Past Event Highlights
Watch videos from guests of the Asheville Wisdom Exchange.
The 1972 Andes Airplane Tragedy Leaves Legacy of Wisdom and Inspiration: A Captivating True Story of the Power of Hope and Resilience with Jörg P.A. Thomsen
The Asheville Wisdom Exchange is proud to present Jörg Thomsen, the founder and curator of the Museum of the Andes in Montevideo, Uruguay. He will enlighten us about the story behind the story of “Society of The Snow”, the recent internationally acclaimed feature film on Netflix, and clear frontrunner for the “Best Foreign Feature Film” Award. It is the most accurate accounting to date of the tragic plane crash which occurred in the Andes Mountains in 1972, in which 16 of the 45 passengers and crew [most of whom were on the Uruguayan Rugby team], survived. He will describe how they miraculously overcame the harrowing ordeal after 72 days of sustained freezing conditions. Without having sustainable provisions, far from civilization, high on the remote snow and ice covered slopes of the Andes they persevered.
His book, “Touched - The Story Behind The Museum Of The Andes 1972 Ordeal” celebrates the spirit of the survivors. It provides details on how and why it was important for him to create a museum to commemorate this incredible story. It is a testament to the passion and serious commitment of the founder, the survivors, and the families of those who died in preserving the memory of this tragedy.
Jörg will address how humans grow beyond themselves when faced with a harrowing and unexpected calamity. The universal values of hope, goal setting, courage, resourcefulness, teamwork, and love are wonderfully portrayed by Jörg. The museum provides a sanctuary to recall the event in a personal and intense manner. It is seldom that visitors leave without being touched. It has evoked various moving testimonials which makes us realize how fragile life really is. It serves to remind us of the importance of a “Never Give Up” attitude”. Ultimately, the heart of the story attempts to answer the questions, when everything is taken from you, why do you want to live, and for whom do you want to die.
Jörg P.A. Thomsen, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, is an internationally renowned Uruguayan businessman and expert in the manufacturing, marketing, and application of thermal insulation. He has been working in the acoustical insulation sector since 1975. Traveling the world as an ambassador of his company, he takes the flag of his native country all over the globe.
Please join us for a rare opportunity to open up the possibility of discovering a special healing space inside that strengthens us even further as resilient human beings in our own battles.
Lucid Dreaming, Lucid Living: Creating a Positive Reality with Cynthia Sue Larson
Doctor of Divinity & Quantum Physicist, Cynthia Sue Larson
The challenge of these times provides opportunities for us to remember our true nature, connect with our fundamental inspiration, and sense our core purpose. This is an excellent time to dream most desirable possibilities into reality, living lucidly in a waking dream.
Cynthia Sue Larson is the best-selling author of six books who helps people visualize and access whole new worlds of possibility. Cynthia hosts Living the Quantum Dream on the DreamVisions7 radio network. She has been featured on the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, Coast to Coast AM, and the BBC, and has presented papers at international conferences on science, spirituality, and consciousness.
Since 1999, Cynthia has shared findings from scientific research in the fields of quantum physics, quantum biology, the placebo effect, positive psychology, sociology, and alternative medicine. Cynthia's articles have appeared in journals ranging from Cosmos and History, to Magical Blend, to Parabola.
Results from Cynthia’s "How Do You Shift Reality?" surveys conducted in April 2000 and June 2013 document incidences of the most commonly experienced types of reality shifts, and her RealityShifters web site has compiled one of the most extensive collections of reality shift reports in the world. Her popular e-zine, RealityShifters, is eagerly awaited each month by thousands of subscribers world-wide.
Cynthia has a degree in physics from UC Berkeley, an MBA degree, and a Doctor of Divinity. Cynthia reminds us to ask in every situation, "How good can it get?"
Spiritsong
2024 Astrology Forecast: The Plot Thickens with Spiritsong & Benjamin Bernstein
Join returning presenters Spiritsong and Benjamin Bernstein for this educational and entertaining look at this year's astrology energies. Their Zoom presentation will be Wednesday, January 17th, 7–8:30 pm. Learn how you can partner with the planets to make the most of 2024!
This year’s astrology highlights are continuing developments. “Big change now” is more fully empowered as Pluto locks into Aquarius for almost 20 years. This decade’s most important astrology event, a harmonious aspect pattern created by the three outer planets, keeps getting stronger. Plus, we’ll explore the US entering the final year of its tumultuous Pluto return, Jupiter’s busy 2024, and more!
Benjamin Bernstein
“AstroShaman” Benjamin Bernstein is a three-time “Best Astrologer” winner in Western North Carolina’s premier reader survey. He has done over 10,000 Astrology+, Shamanic Healing and Life Coaching sessions with a global clientele.
Benjamin is also an Amazon #1 best-selling author, hosts two podcasts (including the award-winning “This Week in Astrology”), and helps members awaken, heal, and thrive in his “Awakening Plus” online membership.
Spiritsong has been studying astrology for over 40 years. She has guided others as a professional astrologer for 18 years. She’s also a healing facilitator, and uses modalities such as guided imagery, energy healing, and aromatherapy in her sessions. These are sometimes combined with astrology readings.
Spiritsong is also a licensed minister, spiritual counselor and ceremonialist. She often uses the gifts of music in her healing work, which she calls an “Inner Journey.” In all of her service, Spiritsong delights in guiding and uplifting others into their most joyful life!
Herbalist Extraordinaire with Brigette Mars
Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant of Natural Health with over fifty years of experience. She teaches Herbal Medicine at Naropa University. She has taught at Omega Institute, Esalen, Kripalu, Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Envision, Arise Festivals, Burning Man, and even The Mayo Clinic. She is a founding and professional member of the American Herbalist Guild.
Brigitte is the author of many books and DVDs, including The Natural First Aid Handbook, Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Health, The Country Almanac of Home Remedies, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Beauty by Nature, Addiction Free Naturally, The Sexual Herbal, Healing Herbal Teas, Rawsome! and co-author of The HempNut Cookbook. Her latest project is a phone app called IPlant and an online course.
Online Course: https://sevenroots.com/herbal
The Great Awakening: The Near-Death Experience and the New World of Love with David Suich
A few of those who have NDE's are shown Earth's future. David Suich's talk will focus on the near-death experience and their descriptions of humanity's future.
David Suich is a retired engineer and certified spiritual counselor who founded and operated Steps of Hope Outreach, a nonprofit organization that served orphanages in Nepal, Mexico, and Haiti from 2003 through 2018. During a painful and chronic physical condition that triggered severe depression, he clicked on a YouTube video about an atheist who died momentarily and saw Heaven. This led him on a 15-year journey of research into near death experiences including the testimonies of over 1000 people who have died, seen the afterlife, and returned.
Links:
Holistic End-of-Life Care with Dr. Aditi Sethi
Dr. Aditi Sethi discusses her experience as a hospice physician and end-of-life doula. She discusses the valuable work of hospice and palliative care and talk about ways a doula can support an individual transitioning from life. She discusses the various integrative modalities available for supporting someone in their final season of life as they face one of the most mysterious experiences of their lives.
Dr. Aditi Sethi is a hospice and palliative care physician, end-of-life doula, and musician. Featured in the forthcoming film The Last Ecstatic Days, Aditi is an emerging and important voice for shifting our culture’s understanding and approach to dying, death, and bereavement care. She is the founder and executive director of the Center for Conscious Living & Dying.
The Proper Care and Feeding of Your Gut Microbiota: A Critical Part of Improving Your Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Health with Dr. Brett Senor
Brett Senor, MD is a board-certified internal medicine physician with Blue Ridge Premier Medicine, a group of concierge medical providers. He is also a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine- a branch of care that uses non-pharmacological and non-procedural approaches to improving the health of patients. The interventions are centered on evidence-based behavior modifications in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep optimization and avoidance of toxic substances. Patients that embrace these changes have demonstrated substantial health improvements, including reversal of diseases that historically have been regarded as progressive.
He and his wife recently started a company, Wellspring Health Collective, to share Lifestyle Medicine with a broader audience, in hopes of positively influencing the health of people beyond his concierge practice.
Brett has been a speaker at state and national conferences, as well as with thousands of physicians and other members of healthcare systems from across the nation. He is scheduled to speak at several upcoming events for lay audiences and healthcare providers.
