses a substantive exploration of the fundamental nature of body and mind. Since both health and disease are mirrored in environments, each aspect of our dwellings supports or diminishes vitality and well-being.
Beyond wind chimes and water fountains, learn what you can do to make a difference in your own life and immediate environment through an understanding of the complementary and underlying harmony that this aspect of fengshui reveals.
FENG SHUIi: THE INNER WORLD
Join an in-depth journey through the inner world of the bagua – the rich, symbolic construct of consciousness employed in Intuitive Feng Shui®. By carefully examining each area’s deeper meaning, participants will discover ways to achieve harmony in their own lives by uncovering what is necessary to remove obstructions and change fixed patterns of behavior. The result reveals a grand, unified whole — and a luminous path to love, light and inner peace.
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Rancho La Puerta was created in 1940 as the world’s first destination fitness resort and spa in a sheltered valley only 45 miles southeast of San Diego, California (an hour’s drive). It is surrounded by 3,000 acres of landscaped gardens, an organic farm, swimming pools, and cozy casitas all watched over by mystical Mt. Kuchumaa. The weather at this resort is always spectacular–warm and dry–so every week is the perfect week to visit.
For more information about Rancho la Puerta and this program, please contact the spa directly:
From the US: +1 800-443-7565
Worldwide: +1 858-764-5500
reservations@rancholapuerta.com
past events
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Feng Shui and the Inner Bagua
May 15, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road
Feng shui, commonly considered an art of placement is, according to William Spear “really the study of infinity — the study of consciousness outside of the structures of time and space. We choose to live inside those structures, but the more we can incorporate the wisdom of the bigger picture, the more in touch with life we will be.”
While bed and desk locations are key elements to “external” feng shui, it is the architecture of consciousness — the inner feng shui — that distinguishes placements which endure the test of time. During this lecture, William Spear offers an exploration of the inner nature of feng shui. As each “house” of the bagua is explored, together with the symbolism of the corresponding I Ching trigram, the underlying harmony of our inner life is revealed. We can discover the nature of the connections, and learn what is necessary in our own self-development to remove obstructions and change fixed patterns of behavior.
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William Spear is a highly regarded educator, consultant, and writer on feng shui, vital design, the I Ching, self-development, end-of-life care, and complementary healing arts. He has traveled worldwide consulting and lecturing. He has made extensive television appearances and given radio interviews in the US and abroad. In 1991 and 1992, Spear delivered the most popular lecture on feng shui at the International Interior Design Exposition held in Toronto. In 1993 he served as the first honorary President of the International Feng Shui Society in London.
Spear’s approach to vital design – Intuitive Feng Shui® – is presented in his bestselling book, Feng Shui Made Easy: Designing Your Life With the Ancient Art of Placement. It was first published in 1995 by Harper Collins and translated into 12 languages. It was then reprinted in 2010 by North Atlantic Books. The book was hailed by the New York Times as “the most user-friendly explanation of feng shui for American audiences.” Hugh Pearman, the Architectural Editor of The Sunday Times of London, described Spear as “the Feng Shui man in the West.”
$10 donation at the door
Location:
Casa de Luz, Serena Room
1701 Toomey Road
Austin, TX 78704While in Austin until May 22nd, William Spear is available for private consultations in macrobiotics, feng shui, 9 Star Ki and issues related to personal transformation. For information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us through our website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
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Sex, Intimacy and the 9 Stars
May 1, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road, Serena Room
Using the astrology of the 9 Stars, William Spear outlines how each person develops sexuality in a unique way. An understanding of this beautiful, elegant system provides an invaluable tool for gaining insights into the lives and destinies of ourselves and those with whom we are in relationship, at all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Biologically, males and females are formed by opposite energies in the cosmos — heaven’s force and earth’s force. The deep inner connection between the sexes manifests in terms of this polarity, leading both to opposition and to attraction of a pro-creational or sexual nature. Both men and women have feminine and masculine energies. The complementary energies are in constant interaction within each of us. By learning to recognize, accept and understand them, we come closer to achieving a harmonious integration of our physical, emotional and spiritual natures.
$10 donation at the door
While in Austin until May 18th, William Spear is available for private consultations in macrobiotics, feng shui, 9 Star Ki and issues related to personal transformation. To schedule an appointment, please contact us through our Connect page on this website.
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Will & Judgment
April 24, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road, Serena Room
Although past conditioning often affects our behavior, the working of our higher self leads to action from true presence. Will and judgment are the two poles of the spiritual channel; aligning ourselves with the spirit of Heaven and Earth stimulates timeless energies. To access higher levels of judgment, we must connect with our origins and the way of being known as free will. This lecture examines our true nature, origin and destiny to enable us to experience the sacred in everyday life.
This is an excellent opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable, inspiring counselors on the subject of health and wellness. His talks are always informative, thought provoking and humorous, benefiting from decades of his own in depth study and work alongside the late death and dying pioneer, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters.
$10 donation at the door
While in Austin until May 18th, William Spear is available for private consultations in macrobiotics, feng shui, 9 Star Ki and issues related to personal transformation. To schedule an appointment, please contact us through our Connect page on this website.
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Women’s Health
April 17, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road, Serena Room
A long-time popular teacher based in Connecticut, William Spear is one of the first “senior teachers” of the Macrobiotic movement and has taught macrobiotic principles of health, freedom, and creative thinking for over 40 years. Author of the best selling book FENG SHUI MADE EASY, he is one of the few modern macrobiotic teachers who followed Georges Ohsawa’s encouragement to explore life comprehensively, setting aside exclusivity and dogmatism.
Most recently, Spear gained international respect for his deeply compassionate work in responding to the victims of the tsunami disasters in Sri Lanka, Samoa and Japan. As founder of The Fortunate Blessings Foundation, he assembled a team of mental health care experts to work with children traumatized by natural disasters. With His Holiness the Dalai Lama, yoga teacher Sean Crone and Jon Kabat-Zinn, Spear was recently honored as one of 7 dynamic spiritual teachers in the book, BE THE CHANGE: HOW MEDITATION CAN TRANSFORM YOU & THE WORLD.
This is an excellent opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable, inspiring counselors on the subject of health and wellness. His talks are always informative, thought provoking and humorous, benefiting from decades of his own in depth study and work alongside the late death and dying pioneer, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters.
$10 donation at the door
While in Austin until May 18th, William Spear is available for private consultations in macrobiotics, feng shui, 9 Star Ki and issues related to personal transformation. To schedule an appointment, please contact us through our Connect page on this website.
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Sex & Intimacy
March 4, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road
LECTURE POSTPONED. Please return another time to learn when this lecture is rescheduled. You might also consider sending us an email letting us know of your interest so that we can contact you directly when a new date has been set. Please send your email to: info@fortunateblessings.org
HEALTH & PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
A series of lectures by William Spear
A long-time popular teacher based in Connecticut, William Spear is one of the first ”senior teachers” of the Macrobiotic movement and has taught macrobiotic principles of health, freedom, and creative thinking for over 40 years. Author of the best selling book Feng Shui Made Easy, he is one of the few modern macrobiotic teachers who followed Georges Ohsawa’s encouragement to explore life comprehensively, setting aside exclusivity and dogmatism.
Most recently, Spear gained international respect for his deeply compassionate work in responding to the victims of the tsunami disasters in Sri Lanka, Samoa and Japan. As founder of The Fortunate Blessings Foundation, he assembled a team of mental health care experts to work with children traumatized by natural disasters. With His Holiness the Dalai Lama, yoga teacher Sean Crone and Jon Kabat-Zinn, Spear was recently honored as one of 7 dynamic spiritual teachers in the book, BE THE CHANGE: How Meditation Can Transform You & the World.
This is a rare opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable, inspiring counselors on the subject of health and wellness. His talks are always informative, thought provoking and humorous, benefiting from decades of his own in depth study and work alongside the late death and dying pioneer, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters.
Beginning Monday February 6 at 7:30 pm – HEALING OURSELVES
Followed by 4 other evening lectures at 7:30 pm:
- 2/12, Sun – TRAUMA & EMOTIONS
- 2/19, Sun – CHILDREN’S HEALTH
- 2/28, Tues – WILL & JUDGMENT
- 3/04, Sun – SEX & INTIMACY
@ Casa de Luz, Cielo South
$10 donation at the door for each lecture
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Will & Judgment
February 28, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road
LECTURE POSTPONED. Please return another time to learn when this lecture is rescheduled. You might also consider sending us an email letting us know of your interest so that we can contact you directly when a new date has been set. Please send your email to: info@fortunateblessings.org
HEALTH & PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
A series of lectures by William Spear
A long-time popular teacher based in Connecticut, William Spear is one of the first ”senior teachers” of the Macrobiotic movement and has taught macrobiotic principles of health, freedom, and creative thinking for over 40 years. Author of the best selling book Feng Shui Made Easy, he is one of the few modern macrobiotic teachers who followed Georges Ohsawa’s encouragement to explore life comprehensively, setting aside exclusivity and dogmatism.
Most recently, Spear gained international respect for his deeply compassionate work in responding to the victims of the tsunami disasters in Sri Lanka, Samoa and Japan. As founder of The Fortunate Blessings Foundation, he assembled a team of mental health care experts to work with children traumatized by natural disasters. With His Holiness the Dalai Lama, yoga teacher Sean Crone and Jon Kabat-Zinn, Spear was recently honored as one of 7 dynamic spiritual teachers in the book, BE THE CHANGE: How Meditation Can Transform You & the World.
This is a rare opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable, inspiring counselors on the subject of health and wellness. His talks are always informative, thought provoking and humorous, benefiting from decades of his own in depth study and work alongside the late death and dying pioneer, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters.
Beginning Monday February 6 at 7:30 pm – HEALING OURSELVES.
Followed by 4 other evening lectures at 7:30 pm:
- 2/12, Sun – TRAUMA & EMOTIONS
- 2/19, Sun – CHILDREN’S HEALTH
- 2/28, Tues – WILL & JUDGMENT
- 3/04, Sun – SEX & INTIMACY
@ Casa de Luz, Cielo South
$10 donation at the door for each lecture
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Children’s Health
February 19, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road
HEALTH & PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
A series of lectures by William Spear
A long-time popular teacher based in Connecticut, William Spear is one of the first ”senior teachers” of the Macrobiotic movement and has taught macrobiotic principles of health, freedom, and creative thinking for over 40 years. Author of the best selling book Feng Shui Made Easy, he is one of the few modern macrobiotic teachers who followed Georges Ohsawa’s encouragement to explore life comprehensively, setting aside exclusivity and dogmatism.
