The Feathered Pipe Blog

August 23rd, 2010

A total blast this weekend

We still have space in Camp Wannayoga and would love to have YOU join in the fun. Bring your musical instruments, your yoga mat, your laughter and come to the ranch for a Peak Summer Experience. www.featheredpipe.com

Canoeing at the Feathered Pipe

August 16th, 2010

Camp Wannayoga

Last day to register for Camp Wannayoga and receive $10 for each friend you bring. Pure Montana Bliss for $299.

June 15th, 2010

spontaneous channeling

Be Here Now

Each week I begin my yoga classes with a restorative pose and simple pranayama. I try to get my students to "Be Here Now" and when you focus on the breath, you can't be anywhere in time but the present. In my own practice I know I have to be 100% on the mat to experience the yoga practice. In the state of presence, Erich Schiffmann talks about the poses being"channeled". They arise spontaneously out of the centered meditative mind. His meditation piece can be read on his website http://www.movingintostillness.com/meditation.html. But remember, You Must be Present to Win.
June 11th, 2010

You are not meant to go through this alone

FREE TELE-CALL

LIVING AT THE LEADING EDGE INTENSIVE

Do you sometimes wonder if there is more to life than what you are experiencing?

Do you ask yourself, “Is there more for you to offer with your life?”

If you find the latter question the more compelling one, you most likely carry the priest/priestess archetype within your energy field.  The expression of this energy comes in many forms. It matters not what you do for a living. You can be a mother, doctor, executive, car salesman, therapist, artist or coach, and know the energy of this archetype firsthand.  It is about your desire to serve something or someone beyond yourself, and to hold the space as one who initiates others into new possibilities. That brings with it a new level of responsibility. And not one of us can open our eyes, look around and not see that there is much to be done.

The temples of old were sacred spaces in which men and women, who had eyes to see and ears to hear, were trained and initiated into the Sacred Mysteries.   They left their everyday lives so they could enter into temple time, and consciously face fear and shame, passing over thresholds into new ways of being and seeing.  They did this for the sake of being able to return to their lives and serve others with a full and open heart.

This raises a valuable question:  Where do today’s priests and priestesses go to get nourished, held, grounded and witnessed; so they can be in optimum condition to serve?

You are not meant to go through this alone.

That is why we have designed this retreat.  It is a call to gather at the temple, sit with others and meet yourself wherever you are in your own process of standing in this powerful lineage. This is an opportunity to gather with others who are asking the larger question, “What is mine to do, no more, no less?   How does the Light shine through the portal of Love that I AM?”

We will be holding several FREE informational tele-calls leading up to the retreat in August at the Blacktail Ranch.  During these 75 minute sessions, Kathleen Hanagan and Melissa McNair will discuss the flow of the Intensive, as well as address any questions or comments.  The first two calls will take on place on June 15, 2010 at 8pm EST and July 1, 2010 at 8pm EST.

Here’s the call in details for both tele-calls (8pm EST | 7pm CST | 6pm MST | 5pm PST):

Please join our meeting. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/668818170
Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended.  Or, call in using your telephone.
Dial +1 (218) 844-4932
Access Code: 668-818-170
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting (only use if calling in online)

Should you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Melissa McNair at integlife@aol.com. We look forward to connecting with each of you! Many blessings!

Warmly, Kathleen Hanagan & Melissa McNair

May 18th, 2010

Saga Dawa

Dear Ones,

This month on May 27th you are all invited to a special celebration at the Feathered Pipe Ranch.  It's Saga Dawa--the Full Moon of the 4th month of the Tibetan Calendar--the day of celebration of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.

This year's celebration, put on by the Tibetan Children's Education Foundation, has an extra purpose as well.  It is a fund-raiser to help support next year’s visit to Montana of His Holiness the Dalai Lama!

His Holiness will come to visit and bless the newly created Garden of 1000 Buddhas and International Peace Center. The construction of the Garden is in fulfillment of the vision of Gochen Tulku Sang-ngag Rinpoche, who foresaw a Garden of 1,000 Buddhas in a lotus-shaped valley, whose creation would be an on-going prayer for world peace.   He found his lotus valley outside of Arlee, MT, and the construction began last year.