Spiritual Resilience: Overcoming Challenges in Difficult Times with Millie America
Millie America is a metaphysical facilitator, a channel of ethereal energies and a radiant beacon of love’s transformative power. Millie will share her secrets on transforming challenges through the healing power of love.
In the face of immense challenges that test our spirits, we embrace faith as our guiding light, illuminating our path with unwavering hope. With hearts full of courage, we rise above adversities, for we know that within us lies the strength to overcome any hurdle.In the darkest of nights, we hold onto the belief that love conquers all, allowing it to fill our hearts with compassion. We embody resilience, knowing that even in the toughest of times, faith in ourselves and each other carries us through.It's through despair that we discovered the power of unity, joining hands and hearts as we navigated treacherous waters. Together, we transform our challenges into opportunities for growth. We understand that true strength lies in embracing the unknown and facing it with unwavering faith.
A New Relationship With Death: from Grief 2 Growth with Brian Smith
Brian discusses how he went from a life of fear of death which kept him paralyzed, to embracing all life has to offer including death. He discusses a new relationship with death from a spiritual, philosophical, and scientific standpoint and how embracing this new view makes life more meaningful and easier to live.
As a young man, Brian suffered from an intense fear of death. When his daughter unexpectedly passed at age 15, he was devastated. But after receiving visions and messages from her after her death, he immersed himself in researching the afterlife from both a scientific and philosophical approach. This spiritual quest has resulted in his becoming a sought out public speaker and his writing the book Grief 2 Growth; Planted. Not Buried.
Energetic/Astrological Forecast for September-December 2023 with Chuck Pisa, BS, LMBT, LMT, CPEH
Chuck Pisa, BS, LMBT, LMT, CPEH is an energy healing therapist, coach and massage therapist currently working in Brevard, NC and Sarasota, FL. He holds certifications in both Esoteric Healing (NAEH) and Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and is an Ordained Minister in the Priesthood of the Order of Melchizedek.
Chuck began studying Esoteric Healing after his own dramatic and miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness and wishes to help others with their journey from illness to health.
Chuck’s unique blend of Esoteric Healing, reconnection therapy and coaching allows all aspects of healing, whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual to proceed according to the clients own specific needs using a variety of self-discovery systems.
Chuck also teaches classes on energy therapies, esoteric studies, esoteric astrology, Human Design and The Ageless Wisdom along with facilitating both in-person and on-line discussion and “deepening” groups with the goal of offering support, knowledge and wisdom toward better understanding and love of oneself and others.
Our Medicine is All Around Us with CoreyPine Shane
CoreyPine Shane RH (AHG), founder and Director of the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine near Asheville, NC, has spent over 25 years helping clients and teaching people by artfully blending Chinese and Western herbal traditions with a focus on local plants. His new book “Southeast Medicinal Plants” covers how to identify, ethically harvest, and use the wild plants of the Southeast. CoreyPine has taught across the United States and in Europe, at many national herb conferences, and is a Professional Member of the American Herbalists Guild.
In this talk, we will discuss this deep connection available to all of us, and talk about some ways in which we can more directly connect to the plant world around us. Whether you live in the city or out in the country, there are ways to directly connect to the living world of the plants.
The deepest healing of holistic herbalism is the recognition that our medicine is all around us. We are not strangers on this earth but intimate partners whose ancestors have used wild plants for food and medicine for tens of thousands of years. We don’t have to do it all ourselves, the woods and the wild have remedies to support us. We are not strangers on this earth, we are already home.
Loving You Heals Me: An Amazing Near-Death-Experience! She Died Suddenly and Met God! With Penny Wittbrodt
Penny Wittbrodt accepted her first position as a Cardio-thoracic ICU nurse. Most of her nursing career was spent in critical care. She was forced to give up her nursing career when in 2013, she was assaulted by a patient. The attack left her with a spinal injury which required a lengthy surgery and left her with permanent nerve damage in her spine, left arm, and hand. Unable to work, she fell into a dark depression and began isolating herself. This led to overwhelming social anxiety which in turn, caused her to withdrawal even further.
Several months after surgery, she developed a mysterious autoimmune condition (mast cell activation disorder) which caused eighteen bouts of respiratory failure, over two-and-a-half years. Doctors had no answers and every treatment they prescribed failed.
During two episodes of respiratory failure, Penny had near-death experiences and was brought into the presence of God. There she learned what she needed to do to overcome her illness and took action.
That decision dramatically changed the course of her life. Based on her experience, she was invited to write a chapter for Dr. Penny Sartori’s book, “The Transformative Power of Near-Death Experiences.” Penny is now in the process of writing her first book, “A Life Reclaimed.”
Penny now hosts two podcasts. One on Rumble called Covid19 Warrior and the other on YouTube called, Life From A Near-Death Perspective.
Synchronicity: Recognizing Messages from Spirit as Signposts for Discovery on Your Life Path with Wendy Arddanu
All of us are receiving a constant flow of messages from Spirit. However, each of us “receives” in our own unique way. Do you recognize the signposts or synchronicities?
During these auspicious times of great shift and change, it is more important than ever to trust our inner wisdom, and to recognize this loving support as we seek to understand and navigate our Life Path for our happiest and most meaningful life.
As I reflect over the decades of my life, these synchronicities outlined major turning points for my life and spiritual growth. Please join me as I share some of my journey and talk about the flow of synchronicity.
Synchronicity – Recognizing the Flow
A Dialogue with Spirit
Ceremony and Ritual – Creating a Sacred Space
Life Purpose – Sharing Your Gifts
How to Find Lasting Peace in an Ever-Changing World with Ananta Nathanson
Ananta's sadhana began in 1976 when he met Baba Muktananda. Subsequently, he spent many years with Baba and Gurumayi in their ashrams until meeting Ramesh Balsekar with whom he had a very close and long association. Ananta likes to say that Ramesh finished the job Baba had started. In 1997, 21 years after it had started Ananta's sadhana ended. Not with fireworks, but with an overwhelming calm of having come to peace with himself. He learned early on not to speak of the enlightenment and kept it to himself for the most part for more than a decade.
One day at his puja, Ananta heard Baba say "You have been given a gift and it's time to pass it along". He has been talking ever since. Ananta speaks of non-duality (Advaita Vedanta) with a touch of Kashmir Shaivism. He says that this life is only a dream and the body/mind is a virtual reality machine. His core teaching is: At essence we are all the same and in this oneness we are without boundaries.
Mother Gaia and the Indigenous Peoples with Mare Cromwell
A former park ranger in the belly of the Grand Canyon and at Denali National Park, Mare Cromwell continues to serve as "a humble servant to the Great Mother." She is an internationally-known Gaia Communicator & Priestess, Author and Healer. Some might call her a Medicine Woman. Called the “Voice of Earth Mother” by Rainbow Thunder Heart – a gifted Shoshone Elder, Mare’s work is to support the birth of the New Earth emerging now (Ascension). She was also told by Woody Vaspra, a Hawaiian Elder, that her work is in the Native Prophecies. Mare’s award-winning books include: “The Great Mother Bible”; “Messages from Mother…. Earth Mother”; and, “If I gave you God’s phone number…. Searching for Spirituality in America”.
Mare has studied with Native American elders for 25 years and is the visionary behind the 1000 Goddesses Gathering Global Grid. She has taught "The Great Mother Love Way" and led workshops on Earth Changes & Mother Gaia’s Broader Picture, Sacred Gardening, Womb Wisdom and more. Check out: www.greatmotherlove.earth
After receiving her Masters in Natural Resources at the University of Michigan in 1987, she worked internationally for five years co-leading an award-winning international environmental education network called the Global River Environmental Education Network (GREEN). Currently she is the director of Great Mother Love Way, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. According to Mystic Muse Judith Hill, author of "Dazzling Wobble", "Mare Cromwell is one of our Great Listeners. She beautifully carries the ancient, necessary wisdom into our Present, so we may have a Future!"
The Mysterious Essenes with Ed Foote
Who were the Essenes? How do their ancient teachings impact us today? Ed Foote will share his expertise on this topic based on the readings of Edgar Cayce.
Ed Foote's two spiritual paths are the Edgar Cayce Readings and the book A Course In Miracles, and he travels throughout the country lecturing on these topics. He has led over 400 church services for Unity, Presbyterian, and non-denominal churches in all parts of the U.S. He has also taught Sacred Dance at churches from coast to coast. He is a full-time square dance caller, having called for over 50 years in every state, ten European countries and in Australia and New Zealand, and has a home program of square dance clubs in the Pittsburgh area.