Most recently, Spear gained international respect for his deeply compassionate work in responding to the victims of the tsunami disasters in Sri Lanka, Samoa and Japan. As founder of The Fortunate Blessings Foundation, he assembled a team of mental health care experts to work with children traumatized by natural disasters. With His Holiness the Dalai Lama, yoga teacher Sean Crone and Jon Kabat-Zinn, Spear was recently honored as one of 7 dynamic spiritual teachers in the book, BE THE CHANGE: How Meditation Can Transform You & the World.
This is a rare opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable, inspiring counselors on the subject of health and wellness. His talks are always informative, thought provoking and humorous, benefiting from decades of his own in depth study and work alongside the late death and dying pioneer, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters.
Beginning Monday February 6 at 7:30 pm – HEALING OURSELVES
Followed by 4 other evening lectures at 7:30 pm:
- 2/12, Sun – TRAUMA & EMOTIONS
- 2/19, Sun – CHILDREN’S HEALTH
- 2/28, Tues – WILL & JUDGMENT
- 3/04, Mon – SEX & INTIMACY
@ Casa de Luz, Cielo South
$10 donation at the door for each lecture
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Trauma & Emotions
February 12, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road
HEALTH & PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
A series of lectures by William Spear
A long-time popular teacher based in Connecticut, William Spear is one of the first ”senior teachers” of the Macrobiotic movement and has taught macrobiotic principles of health, freedom, and creative thinking for over 40 years. Author of the best selling book Feng Shui Made Easy, he is one of the few modern macrobiotic teachers who followed Georges Ohsawa’s encouragement to explore life comprehensively, setting aside exclusivity and dogmatism.
Most recently, Spear gained international respect for his deeply compassionate work in responding to the victims of the tsunami disasters in Sri Lanka, Samoa and Japan. As founder of The Fortunate Blessings Foundation, he assembled a team of mental health care experts to work with children traumatized by natural disasters. With His Holiness the Dalai Lama, yoga teacher Sean Crone and Jon Kabat-Zinn, Spear was recently honored as one of 7 dynamic spiritual teachers in the book, BE THE CHANGE: How Meditation Can Transform You & the World.
This is a rare opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable, inspiring counselors on the subject of health and wellness. His talks are always informative, thought provoking and humorous, benefitting from decades of his own in depth study and work alongside the late death and dying pioneer, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters.
Beginning Monday February 6 at 7:30 pm – HEALING OURSELVES
Followed by 4 Sundays at 7:30 pm:
- 2/12 – TRAUMA & EMOTIONS
- 2/19 – CHILDREN’S HEALTH
- 2/26 – WILL & JUDGMENT
- 3/04 – SEX & INTIMACY
@ Casa de Luz, Cielo South
$10 donation at the door for each lecture
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Healing Ourselves
February 6, 2012
Casa de Luz, Austin, TX 78704, 1701 Toomey Road
HEALTH & PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION
A series of lectures by William Spear
A long-time popular teacher based in Connecticut, William Spear is one of the first ”senior teachers” of the Macrobiotic movement and has taught macrobiotic principles of health, freedom, and creative thinking for over 40 years. Author of the best selling book Feng Shui Made Easy, he is one of the few modern macrobiotic teachers who followed Georges Ohsawa’s encouragement to explore life comprehensively, setting aside exclusivity and dogmatism.
Most recently, Spear gained international respect for his deeply compassionate work in responding to the victims of the tsunami disasters in Sri Lanka, Samoa and Japan. As founder of The Fortunate Blessings Foundation, he assembled a team of mental health care experts to work with children traumatized by natural disasters. With His Holiness the Dalai Lama, yoga teacher Sean Crone and Jon Kabat-Zinn, Spear was recently honored as one of 7 dynamic spiritual teachers in the book, BE THE CHANGE: How Meditation Can Transform You & the World.
This is a rare opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable, inspiring counselors on the subject of health and wellness. His talks are always informative, thought provoking and humorous, benefitting from decades of his own in depth study and work alongside the late death and dying pioneer, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Buddhist teacher Sogyal Rinpoche and many other spiritual masters.
Beginning Monday February 6 at 7:30 pm – HEALING OURSELVES
Followed by 4 Sundays at 7:30 pm:
- 2/12 – TRAUMA & EMOTIONS
- 2/19 – CHILDREN’S HEALTH
- 2/26 – WILL & JUDGMENT
- 3/04 – SEX & INTIMACY
@ Casa de Luz, Cielo South
$10 donation at the door for each lecture
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FENG SHUI’S INNER WORLD
December 2, 2011
American Society of Interior Designers Texas Gulf Coast, Houston, TX 77024-2125, Houston Design Center, 7026 Old Katy Rd. Suite 285
Going beyond wind chimes and water fountains, discover the inner nature of our connections, the complementary and underlying harmony, and the elegant architecture of consciousness as an integral part of life.
For the general public and ASID members William Spear will teach 3 courses that can be taken individually or combined. The courses are designed to be of value for beginners as well as the experienced feng shui consultant. All are welcome.
Friday, Dec. 2, 7 – 9 pm, $35 ($20 ASID)
USING FENG SHUI TO DESIGN CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTSWhen a child is overly sensitive, lethargic, nervous, withdrawn, impatient or otherwise mal-adjusted, altering his environment according to feng shui energetics often results in significant behavioral improvements. The knowledge and application of feng shui is especially valuable when applied to a child’s bedroom and classroom, taking into account the uniqueness of each child and family. Environmental psychologists and feng shui consultants have observed similar truths; namely that colors, materials, shapes and furniture placement strongly affect emotional and physical well-being. This workshop, oriented to the specific characteristics of children, is of benefit to parents, siblings, grandparents, school teachers, nurses, social workers, day-care centers and everyone with a child in their life.
- – - -Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 am -5 pm, $195 ($165 ASID)
A catered lunch is included in the course fee.THE INNER BAGUA OF FENG SHUI: WALKING THE PATH OF HEALING
Using the bagua, the imaginary grid employed in feng shui which helps practitioners assess the energies of a space, this course offers a unique exploration of the inner nature of each of the 9 houses of the bagua, its symbolism as expressed in the I Ching trigrams, the complementary antagonisms of our consciousness, and the underlying harmony that is possible when walking the path of healing. Most feng shui consultants fail to connect the body and healing with the “inner” physical, psychological, mental or spiritual aspect of our being, leaving feng shui to merely a “doing” practice which focuses on the outer world. Each house of the inner bagua, like each part of our consciousness, is connected in a grand whole, revealing the interconnectedness of all life. When we learn the deeper nature of this timeless matrix, we discover what is necessary in our self-development to remove obstructions, change fixed patterns of behavior and develop an authentic sense of purpose, inner peace and unconditional presence in everyday life.
- – - -Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 am – 5 pm, $195 ($165 ASID)
A catered lunch is included in the course fee.SEX, INTIMACY and the 9 STARS
Using the astrology of the 9 Stars, discover how each person develops sexuality in a unique way. An understanding of this beautiful, elegant system provides an invaluable tool for gaining insights into the lives and destinies of ourselves and those with whom we are in relationship, at all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Biologically, males and females are formed by opposite energies in the cosmos — heaven’s force and earth’s force. The deep inner connection between the sexes manifests in terms of this polarity, leading both to opposition and to attraction of a pro-creational or sexual nature. Both men and women have feminine and masculine energies. The complementary energies are in constant interaction within each of us. By learning to recognize, accept and understand them, we come closer to achieving a harmonious integration of our physical, emotional and spiritual natures.
- – - -The fee for all 3 courses and a catered lunch on Saturday and Sunday is $385 or $295 for ASID members.
The presenter, William Spear, has long been regarded as a knowledgeable and accessible educator, author and international consultant in the fields of feng shui, the I Ching, 9 Star Ki, integrative health, end-of-life care and self-development.
His book, FENG SHUI MADE EASY, first published in 1995, was republished last year. The New York Times described the book as “the most user-friendly translation of feng shui for American audiences.” It has over 15 printings and has been translated into fourteen languages. Autographed copies will be available for purchase during the weekend in Houston.
To register for classes and for information regarding local logistics in Houston, please call (713) 542-0721 or email: m@isabelops.com
For information about the course content or William Spear, please contact his office in Connecticut at (860) 567-8801 of through the Fortunate Blessings Foundation website Contact Us page.
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Health & Wellness Retreat
November 17, 2011
Eden of the Caribbean, Soufriere, St Lucia, West Indies
Workshops and health & wellness experiences including yoga, feng shui, art, cuisine, pottery, photography, nature trail hikes, bicycle rides and other specially-designed activities.
US$800 Early-bird special for 4 days of workshops and meals if booked by September 30th. Accommodation cost depends on your choice of hotel and length of stay.
For details and to register, please visit: St Lucia Health and Wellness Retreat.
The town of Soufrière is the most peaceful and scenic town in the Caribbean - hence the name of EDEN OF THE CARIBBEAN. This exotic, natural and authentic town is home to the signature Piton Mountains, a tropical rain forest, a drive-in volcano, luxury rustic resorts and other natural must-see attractions and activities.Founded in 1746 by the French, this town of 9,000 residents is the oldest settlement on the island. It was demolished and rebuilt in 1780 after being leveled in 1780 by a hurricane.
WORKSHOPS to be given by William Spear:
Thursday, November 17, 2:30 – 4:45 pm
Jalousie Plantation, Great RoomFENG SHUI and VITAL DESIGN
Intuitive Feng Shui® is more than the art of placement: it is the deep, ancient understanding of our outer and inner environment. This body of knowledge rests on common sense and awareness of the invisible life force that permeates all consciousness and matter — from the microcosm of cellular organisms to the macrocosm of constellations.The opening talk reviews its origins and applications in everyday life and includes practical recommendations that result in positive changes
- – - -Friday, November 18, 2 – 4:45 pm
Jalousie Plantation, Great RoomFENG SHUI and HEALTH
The vast scope of Intuitive Feng Shui® encompasses a substantive exploration of the fundamental nature of body and mind. Since both health and disease are mirrored in environments, each aspect of our dwellings supports or diminishes vitality and well-being.Beyond wind chimes and water fountains, learn what you can do to make a difference in your own life and immediate environment through an understanding of the complementary and underlying harmony that this aspect of feng shui reveals.