The Rinpoche speaks of his vision and shows the progress of its fulfillment in a brief presentation on YouTube.  It is well worth the short time it takes.  Click the links below to watch this lovely film, narrated by TCEF’s own Karma Tensum:

Part 1 (9 minutes)     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkZa6yTaW9U

Part 2 (5 minutes)     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpBvCPi8peY&feature=related

Your contributions at our Saga Dawa celebration will go to support the ongoing construction of the Garden and His Holiness’ visit. Festivities begin at 4:00 pm.  There will be art projects—create your own prayer flag! -- and Buddhist ceremony, an exhibit of Tibetan Thangka paintings and an Indian/Tibetan Bazaar.  Then at 7:00 pm share in a fabulous Asian vegetarian feast!

Admission is by donation, but remember--you must reserve your place in the festivities!  Call 406-443-6078 to hold your dinner seats. Then come to the beautiful Feathered Pipe Ranch for an afternoon and evening of joyful celebration!  Come to honor the Buddha.  Come to help build a garden of peace.  Come to help bring His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Montana.  Most of all--come to have fun!

As Ever,

India Supera

April 29th, 2010

Magical, mystical tour is coming to take you away…

Cora Wen and I are planning another great adventure to Sikkim and the
Kingdom of Bhutan. If you like peak experiences and love the magic of the
Himalayas this is the trip for you!  The first days (October 1-14) will be
in Sikkim and, for those who want even more adventure and beauty, we will
journey on to Bhutan (October 14-20).  In both countries we will see some of
the highest, most spectacular mountains in the world. Most are too sacred to
ever be climbed. Many are well over 24,000 feet.  Kanchenjunga, the sacred
guardian of Sikkim, is the third highest peak in the world at well over
28,000 feet.

The Kingdom of Sikkim, while now a part of India (annexed in 1972), is truly
a world apart. Right next to Tibet, it has received Tibetan guests for
centuries.  It provided the most convenient escape route for those fleeing
the Chinese invasion, so there has been a large Tibetan community in Sikkim
for many years. We will spend time exploring and enjoying the richness of a
living culture so beautifully preserved here.

We will visit many monasteries, hear traditional stories, see beautiful arts
and crafts, and visit the Tibetan Museum with its priceless collection of
sacred Thangkas. This experience will be enriched by the delightful presence
of two of our Tibetan friends, who will join us as guides for parts of our
journey.  They are both involved with the Tibetan Children's Education
Foundation, and have toured the US to help raise funds for this wonderful
non-profit (learn about its work at www.tibetanchildrenseducation.org).
Tseten Dorjee (also called Thinlay Gyatso) is a Master Thangka painter, and
Lama Paljor is an educator and head of the TCEF projects in Sikkim, as well
as another school funded by the French.  Together they will give us
wonderful insight into their world and culture.

Those continuing on with us to Bhutan will experience some of the most
gorgeous, unspoiled land anywhere in the world—truly a hidden paradise.
Traveling by coach, every day we will be embraced by breathtaking beauty.
We will visit monasteries and sacred places, and experience the peace of a
realm where Buddhism has been practiced faithfully for over a thousand
years, amongst people who measure their national wealth in terms of
happiness. Highly attuned to the importance of their natural environment,
they are vigilant in protecting their unspoiled world.  Billboards and
tobacco are forbidden! While the rest of the world is only just starting to
wake up and talk about the treasure that is Bhutan, we will have the chance
to experience its wonders for ourselves.

Cora, who was born in China, will share her own perspective of the Buddhist
world and will lead us through our daily yoga practice in Sikkim, and
through our exploration of the Shangri-La that is Bhutan.  I will be there
to help everyone make sense of all, based on my many years of travel and
meditation practice.  This is a rare opportunity to experience the richness
of Buddhist culture—both Tibetan and Bhutanese—and these magical mystical
lands in a select company of expert guides and kindred fellow travelers. As
I said--if you are looking for a peak experience, truly this is the trip for
you!

As ever,
India

April 21st, 2010

Integration

"The rhythm of the body the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life."  B.K.S. Iyengar

"And what will you do with your one wild and precious life?" Mary Oliver

March 25th, 2010

Do not believe a thing

Do not believe a thing because it has been said repeatedly. That which you have tried yourself, which you have experienced, which you have recognized as true and which will be beneficial to you and others; believe that and shape your conduct to it.
The Buddha

March 14th, 2010

Driving is Risky, After Whiskey

Be There

SikkimRoad

I have been working on the itinerary for an upcoming trip back to the Himalayas this year and thinking about what an amazing, quirky and magical place Sikkim is high in the mountains.