Lessons from My Mennonite Past with Kathie Kurtz
Kathie Kurtz grew up in a close Mennonite community that offered a rich life but did not completely satisfy her. While Mennonites were not as separated from mainstream culture as the Amish, Kathie still felt distinctly different in both visible and invisible ways. As a child she accepted the Mennonite tradition, but privately imagined herself in a wider world that sparkled beyond the boundaries of her ordinary life. She judged herself for wanting “unimportant” things rather than being focused on the needs of the world. At times she would question how of all people in the world, only the Mennonite beliefs were right ones. Over time, she learned to trust her own internal voice as a guide to authentic living. She said, "I came to realize that I didn’t need to choose one world or the other. I could choose what was of value in my tradition and what enriched me from the larger world, shaping life from that mix." Kathie believes that creativity is born in the tension between polarities, and even though living in that space continues to challenge her, it is the place where she finds vibrancy and joy.
Kathie Kurtz, DMin, is a retired Mennonite pastoral counselor who lives with her husband in Harrisonburg, Virginia near where she grew up. She is the author of The Blistering Morning Mist: a Memoir (Wipf and Stock, 2021) In addition to writing, she enjoys gardening, pottery, cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends For more about her go to kathiesblog.com
Medical Miracle Leads to a Pioneer in Transgender Health Care with Dr. Matthew Wetschler
Dr. Matthew Wetschler, M.D.,M.P.H.,C.E.O., is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. In 2017, while surfing in Ocean Beach, Ca., he sustained a severe cervical spinal cord injury. Unable to move his limbs, he drowned and was dead for at least 20 minutes. The profound internal changes, combined with his unbridled determination to recover from a quadriplegic state, led him to discover a new direction for his life. Over the last three years, he has built Plume, the largest digital transgender health care clinic in the world: www.getplume.co
The transgender community has become exponentially more visible over the past several years both in its representation in mainstream media, as well as its political significance in many states. Most people don’t personally know a transgender person and, though honestly well-meaning and wanting to learn, are hesitant to ask questions for fear of being unintentionally rude or inconsiderate. In this talk, he will provide an orientation the transgender experience, create space for any and all questions about the transgender community, and weave in anecdotes about his own thrilling journey of near-death and a path of personal transformation leading to entrepreneurship and his current project.
The Ancient Aramaic Secret of Prayer with Rev. Dale Allen Hoffman
Could it be possible that we in modern times are praying "backward"? Is our petitioning to God for a result in fact re-creating the very condition that we are seeking to move beyond? Rev Dale Allen Hoffman reveals stunning insights from the original ancient Aramaic teachings of Yeshua that sheds evolutionary light on the obvious truth that we may have gotten it all wrong.
Rev. Dale Allen Hoffman is an Ancient Aramaic Wisdom Keeper, mystic and energetic healer revealing long-suppressed ancient secrets and healing modalities. Since coining the term "Aramaic Toning" in the early 1990’s, Dale is the frequent "go to" authority for many well-known spiritual teachers, celebrities, business icons, musicians and everyday people on how to awaken the experiential core of ancient teachings in the most practical ways possible. He has published numerous audio and video programs and is author of the book Echoes of an Ancient Dream: Aramaic Toning on the Path of Light.
Soul Writing™: A Conversation With The Divine Within with Joanne DiMaggio, MA. CHt
What if you knew there was an answer to every question you have about your life? There is, through Soul Writing. Simply put, Soul Writing is a written form of meditation. It is you going into a meditative state through deep breathing and relaxation, putting the pen to paper, and having a conversation with God, your Higher Self, Angels, your Soul, or other divine emissaries. It is a 24-7 hotline, providing loving guidance on any issues facing you. It answers the “why” questions we all ask in a time of spiritual or physical crisis. Soul Writing is something anyone can do—most get something on the first try. This form of meditative writing provides you with a profound connection to the Divine within, to the core of your being, and enables you to tap into the collective consciousness where answers to all of life’s—and death’s—questions can be found.
Joanne DiMaggio, MA, CHt has been professionally pursuing past-life research and therapy and Soul Writing™ for nearly 35 years. She has been actively involved with Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.). since 1987. She is a graduate of the Eastern Institute of Hypnotherapy and earned her Masters in Transpersonal Studies degree and her Spiritual Mentor certification through Atlantic University. The author of five books, Joanne has had numerous articles published and has given talks on the subject of past-life exploration, the pre-life planning session, and soul writing to global audiences. In addition, she has been a guest on nearly 100 radio programs and podcasts. More at www.joannedimaggio.com
Evidence of the Afterlife: Groundbreaking New Findings from the Largest Study of Near-Death Experiences Ever Reported with Dr. Jeffrey Long
Dr. Long has investigated over 4000 near-death experiences (NDEs), which is by far the largest number of NDEs ever scientifically studied. Twelve lines of evidence from Dr. Long’s study provide a consistent message that the afterlife is a reality and give insights about the afterlife described in NDEs.
Jeffrey Long, M.D. is a radiation oncology physician living in Georgetown, Kentucky. Over 20 years ago he founded the Near-Death Experience Research Foundation (nderf.org). The results of his previous research were published in the New York Times bestselling book Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences. Millions of people have seen Dr. Long discuss his research on shows including the NBC Today Show, The Dr. Oz Show, National Geographic television, History Channel, The O’Reilly Factor, and on television broadcasts around the world.
Astrological Forecast for 2023 with Spiritsong Mary O'Shannon
What awaits in 2023? Join us for an Astrological Forecast from Spiritsong Mary O'Shannon who says to get ready for revolutionary change as Pluto enters Aquarius for the first time in 250 years. Spiritsong will open our 2023 AWE series with an exploration of the astrological influences we'll be experiencing in the exciting new year. Her presentation will delve into how we can deal with these new energies and will be followed by a Q & A period.
Spiritsong has been studying astrology for over 40 years. She has guided others as a professional astrologer for 17 years. She’s also a healing facilitator, and uses modalities such as guided imagery, energy healing, and aromatherapy in her sessions. These are sometimes combined with astrology readings. Spiritsong is also a licensed minister, spiritual counselor and ceremonialist. She often uses the gifts of music in her healing work, which she calls an “Inner Journey”. In all of her service, Spiritsong delights in guiding and uplifting others into their most joyful life. She looks forward to sharing some of the most powerful astrological influences we'll be experiencing in 2023 and how we may use them to create a better world within and around us!
(Be)Longing: the Spirituality of the Enneagram with Angie Arendt
Angie has been teaching the Enneagram for more than 20 years. She will discuss its roots in spiritual traditions and evolution as a psycho-spiritual model for understanding and growth. The Enneagram is a reminder of how we are each and all a part of the bigger picture with unique (and universal) gifts. She will talk about how we hide from, run from, distort those gifts—the Enneagram also shines a light on our hard-wired survival patterns of behavior that are less-than-helpful when it comes to building relationship, community, or creating a sense of belonging for ourselves and others. We can discuss how the Enneagram is a never-ending teaching and practice for continued growth and discovery—and like oh-so-many sacred practices and teachings, this is a practice and teaching that is sometimes painful in the process of enlightenment.
Angie Arendt is Director at Big Stone House: a Center for Courageous Living and a Partner and Senior Consultant at Deep Life. She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (USA), master Enneagram Teacher, writer, integral developmental coach and spiritual contrarian who has had the privilege of engaging thousands of people all over the world in the art of sacred living and leading for more than two decades. Angie has pastored churches of 150 members, ministered to congregations of 3500 members, keynoted local and national conferences, taught with the Enneagram Institute, and worked with non-profits, congregations, and global organizations all over North America to plant seeds for more empathy, compassion, reverence and kindness at work, at home, and in the world.
Angie lives in Almonte, Ontario with her husband (and business partner) Peter McGaugh, their two golden dogs and two tabby cats in a big, old stone house on the river, spending her days writing, listening, mentoring, teaching, meaning-making, training, ritual-ing, and creating community to connect and grow through the real stuff of life. Her first book on (re)claiming reverence is in the works.