- – - -Sunday, November 20, 2:30 – 4:45 pm
Jalousie Plantation, Great RoomFENG SHUI: The INNER WORLD
The final talk is an in-depth journey through the inner world of the bagua the rich, symbolic construct of consciousness employed in Intuitive Feng Shui®. By carefully examining each areas deeper meaning, participants will discover ways to achieve harmony in their own lives by uncovering what is necessary to remove obstructions and change fixed patterns of behavior. The result reveals a grand, unified whole — and a luminous path to love, light and inner peace.
- – - -Workshop to be given by Joan Spear
Saturday, November 19, 2:30-3:45 pm
Jalousie Plantation, Great RoomAWAKENING THE DREAMER
Humanity’s probable future is unsustainable, unjust and unfulfilling until and unless we can come together on a massive scale to transform our world. The global “Awakening the Dreamer” community is creating goals to ensure the initiative grows and reaches new audiences.- Where Are We?
- How Did We Get Here?
- What’s Possible for the Future?
- Where Do We Go from Here?If you are ready to be disturbed, inspired and moved to action, and to be introduced to a thriving community of committed cohorts, then join us in exploring the most critical concerns of our times, and discover new opportunities to make a real difference in accelerating the emergence of an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet!
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Paul Winter Consort Summer Solstice Concert
June 18, 2011
St John the Divine, New York, NY 10025, 1047 Amsterdam Ave
For its 16th annual Summer Solstice Celebration, the Paul Winter Consort will present the world première of their Grammy-winning album, Miho: Journey to the Mountain, inspired by the architecture, landscape and antiquities of I. M. Pei’s Miho Museum in the Shigaraki Mountains of Japan. Beginning in complete darkness, musicians surrounding the audience will play continuously for two hours as the Cathedral’s stained-glass windows gradually illuminate with the summer sunrise. The Consort will include soprano saxophonist Paul Winter; cellist Eugene Friesen; Armenian vocalist/percussionist Arto Tuncboyaciyan; Paul McCandless on oboe, English horn, and bass clarinet; Tibetan vocalist Yangjin Lamu; bansuri (Indian flute) master Steve Gorn; percussionist Glen Velez; and Tim Brumfield on the Cathedral’s pipe organ.
Click here to purchase tickets – $35 - or call OvationTix 866-811-4111
After the concert Saturday morning, the audience and musicians are invited to a reception hosted by the Shumei community. The green tea served has been grown in Japan according to Shumei’s natural agricultural methods, and the coffee comes from their natural agriculture center in Brazil. The reception will be in the west end of the nave just after the performance.
During the reception a series of images will be shown from the Fortunate Blessings Foundation Japan Trauma Team mission in Japan last month to train school officials, nurses, social workers and mental health care professionals as well as conduct workshops with local children affected by this devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11. William Spear, the team’s leader, will speak briefly about his experience and future intentions to help Japanese children. The team’s journal is available on www.fortunateblessings.org/globaloutreach/japan2011.
With help from many contacts working behind the scenes to secure new opportunities for the Team’s return to Japan, Fortunate Blessings Foundation is developing ways to strengthen the work, to create multiple teams of volunteers, and ultimately build a credible, effective base of local caregivers throughout Japan to foster a greater understanding of and response to mental health issues as they relate to this disaster.
It is out of our shared deep concern for the well-being of children and for the greater good to relieve suffering, that Fortunate Blessings Foundation will continue its efforts in Japan. On-going financial support is needed, and we are grateful to all our friends of the Paul Winter Consort for supporting this important cause. We are moved to “bear one another’s burdens” as is taught in all the world’s great religious practices, and we hope you will join our efforts.
To donate, please visit www.fortunateblessings.org and click the red “Donate” button or mail a check made payable to “Japan Trauma Team” to Fortunate Blessings Foundation, 24 Village Green Drive, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA. As a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit foundation, donations are tax-deductible in the U.S. to the extent permitted by law.
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Gaia Consciousness
June 12, 2011
myhotel Chelsea, 35 Ixworth Place, London SW3 3QX, UK
Our relationship with Earth has never been more critical than at this moment. Deep ecology, sometimes called Gaia, includes many approaches, is inclusive rather than exclusive and is pluralistic rather than dualistic. Understanding how we can work together to change the world means looking deep inside ourselves and at individual consciousness – the way we think and act.
Is the Earth a living being? Is the study of geomancy meaningless without human consciousness, or can we observe the principles of feng shui as being distinct from human intervention? How do different environments on Earth affect our behavior? Though we are all connected, in what ways are we different given how climate and geographical conditions impact the way we think?
As the magnetic field of the planet changes, so does our body and understanding of the place we call home. Shifts in the macrocosm mean shifts within each cell; as these changes take place, we need to reflect on our own personal realities, values and beliefs. Movements to promote a green society require technologies that promote peace, social justice and ecological balance but can they emerge without conflict? This course explores the relationship between being and place as we move toward co-creating a world that is sustainable, just and loving.
£65 per day
£110 for both Saturday and Sunday if paid in full before 1st June or
£120 thereafter.Students: 50% discount with valid UK student ID = £32.50 per day or £65 for the weekend.
Payment can be made via PayPal on the Fortunate Blessings Foundation website
(On PayPal, please indicate the date of the event you wish to attend.)or by mailing in advance of the event a cheque issued to “Macrobiotic Association of Connecticut” sent to 13 Edithna St, London SW9 9JR. Pre-registration is advised.
For information about this event or a private consultation with William Spear during the week of 13th June, and to register for the workshop, please contact: london.fortunate.blessings@gmail.com Tel: +44 (0)7775 657407
Fortunate Blessings Foundation www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus Tel: +1 860-567-8801, Fax: +1 860-567-3304
William Spear is always honored to lecture at one of the luxury boutique hotels of the myhotels group for whom he has been the feng shui consultant since 1996.
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CHALLENGES OF THE NUCLEAR AGE: Practical Approaches to Maintaining Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Health
June 11, 2011
myhotel Chelsea, 35 Ixworth Place, London SW3 3QX, UK
With all eyes on environmental disasters, political conflicts and worsening economic issues, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the many daily challenges we face. Fear, hopelessness and despair are inextricably related to the quality of our blood as it bathes our brain cells, framing the perspective and vision of the world in which we live. As sentient beings, we are part of the natural word and no matter how challenging the circumstances, there are still many daily practices and approaches that can help us to maintain our health, strengthen our immune systems and focus on what matters most.
William Spear shares his four decades of one-on-one experience working with people facing life-threatening illness, coping with natural disasters and moving through the myriad of life’s challenges. Topics include:
- The role of stress in sickness and how to minimize its effect
- Safe, simple, medicinal foods and remedies to overcome many illnesses
- Daily breathing, movement and other practices that strengthen vitality
- How to deal with heavy emotions that weigh us down and cloud judgment
- Ways to change your surroundings to support health
- Emergency first aid remedies in the kitchen and at your fingertips
- Spiritual practices that bring clarity and calmness amidst crises
- Advanced diagnosis techniques for therapists and holistic practitioners
This workshop is ideal for every person interested in obtaining valuable healing information that is fascinating and practical to share with friends, family, coworkers and patients. Both new and seasoned health and wellness professionals of the healing arts will surely gain fresh insights. Advanced diagnosis methods are particularly useful as a complement to allopathic medicine; moreover, in the absence of standard care medicines, first aid remedies often become the “go to” choice of many holistic practitioners and first responders in emergencies.
£65 per day
£110 for both Saturday and Sunday if paid in full before 1st June or
£120 thereafter.Students: 50% discount with valid UK student ID = £32.50 per day or £65 for the weekend.
Payment can be made via PayPal on the Fortunate Blessings Foundation website
(On PayPal, please indicate the date of the event you wish to attend.)or by mailing in advance of the event a cheque issued to “Macrobiotic Association of Connecticut” sent to 13 Edithna St, London SW9 9JR. Pre-registration is advised.
For information about this event or a private consultation with William Spear during the week of 13th June, and to register for the workshop, please contact: london.fortunate.blessings@gmail.com Tel: +44 (0)7775 657407
Fortunate Blessings Foundation www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
Tel: +1 860-567-8801, Fax: +1 860-567-3304William Spear is always honored to lecture at one of the luxury boutique hotels of the myhotels group for whom he has been the feng shui consultant since 1996.
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Japanese Children Fundraiser
June 10, 2011
myhotel Chelsea, 35 Ixworth Place, London SW3 3QX, UK
Attendance by donation in any amount is welcome!
Presentation by William Spear about his two weeks in May doing trauma relief work in Japan to benefit orphaned and traumatized children under the auspices of the Fortunate Blessings Foundation, a non-profit organization in the United States. Hear about his direct experiences, view “on the ground” photographs, and learn how you can help with what remains to be done for the surviving children of the combined triple disaster of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear radiation.
You can donate via PayPal on the Fortunate Blessings Foundation website
or by cheque issued to “Macrobiotic Association of Connecticut” mailed to 13 Edithna St, London SW9 9JR in advance of the event or brought to the fundraiser. If you would like to contribute in another way, please contact the Fortunate Blessings Foundation.
For information about the weekend of 11th June and 12th June seminars or details regarding private consultations with William Spear during the week of 13th June, and to register for the workshops, please contact: london.fortunate.blessings@gmail.com
Tel: +44 (0)7775 657407Fortunate Blessings Foundation www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
Tel: +1 860-567-8801, Fax: +1 860-567-3304William Spear is always honored to lecture at one of the luxury boutique hotels of the myhotels group for whom he has been the feng shui consultant since 1996.
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Northwest Musicians Japan Benefit Concert
May 22, 2011
Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd (Route 202), Litchfield, Connecticut
A benefit concert will take place on Sunday, May 22 at the Litchfield Community Center starting at 3 pm with music generously performed by the popular musicians Love at Work, Joel Blumert, Grooved Pavement, Michael Steinberg and Jim Palermo featuring R&B, jazz, fold and blue grass. Proceeds will go to the efforts of the Fortunate Blessings Foundation of Litchfield to help Japanese children traumatized by the triple disaster on March 11 of an earthquake, tsunami and radiation contamination.
William Spear, who will have just returned from conducting trainings in Japan, will give a brief talk about his experiences with Japanese children and their caregivers.
Attendance is by donation in any amount!