Sikkim is an adventure traveller’s dream come true.  Deep in the lap of the Himalayas, on the border of Tibet and nestled between Nepal and Bhutan, is this tiny stretch of rugged land called Sikkim, or in Tibetan “Su-Khim” or “Land of Happiness”

Separated from the rest of the world by mighty peaks, Sikkim is a magical world. It was a small independent Buddhist kingdom until 1975 and until recently, it was inaccessible, and referred to as the Himalayan Shangrila for its remoteness.

tr_sikkim_early

An Indian Visa and Special Entry Permit is required to enter Sikkim, and the northern and eastern ranges along the Tibetan border are still restricted. Sikkim now welcomes a few visitors every year to share its rich heritage and natural bounty

Amazing mountains covered in flowers and forests, bursting with hidden valleys, mystical monasteries and snow-fed lakes. The remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora & fauna and ancient monasteries makes Sikkim a true Shangri-La!

Sikkim’s geography is dominated by the Himalayas, with Khangchendzonga (8586m/28,169 ft), the third highest mountain on the planet, at the base. The Sikkimese are beautiful, radiant people who live in simple harmony with nature. They are descendants of vanishing Himalayan races, and religion forms an integral part of daily life. K3 is revered as the sacred and protective deity and guardian of this land.

SikkimSigns

All along the breathtaking mountain road to Sikkim are numerous signs – mostly slogans about driving carefully, such as “arrive home in peace, not in pieces”, and “better be late than ‘the late’ “, and “if you drive like hell others will have a story to tell”!

I was trying to remember some of the slogans and found this website which captures many of my favourite ones!

Sikkim Road Signs

Guess it helps to have a sense of humour as one travels along the wet roads, parts washed into the roaring Teesta River, precariously hanging off vibrant green hills.

SikkimTraffic2Travelling these roads can be anxious and exciting., perhaps even terrifying to think of being caught in a landslide, or falling into the roaring river. One of our jeeps got pelted by monkeys and had to stop with a broken windshield. Hanuman’s army protecting mountain dieties…!

Contagious!

People here live under extreme conditions with roads becoming not traversable in winter, but the sheer beauty of the surroundings is magical.

Once you visit this valley, there is no escape from it calling you back…

The serenity and eternally enchanting mountain life and peoples fill every dream and memory with happy smiles, insane situations and magical mountain tales. With few travellers venturing to this valley, one leaves Sikkim with an aching desire to return.

If you have ever considered going to the Himalayas and exploring deep into the villages and peoples, we are bringing another group this October on the Annual Magical Mystical Yoga Tour in Sikkim!

From Wikipedia:

Sikkim is the least populous state in India and the second-smallest state in India.

Despite its small area 7,096 km2 (2,740 sq mi), Sikkim is geographically diverse due to location in Himalayas. The climate ranges from subtropical to high alpine. Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, is located on the border of Sikkim with Nepal

Legend has it that the Buddhist saint Guru Rinpoche visited Sikkim in the 9th century, introduced Buddhism and foretold the era of the monarchy. Accordingly, the Namgyal dynasty was established in 1642. Over the next 150 years, the kingdom witnessed frequent raids and territorial losses to Nepalese invaders. It allied itself with the British rulers of India but was soon annexed by them. Later, Sikkim became a British protectorate and merged with India following a referendum in 1975.

EPV0197_3

Sikkim has 11 official languages: Nepali (lingua franca), Bhutia, Lepcha (since 1977), Limbu (since 1981), Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang (since 1995) and Sunwar (since 1996). English is taught at schools and used in government documents. It is the only state in India with an ethnic Nepalese majority. The predominant religions are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism. Gangtok is the capital and the largest town. Sikkim has a booming economy dependent on agriculture and tourism.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

NoSikkimFly

Cora Wen is leading The Magical Mystical Yoga Tour, her 3rd group tour back to the Hiamalayas. As a Chinese National, it is important her Cora to connect with as many Tibetan nationals as possible to help make one step with each human to find peace in relations with China and Tibet. join us to help Tibetan Children’s Education Fund, and join us as we travel through the Hims this year!

www.corawen.com

March 8th, 2010

News from India

I want to let you know about a wonderful thing that is happening here in the Tibetan colony at Clementown, where is one of the homes of the Tibetan Children's Education Fund. They are chanting one billion "OM MONI PADME HUM'S" for world peace! Everyday, between 6:00am and 6:00pm, people are gathered outside, chanting. The priests are chanting over a PA system, but everyone else is sitting out under his little shade, chanting on his own. At the end of the day, each submits his count, which is added to the total. People who are working during those hours come home and chant between 6:00 and 10:00pm, and then submit their counts to the whole. It all started last week, and reminded me of the saying, "None of us is as strong as all of us."