Wonder, Awe and Mystery: A holy trinity for our troubled times with Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria
The world appears to be crumbling all around us as the crisis in culture and nature accelerates faster than any of us thought it could, while apocalyptic nightmares seem to haunt our dreams, news feeds, art, and film. We are also deeply divided as a species on who or what to blame. However, it is also true that the world has always hung by a thin, mysterious thread, and that the soul is awakened by crisis which can also be a source of opportunity and deep creativity. However, to help germinate the awakening of the soul during troubled times we must engage the art of ‘’unknowing”. We thus can drop from the head into the heart and enter the timeless world of Now where new solutions emerge organically from the soil of the soul moment by moment, neither spiritually bypassing nor getting ‘stuck in the muck’.
You can find more about Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria work at www.michaeldemaria.com
Transformational Health: One Woman's Journey from Chronic Illness to Vibrant Health with Michelle Miller
Michelle suffered for most of her life with dozens of health issues, including endometriosis, digestive disorders, stomach ulcers, diverticulitis, adrenal fatigue, food allergies, blurry vision, eye floaters, brain fog, dizzy spells, memory loss, hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, nightmares, restless legs, pain and numbness in her body that made it difficult to walk, heart palpitations, anxiety, PTSD, and more. After changing her diet and health regime, Michelle is now free from all of these symptoms and lives her life without pain, anxiety or depression. Michelle believes that taking charge of our health and lifestyle is the first step to wellness. She will be discussing her journey and how organic live foods and healthy habits changed her life. As with all AWE programs, there will be a question and answer period following the presentation.
Growing-Up Amish & Leaving an Amish Life: Choosing Between Belonging and Freedom with Saloma Miller Furlong
Images of Amish life often evoke nostalgia in many for a “simple life” of a bygone era when life happened at a slower pace. Some of the days of my childhood fit this image when Nature was my playground in the fields, garden, and woods surrounding the little farmette where I grew up. Other days were filled with fear and terror. My childhood was defined by my father’s mental illness, my brother’s brutality, my mother’s severe punishments, and the austere traditions of the Amish. I was also endowed with a nature that didn’t fit my culture. And yet this was the world in which I belonged, at least according to Amish beliefs. I glimpsed freedom in the “outside world” and yet I could not partake without leaving behind this sense of belonging in the only world I knew. At twenty, I finally made the choice to do exactly that and move to Vermont where I knew no one.
With the eighth-grade education of her childhood, Saloma Miller Furlong acquired her GED, enrolled in community college courses, and became an Ada Comstock scholar at Smith College, graduating with a major in German and a minor in Philosophy. She is the author of three books, and has spoken at more than 170 venues in 27 states. Her story has been featured in two PBS American Experience films “The Amish” and “The Amish: Shunned.” To learn more, you may visit Saloma’s website and her blog, About Amish.
Ayurveda 101: A Crash Course in Vibrant Health with Poornima Sharma
Dr. Poornima is a certified yoga instructor and Health Coach with a Ph.D. in Foods & Nutrition and a special focus on obesity, diabetes, and iron deficiency. As a Health Coach, Poornima has had the pleasure of helping individuals from all walks of life take part in empowerment programs that leverage breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation to reduce stress and promote healthier lifestyles. She is also a RYT-200 certified yoga and meditation teacher with the Art of Living and looks forward to helping people focus on eating well, living well, and embracing mindful living to enjoy both positive inner transformations and outer dynamism.
“It gives me immense joy to share the gifts of meditation, breathing practices, yoga, wholesome living and timeless wisdom I have been fortunate to receive; it is extremely rewarding to see how the practices and processes bring such inner transformation & outer dynamism in everyone’s life in such a short time.”
You Are Changing the World Whether You Like It Or Not with David LaMotte
When stories of large-scale change are told in our culture, they often center on larger-than-life characters taking dramatic action in moments of crisis, but a deeper study of history shows that it is movements that change the world — lots of people taking small actions in the same direction. Heroes never fix large-scale problems in the absence of a movement. That is good news for those of us who want to have a positive impact on the world around us. We don’t have to be heroes to make a difference. We just have to bring the gifts we are given.
David LaMotte is an award-winning songwriter, speaker and author. He has performed over 3000 concerts and released thirteen full-length CDs of primarily original music, touring in all of the fifty states, as well as five of the seven continents.
Basking in the Light of the Infinite: A Journey into Kabbalah with Sharon Rosen
Kabbalah is generally known as the mystical tradition of Judaism, and it is so much more. The Tree of Life and four Universes at the heart of its teachings are considered a blueprint for creation, as well as a map to our own spiritual life.
We will explore, through chant, meditation, visuals, and story, how the Infinite Light of creation brought our world into being; how aspects of the Divine live within us; and how to bring more balance and joy into your life through the lens of awareness that Kabbalah offers.
About Sharon Rosen
Sharon Rosen has had a private practice in the healing arts for 35 years. She completed her four year training in Kabbalistic Healing through A Society of Souls School for Non-Dual Healing and Awakening. She lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley region on NY and works with people throughout the US and Europe.
Human Design: Making Decisions You Can Trust with Stacie Florer
Timing is everything! Decision-making is the most important thing you can do to enter into your divine flow. I'll discuss how to take YOUR first step once you understand how your energy functions and is designed to interact with the world.
Stacie Florer is a Living Your Design guide in the Human Design System and an inspired metalsmith & artist. She entered her Human Design experiment in 2015 and is a Generator with Emotional Authority. She is designed to have mutative encounters with people through her responsive ability to connect and care in a deeply creative capacity.
http://www.stacieflorer.com • @stacieflorer (Instagram)
Credit/Resources from Presentation:
Online Human Design Chart http://www.mybodygraph.com
Human Design Website: http://www.jovianarchive.com
Book: The Definitive Book of Human Design: The Science of Differentiation by Lynda Bunnell and Ra Uru Hu
Human Design Analysts: https://www.ihdschool.com/Professionals
One God or Many? Perennial Wisdom's Answer to Religion. – Robert Field, Director at Center for Spiritual Wisdom
Some claim their religion is the only true religion, while others say all spiritual paths lead to the same summit. Might there be a third option? Join Rob Field, founder of Center for Spiritual Wisdom, to hear the Perennial Tradition's take on this important question. Rob teaches World Religions at Brevard College and left traditional church ministry in 2016 to found an interfaith/interspiritual center in Western N.C.
www.centersw.org • www.facebook.com/centerforspiritualwisdom
Ushering in a New Paradigm in Healing with Highly Renowned Doctor Vishal Rao
Dr. Rao discusses how new cutting edge treatments are transforming medicine for a fraction of the cost of traditional therapies to be followed by a question and answer period. This is a rare chance to interact with a leader in compassionate medicine, who has pioneered incredible new affordable treatments and is transforming lives among the underserved communities of India. Dr. Rao has spoken all over the world and we welcome you to check out his TED talks and YouTube videos.
Dr Vishal Rao - MS, FRCS (Glasgow) FACS (USA) and Fellow of Royal Society of Medicine. He is currently the Country Director - Head Neck Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery at HCG Cancer centre Bengaluru and Dean - Centre of Academics & Research(HCG). He has more than 100 national and international publication to his credit and he is receipt of various awards from State as international bodies such as Kempegowda award by Govt and Judy Wilenfied award for Global Tobacco control by WHO Partners. He is a Member of High Power Committee on Tobacco Control - Govt of Karnataka and Member - Consultative Group to Principal Scientific Advisor to PM - Govt of India .
HeartMath Founding Director Bruce Cryer: The Heart, the Breath, the Creative Rebirth: Journey of a Renaissance Human
Stanford faculty, University administrator, Broadway actor/singer, and author, Bruce Cryer has led a truly unique life. One of the founding directors of HeartMath, for more than twenty years Bruce was instrumental in the creation of HeartMath tools, techniques and programs as well as translating their ground-breaking research for a lay audience. While serving 11 years as HeartMath’s CEO, he worked with Fortune 50 corporations as well as health systems and government agencies, bringing HeartMath’s message of “coherence and optimal health” to audiences on four continents.
A harrowing two year health journey began in 2009, testing Bruce like nothing ever had before. Thanks in part to the HeartMath resilience-building tools, he is now 12 years cancer-free and enjoys youthful energy as he experiences a renaissance of his own creativity. His course on Creativity as Your Personal Well-Being Strategy was commissioned by Stanford University in 2017 and utilizes HeartMath concepts. He released an album of original songs in 2018 entitled, Renaissance Human.