Donations can be made by check in the mail issued to “Japan Trauma Team” and mailed to
Fortunate Blessings Foundation, 24 Village Green Drive, Litchfield, CT 06759 or through the PayPal button at the bottom of the left sidebar of the Fortunate Blessings Foundation website.Please share information about this concert and our fund-raising efforts with others.
For more information regarding this event or making a donation, please contact the Fortunate Blessings Foundation at 860-567-8801 or www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
Fortunate Blessings Foundation is a non-profit organization per the IRS Code section 501(c)(3). Your contribution is tax-deductible in the U.S. to the extent permitted by law. By providing your e-mail address or a postal address, your donation will be acknowledged in writing.
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FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT JAPANESE CHILDREN
May 7, 2011
Mandeville Canyon, Los Angeles, Los Angeles
Come support a trauma relief team going to Japan this May to train caregivers (orphanages, doctors, parents, teachers, social workers …) how to recognize and defuse Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children following the triple March 11 disaster in Japan of an earthquake, tsunami and radiation.
Helping children overcome trauma is what we do best.
On May 7, join William Spear, President and Founder of the non-profit Fortunate Blessings Foundation, who will talk about his past experiences doing trauma relief work in Sri Lanka, Java and Samoa, and what he expects to accomplish leading another specialized team to Japan on May 8.
Attendance by donation in any amount is welcome!
The venue address will be provided with your RSVP by May 5 to:
Fortunate Blessings Foundation
24 Village Green Drive
Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
Tel +1 (860) 567-8801
Fax +1(860) 567-3304
www.fortunateblessings.orgIf you are not able to attend the fundraising event, please share this with others and consider making a donation by check in the mail or through PayPal on the left sidebar of foundation’s website.
Fortunate Blessings Foundation is a non-profit organization per the IRS Code section 501(c)(3). Your contribution is tax-deductible in the U.S. to the extent permitted by law. By providing your e-mail address or a postal address, your donation will be acknowledged in writing.
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JUDGMENT, WILL & PERCEPTION
April 27, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th St, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
This is the last of four consecutive Wednesday evening lectures William Spear will present in New York City in April.
JUDGMENT, WILL & PERCEPTION
Although past conditioning often affects our behavior, the working of our higher self leads to action from true presence. Will and judgment are the two poles of the spiritual channel; aligning ourselves with the spirit of Heaven and Earth stimulates timeless energies. To access higher levels of judgment, we must connect with our origins and the way of being known as free will. This lecture examines our true nature, origin and destiny to enable us to experience the sacred in everyday life.$15 tuition
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
BACK TO NATURE: THE HOUSE AS A LIVING BEING
April 20, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th St, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
This is the third of four consecutive Wednesday evening lectures William Spear will present in New York City this April. The lectures can be taken separately or as a series.
BACK TO NATURE: THE HOUSE AS A LIVING BEING
The correlation between feng shui and health explores how our environments relate to cancer, autoimmune disease, depression, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue, etc. It s essential to understand our homes as living organisms made up of interconnected cells, organs and systems that breathe, contract, expand and pulse vitality through our everyday lives.$15 tuition
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
RAISING HEALTHY CHILDREN
April 13, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17 Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
This is the second of four consecutive Wednesday evening lectures William Spear will present in New York City in April. The lectures can be taken separately or as a series.
RAISING HEALTHY CHILDREN
Children are precious and everything we do to shape their lives can make a difference. As elders, we must reflect upon our own true nature in order to support their highest development. This lecture explores various approaches to education, health, environment and the myriad of ways to nurture each child’s unique expression into the world.$15 tuition
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation
through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
MACROBIOTICS 2.0: THE EVOLUTION OF COMMUNITY
April 6, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17 Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
This is the first of four consecutive Wednesday evening lectures in April William Spear will present in New York City. The lectures can be taken separately or as a series.
MACROBIOTICS 2.0: THE EVOLUTION OF COMMUNITY
What does the future hold for macrobiotics? Examining the seven levels of understanding can help us explore more evolved ways to discuss food, sex, personal judgment and individual health. Airing these distinctions empowers us to live with greater purpose and freedom in support of everyone in our community.Tuition is $15 per lecture or $50 for all four lectures paid in advance or on the first evening.
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation
through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
BEYOND RICE AND BEANS
March 16, 2011
On-line Interactive Hour, Oroville, CA, Pacific Time
This event is open to currently registered students in the Counselor Training Program of Macrobiotics America conducted by David and Cynthia Briscoe based in Oroville, CA. During this interactive hour led by David Briscoe, William Spear will be the guest moderator. The topic will address how a macrobiotic counselor encourages a client to explore or face issues of well-being that go beyond food and physical health. These could be aspects of a relationship, emotions, career choices, the environment or other issues that impact our multi-faceted lives.
The Briscoes are long-time and experienced macrobiotic educators who present macrobiotics from a place of deep integrity, compassion and wisdom. They offer a wide range of training options: private and group in-person programs in California and elsewhere, on-line, through pay-per-view videos, and home study courses. Please visit their website for details: www.macroamerica.com
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9 STAR KI: THE 11 MONTHS AHEAD
March 2, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17 Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
This was to have been the first lecture in the February series of four but due to inclement weather on February 2nd, this lecture, now the last, has been rescheduled for this date.
9 STAR KI: THE 11 MONTHS AHEAD
On February 4, 2011 the new energy of the 7 Lake star arrives and begins to rule the year. What does this mean for all of us and for you, in particular? Come enter the fascinating world of one of the oldest forms of astrology to learn more about yourself and what the future holds.Tuition is $15 per lecture or $50 for all four lectures paid in advance or on the first evening.
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
MAXIMUM HEALING with Dr. Robert Silverstein
February 27, 2011
Mayflower Inn, Tea House, 118 Woodbury Rd (Rte 47), Washington, CT 06793
MAXIMUM HEALING, Optimize Your Natural Ability to Heal
Complimentary 1.5 hour lecture given by Dr. Silverstein followed by a book-signing of Maximum Healing.
Recognized as cutting edge, Dr. Silverstein applies simple principles of Natural Human Design rules that allow disease prevention and/or reversal of diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke, high blood pressure and even cancer.
Based on his approach of Complementary-Alternative-Integrative-Medicine, Dr. Silverstein outlines a program that integrates modern medical practices with holistic and ancient forms of healing. His premise is that our self-healing mechanism – the immune system – is more powerful than we think. If we make wise dietary and lifestyle changes the immune system can function at an optimal level, restore health and prevent illness.
Dr. H. Robert Silverstein is board certified in cardiology and internal medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine with a practice in Hartford. His approach to medicine is holistic, patient empowering and inclusive of Complementary Alternative Integrative Medicine. For more information about Dr. Silverstein and his work, please visit: www.wellness-md.com and www.thepmc.org
William Spear will introduce Dr. Silverstein. The two met in the 1980s, and they share a strong and mutual interest in natural health and integrative medicine.
To reserve your seat for this COMPLIMENTARY lecture and book-signing, please contact:
Fortunate Blessings Foundation via e-mail at www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus or call (860) 567-8801
VENUE: Tea House at the Mayflower Inn
118 Woodbury Road (Route 47), Washington, CT 06793
Tel: 860-868-9466 For directions, visit: www.mayflowerinn.com -
GAIA CONSCIOUSNESS
February 23, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17 Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
This is part of four consecutive Wednesday evening lectures William Spear will present in New York City this February and March 2nd. The lectures can be taken separately or as a series.
GAIA CONSCIOUSNESS
Is the earth a living being? Is the study of feng shui meaningful without human consciousness? How do different environments on earth affect behavior? As the magnetic field of the planet changes, so does our body and understanding of the planet we call home. This lecture looks at the relationship between being and place from the widest perspectives. As we rediscover our intuitive genius, the distinction between inner and outer worlds falls away, and we rediscover the integration and ultimate unity of masculine and feminine.$15 tuition
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
DREAMTIME: DECODING THE MESSAGES
February 16, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17 Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
This is part of four consecutive Wednesday evening lectures William Spear will present in New York City this February and on March 2nd. The lectures can be taken separately or as a series.
DREAMTIME: DECODING THE MESSAGES
Dreams have fascinated people since the earliest times. Images, symbols and inner visions piece together to inform us of the important issues in our lives: some dreams prophesize our future while others call us to examine our unfinished, past challenges. This evenings talk goes beyond the purely psychological approach.$15 tuition
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
SEX, INTIMACY and THE 9 STARS
February 9, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17 Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10011
This is part of a four-lecture series William Spear is teaching this February in New York. Each lecture can be attended separately.
SEX, INTIMACY and THE 9 STARS
Through this beautiful, elegant astrological system, discover how each person expresses sexuality in a unique way. Gain a deeper understanding of the inner connection between the sexes by learning to recognize the harmonious integration of our physical, emotional and spiritual nature.$15 tuition
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
Please be mindful of the reflective nature of the Zendo and enter the space quietly because a yoga class will be in session until 7:45 pm. Shoes are removed upon entering the Zendo. For seating you will have a choice between a chair or a floor cushion.
For information and to pre-register, please contact Fortunate Blessings Foundation through the website: www.fortunateblessings.org/contactus
or call (860) 567-8801 -
9 STAR KI: THE YEAR AHEAD
February 2, 2011
Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th St, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
PLEASE NOTE: THIS LECTURE HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER. IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 2nd. CHECK THIS SPACE FOR MORE INFORMATION TO BE POSTED HERE SOON. ALL OTHER LECTURES WILL TAKE PLACE AS ADVERTISED.
9 STAR KI: THE YEAR AHEAD
On February 4, 2011 the new energy of the 7 Lake star arrives and begins to rule the year. What does this mean for all of us and for you, in particular? Come enter the fascinating world of one of the oldest forms of astrology to learn more about yourself and what the future holds.Tuition is $15 per lecture or $50 for all four lectures paid in advance or on the first evening.
Location: Still Mind Zendo, 37 West 17th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
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Feng Shui and Health
January 21, 2011
Seed Restaurant, 1604 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
(90-minute lecture followed by a 30-minute book-signing)
The illusion of what goes on in the world “out there” creates a temptation to avoid the bigger struggles that lie within our own mind and body. We can adjust our diet and move some furniture, but until we change our perceptions, we will repeatedly face the same conflicts.
