Intention is an opportunity for individuals to share skills, magic and love with the community. This year we have many talented folks stepping up to offer their gifts at the gathering in the form of workshops.
Here is the schedule .. and below are descriptions. There will also likely be spontaneous workshops created at the gathering that are not on this list!
Tribal Commerce - service based commerce for a new paradigm - with Luc Felicidade
Our global commerce system is ridden with corruption, greed and is slowly collapsing around us. An improved system for commerce is needed as humanity evolves into a new space of love, oneness and blissful service. Tribal Commerce is part of the solution to our global economic crisis and a part of the great human awakening. In this inspiring and insightful workshop participants will explore solutions to the challenges our commerce system faces around scarcity, elitism and war over natural resources. Tribal Commerce explores how a community deals with commerce, asset management, skill and knowledge sharing all while working towards living in a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. Included in this presentation are case studies of how Tribal Commerce has been successfully implemented by intentional festivals and conscious organizations in Alberta, including Intention Alberta.
About Luc
Luc Felicidade is an accomplished entrepreneur, published author, talented speaker and active community member. He has an honours degree in Mathematics and Business, a Masters in Entrepreneurship and is an architect of the new paradigm. He lives on an eco-‐farm in Alberta and is actively supporting numerous projects under the umbrella of co-‐creating a sustainable and regenerative human civilization—this is the mission of his company Golden Cities Group (www.GoldenCitiesGroup.com). Luc is committed to raising human consciousness and is an active member in various intentional communities in Western Canada. Some of his favorite things include yoga, acro-‐yoga, hola hooping, snowboarding, tribal commerce, sleeping. writing, cuddles and belly laughs.
The Intention behind Rites of Passage - with Sobey Wing
Do rites of passage hold something for you in your life? What role does ritual hold in your life? In community? What is the difference between self-initiation experiences and community supported rites of passage? How can social circles like Intention benefit from community ritual and developing a wide range of rites of passage? What examples of contemporary practices are accessible to city and rural dwellers? What are the traditional perameters of rites cross-culturally? How can we be culturally sensitive when creating rites of passage or ritual? Can we assist people at Intention and our networks with their transitions with ritual? How can we lend our gifts to others in ritual? How do we call in ritual in our times of need?
Sobey has more questions than answers. Help answer these and other questions we collectively raise during a two hour culture lab that will transit through mental, emotional, physical and spiritual areas of our lives to allow us to see our intentions for the rest of 2013 and beyond with more vividness with community mapping using sociometry and other surprise facilitation methods. Inspired by a decade of Intention gatherings Sobey began developing contemporary rites of passage and has been engaging community dialogue about the topic for several years in North America and Australia. He has participated as a mentor in youth rites of passage with Teen Journey & The Rites of Passage Institute programs and last spring attended a Summit on Youth rites of Passage at Ojai Foundation. Offering free consultation and services by donation and a member of Seedstock Community Currency network. -=-=- http://www.sobey.nexialist.org
Unity (Partner) Yoga - The Yoga of Conscious Connection - with Susan Horning
This class will include cooperative practice with a partner to develop sensitivity, mutual reciprocity, communication and interpersonal development. Work together with a partner to balance one another’s body weight, practice connecting and disconnecting with grace and ease. Learn how to create balance and harmony matched through mutually beneficial postures and exercises. This class will include partner practice with sitting, standing, therapeutic flying, twists, and gentle relaxation massage.
(Suitable for all levels and abilities. Some yoga experience is an asset)
About Susan
Susan has been practicing yoga devotedly since 1994 and currently owns a yoga studio in Vancouver where she has been teaching since 2006. She leads an inclusive community founded on authentic connections and supportive friendships, and holds space for the many colours and cultures of the Commercial Drive community. A follower of the Tao, Susan teaches both yin and yang styles of yoga, believing that both are required for a balanced practice. Having completed over 500 hours of training in different traditions, her classes are a fusion of the flowing grace of Ashtanga Vinyasa and Acro Yoga, the alignment principles of Anusara and Iyengar Yoga, and the energetic vibrations of Kundalini Yoga and Qi Gong. Yin Yoga and Insight Meditation are her passion, offering balance through the practice of stillness, self-inquiry and awareness. Participating as a Yoga Teacher at BC Music Festivals; Entheos, Bass Coast Project (BCP) 2011 and 2012, Entheos and Earthdance 2010, 2011 and 2012; Shambhala 2011, and Burning Man in 2007 and 2011, Susan enjoys offering accessible classes to both the beginner and advanced student, with modifications and adaptations that are enjoyable at every level of practice.