Now almost eleven years after his health crises subsided, Bruce enjoys robust health and has a new challenge as Executive Director of the Integrative Health Institute at Salem University. His lifelong passions for creative expression and an integrative and holistic lifestyle have become professional obsessions.
Gain a glimpse into the life of someone who transmuted the fear of death into a youthful passionate life of creativity and full human expression. (There might even be a song waiting for you.)
Quakers: Waiting in the Light, Where Unity Is - Alan Johnson & Donald Swarthout
Alan Johnson: Grew up in Denver, Colorado. PhD in Environmental Toxicology from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Joined the faculty of Clemson University in 1999, where he teaches and conducts research on the science and policy of environmental conservation. He began regularly attending Quaker worship shortly after coming to South Carolina, and is now a member of Greenville Friends Meeting.
Don Swarthout: PhD in Psychology and Education, University of Michigan; 22 years working as a school psychologist in Charlotte; became a member of Friends Meeting of Austin in 2006; clerked the following committees: Worship and Ministry (10 years); Adult Religious Education (8 years) and presented more than ten forums on a variety of topics (most recently I was invited to teach a class on “Quaker Ethics”). I also spent six years serving on the Care and Counsel Committee, which was responsible for meeting the pastoral needs of our Quaker community.
Organically Divine: 3 Big Questions - Rev. Darlene Strickland
Unconsciously a person crafts an individual identity and personal reality. As Ram Dass said, “We all go through ‘Somebody’ training”. All the while, our Divine Identity is intact, organic, complete, and immutable. In any moment you can realize and live from your Divine Identity. You do not have to acquire your Divine Identity; you have only to mature in your experiential understanding of this essential identity and allow it to become your moment-by-moment reality.
Rev. Darlene Strickland is a spiritual visionary and mystic for our times. She is an outstanding speaker and singer who has a knack for weaving spiritual wisdom and transformational practices into real life experiences.
Darlene is an openly intuitive, gay, cancer survivor, who experienced an extraordinary and powerful kundalini awakening when she lived and worked on Maui. Speaking of that experience and what followed, she said “You can’t poo-poo what’s woo-woo if it happens to you-you”.
Raised in eastern North Carolina, Darlene became uncomfortably aware of racial injustice and religious intolerance at an early age. “I was white in the rural South and I was part of the ‘right’ religious affiliation. So, I was told. But my heart knew there were no better-than or less-than people… and my soul knew we came from the one, same divine Source.
Darlene became an Ordained Unity Minister in 2004 and previously served ministries in Kansas, Hawaii and Washington State. Prior to seminary, she served as the Music Director at Unity of the Triangle in Raleigh, N.C. She currently serves as Senior Minister at Unity of The Blue Ridge in Mills River, N.C.
Islam 101 - Noorul Syed
Noorul Syed was born and raised in the city of Hyderabad, India and moved to United States in the year 2004. He has a Masters Degree in Engineering and works as an IT professional at a Medical Products Company. He resides in Schaumburg, IL which is the Northwest Suburb of Chicago. Although Noorul does not consider himself as a Scholar of Islam but he is always in the forefront to communicate with people of all faith or no faith to remove the misconceptions and counter the false propaganda against Islam and Muslims and share the correct understanding of the religion. He considers himself as a regular Muslim and works as a Volunteer at Masjid Al Huda Schaumburg. In his family he has his wife along with two Daughters, 11 and 8 years old. Loves to play Tennis, Travel and go on long drives with family.
Supercharge Your Chi For A Better Life - Dr. Majebe
Dr. Majebe is the co-founder of Daoist Traditions, a college of Classical Chinese Medicine located in Asheville, North Carolina, and a leader of Chinese Medicine education in the United States. Dr. Majebe brings a spiritual perspective to the art of Chinese Medicine. In her family practice at the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Clinic on the campus, Dr. Majebe treats a variety of health issues, from children with Autism diagnoses, to adults with complex health challenges.
In 1985, after receiving a Masters of Science degree from the American College of Chinese Medicine in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Dr. Majebe opened the Chinese Acupuncture and Herbology Clinic in Asheville, N.C. In 1997, she committed to numerous internships in prestigious hospitals in both China and South Korea. In 1989, after four years of practicing medicine in Asheville and completing a doctoral program at the International Institute of Chinese Medicine, Dr. Majebe was awarded a Doctorate in Oriental Medicine, (O.M.D.). She was the first chair of the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board (NCALB), and was instrumental in drafting rules and regulations for acupuncture licensure in North Carolina. Dr. Majebe has been a champion of Chinese Medicine over the years and has had a profound influence on the accessibility of acupuncture for patients in N.C.
Now is The Time for Your Full Spiritual Sovereignty - Kimberly Hughes, M.S. Ed, CHt
In my view, our entire human collective consciousness is now at the point of growth where we place our authority WITHIN, and withdraw authority from outside institutions, gurus, or other intercessors.
This is the direction of our evolution as a species. In my understanding this is related to the astrological Age of Aquarius.
This doesn't mean total detachment from other humans or groups; but it means running everything by one's own Sacred Self (my term; use your preferred terms.) It means giving your spirit the final word on everything. Not your ego, your spirit! - or what I call sacred self.
The relationship with Sacred Self is the most important relationship in your life. When you listen, it leads you through the strangest darkest paths with your integrity and knowing intact. To put this relationship first is not selfishness; it is to find and follow the true path we have incarnated for.
Join us as we talk with Kimberly Hughes, M.S. Ed, CHt, soul mentor, singer, and channeler, founder of Sacred Self Living. We'll meet on January 19th to share about and feel into these ideas together.
Resources from Kimberly’s Seminar
Beginning Anew - Rev. Teijo Munnich
Disciple and Dharma heir of Dainin Katagiri Roshi, Rev. Teijo Munnich studied with him from 1975 until his death in 1990. She was ordained as a Zen priest in 1981. She received formal training at Hokyoji (Catching the Moon Zen Mountain Center) in Minnesota, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in California and Hosshinji Sodo in Obama, Japan.
In addition to her work in developing Great Tree, Rev. Munnich is Dharma teacher for the Zen Center of Asheville and Charlotte Zen Meditation Society.
Inspiration through Service - Rev. Amy Cantrell
Rev. Amy Cantrell lives/works in the intentional community, BeLoved Asheville. BeLoved is a community of people putting love into action every day. We bring people from all walks of life together to tackle some of the most challenging problems of our time: homelessness, poverty, and racism. BeLoved’s projects includes: BeLoved Village of deeply affordable homes, massive relief work in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the first homeless Street Medic Team in the nation, Racial Healing & Cultural Organizing including Asheville en Espanol and Asheville in Black, Rise Up Art Studio, being the first declared sanctuary in WNC, free farmers markets and community gardens, as well as advocacy campaigns around affordable housing, homelessness, police brutality, gentrification, and systemic racism. She is a pastor in the Presbyterian Church, USA and practices as an interfaith public minister. She was school educated at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA and was street educated on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta at the Open Door Community and on South French Broad and Grove Streets at BeLoved Asheville. A queer woman who loves being mom to twin seven year olds. She loves the color purple, playing guitar, and studying movement history. Find her on Facebook @Amy Cantrell and @BeLovedAsheville. For more information about BeLoved Asheville, visit www.belovedasheville.com.
The Angelic Kabbalah, Angels in a Different Light
The rediscovery of the 72 Angels tradition in the latter half of the 20th century introduces us to the Angels that transcend our age-old concepts of guardians and messengers. Traceable to at least the 11th century, the long-hidden Angelic Kabbalah reveals that the 72 Angels of the Tree of Life are not creations of the Divine, but energetic emanations of the Divine Light Being which express the diverse qualities of the Divine within, and as, the diversity of humanity and all of creation. In their loving and transformative support of our challenges, purposes and potentials, these Angelic "angles" of Divine Light, also referred to in ancient literature as “Angels of the Presence,” dwell within and among us to help us realize our soul purposes and the greater truths of who we are.
In this program you will learn how each of the 72 Angels support us in the days and hours of our lives, and how our personal ‘Birth Angels’ help each of us to fulfill the particular aspects and qualities of the Divine we are here to embody and express. Ultimately, their revelations show us that the human apple does not fall far from the Divine Tree—for we are not "only human," but Divine-Human beings in a glorious dance of soul-body-heart-mind, here to bring the powers and purposes of the heavens to Earth through the fulfillment of our own unique beings, creations and relatings.