The 2,600-year old Chinese tradition of acupuncture is now recognized by medical practitioners as a process for enabling the chi (energy) to flow more freely through the invisible channels or meridians in our body. The flow of chi through the body’s energy channels affects our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. In an analogous manner, feng shui enhances the flow of chi through our homes and workplaces, leading to an increased sense of well-being, and a reawakening of the sacred in our everyday lives.
Although feng shui is commonly defined as the art of placement and regarded as a synonym for interior decorating, its true essence is a more encompassing and substantive exploration of the fundamental nature of the energetics of consciousness, as symbolized in each house of the bagua (feng shui grid) and expressed in the I Ching trigrams from which this ancient knowledge derived. Both health and disease are mirrored in our environments; every aspect of our dwellings supports or diminishes our vitality and well-being.
Going beyond wind chimes and water fountains, discover the inner nature of our connections, the complementary and underlying harmony, and the elegant architecture of consciousness as an integral part of life.
A BOOK-SIGNING of William Spear’s newly revised and republished FENG SHUI MADE EASY will follow the lecture. One of the three new chapters is entitled “Feng Shui and Health.”
WILLIAM SPEAR has long been regarded as a knowledgeable and accessible educator, author and consultant in the fields of health, feng shui, the I Ching, 9 Star Ki, end-of-life care and personal development. He is an original Kushi Institute faculty member, senior macrobiotic teacher and counselor. He is the founder and president of the non-profit 501(c)(3) Fortunate Blessings Foundation which offers educational programs in the service of wellness for the individual, for our human living and working environments, and for the larger ecological and social health of human and planetary life. His book, Feng Shui Made Easy, first published in 1995 by Harper Collins was revised and republished in November 2010 by North Atlantic Books. He has appeared on CNN, the BBC, the CBS Morning show, and other world media. While based in Connecticut, William teaches and consults internationally. His warmth, humor, insight, wisdom and practical experience make him an ideal teacher.
LOCATION: Seed Restaurant, 1604 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA 90291
Tel: 310-396-1604
Lecture TUITION: $10
To pre-register and more information, please go to
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The Inner World of Intuitive Feng Shui® & Book-Signing
January 17, 2011
Golden Gate School of Feng Shui, 3225 Adeline Street, Berkeley, California 94703
Although feng shui is commonly defined as the “art of placement” and regarded as a synonym for interior decorating, its true essence is a more encompassing and substantive exploration of the fundamental nature of the energetics of consciousness, as symbolized in each house of the bagua (feng shui grid) and expressed in the I Ching trigrams from which this ancient knowledge derived.
Our senses inform us of the elements of place. Feng shui enlightens our relationship to space and our constant need for harmony with our environment. What we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch communicate either vitality and calm or discord and chaos. Many people naturally drawn to feng shui have been distracted by fashion, style or irrelevant aspects of interior design. Though fascinating and popular, these trends and magical charms are not likely to satisfy our sense of balance or negate powerful environmental hazards.
Going beyond wind chimes and water fountains, discover the inner nature of our connections, the complementary and underlying harmony, and the elegant architecture of consciousness as an integral part of life.
LOCATION: Golden Gate School of Feng Shui, 3225 Adeline Street, Berkeley, CA 94703
(415) 945-8899
TUITION: $15 ($16.99) in advance, $22 at the door
To register on line: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/143163
www.fengshuischool.com/evening_with_w_s.php
Free street parking
Please arrive before 7 pm so that the lecture can start on time.
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Life Over Cancer
December 8, 2010
Chawla Auditorium at Saint Francis Hospital & Medical Center, 114 Woodland St., Hartford, CT
See the December 5th description. Auditorium address: 114 Woodland St. Hartford, CT 06105
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Life Over Cancer
December 8, 2010
Center IMT, 800 Cottage Grove Rd, Bloomfield, CT 06002
See December 5th for the description. Center IMT is on 800 Cottage Grove Rd in Bloomfield.
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Life Over Cancer
December 5, 2010
Mayflower Inn, Tea House, 118 Woodbury Rd (Rte 47), Washington, CT 06793
Dr. Keith Block, a long-time friend of William Spear and medical director of the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Evanston, IL, will discuss and sign his recent book, Life Over Cancer. Dr. Block’s talk and book cover his multifaceted program of personally-tailored integrative cancer treatment and prevention, including:
- Dietary choices and rationale aimed at making the biochemical environment hostile to cancer growth and recurrence, while strengthening the immune system’s ability to attack remaining cancer cells.
- How natural products can be used to improve vitality and health, relieve disease-related symptoms, favorably modify processes like inflammation and glycemia that, if left untreated, can trigger or fuel the growth of cancer and illness. The use of whole plant based supplements can also be used to tame related side effects while enhancing treatments.
- A new paradigm for exercise and stress reduction aimed at restoring biological rhythms, vitality, and strength, while reducing anxiety and depression. This balance is essential for supporting the body’s own ability to heal.
- Innovative approaches to enhancing conventional treatment, such as chronomodulated chemotherapy (chronotherapy), which coordinates the administration of chemotherapy to patients’ unique circadian rhythms. Gold standard research demonstrates improved treatment effectiveness, reduced toxicity and improved survival.
- Strategies you can implement to reduce the risk of disease recurrence.
Dr. Block is the Director of Integrative Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, and a member of the National Cancer Institute’s PDQ Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Editorial Board. Life Over Cancer, is a ground-breaking book that provides patients with a systematic, research-based plan for developing the physical and emotional vitality they need to meet the demands of treatment and recovery (www.blockmd.com)
There is no charge for this lecture, but an RSVP would be appreciated. For more information regarding this event, please contact the Fortunate Blessings Foundation in Litchfield at 860-567-8801 or e-mail info@fortunateblessings.org
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Mind Over Matter
June 1, 2010
New York Core Center, New York City, 115 E 23 St
What really happens when we create an intention in our mind? Learn about the placebo effect, the five natural emotions and how to harness the stunning power of psychoneuroimmunology.
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Myth of Modern Life
May 25, 2010
New York Core Center, New York City, 115 E 23 St
Have we abandoned our telescopes for microscopes, hoping to find the magic bullet in the minutia? Have we lost the big view and with it, our place in nature? Learn how to transcend duality, to live your true dream and experience body, mind and spirit as one.
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Food as Medicine
May 11, 2010
New York Core Center, New York City, 115 E 23 St
Which foods help us heal? Which foods prevent illness? A thorough review of the energies of food, natural approaches to major health issues and 5 medicinal foods that everyone can use.
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Magic of the Great Life
May 4, 2010
New York Core Center, New York City, 115 E 23 St
The Unifying Principle and its application in understanding our relationship with the environment, our health and seven practical ways to care for ourselves and others in the Spring and Summer.
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Four Ways of Spirit
March 24, 2010
A Taste of Health, Caribbean Cruise, Caribbean
Examining the early lives of Moses, Jesus of Nazareth, Ubu’l-Kassim (Mohammed), or Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), we discover that all these great teachers share the values that matter most. Each one’s personal decision to set forth on a spiritual path in service of community was always preceded by distinct changes in his personal life and the way he related to his families and community. This informative talk explores our tendency to be exclusionary and refocuses our personal insight and spiritual understanding toward the shared values of all paths: compassion, tolerance and selfless service.
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The 900 Pound Orca in the Room
March 23, 2010
A Taste of Health, Caribbean Cruise, Caribbean
Marine ecosystems are threatened, degraded, and destroyed by human activities, such as this cruise we have joined. Because pollutants accumulate in marine animals and vegetables, humans are exposed when we consume contaminated sea foods. Marine pollutants include oil, sewage, garbage, chemicals, radioactive waste, and thermal pollution – some caused directly by ocean-going vessels. While organic grains and vegetables are included in our daily diet, shouldn’t we also be aware of the quality of foods from the sea? This talk informs, frightens and awakens us to do more than sail the ocean blue ignoring that Orca.
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Compassion and Behavior: There is Only One of Us Here
March 22, 2010
A Taste of LIfe, Caribbean Cruise, Caribbean Cruise
True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on the recognition that we are all basically the same. A truly compassionate attitude doesn’t change even if others behave negatively. To instill a spirit of compassion and love, tolerance toward an enemy is indispensable. Georges Ohsawa and others throughout time have suggested that our enemies are our best friends. Because every human shares an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister — our fundamental natures are the same. Come explore the illusion of our differences and cultivate the spirit of compassion.
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The Last Two Drops of Blood: Living in the Present Until Our Final Breath
February 27, 2010
The Graduate Institute, Stamford, Connecticut, Stamford, Connecticut
We will all die someday. In that human process, sharing both the wonder and fear of the end of life presents us with an extraordinary opportunity to bear witness to a person’s final journey beyond time and space. It is truly one of life’s most intimate experiences and a means to learn the importance of just being present. Learning to be present at the end of life is learning to be present in life itself — every moment.
At the end of life what matters most – what makes the difference – is taking the time to slow down, to hold a hand, to give support, to just be and share the silence. Knowing what might be taking place, regardless of how a person lived life, helps caregivers of all ages to let go into the present and go beyond preconceived ideas of separateness. Few may willingly want to step into this space, yet all of us will have to with loved ones, close friends and ultimately at the end of our own lives.
Tibetan Buddhists believe that death itself does not occur until we lose the polarities planted in us by our Mother and Father. This fascinating perspective, together with insights into being with dying, will be the focus of this talk and discussion led by a long time end-of-life facilitator trained by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Tibetan Lama Sogyal Rinpoche.
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Intuitive Feng Shui® – Walking the Path of Healing From Within
September 8, 2009
National College of Naturopathic Medicine, OR, Portland
Using the bagua, the imaginary grid employed in feng shui which helps practitioners assess the energies of a space, this evening s talk offers a unique exploration of the inner nature of each house of the bagua, its symbolism as expressed in its I Ching trigram, the complementary antagonisms of our consciousness, and the underlying harmony that is possible when walking the path of healing. Most feng shui teachers fail to connect the body and healing with the “inner” physical, psychological, mental or spiritual aspect of our being, leaving feng shui to merely a “doing” practice which focuses on the outer world. Each house of the inner bagua, like each part of our consciousness, is connected in a grand whole, revealing the interconnectedness of all life. When we learn the deeper nature of this timeless matrix, we discover what is necessary in our self-development to remove obstructions, change fixed patterns of behavior and develop an authentic sense of purpose, inner peace and unconditional presence in every day life.