I also received one of the best compliments ever. A person on our tour remarked that the children at the hostel "didn't look poor enough to need sponsorship." Now I call that a success story--what comes of 30 years of being consistent with kids! We are looking now to help some more of our graduating class get into University, for that is really required these days in India.

February 28th, 2010

Biggest and Brightest Full moon tonight

Tonight's  full moon will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. The moon's orbit around Earth is not a circle but rather an ellipse. One side of the orbit is 31,070 miles closer than the other. In each orbit, the moon reaches the closest point to us, called the perigee. Tonight the perigee coincides with a full moon that is 14% wider and 30% brighter than lesser full Moons of the year. The moon is in Virgo so cast your best wishes for your friends and family around the world. Jai!

February 24th, 2010

Partners in Health, partners in support

Feathered Pipe's Kim Schleicher, joined the Dancing Lotus Center fundraiser for Haiti in Helena last week. This Valentine's Day event raised $1500 for Partners in Health who have been working in Haiti for 20 years under the leadership of Paul Farmer. Share your love and support http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti

February 19th, 2010

Already registered for a workshop

with John and Patricia, Judith, Jean and Brooke or Erich? Bring a friend and both of you receive a 10% discount.

February 4th, 2010

Share the Love

with our Valentine's Day offer: Register for our Mexico programs or the selected Montana programs and bring a guest for 1/2 price. See our website for full details!

February 2nd, 2010

Punxsutawney Phil

the groundhog, saw his shadow today. Settle yourself for 6 more weeks of the glorious yin of winter. Rest your bones and quiet your mind, this is the season to explore your inner world.

January 22nd, 2010

I loved India's letter about volunteering.  She asked me to help prime the discussion-pump by telling about what I've been doing these past 7 or so years. The Talking Book Library here in Helena distributes free-of-charge recorded books and magazines to some 3,000 disabled patrons across the state.  There are only a half-dozen State employees--all the rest is handled by volunteers. I auditioned for the recording program, was accepted as a Narrator, and have been working with a Monitor and Reviewer as part of a recording team ever since. I spend every Wednesday morning there for a couple of hours, reading Montana-based books for the collection, in their recording booth.  I've probably recorded about 25 books by this time.

I have been a bibliophile all my life, and have a good reading voice, so this has been a way to share some of the pleasure I have had from books, and to make use of my voice-talent in service to others.  Hearing myself talk is not much of a sacrifice, however--what impresses me are the many older volunteers who show up every week to help sort, clean and file taped books, pull books for patrons, fix the always-cranky tape players and all the other tasks needed to keep the place running like a well-oiled machine.  

It has been easy to take my sight and voice for granted. It feels like a great blessing to have found a way to give even this little back to those with whom I share this world.  Now India's letter has me thinking about other ways I could contribute--ways that will stretch me further--for this way has been so easy for me that it almost feels like cheating!

What have you been doing? Are there people you know whose experience of service you would like to have published here? Let us know of people we could interview, or write in and tell us your experience, and how it has changed your life!

--Lorna McMurray

January 18th, 2010

10 more days to Win a workshop

Buy a Feathered Pipe Raffle ticket for a 1 in 25 chance to win a full or half price workshop in Montana or Mexico. All proceeds benefit our scholarship fund.

January 18th, 2010

Yoga Alliance and ceu’s in Mexico

Cheri Clampett and Arturo Peal are offering a weeklong yoga teacher training in Yoga Therapeutics. Come study in Paradise or enjoy simply enjoy the retreat.

March 20- 27, Haramara, Sayulita, Mexico

January 12th, 2010

Experience Sikkim, India and Bhutan

with Cora Wen and India Supera this fall. Call or write for details.

January 11th, 2010

Are you fearless with intention or fearful with doubt?

When we set our intention we compress our goals, sharpen our focus and take aim with all our decisions and actions. Open your heart, trust in love and go with clear intention.

January 5th, 2010

A Better Way to Give

“A human being is born into this world fully equipped, not only to take care of him or herself, but also to contribute to enlarge the well-being of the world as a whole,” says Dr. Mohammed Yunnis, Nobel Peace Prize winner from Bangladesh, who established the Grameen Bank for micro-loans for third world women.