About Terah Cox
As a longtime writer and mentor/guide/speaker, Terah uses intuitive listening and the remarkable self-discovery systems of the Angelic Kabbalah and Human Design in her love of helping people to “true-up” their lives. Among other works, she is the author of six books on the Angelic Kabbalah: Birth Angels ~ Fulfilling Your Life Purpose with the 72 Angels of the Kabbalah, and five volumes of a 365-day inspirational reader, Birth Angels Book of Days ~ Daily Wisdoms with the 72 Angels of the Tree of Life, which reveal the diverse love-and-truth nature of the Divine, and the inner divinity that makes us the “more” we have always sensed we are. (www.TerahCox.com)
The Art of Being Alone and Not Lonely
Who is a “Hermit” or “Spiritual Solitary”?
The term “hermit” evokes a variety of images, many of which are misleading. Despite Webster’s definition of a hermit as a recluse, the two realities do not describe the same lifestyle. A recluse chooses to avoid any association with other human beings from a variety of personal motives. Historically, a hermit is one who has freely chosen to live alone for spiritual reasons. In the Christian tradition, this way of life has been lived since the fourth century desert fathers and mothers of Egypt. While the specific expressions of this lifestyle often vary, they classically involve silence, solitude, simplicity of life, and prayer. A necessary degree of interaction with others allows a religious solitary to earn a living and maintain a simple lifestyle in the modern world.
Such solitaries are deeply spiritual individuals who live a life that allows them to approach ever-growing transparency to the Holy. In doing so, they can project a positive energy of compassion toward all humanity, and even creation itself, thus becoming a “still point” that holds together a world threatening to fly apart.
About Them
Hey! from the rural Smokies of western NC! We, Paul and Karen Fredette minister as a couple to hermits world-wide. Karen lived as a hermit for six years in a primitive cabin in West Virginia. Before then she had spent thirty years as a Poor Clare nun in Canton, Ohio. Paul was a member of the Glenmary Home Missioners for twenty years. He did pastoral work in the rural south before becoming editor of The Glenmary Challenge in 1992. He recently retired from work as a Qualified Professional in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health.
Since our marriage in 1996, we have cultivated a contemplative lifestyle in our home on a secluded mountain slope here in North Carolina. We co-author a quarterly newsletter, Raven’s Bread, Food for Those in Solitude which reaches over 1100 readers around the world. We also offer books, as well as hard-to-find Resources about hermit life. We mentor individuals seeking a solitary life and offer retreats. Our life is shared (and enriched) by our four-legged companions, Puff & Boo (feline persons). Note! These two mentor us and keep us balanced!
Ravens Bread Ministries
Recently Featured in the NY Times
Raven’s Bread Ministries serves hermits and lovers of solitude whatever their religious affiliation or spiritual affinity via a quarterly newsletter, email correspondence, and personal guidance through phone, Skype or Zoom. Information and advice is extended to those who have embraced eremitical life full-time; to those who are discerning this particular call from the Holy, and to those who pursue and cherish whatever solitude and silence they can find in their daily lives.
Wellbeing for All Beings, Beth Allgood
Founder and President, One Nature Institute
Beth is a passionate advocate for policies and practices that promote well-being for people, animals, and the planet. With more than 25 years of experience in conservation, animal welfare, and community development, she knows that our wellbeing depends on how we rebuild a post-COVID world with all beings in mind. Her mission is to help people recognize, value, champion, and act to protect the wellbeing and interconnection of all beings and the planet.
Before founding One Nature, Beth was the US Director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare. She led a team of conservation and animal welfare experts, and conceptualized, established and led IFAW’s work integrating animals and human wellbeing to create system change. Starting in 2014 Beth began to research, publish reports and papers, and develop partnerships on the topic of wildlife and wellbeing, presenting her findings at international summits such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, Conference of the Parties in Cancun and Egypt and policy venues like the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. She has held briefings for Congressional and UN audiences, and authored published, peer-reviewed articles on the topic that have been quoted in the media.
Beth is proud to serve on several advisory boards, including the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) and Gross National Happiness – USA. She is a member of the Conservation Solutions Lab. Beth represents One Nature in relevant coalitions and consortia like the Animal Net International Policy Forum and the Wellbeing Economy Alliance. Beth is also a member of several International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Commissions, the Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP.), the Commission on Ecosystem Management Commission, and the World Commission on Protected Areas.
Earlier in her career, Beth was the Senior Policy Advisor for International Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy. Prior to that she was the Congressional Liaison and the Government Aid Agency Liaison at the World Wildlife Fund. Beth has also worked for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Caribbean and Latin America Bureau, Peace Corps Headquarters, and The National Wildlife Federation.
Beth holds a Master’s of Science degree in Business from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs (with minors in Economics and Italian) from James Madison University. She is married to Andrew Brown, a talented musician/luthier/house restorer. They have a tween daughter, Katie, who is a creative and inventive middle-schooler, and share their home in Maryland with two cats.
Aditi Sethi-Brown & Cassie Barrett
Conscious Life, Conscious Death
Death like life, can be approached with intention, curiosity and awareness and a willngess to be engaged with an open heart and mind. Hospice doctor Aditi Sethi-Brown and green cemetery operator Cassie Barrett share their first-hand experiences working with individuals and families who chose to approach death consciously and the incredible healing and peace that is possible when death is approached with grace. They will share their experiences as death doulas, and with home funerals and green burials.
About Us
Aditi Sethi-Brown is a hospice doctor and end-of-life doula in Asheville, NC who guides and supports families and their loved ones at the end of life. Cassie Barrett is a green cemetarian who operates Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, a conservation and green cemetery where she assists families with burials, manages the day to day operations, and occasionally even digs graves. They seek to use their knowledge and experience to help guide others. Both reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Together they operate the Center for Conscious Living & Dying, an organization dedicated to providing guidance, practical support, resources, AND a pathway to preparing, reflecting and navigating the complexities of the death journey.
Brigitte Mars
Herbalist, Author, Professor, & Natural Chef
Brigitte Mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant of Natural Health with almost fifty years of experience. She teaches Herbal Medicine at Naropa University and The School of Health Mastery in Iceland. She has taught at Omega Institute, Esalen, Kripalu, Sivananda Yoga Ashram, Arise, Envision and Unify Festivals, and The Mayo Clinic. She blogs for the Huffington Post and Care2. She is also a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild.
Brigitte is the author of many books and DVDs, including The Home Reference to Holistic Health and Healing, The Country Almanac of Home Remedies, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Beauty by Nature, Addiction Free Naturally, The Sexual Herbal, Healing Herbal Teas, Rawsome!, and co-author of The HempNut Cookbook. Her DVDs include Sacred Psychoactive, Herbal Wizardry for Kids of all Ages, Natural Remedies for Childhood Ailments, Overcoming Addictions, and Natural Remedies for Emotional Health. Her latest project is a phone app called iPlant that helps budding herbalists to identify plants in the wild.
Brigitte and her daughter, Sunflower Sparkle Mars, run Herb Camp for Kids in Boulder, Colorado. Brigitte’s other daughter is world famous activist/yogini-actress/international model, Rainbeau Mars.
Safdar I. Chaudhary, MD
The Spiritual Path to Brain Health by an Integrated Psychiatrist
Dr. Sadfar Chaudhary, M.D. has practiced Psychiatry for the past thirty years with a focus on Integrative Psychiatry. He uses behavior modification as a preference to pharmacological therapies where appropriate. Dr. Chaudhary teaches "Brain Health" as a means of balancing body, mind, and spirit. Sometime ago, thinking outside of the box, Dr. Chaudhary created a healing center in the greater Pittsburgh, Pa. area called S'Claire, French for "to become more clear". His treatment plans would often include Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture, as well as massage, Reiki, and nutritional counseling. At his frequent group gatherings for his community, one would find diverse programs ranging from teachings given by a Buddhist monk, or a native American shaman, to experiencing joy and healing through Sufi dancing.
Dr. Chaudhary's credentials are extensive. His brilliance and compassion have created a unique approach to Brain Health. Dr. Chaudhary resides and practices in Arizona.