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Macrobitics in Society: Making a Difference in the World
July 12, 2009
Kushi Institute Summer Conference, NY, Palisades, NY
We are an integral part of the fabric of society, not separate from it. After applying macrobiotic principles to heal ourselves, we each have an opportunity to impact society in positive, far-reaching ways. Guided by the spirit of “One Grain: Ten Thousand Grains,” we can all make invaluable contributions in community education, social programs and many other areas where people matter more than profit, and our perspective presents unlimited possibilities to change the future.
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Design From the Inside Out: The Approach of Intuitive Feng Shui®
June 3, 2009
Design Within Reach, Tremont St, Boston, MA
At its simplest, feng shui explains why we instinctively feel more comfortable in some places than others; how the places in which we live and work affect the way we feel; and how small adjustments in our environment can have a positive impact on our lives. Much of today’s application of feng shui is a reactive response to problems caused by poor design. This evening lecture is ideal for builders, architects, designers and the homeowner who wish to integrate feng shui proactively at the initial design stage to create harmonious environments that incorporate practicality, common sense and the timeless principles of this ancient art.
As taught by author and consultant William Spear, Intuitive Feng Shui® begins with the self and is limitless, empowering and experiential – the ultimate in interior design. Come gain a deeper understanding of the world and your place in it, and the ability to improve the quality of your own life and the lives of others.
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Mind Over Matter
June 1, 2009
New York Core Center, 115 E 23 St, New York, NY
What really happens when we create an intention in our mind? Learn about the placebo effect, the five natural emotions and how to harness the stunning power of psychoneuroimmunology
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Healing Practices and Clear Principles of the Macrobiotic Way
March 3, 2009
Private home, Tenafly, NJ, Tenafly, NJ
Macrobiotics reveals how everything is connected. Following its principles and practices, you can improve your life in many different ways, especially personal and family health. Macrobiotics explores the energy of our universe, our whole being and the daily food that influences our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual experience. Under increasing social stress and amidst growing toxicity in the environment, how we choose to live and eat is more important than ever.
- Traditional Wisdom for Modern Times
- How to Use Food to Overcome Sickness
- Home Remedies for Women and Children
- Staying Healthy in the Year Ahead
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Feng Shui: The Eastern Sense of Space, Environment and Well-Being
February 6, 2009
The Graduate Institute, 80 Seymour St, Hartford, CT
The 2,600-year-old Chinese tradition of acupuncture is now recognized by medical practitioners as a process for enabling the chi (energy) to flow more freely through the invisible channels or meridians in our body. The flow of chi through the body’s energy channels affects our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. In an analogous manner, feng shui enhances the flow of chi through our homes and workplaces, leading to an increased sense of well-being, and a reawakening of the sacred in our everyday lives. As a practice, feng shui emerged from the teachings of the I Ching, or “Book of Changes”, which lies at the heart of Taoism. Taoism, is a philosophy that reflects on the inner world of being through the higher self. Drawing from the insights of the I Ching, is imperative for the feng shui consultant to be most effective. Specifically, Spear’s states:
“… the I Ching deals with the spiritual dimensions inside us, the place where we can all experience our common unity. It operates from the realization that we are each a reflection of each other within a universal source, and prompts us to ask, ‘How can we improve things for the mutual benefit of all?’ When feng shui is practiced from this premise, it is a unique approach to interior design.” - William Spear
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Healing the Whole Being
November 14, 2008
Dutch Association of Macrobiotics, Holland, De Stipe
Because human beings are whole – comprised of body, mind and spirit – we must be aware of each aspect of our being to more fully transform ourselves and live a healthy, happy life. As Western society brings its focus more to diets, treatment modalities and health insurance, are we losing contact with our true essence and what it means to heal?
Using a macrobiotic perspective, this weekend returns us to the inescapable reality of the many levels of the nature of human beings. The term “macrobiotics” was used in ancient Greece as the art of health and longevity through living in harmony with the environment. In modern times, the term represents a healthy way of life, reflecting the spirit of what a healthy person experiences: macro, meaning large or great, and bios, meaning life great life. As a macrobiotic student, teacher and counselor since the 1970′s, William Spear shares his personal reflections on the Great Life and the challenges of Non-Credo.
It is heartening to know that many practitioners of macrobiotics want to make the world a better place – to contribute their understanding to make a difference where it counts. The real change in the modern world, though, is not happening outside. We are in the midst of a major shift in consciousness – our inner topography – that is dramatically changing our perception. The fundamental globe that is changing is inside our skull. The illusions under which we live have become so big that we actually think they are real.
We have forgotten who we are – so how can we know anything else? How can we possibly begin to understand where or when our life is lived if our basic assumptions of life and death are so distant from the source? Macrobiotics is about the individual and his place in the infinite, and about each one of us in relationship to time and space. While in concept it may be possible to accept the idea that linear time is a convenient distraction, few of us are able to live in the moment. Time is an illusion – to be sure – but what difference does it make if we play along provided that we “know” the truth? How would our lives be different if we were to align with “now” and abandon the beckoning call of past and future? It is here, in the moment — and nowhere else — that we catch that glimpse of eternity. Forever can only exist in now — and inside forever lays the eternal dream. And a flexible, aware practice of macrobiotics is about being in the right place at the right time. Movement and placement are not separate. Questions of “where” must be answered while also considering “when.”
Macrobiotics is a method of understanding the relationship between our external environment and our consciousness within. When properly practiced, a polarity is created between these two worlds, stimulating movement and change. Deep within each one of us lays the possibility of peace, health and freedom. How we realize these endless dreams externally has little to do with the political agenda of our time. Every person, through cultivating the space within, reflects a different reality around him. When we are able to keep our priorities straight, while transforming ourselves, miracles do happen — from the inside out.
As people’s lifestyles begin to include a more holistic understanding – combining physical, spiritual and emotional health – the informed practitioner and therapist must be able to contribute an understanding of appropriate modifications in diet and life style. Even American investment bankers at J.P. Morgan identified this among six emerging trends of today’s wealthy culture, saying in an annual report: “the affluent consumer will pay more attention to the principles of feng shui, as well as organic and macrobiotic food in their home.
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Inner Bagua
November 11, 2008
East West Centre, Belgium, Antwerp
The bagua is the feng shui grid that helps a person assess the energies of a space. This one-day course offers an in-depth exploration of the inner nature of each house of the bagua, its symbolism as expressed in its I Ching trigram, the complementary antagonisms of our consciousness, and the underlying harmony of our inner life. Each house of the inner bagua, like each part of our consciousness, is connected in a grand whole. We can discover the nature of the connections, and learn what is necessary in our self-development to remove obstructions and change fixed patterns of behavior. This knowledge is useful for the general public to better understand themselves, others, interior and exterior spaces, and useful also to people practicing feng shui or who would like to.
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Intuitive Feng Shui® in the 21st Century: Personal Health and Transformation in Times of Change
October 18, 2008
Emerald Green Feng Shui Institute, Seattle, WA, Seattle, WA
In ancient times, the practice of traditional feng shui had less to do with the external world than the infinite inner space and awareness of consciousness beyond the confines of time and space. It clears the path for energy to flow and expands consciousness from the inside out. This powerful process of transformation is the premise of Intuitive Feng Shui®, the Registered Service Mark of William Spear. While bed and desk locations are key elements to “external” feng shui, it is through an empowered understanding of the architecture of consciousness that endure the test of time.
In our rapidly changing world, feng shui can be applied for both individual and collective purposes – to more than just the mundane, material aspects of furniture placement and physical structure. This vast and profound body of knowledge, once thought to be too complex and largely unapproachable for the Western mind, is, in reality, a simple, timeless system of unifying principles. Recognizing that we are each a reflection of the other within the cosmos, we are prompted to discover how can we improve things for the mutual benefit of all sentient beings.
To make effective and enduring changes using feng shui, it is essential to understand our homes and buildings as living organisms made up of interconnected cells, organs and systems that breathe, contract, expand and pulse vitality through our everyday lives. Our health and sickness is mirrored in our environment; as such, our dwellings either support our health or diminish it. This course explores the correlation between feng shui and health, looking closely at the way in which our environments relate to our physical well-being.
Practicing feng shui effectively requires more than applying learned data; it means being a receiver and transmitter of energy, in whom being is more important than knowing or doing. To make this possible, self-development and personal transformation must be continuous. This workshop examines various levels of change and harmony: spirit, karma, emotions, body and chi from the viewpoint of macrobiotic principles and Oriental philosophy.
This course also addresses the heart and soul of human life: our emotional body. While feng shui consultants fill plastic bags and empty closets when clearing clutter, those using Intuitive Feng Shui® clear the space within, letting go of past resentment, expectation and distorted emotional baggage, returning to the wisdom of unconditional presence, compassion and love as the true source of balance and harmony.
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9 Star Ki and Destiny
October 4, 2008
Novato Oaks Inn, CA, Novato, CA
This course is the next step for anyone who already has some 9 Star Ki background. The workshop is also of value for anyone who holds an interest in Taoism, Chinese medicine, psychology, or who lives or works with human beings.
9 Star Ki is a system of understanding your inner “tao,” your personal energetic blueprint, and how you can live in alignment with that sacred inner design. It is almost deceptively simple and elegantly easy to use, as it provides an incredibly deep knowledge of who you are, how to create successful relationships, what you need to be happy in life, and most importantly, your karmic destiny. Your personal qualities are assigned ‘numbers’ in this system, but it is not numerology, nor is there any calculation or interpretation of heavenly bodies necessary.
This course will focus on the third number, which is sometimes called your “Tendency” or “Destiny” number. It’s this quality that helps you understand your karmic destiny and its effect on your life path. It is this number and its relationship to your other two numbers that carries your karma, or soul’s coding or destiny; therefore, the third number is extremely important to take into consideration in your own self-reflection, as well as in your relationships with others.
Few people are aware of the deeper significance and meaning of this third number and its relevance to health, life’s journey and realigning your true purpose. This two-day workshop reveals an elegant depth to this ancient body of knowledge.
With an understanding of the third “Destiny” number of the 9 Star Ki system, you can:
- Learn your own special destiny.
- Get a deeper understanding of who you truly are.
- Gain control over your life instead of forcing yourself, and align yourself with the Tao.
- Develop your unique, individual qualities, and release your potential.
- Learn to align your intentions with your natural destiny.
- Find the right time and place to achieve your goals.
- Improve personal and professional relationships.
- Help others understand their life path.