Yin Yoga & The Five Phases of Energy - The Tools of Self Care - with Susan Horning
Mindfulness and pranayama, gateways to contemplative practice, are presented here in an experiential practice of healing through stillness. This introductory class will present posture sequences based on meridian theory and emphasize alignment principles for the body in seated poses. Basic tenets of mindfulness will be presented, and may also include Qi Gong energy practices and/or guided visualization (Yoga Nidra).
Sequences: Heart/Small Intestine, Liver/Gallbladder, Kidney/Bladder, Stomach/Spleen, Lung/ Large Intestine.
(Suitable for all levels and abilities)
Yang Yoga & Energy Activation - Stoking the Inner Fire - with Susan Horning
A graceful flow yoga sequence aimed at warming up the body mindfully, invigorating and energizing through breath control while balancing and toning the muscles of the body. This stretch class uses alignment principles to open hips and hamstrings, relieve low back pain, soothe muscular tension and brings overall balance to the body, mind and spirit.
(Suitable for all levels and abilities. This class will include back bends and inversions)
Aligning to the Blissful Freedom of your Soul - with Diana Ravagli
One of the most liberating and fulfilling experiences in my life has been to Forgive!
In spite of the terrible and shattering mental, emotional and physical abuse I survived through the first 16 years of my life, I found the way to freedom was forgiveness, which has taken me into enjoying a Life of kindness, humility, love, and bliss. I learned to live from my Heart!. Some years ago I learned a fabulous, yet simple healing technique that produces instantaneous and lasting results. This release technique has over the centuries, proven to cultivate inner peace and balance in our lives, for our self and with our relations. Moving further into awareness means it’s crucial for us to create space for the new, more serving ways for our self, and for others. In order to attain the peace of mind and connect to our hearts in a complete way, the foundation needs to be strong and clear of obstacles. The power of this method enables us to get in touch with everyone whom we’ve come into contact with and release them, as well as our self from the events we’ve encountered with them. This is a very in-depth release with the capacity of alleviating painful experiences; even as far back as past lives and genealogical heritage. This will be an event for you to remember! Join me, to clear away energy leakages and dangling unfinished relations; let’s give closure to our past interactions so we can move forward with a new sense of clarity and alignment with our Divinity and splendor. Take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy the freedom of choosing Your happiness!
About Diana
Greatly connected to source and her intuition, Diana had her mission on Earth clear since the tender age of six. She became devoted to her life’s mission at the age of 17 when she began studying communication skills and became a mediator. Diana continued her endeavor by consciously committing to shifting the traumatic childhood she survived by following her intuitive guidance, as well as studying Psychology, Sociology, Sexology, Nutrition, and Massage Therapy. Diana consulted while teaching workshops and in 2004 she became a Reiki Master and studied more energetic healing treatments and Guided Meditations.At the end of 2006, after her brother’s death, Diana’s intuition heightened even more under his guidance, which prompted her to shift the use of her intuition from an internal relationship, into one of external practice when she began her education on manifesting proficiently. To support and balance her strong intuitive connection, Diana has deepen her studies in Sex and Tantra, while becoming proficient with The Reconnection Healing, Master NLP (Neuro Linguistics Programming), Hypnotherapy, MERT (Mental and Emotional Release Technique), TM (Transcendental Meditation), and Huna (Ancient Hawaiian Wisdom). Diana continues to hold a successful practice facilitating space for transformation with a client base extending throughout North America, England, and Australia. Adding to her already diverse pallet of healing techniques, Diana has developed her own communication and release methods as well, which combined with her keen ability to match the blockages with the appropriate clearing tools, support her unique, efficient, and dynamic way to assist people find their true essence and their purpose on how to channel their livelihood to enjoy a thriving quality of life.
Organizing Intention - a community workshop on creating direction and structure - with Jonathan Bean and/or other iOrg helpers.
Intention has always been an event designed by its participants. The "Org" team, a small group of people who've expressed interest in organizing Intention events, has been meeting regularly to try to figure out how Intention can continue sustainably on into the future. It's a ripe time to talk about a few organizational things at Summer Intention.
During this workshop we'll cover...
1) What makes Intention Intention? What are the awesome things about it? Where should Intention go in the future?
2) What structure supports this the best? The Org group has recommendations, there are pretty compelling reasons to create a more formal structure than Intention has had in the past. There will be a focused discussion on what is needed and what the Org group recommends, plus a facilitated discussion - what does the community recommend, or want to see? The direction of Intention is something that is open for discussion among the whole community, and feedback from the community will be brought back to the group that's stepped forward as Org.