Jonna Rae
Practical Spirituality
Clairvoyant and clairaudient since childhood, Jonna Rae grew up seeing glowing spirit 'visitors' in her family's circa-1750 Pennsylvania farmhouse. By the time she was in her early 20's, she knew she had to find out once and for all if she was 'psychic' or 'psychotic.'
She resigned her position as the first woman and youngest ever National Editor at the Allentown Morning Call newspaper, and embarked on what would turn out to be a two-year spiritual quest, studying and teaching at Light Centers up and down the east coast.
She refined her natural abilities by doing healing ceremonies with Earlyne Chaney of the ancient mysteries school Astara; teaching workshops for A.R.E. study groups, and doing consultations for Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship, the Cosmic Church of Truth, and the Foundation of Truth in Atlanta.
At the invitation of United Research Founder Jim Goure, Jonna Rae became the resident psychic at his Light Center in Black Mountain, NC in 1979.
A highlight of her work was doing psychic readings for Peter Caddy, co-founder of the Findhorn Foundation, and his infant son. Caddy was so impressed with the information she gave him he immediately invited her to be the resident psychic at his new Mt. Shasta, California community in 1984. Feeling the timing wasn't right, Jonna Rae respectfully declined.
When she was 25, Spirit gave her a directive -- teach others how to recognize and develop their own psychic sensitivity. In a deep meditation, she was shown how to guide seekers to inner awareness. That information she channeled is at the heart of her popular Practical Spirituality 101 class she's been teaching ever since.
As part of her commitment to blending science and spirit, she has become an approved provider of continuing education units for nurses. They receive 15 contact hours for the weekend 101 workshop.
Jonna Rae's abilities became even stronger after her near-death experience from a cerebral aneurysm in 1989. The transformational event was foreshadowed by a vivid dream two nights before, in which Spirit told her she would have the choice to either stay in the physical realm, or move on.
That experience, the contact she continues to have with her late husband Paul, and the communication she has always had with the Spirit World prove to her that life continues after physical death. Psychologist Dr. Jane Greer includes Jonna Rae and Paul's on-going, frequently humorous communication in her book, "The Afterlife Connection."
Jonna Rae is a spiritual counselor and minister director with the Universal Brotherhood Movement, Inc. and aThird Degree Reiki Master Teacher initiated into Reiki I in 1978 by the first occidental Master, Virginia Samdahl.
She studied Advanced Mediumship with Hollister Rand, Animal Communication with Brigitte Noel , dowsing with Raymon Grace and Spiritual Alchemy with Caroline Myss. Jonna Rae has also taught Practical Spirituality 101 at the Learning Light Foundation in Anaheim, CA, East-West Bookstore in Seattle, and several locations in Asheville, NC. Her certifications include Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner, Quantum Touch Healer, Life Design Coach, clinical hypnotherapist, Healing Touch practitioner and the Mildred Carter method of foot reflexology.
Jonna Rae is a proud descendant of the Wolf Clan of the Leni-Lenape Tribe of the Algonquin Nation.
In her other life, Jonna Rae is an author, editor, journalist, college lecturer, business consultant and Emmy and Addy award-winning producer.
Patti Conklin
Wisdom from a Medical Intuitive
Patti Conklin is a vibrational mediator, teacher, lecturer, radio personality, host of the TV show Healing Within: An Adventure Inside on Binge Networks and author of the book God Within: The Day God’s Train Stopped. Patti’s primary goal in her work is to help people ‘become insubstantial without transitioning” ie, how do we let go of judgement while we are still living. In addition to facilitating health of mind and body, she extends her understanding of energy medicine as a keynote speaker with warmth and humor, empowering listeners to take control of their health through a deeper understanding of their own thoughts and behaviors. Patti has traveled the world, practicing her distinctive style of energy medicine in over 60 countries!
The work Patti does is unique in that it often involves collaboration with Western medicine physicians. While Patti believes that all physical illness stems from an emotional core, she still strongly believes that the body needs Western and Eastern methodologies in addition to spiritual awareness in order to reverse illness or come to terms with past experiences or trauma through love, acceptance, compassion, and humor. Clearing the lifetime of emotion from the body most often returns the body to homeostasis.
In the 26 years that she has been working as a vibrational mediator, Patti has been featured in several well-received books, including Soul Agreements by Dick Sutphen and Radical Remissions by Dr. Kelly Turner. She was honored with The Founder’s Award from the Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association in 2007, The President’s Award in 2004 from the International Association of Counselors and Therapists, and inducted into the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame in 1996. She has been labeled by colleagues, physicians, and clients as one of the greatest Medical Intuitives of the 21st Century.
In her spare time, Patti can be found down at the race track with her sons and grandchildren or on the water in her boat with her family and friends. Patti lives in Georgia in a cozy little cabin on the lake.
Sarah Fields
Acupuncture for Spiritual Growth
Sarah Fields is a graduate of Five Branches University in Santa Cruz where she earned her clinical Master’s Degree in Acupuncture. She has over 3,000 hours of clinical training in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While at FBU she mentored under Kiiko Motzumoto trained Holly Guzman & Fertility Guru Shasta Tierra. Sarah is additionally trained in 5 element Acupuncture (psycho spiritual imbalances) by completing a 2 year clinical Integration program in 5 elements with leader in the field Lonny Jarret. Sarah is a nationally certified licensed acupuncturist and holds a state license in Western North Carolina.
Before setting up private practice Sarah volunteered countless hours and trips with Acupuncturists Without Borders in disaster relief efforts. She served overseas in Nepal providing pain and Post traumatic stress disorder treatments after and earthquake devastated the region in 2015. In Greece she served at the Syrian Refugee Camps and set up safe zones for women and children and provided Yoga therapy and acupuncture. Sarah also has experience working with Veterans and has treated in numerous battlefield acupuncture community settings providing pain relief and PTSD treatments. Sarah is considered a top 5 “Agent of Change” next to Darryl Hannah by the Huffington Post
With compassionate, simple and effective approach Sarah treats Insomnia to Infertility and everything in between. Pain being the most common ailment. As well Sarah focuses heavily on detoxification programs offering some form of detox in each treatment i.e. ionic foot bath, migun bed, cupping, infrared heat therapy. She has taught yoga therapy for 15 years in infrared & believes whole heartedly in the benefits of sweating.
She has numerous certifications in Detox protocols for GI health/weight loss and continues to take her clients through gentle cleanses for Optimal Health.
Prior to joining the Acupuncture Community Sarah received her bachelors degree in Nutrition and Psychology at the University of Arizona where she created undergrad clubs in Integrative Medicine overseen by Dr Andrew Weil.
Sarah grew up in a family of Bionetic engineers and health moguls and wishes to continue her studies and serve as many people as possible.
Shelly Webb
Common Threads
We all have a unique story, possess distinctive skills, see from different perspectives, speak in varying cadences. And yet everyday when we show up in our full display of color and distinction, its quite amazing that our togetherness fosters something greater than ourselves. Together, we can bring something to be that no one individual could have done on their own accord. Shelly will speak from experiences of the gift of working with diverse people to accomplish amazing goals. The gifts and challenges of seeking a common goal is an art for community work.
Shelly Webb is a community instigator, and delighted to serve as the Executive Director of Sharing House, Transylvania County’s faith collaborative ministry for crisis assistance with low-resourced neighbors. Sharing House offers basic life necessities such as food, clothes, utility and rent assistance, empowerment programs and advocacy.
Previously, Shelly has served in local church pastorates in Davidson, Brevard and Asheville and served in extension ministry as Chaplain to Brevard College.
Shelly is a native of Hendersonville, NC and is a graduate of Wofford College and Duke Divinity School. She is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church.
Her great joy comes in the form of a hike, a back porch sitting with friends and a banjo, or a sunny day swinging a golf club. Shelly has hitched her life on the promise that love is greater than fear!
Victoria Johnson
The Shaman’s Role: Past and Present
Victoria Johnson is a seasoned practitioner and experienced teacher of shamanic arts. She maintains her practice, The Condor Journey, near Asheville, North Carolina, and provides workshops locally and globally.
Victoria’s passion is in helping her clients and students to reclaim their original grace and destiny and to create courageous new stories for themselves and the world. Her work blends the powerful ancient traditions of shamanism, myth, and energy medicine, with cutting edge science and conscious evolution.
For several years, Victoria served as lead Faculty for the Four Winds Society, an international shamanic training organization established by Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D.