This weekend is appropriate for parents, spouses, teachers, coaches, consultants, therapists, managers, medical professionals, business professionals, and anyone who interacts with other humans in daily life.
The course follows a loosely structured agenda reflective of the group’s needs, with an open environment for questions, discussions and personal observations from participants. There will be information about how the third number relates to the other two as well as how different trios interact. The course is a two-day commitment.
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Nutrition, Bones and Joints
September 4, 2008
Center for Integrative Manual Therapy and Diagnostics, Connecticut, Bloomfield, CT
The key to healthy bones and joints is not just in the foods we eat, but in the lifestyles we choose. This informative talk examines the specific essential nutrients for skeletal health and also the broader context of environmental factors that could mean the difference between developing degenerative conditions or building strong foundations for a healthy body, mind and spirit.
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Power of Natural Healing
July 29, 2008
Kushi Institute Summer Conference, Massachusetts, Wellesley, Massachusetts
As society focuses more on diets, treatment modalities and health insurance, are we losing contact with the essence of what it means to heal? The macrobiotic approach to health and healing is not a specifically defined diet. Since we are each unique, live in different environments, have diverse needs, and do different work, individual nutritional requirements vary. Macrobiotics is also used therapeutically by those already ill wishing to employ natural methods. Modern Western science has begun to acknowledge and research traditional dietary and medical practices. Simple, direct and elegant, successful macrobiotic approaches can be applied to both minor imbalances and major degenerate diseases. Macrobiotics with its natural healing techniques is a lifestyle choice based on ancient traditions, modern science and common sense.
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The Spirit of Macrobiotics: Healing Ourselves with Ancient Traditions and Common Sense
July 29, 2008
Kushi Institute Summer Conference, Massachusetts, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Granted that our daily food is key to our being – we must take into account the spirit and purpose behind dietary recommendations. Macrobiotics has represented “the healthy way of life,” reflecting how a wise person could heal naturally and safely; however, for some, macrobiotics became a set of rules resulting in completely the opposite outcome. What happened?
As lifestyles include more holistic approaches, we need to be aware of the many choices within a wide range of possibilities. Modern science acknowledges and validates the basis of the macrobiotic dietary practice yet it is the spirit behind each individual’s daily practice that might make the real difference the spirit of inclusion rather than exclusion, flexibility rather than rigidity and the joyful pursuit of our dreams.
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Eastern Holism in Life, Diet and Design
July 15, 2008
The Graduate Institute, Connecticut, Connecticut
The day is designed to draw attention to aspects of optimal health and well-being over which we can have some control. William Spear will discuss Eastern diet, holism in approach to health, and many of the problems that he sees in the Western approach to nutrition and optimal health. His presentation is a challenging and stimulating view of life and lifestyle. It will cause you to rethink some old habits.
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Sugar, Empty Calories and the Energies of Food – A Macrobiotic Perspective
June 9, 2008
Center for Integrative Manual Therapy and Diagnostics, Connecticut, Connecticut
The result of modern manufacturing of sugar is concentrated crystallized acid.
In the human body, crystallized acid precipitates a series of biochemical crises that adversely affects the intestines, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands and brain. Finally, it breaks down the body systems and distorts clear thinking and judgment. Sugar produces diabetes, helps raise cancer rates, and has brought about an epidemic of hypoglycemia and damaged digestive tracts.
Among the ingredients in a can of soda you will find phosphoric acid that, in excess, is a calcium inhibitor. Minute quantities of ethylene glycol are also used, acknowledged in the soft drink business for making it really “chill.” Ethylene glycol is popularly known as anti-freeze.
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Personal Health in Times of Global Change
May 20, 2008
myhotel Chelsea, London, UK, London, UK
The medicines of the future will embrace the best aspects of modern science and traditional wisdom. Modern medical systems are collapsing from the pressures of those facing life threatening illnesses and the demands made on an antiquated system of impersonal reductionism. Individual human potential and specific personal needs have been almost totally forgotten.
As society shifts its focus to newer, integrative models of health care, mountains of conflicting information about how to approach health and sickness can leave people confused and frustrated rather than empowered and revitalized.
These three evening talks, taken individually or as a series, offer clear, practical insight and useful recommendations to maintain your health or recover from illness. Because human beings are whole, comprised of body, mind and spirit, we must be aware of each.
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House as a Living Being
April 12, 2008
Macrobiotic Institute of Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
Our senses inform us of the elements of place. What we see, hear, smell, taste and touch communicates harmony or discord. Many people interested in feng shui, distracted by a fascination with style and interior design, have sacrificed their sense of balance in favor of discordant energies that follow popular trends and employ mystical charms.
To make effective changes that endure the test of time, it is essential to understand our homes as living organisms made up of interconnected cells, organs and systems that breathe, contract, expand and pulse vitality through our every day lives. Our health and sickness is mirrored in our environment; as such, our dwellings either support our health or diminish it.
This course explores the correlation between feng shui and health, looking closely at the way in which our environments relate to cancer, auto-immune disease, depression and chronic fatigue. Specific examples of house and room shapes, and furniture styles seen from the perspectives of the Five Transformations illuminate the teachings, together with an understanding of the body’s organs and systems correlated to living spaces.
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Eastern Thought, Diet and Cosmology
November 16, 2007
The Graduate Institute, Connecticut, Connecticut
Experiential, instructional evening preparing a class meal in accordance with macrobiotic principles to illustrate that food has a powerful influence on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Macrobiotics offers a way to experience that everything in nature is connected. Comparisons to make healthy choices are made between ingredient sources and quality, Yin/Yang balance, utensils, cutting techniques and cooking options (gas as opposed to electric, for instance) are some of the topics explored.
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Tendency Number of the 9 Star Ki
October 27, 2007
Feng Shui Alliance, New Jersey, New Jersey
An understanding of the third number in the 9 Star Ki (sometimes referred to as the “Tendency Number”), helps to understand one’s karmic destiny. It is the quality of this number that carries our karma, or soul’s coding or destiny; therefore, it is extremely important to take into consideration both in our own self-reflection and personal life as well as in individual consultations. Few people are aware of the deeper significance and meaning of this third number and its relevance to health, Life’s journey and realigning our true purpose.
Many different forms of astrology may be used in the application of feng shui. Although no one system is superior to another and each has its own specific benefit, the Nine Star method is uniquely suited to Intuitive Feng Shui®. There are 108 possible configurations for each gender (9 x 12) with which a feng shui consultant needs to become at least generally familiar. This weekend workshop reveals these elegant cosmic teachings.
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Creating A New Paradigm for Shelter
September 28, 2007
International Conscious Design Conference, Parsippany, New Jersey, Parsippany, New Jersey
Keynote address the Habitat for Humanity benefit dinner.
Three areas of our lives have no equal in terms of our daily survival and healthy evolution. Most of us are becoming more conscious about the food we eat and the water we drink, but until very recently, few have given much thought to the importance of shelter. As its primary mission, Habitat For Humanity seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. We all share that vision and celebrate their extraordinary achievements we can do even more!
Part of the body of knowledge we all know as feng shui holds enormous potential in making a significant contribution to Habitat’s goal both in real dollars, because of our commitment to make the world a better place, and in the currency of our practical understanding of healthy building practices. What would our future be like if Habitat’s vision to create a “decent shelter” included such things as an understanding of wise color choices for happiness, proper placement of doorways and stairs for prosperity and conscious alignment of beds and kitchen appliances for optimum health?
Join us for an evening of shared commitment, wonderful entertainment and a unified intention to make a difference in the world where human beings, nature and the homes we build converge in the spirit of heartfelt service.
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Sustainability and Green Design
January 27, 2007
New England School of Feng Shui, Connecticut, Connecticut
As the pace of life quickens and the world around us becomes more chaotic and toxic, we all yearn to live a more peaceful, natural existence in harmony with our immediate environment. Making socially responsible choices has moved far beyond simply recycling bottles; right inside our own homes opportunities abound to improve our health, transform our relationship to the earth and create real sustainability for our families and our communities. Utilize the practice of feng shui to make effective changes that endure the test of time, integrating the most current applications of sustainable design practices.
Topics will include transitioning to sustainability, alternative energy systems, green materials, permaculture and healthy living spaces. Whether you are a novice or professional, the weekend will bring clarity and insight, adding new resources to your life, practice and future.
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Essential Elements of Feng Shui for Healthy Development
November 14, 2006
Developmental Delay Resources, New York, NY, New York, NY
Modern design based upon easily applied feng shui principles can benefit children in many important ways. At a time when obesity, diabetes, asthma and learning challenges are all on the rise, it is crucial to seek, understand, and implement environmental design solutions that address these concerns. Come learn how simple, practical changes in children’s environments can make a huge difference toward healthy development.
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Designing From the Inside Out: The Inner Bagua of Intuitive Feng Shui®
November 14, 2006
Emerson College, East Sussex, UK, East Sussex, UK
Commonly considered an art of placement or synonymous to interior decorating, feng shui is, according to William Spear “really the study of infinity — the study of consciousness outside of the structures of time and space. We choose to live inside those structures, but the more we can incorporate the wisdom of the bigger picture, the more in touch with life we will be.”
While bed and desk locations are key elements to “external” feng shui, it is the architecture of consciousness — the inner feng shui — that distinguishes placements that endure the test of time. William Spear offers an in-depth exploration of the inner nature of feng shui. As each “house” of the bagua is explored, together with the symbolism of the corresponding I Ching trigram, the underlying harmony of our inner life is revealed. We can discover the nature of the connections, and learn what is necessary in our own self-development to remove obstructions and change fixed patterns of behavior.
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Feng Shui: Community and Purpose
June 15, 2006
Oliver Wolcott Public Library, Litchfield, Connecticut, Litchfield, Connecticut
Acknowledging many perspectives, feng shui holds great potential to create harmony and balance in the community. It can be applied for both individual and collective purposes. Come explore these ancient teachings beyond the world of right/wrong and dualism.
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Care for the Caregiver
May 3, 2006
Mayflower Inn and Spa, Washington, Connecticut, Washington, Connecticut
In many medical oriented settings and even spas, in spite of the presence of compassionate and caring personnel, ill patients are often left with unmet needs. Quantitative considerations tend to occupy most of the care providers’ time, leaving little or none for attention to the quality of the patient’s life. Important questions are seldom adequately addressed, such as how to allow the process to be humane, what to look for and talk about, or how to be with an ill person. Working effectively with people facing serious illness cannot be fully learned through a mental process in a lecture hall or by reading books. Most of what really matters in dealing with the “spiritual health” of another person can be achieved through two interrelated paths: honest self-confrontation, and a willingness to go beyond the framework of conceptual process.