3) How do we let the Org group know what we want? We'll collect the results of the first two conversations and find a good way of getting that input back to the Org team. The next stage of evolution for the "organization" of Intention will incorporate the feedback of everyone in the community who wants to participate.
Chakra Alchemy Dance - with Astraea Starr
A guided ecstatic dance journey through the chakras - using breath, movement, sound and energy to connect with the truth of who you are.
About Astraea
Astraea Starr has been guiding transformational dance journeys since 1996, and a certified Kundalini Dance instructor since 2004. Also known as Luna Ravenchilde she has guided dance journeys at some of the well known festivals such as Burning Man, Shambhala Music Festival, Motion Notion, and many others. www.ekstasisdance.com .. www.kundalini-dance.com
Women's Circle: Intimacy and Integrity in Female Relationships - with Lindsay Flynn and Andrea McLean
We love women and all their fascinating, challenging, and inspiring ways of being in the world. There are times, however, when we all feel the disappointment how our gender treats each other, all the while perceiving the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ways this behavior is enabled by society. The women's circle at intention will focus on just this: how can we as women treat other women better? What are the barriers to intimacy and integrity between ourselves with our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, colleagues, and strangers? What are the modes of relating that we want to embrace and live by example in our community and beyond? This will be a safe forum to express your fears, ask questions, set boundaries, and get clear on anything that's been weighing on you.
Comparative Magic 101 - with Jen Runna
An introductory comparison of various perspectives and practices concerning Sacred Space, Circles of Power and Interactions with Energetic Beings.
Mantra and Sacred Sound - with Raghunath Ritch
The sanskrit word 'mantra' literally means 'to free the mind'. In this workshop we will explore chanting and vibration, and how it can quickly and effectively shift consciousness in a powerful and positive way. The workshop will feature call and response group chanting - or kirtan, a brief breakdown of ancient mantra's with their meanings, insight into some of the worlds rich spiritual traditions, and how we can use these timeless tools and teachings in our daily lives. Reciting these sacred sounds in song has a way of opening the heart effortlessly and connecting us in something higher, especially when experienced together!.
About Ritch
Ritch has been working with sacred sound for over 20 years in both performance and recording. He has had the good fortune of collaborating with many wonderful artists, musicians, and healers. He has hosted various radio shows throughout the years, with a focus on transformation through sound. He is currently the host and producer of Mantra Radio on CiTR 101.9fm in Vancouver. He is an initiate of the path of bhakti-yoga, or the yoga of devotion, studying and practicing in both North America and India. He also has roots in shamanistic practice and tantric principles. He is interested in the common bond between diverse traditions and the unifying force of sacred sound. -=-=- http://mantraradio.co
The Tibetan Rites - with Tall Paul
The Rites are the ancient and daily practice of Tibetan monks, described variously as the "fountain of youth", and, "tai chi for idiots". The Tibetan Five are series of excercises, each of which is performed up to 21 times, that are focused on body awareness, core strength, breath and control. Tall Paul has been a daily practicioner for the past ten years and honours the routine as his path through a tractless landscape. Poetry aside, a strong practice takes about ten minutes, ideally in the morning, on an empty stomach. The workshop could use an hour and 15 participants, each with a yoga mat or blanket and workout clothes.
Unlearning Our Bodies & Minds: Rediscovering our connection capacity - with James Priestley
Explore how societal forces have disenfranchised us from our healthy physical and social connection. Through movement, discussion, journal reflection, nature interaction and games, we'll reconnect with our innate kid-like capacity for oxytocin and everyday joy, ecstasy and gratitude to counteract these modern trends.
Tantric Energy Cirlces - with Dustin Quasar
Practice building energy cycles in your body, and with others. Expand awareness of your body energy centers, their input and output directions, and energy circling patterns. We will be using conscious breathing, visualization, light touch, and eye contact. Learn to direct your energies to maximize pleasure and intimate connection in your life. No nudity, but mature themes will be discussed.
Playfulness and Sacred Sexuality - with Jen Runna
An exploration of safe inclusion of playful sexuality in festival settings.
Thai Massage - with Tall Paul
Thai Massage is an ancient healing art developed by the Buddha's doctor friend, Shivago. This is deep tissue work, sometimes called, "yoga for lazy people", focusing on muscle groupings, nerve/energy lines and the practioner's intuition. This form of massage is practiced on a mat, upon the floor, fully clothed, without the use of oils. Paul received his diploma in Thai Massage from the Hospital of Traditional Northern Thai Massage in Chiang Mai back in '93 and has been practicing ever since. There are some clever techniques and principles...check this...the concept of vicarious joy. A dozen folk? BYO mat.
If you have any questions please email Ritch at workshops[at]intentiongathering[dot]org