Prior to undertaking her studies of shamanism, with Dr. Villoldo, Q’ero Elders, Peruvian Shamans, and Qi Gong Masters, Victoria was a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (4 years), and an Assistant United States Attorney (6 years).
Dr. Akif Aydin
Love and Mercy in Islam
Dr. Akif Aydin has a Bachelors degree in Economics from Ankara University Department of Political Sciences.
Dr. Aydin has several small businesses in Florida and South Carolina. He is serving as the President of Atlantic Institute of South Carolina. He is married with father of three children.
Janet McKee
Stressless Success: The Surprising Spiritual yet Scientific Secrets to Success
Janet McKee, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, High Performance™ Success Coach, Wellness Expert and CEO of SanaView, is on a mission to inspire and teach you proven and effective ways to Embrace a Better Life; a life that is richer, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. “Sana” is Latin for “wellness” and her organization provides a “view” into enjoyable ways to dramatically improve your life.
After obtaining her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and climbing the corporate ladder in several Fortune 500 companies, Ms. McKee became passionate about helping others achieve stress-free successful lives by pursuing a wellness degree from Columbia University. After working for many years to help people achieve greater levels of wellbeing, Ms. McKee expanded her expertise by researching how psychology impacts a person’s ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Based on this work, she has achieved the status of being selected as one of only 200 elite Certified High Performance Coaches™ in the world and has received the honor of being awarded membership into the National Association of Experts, Writers and Speakers.
Ms. McKee is the creator of the innovative and acclaimed Accelerated High Performance Program and emPower3 Leadership + Lifestyle Retreat designed to help others fuel their passion, positivity and purpose. Through her Stressless Success Shift™, she inspires others to break negative patterns and achieve greater success. She is a vibrant and inspirational speaker who is known for captivating audiences through the use of real-life stories that engage, entertain, uplift and empower people with real solutions that they can begin to use immediately to realize their dreams.
Whether you consult with Ms. McKee directly, or hire her to speak to your organization, or peruse her multitude of online courses and inspirations, you are certain to become more knowledgeable, uplifted and motivated to improve your life.
As the founder of SanaView, Ms. McKee has released her new best-selling book titled, Stressless Success: The Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity, along with her own recipe book titled, Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health, and co-authored a best-selling book with Brian Tracy and other experts titled, Ready, Set, Go!. Ms. McKee is also the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary, Bethany’s Story about the healing power of food. Because of her passion for healthy living, Ms. McKee spends her free time helping to develop SanaView Farms, her 52-acre historic landmark organic farm nestled in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she teaches ways to regenerate our land and our health through natural living and eating. A true powerhouse of positive energy and motivation, Ms. McKee is poised to dramatically improve the lives of everyone she touches.
Teaching proven methods to achieve greater levels of energy, engagement, joy and confidence are the keys to her success in helping others.
Rabbi Mathew Marko
“Judaism: On One Foot”: A brief introduction to the history, values, beliefs, and practices of the Jewish faith and people.
Rabbi Mathew Marko serves as senior rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel of Greenville, SC. He hails from Brooklyn NY, went the undergrad in Florida, spent several years in Israel, and survived 20 years in Los Angeles. His career adventures have included acting professionally at the Hippodrome State Theatre in Florida, various theaters in New York City, and The Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles, development and fundraising, and the proprietor of a fine carpentry and custom furniture shop in Los Angeles. This is all precedent to realizing his calling: Torah, Jewish community, spiritual modernism and activism, and social justice.
Rabbi Matt holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Performance from the University of Florida at Gainesville with a minor in Hebrew. He earned his Master of Arts in Rabbinic Literature and rabbinic ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles.
Rabbi Matt’s other interests include scuba diving (he is a certified instructor), free fall sky diving, motorcycling, playing music, traveling the world, bicycling, and being a creative kosher chef of international cuisine (what he dubs “kosher treiff”).
Rabbi Matt owes his success to the support of his best friend and wife Marie.
Lewis Mehl-Madrone, MD
Native American Narrative Healing
Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine and trained in family medicine, psychiatry, and clinical psychology. He completed his residencies in family medicine and in psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He has been on the faculties of several medical schools, most recently as associate professor of family medicine at the University of New England. He continues to work with aboriginal communities to develop uniquely aboriginal styles of healing and health care for use in those communities. He is interested in the relation of healing through dialogue in community and psychosis. He is the author of Coyote Medicine, Coyote Healing, and Coyote Wisdom, a trilogy of books on what Native culture has to offer the modern world. He has also written Narrative Medicine, Healing the Mind through the Power of Story: the Promise of Narrative Psychiatry, and, his most recent book with Barbara Mainguy, Remapping Your Mind: the Neuroscience of Self-Transformation through Story.Lewis currently teaches with the family medicine residency at Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, where he does inpatient medicine, outpatient precepting, and obstetrics. He works in consultation-liaison psychiatry at EMMC and also at Acadia Hospital. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Coyote Institute for Studies of Change and Transformation. Lewis has been studying traditional healing and healers since his early days and has written about their work and the process of healing. His primary focus has been upon Cherokee and Lakota traditions, though he has also explored other Plains Cultures and those of Northeastern North America. His goal is to bring the wisdom of indigenous peoples about healing back into mainstream medicine and to transform medicine and psychology through this wisdom coupled with more European derived narrative traditions. He has written scientific papers in these areas and continues to do research. He writes a weekly (almost) blog on health and mental health for www.futurehealth.org. His current interests center around psychosis and its treatment within community and with non-pharmacological means, narrative approaches to chronic pain and its use in primary care, and further developing healing paradigms within a narrative/indigenous framework.
My focus arises out of a desire to celebrate indigenous culture, particularly that of North America, and to show how contemporary health care practices can be enriched through the inclusion of the ideas of indigenous culture into contemporary work. Thus, I will speak about traditional healing, about how psychotherapy and medicine can be modified to include the insights of traditional healing. I am interested in narrative medicine as a means for which storied indigenous practices enter contemporary medicine and psychology. I am interested in dialogical self theory and therapy as a contemporary parallel to the self-theory of indigenous cultures. I am interested in how we can train new doctors to be simultaneously humanistic, narrative, and evidence-based.
Nick LeForce
Spiritual Love Poems
Nick LeForce, known as the “Transformational Poet,” believes poetry can touch the heart and transform lives. Nick’s integrates poetry into his work as a life-coach and in trainings in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnotherap that he conducts in Asia, Europe and elsewhere. He uses poetry as a medium to bring out the inner qualities of a person and to help people find their own path in life, especially by exploring how language impacts experience and provides tools for helping people overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. Nick’s poems have been translated into Chinese, Italian, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. The Undiscovered Country is his 9th book of poetry following after: Heaven In Our Hearts, Endless Horizon, Divine Whispering, The Poetry of Life, The Work of Being Yourself, Falling Before Grace, Bearing Witness, and The Gospel of Radiance.
Chuck Pisa
The Wisdom of Alice Bailey
Chuck Pisa, BS, LMBT, LMT, CPEH is an energy healing therapist, coach and massage therapist currently working in Brevard, NC and Sarasota, FL. He holds certifications in both Esoteric Healing (NAEH) and Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and is an Ordained Minister in the Priesthood of the Order of Melchizedek.
Chuck began studying Esoteric Healing after his own dramatic and miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness and wishes to help others with their journey from illness to health.
Chuck’s unique blend of Esoteric Healing, reconnection therapy and coaching allows all aspects of healing, whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual to proceed according to the clients own specific needs using a variety of self-discovery systems.
Chuck also teaches classes on energy therapies, esoteric studies, esoteric astrology, Human Design and The Ageless Wisdom along with facilitating both in-person and on-line discussion and “deepening” groups with the goal of offering support, knowledge and wisdom toward better understanding and love of oneself and others.
John Davis
John Davis is Director of Coptic Fellowship International, an action-oriented modern philosophy based on the laws of balanced living, introduced originally by the Egyptian Mystery Schools. He is also Director of the Spiritual Unity of Nations, dedicated to “The World as One Family.” John is founder of the World Service Order program which has been training metaphysical leaders since 1985. He is an Egyptologist who has taken 30 tours to Egypt. He is an internationally known personal and planetary numerologist who has given over 12,000 numerology readings. John is author of Be the Light of the World, Messiah and the Second Coming and Revelation for Our Time, a positive universal prophecy for the coming times.