Dear Ones,

A few years back many of you heard me talk about writing a book called, “A Better Way to Give.”  In it I wanted to talk about small foundations, like the Tibetan Children’s Education Foundation that, on very small budgets, manage to effect change for many hundreds or even thousands of people.

Over the last year of bank failures, stock market drops, influenza epidemics, new wars, etc., a vibration of fear been has been circulating through our society –keeping us disempowered and in pain. My friend Howard Binkow and I recently had a lively and wonderful discussion about how we can save the world.  Our idea is that taking personal action, getting personally involved, giving of ourselves, is what we need to do to rise above the fear and take back our personal power.  By this I mean giving of ourselves, not our money.  We would be doing this for ourselves, in order to live out of love rather than fear.

So I am proposing that we each give two hours a week of our time and energy.  There are many, many ways to do this:  Pick an elder and make sure he or she gets out of the house and has some company; volunteer at the Humane Societies to walk a dog; put in two hours at your local food bank.  You may prefer to put in one eight-hour day a month.

Pick something in your community that calls to you and that challenges your personal fears.  I have not been able to work for Amnesty International, for instance, because the injustices over human rights and liberty so upset me.  It was easier to write checks.  Personal involvement is what will empower us and help us fight the fears that threaten to overwhelm.   I am a little afraid of the homeless people I encounter on the streets of Helena because I don’t know them.  Spending time with homeless and mentally ill people is the challenge I want to pick up now.

My vision is that we would keep a blog on www.featheredpipe.com to help each other confront our fears, and to spread the word.  If we get a couple thousand people doing this, we would see what changes we could effect in a year.  If this idea catches on we could make real improvements in our world and leave it a better place for our children and grandchildren.

I had been calling the apparent disasters around us “the perfect storm”.  Now I want to call them the perfect opportunity for seeking personal health and happiness.  I want to invite you all to join me in this quest to defeat fear and create a better world.  Two hours a week – that’s the plan.  Then let others know what you are doing and how it is working.

As we begin 2010, this is a perfect chance to express our deepest selves through giving.  Join us on the blog and let us know what you are doing.  Also, we would like to be able to post short interviews with people who are already doing this kind of work, so would welcome any suggestions.

As ever,

India Supera
Executive Director
Feathered Pipe Foundation

December 17th, 2009

Tis the season to register for a 2010 Feathered Pipe retreat

Register and pay in full for a Feathered Pipe retreat by January 10th and get a $70 discount (no multiple discounts). To view our 2010 retreats, click here. For more information check out our website or call us at 406-442-8196.

December 10th, 2009

Open your hearts

Our beloved Feathered Pipe teacher, Michele Hebert, began her study of Raja yoga in the early days with Walt Baptiste (Sherri and Baron's father). She is a truly gifted and highly experienced teacher. Her guided meditation take you directly to the Source, your true Self.  Check out her entire collections of cd's on her website www.spaspirit.com.

December 3rd, 2009

Special offer from Cheri Clampett & Arturo Peal

A 35 hour Certified Teacher Training  or a simple relaxing reatreat, your choice! with Cheri Clampett & Arturo Peal at Haramara,

March 20 -27, 2010 Register by 2/14 and bring a friend for 1/2 price!

This Therapeutic Yoga Training is 35 hour certified course. It is a carefully designed collection of restorative yoga, gentle yoga, breath work, guided meditation, and hands-on healing.

The first 20 sign-ups will receive a free copy of The Sun & Moon Meditation CD (a $12.95 value) by Cheri Clampett and Jack Lee.

DOUBLE BONUS: THE FIRST 10 SIGN-UPS WILL ALSO RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE THERAPEUTIC YOGA KIT (a $29.95 value), co-authored by Cheri Clampett.

For more information or to register click here.

November 23rd, 2009

Are you fearless with intention or fearful with doubt? When we set our intention we compress our goals, sharpen our focus and take aim with all our decisions and actions. Open your heart, trust in love and go with clear intention.