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Recovering Original Ability
April 23, 2006
Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church, Pasadena, California, Pasadena, California
This workshop aims to reconnect participants to the simplicity and joy of being fully present in the moment – to reconnect to our clear and vibrant life force, to our original ability. We come into the world with full potential: as infants we are open to all possibility and our innate energy is entirely available. As time passes, we accumulate ‘baggage,’ our life experiences can pull us away from our innate resources, creating resistance in our energy flow and, over time, closing us off to the magic of our aliveness. Like a magnetic pull towards a newborn baby, we are all drawn to that pure essence of openness and aliveness – a natural, pure state of being.
Through experiential exercises, in an atmosphere of unconditional support, participants release energy blockages that remain from past experiences and reconnect to their intuition and vitality. With movement, music, breathing, and guided meditation, we explore the vital life force inside each of us. Contacting this energy allows us to reopen the heart to the elegant richness within that centers and energizes us, so that our original ability can re-emerge with renewed life. To ensure continuity and completion of the process, please commit to attending the entire day.
This workshop is open to everyone. It has proven especially beneficial to people coping with illness or grief, healthcare professionals and those who deal with suffering and/or loss on a regular basis. The workshop draws much of its material from the personal transformational work of The Passage, the five-day intensive retreat that William Spear has been conducting internationally since 1986.
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Feng Shui in Home Design
March 4, 2006
The Connecticut Home Show, Hartford, Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut
For the professional home builder, feng shui is a set of design principles that take into account all aspects of a structure: siting on the land, shape, building materials, angles and positions of doors, windows, staircases, fixtures and furnishings, textures and colors. The goal is to create harmonious, safe, and non-toxic structures that also engender positive emotional response in the homeowner. The art and science of feng shui has been applied in Asia for thousands of years and is enjoying recognition by Western architects, designers, homeowners and builders as a holistic approach to well-being and quality of life in our environments.
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5 Wishes – How to prepare a living will for family, friends and loved ones
November 14, 2005
Litchfield Community Center, Connecticut, Connecticut
- What do you want your loved ones to know?
- Have you planned ahead to address your personal, emotional and spiritual needs?
- Do family members know whom you wish to make decisions about your comfort and personal needs?
- Is everyone clear about your medical requests?
- Whom would you like with you the end of your life?
The presenter, William Spear, is the founder of the Fortunate Blessings Foundation, a non-faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers innovative educational programs for well-being. Courses focus on personal transformation, self-development, health and environmental awareness. He has been active in the field of end-of-life counseling for over thirty years, supporting each individual’s unique choices at the end of life with honor and respect.
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End-of-Life Care and Human Potential
September 16, 2005
Macrobiotic Institute of Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
With the passing of years, horizons tend to close in, spirits sag, and the weight of unpleasant experiences can be oppressive. Eventually, conscious and unconscious emotional baggage interferes with our authenticity, making it hard to be free of personal, familial and societal distortions. Maintaining our health means we must be able to release unhealthy energy blockages in order to allow new possibilities, harmony and balance; in fact, this is the real aim of feng shui in both our physical surroundings and our bodies. William Spear has found that clearing the energy blockages in our lives to be more powerful than performing feng shui in the environment, with longer lasting effects. Feng shui actually has less to do with the material world than with our infinite inner space and the awareness of our consciousness beyond the confines of time and space.
William Spear’s three decades of experience with feng shui and working with people in difficult, unusual and/or life threatening situations reveal valuable lessons and practical tools. His teachings help individuals accept “what is” in life and openly address the questions of human potential and the end of life (yours and that of others) with courage, compassion, humor and deep wisdom. Using some experiential exercises to gently open the heart, this weekend seminar is useful for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds who embrace every aspect of life as yet another miracle.
Caring for others at the end of life is one of the most challenging and intimate endeavors we can ever undertake. How can we increase our ability to make a difference in the world while opening our hearts and minds to the reality of life’s final chapter? By looking at your life now and releasing restrictions from your past that influence your present and future, you gain the ability to live unconditionally. Our actual avoidance of facing death and dying in real terms is overshadowed by the media’s overwhelming focus on war, murder and violent death in both virtual terms (movies, television, video games, etc) and current events. Has this numbed our senses or helped us prepare for life’s end?
This 2-day workshop brings the practice of unconditional presence into the body and the psyche.
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Open Heart, Deep Spirit
May 28, 2005
Upaya Zen Retreat, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico
This weekend retreat focuses on the path of destiny and the practice of unconditional service to others. Participation is contingent on acceptance into the program, and on completion of at least one Passage. This is neither a “sequel” nor a “next-level” Passage
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Intuitive Feng Shui®
May 28, 2005
Coco Kreole Hotel, St. Lucia, Caribbean, St. Lucia, Caribbean
The study of Intuitive Feng Shui® reveals why we instinctively feel more comfortable in some places than others. In this empowering and experiential course you will learn simple, effective principles and techniques to enhance your relationships, prosperity, health, and very sense of purpose in life. Learn to use the bagua to take stock of your living and working spaces; understand the five energies of change; discover methods to release trapped energy and generate the most beneficial flow.
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Real Life, Real People: Intuitive Feng Shui® in Practice
April 2, 2005
Feng Shui Alliance, New Jersey, New Jersey
To truly become an effective practitioner, you must be grounded in an intuitive understanding of the universal principles inherent in all cultures. Exploring the origins of these theories helps the practitioner to integrate this timeless wisdom as a lifestyle, taking real action to bring about positive, lasting results. This weekend course brings together the many facets of feng shui under the banner of what William Spear has termed Intuitive Feng Shuiâ, a discipline and practice that harmonizes the many diverse approaches to this subject appropriate for our culture at this time.
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Feng Shui and Children: Creating Environments for Future Generations
October 10, 2004
Golden Gate School of Feng Shui, San Francisco, California, San Francisco, California
When a child is overly sensitive, lethargic, nervous, withdrawn, impatient or otherwise mal-adjusted, altering his environment according to feng shui energetics often results in significant behavioral improvements. The knowledge and application of feng shui is especially valuable when applied to a child’s bedroom and classroom, taking into account the uniqueness of each child and family. Environmental psychologists and feng shui consultants have observed similar truths; namely that colors, materials, shapes and furniture placement strongly effect emotional and physical well-being. This workshop, oriented to the specific characteristics of children, is of benefit to parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers, nurses, social workers, day-care centers and everyone with a child in their life.
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Feng Shui: The Inner and Outer World of a Child
October 8, 2004
ChildSpirit 2004, Pacific Grove, California, Pacific Grove, California
Feng shui and the art of placement are commonly considered to take into account physical objects in the material world. To achieve better health, finances, relationships, and careers, the feng shui consultant works with space (geography, orientation, direction, placement) within the context of time (movements of the sun and moon, astronomy, astrology). The resulting adjustments are meant to improve the overall life of the client.
Feng shui actually has less to do with the external world than with our infinite inner space, which is the awareness of our consciousness beyond the confines of time and space. Feng shui clears the path for energy to flow, and opens space that we may think is not even there – especially the internal and external worlds. We live inside the structures of our homes in time and space, but the more we incorporate the wisdom of the bigger picture, the more in touch with life we become.
If we use feng shui only for external applications, we disregard its original nature, which was the alignment of internal spirit, the architecture of our consciousness and being, standing between heaven and earth. Forgetting this, we live in illusion. Feng shui emerged from the teachings of the I Ching, the heart of Taoism, which speaks to our inner world through the higher self. The I Ching addresses the spiritual dimensions inside us, the place where we can all experience our common unity. It operates from the realization that we are each a reflection of each other within a universal source, and prompts us to ask, “How can we improve things for the mutual benefit of all?” When feng shui is practiced from this premise, it is a unique approach to interior design.
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Sex, Intimacy and the 9 Stars
June 20, 2004
Makronova Centar, Zagreb, Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
The Nine Star Ki is an ancient yet practical form of astrology based upon an in depth understanding of the nature of the eight trigrams of the I Ching and their unique symbolism in all of life. When applied to human sexuality and intimacy, the Nine Star Ki reveals unique characteristics of both a physical nature and broader psychological typologies. Beginning with a basic overview of each of the natal personalities, the course will delve more deeply into the hidden characteristics of sexuality, leading to a fascinating understanding of how our sexual natures are influenced by these inborn tendencies. Participants will also learn ways to support each personality type, both physically and emotionally, to foster harmony and deeper intimacy in every relationship.
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Returning to the Source
June 20, 2004
Makronova Centar, Zagreb, Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
Until we each understand our place in the order of nature, the feng shui consultant cannot advise others in the art of placement. The true source of wisdom in the application of these ancient teachings has become nearly totally obscured by charts, tables and formulas now common in its modern interpretation. When we try to manipulate, dominate or conquer the environments where we live and work, we will only end up defeating ourselves and further deteriorate the fabric of our community.
Intuitive Feng Shuiâ practiced by William Spear re-examines our actions, perceptions and attitudes with humility and purpose. More than just going back to basics, this lecture grounds participants in the study of human consciousness and brings light to the myriad of energies we call “place.”
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The Six Inner Teachings
March 23, 2004
myhotel Chelsea, London, UK, London, UK
The ancient Taoist texts reveal the source of all creativity through the six lines of The Book of Change. Beyond wind chimes, crystals and Flying Stars, these six unique cures empower personal transformation and invaluable growth. This lecture of newly presented material by William Spear is ideal for the general public and the seasoned feng shui consultant. It focuses on the harmony of opposites and the eprofound interconnectedness of environment and consciousness through the inner teachings of the Tao.
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Intuitive Feng Shui® in Action
March 15, 2004
Feng Shui 2004 Intl Conference and Expo, Morristown,New Jersey, Morristown, New Jersey
This is a day of interaction with and observation of William Spear conducting actual feng shui consultations in a classroom setting. He demonstrates how years of practice and skill are used to perform live feng shui consultations, using floor plans and slides as well as a client’s astrology, posture, physiognomy and voice. He then discusses recommendations and demonstrates how to bring an encompassing approach to a consultation. This is a “hands-on” opportunity to learn of the subtleties and the non-judgmental nature of an empowering feng shui consultation.