November 18th, 2009

Feathered Pipe Ranch featured in Great Yoga Retreats

The Feathered Pipe is excited to announce that we are featured in Great Yoga Retreats by TASCHEN. This book features spectacular Yoga retreat centers all over the world. If you are interested in reading more about Great Yoga Retreats, click here. The Feathered Pipe Ranch is located on page 230. cover_ju_yoga_retreats_int_0909171417_id_292762

November 16th, 2009

Our yoga teacher Cora Wen shares her travel and teaching stories in Asia. Check out her blog http://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/11/getting-on-the-road-again/

November 13th, 2009

Congratulations to Senior Iyengar teacher and our long time teacher John Schumacher who is celebrating 30 years of Unity Woods, his yoga studio in Bethesda,MD. Watch his interview with channel 8 news

interview with John Schumacher

October 30th, 2009

Patricia Walden in the Yoga Journal

Check out this amazing picture of Patricia Walden in the October issue of the Yoga Journal. Patricia will be at the Feathered Pipe Ranch in 2010 along with John Schumacher. For more information on this exciting workshop click here.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

October 24th, 2009

Don’t know what to do?

"Silent Mind It. Wait for the download. And go online" says Erich Schiffmann during his Friday Night Dharma talk at the Ojai Crib. Give yourself over to the higher power, let go of

erich schiffman at the 2009 Ojai Yoga Cirb

erich schiffman at the 2009 Ojai Yoga Cirb

the superficial security of knowing and ask for guidance from the universal consciousness. Only upon such surrender, can the truth be revealed.

October 23rd, 2009

Grooving in Ojai

The first day of the Yoga Crib in Ojai and it was lovely. I had a morning class with Kira Ryder that softened the rough travel edges and welcomed us to this magical valley. A drive to the top of the valley, up to the Meditation Mount, past groves of lemons and oranges tuned me up for the afternoon with Erich Schiffmann who kept us low and on the floor, time to take in the whole picture. And what a picture, dreams fly far and wide from that view. I am thanking all the teachers and students who join the Yoga Crib and bring alive the visions of Kira, Alana and the rest of the crew. Wonderful and sweet! Gracias~Kim SchleicherKira teaching at the Yoga Crib

October 22nd, 2009

Open house in Santa Barbara

Interested in Therapeutic Yoga Training or simply a beautiful yoga retreat
in Mexico this March?

Cheri Clampett, Arturo Peal, Kim Schleicher and the Feathered Pipe invite
you to a Santa Barbara Open House
Thursday Oct. 22 @ 8:15
The Yoga Dojo, 121 Milpas Street

Come meet the teachers, see some pictures and say hello to Kim!

October 22nd, 2009

Letter from Meri

Dear Friends,

Our season at the Feathered Pipe Ranch is coming to a close. The basement and outbuilding have the job of storing all our cherished bedding, soft towels and yoga props. As the wonderful Feathered Pipe staff begins their winter journeys they hold in their hearts memories you and the joy you shared with them in your visit.

I am sending you a huge hug and thank you for being nurturing during this year of transition. As you are well aware, this season was the first phase of mixing past innovation with fresh ideas. Because of the kindness and love each workshop participant brought to the Feathered Pipe Ranch, the staff and I entered our new relationship with deeper integrity. Again I thank each of you for sharing your honesty, compassion, patience, experience and love so that the staff and I could learn and grow as a team.

As I look to the 2010 season a theme is waiting for birth: Our Shared Stories. While walking the mountain trails around the Ranch I am reminded of how each tree, rock, brush of wind and echo of a song tells a story that connects me to both my truth and history. Judith Hanson Lasater stated that being at the Ranch is “Coming Home” because many of her stories are resting here. If you have ever heard India tell the story of the Ranch you are transported into a legend with images of juicy characters and colorful scenery around every corner. If I wrote a book about India’s life I would call it: “The Feathered Pipe Chronicle. ”

For me the Feathered Pipe Ranch is a place to continue developing stories and share the tall tales with old and new friends. One of my favorite-shared moments from this summer involves a pack rat, two cardboard boxes, a yogurt container and a bottle of red wine. That brief moment in history is now a Feathered Pipe story, which I will share with you on our next visit. The point is we live our images of history when sharing moments at the Ranch and those brief periods become material for our individual legends. If anything we can “spin some yarn” together during your week stay. So, I invite everyone to come home to the Ranch and share both formal and informal time building and sharing our many story line paths and weaving together our yarn. Once here, you’ll enter the Feathered Pipe Fairy-tale. So please bring some popcorn, ice cream, and your heart to begin our new chapter.

Blessings,
Meri Superak, Feathered Pipe Ranch Director
DSCF0098

October 20th, 2009

Once in a lifetime Yoga tours with Feathered Pipe

In 2010 the Feathered Pipe is expanding it's Yoga retreats to Ireland and Iceland with four terrific leaders.

Take a trip to south Iceland June 18-27, 2010 with Ryan Leier and Michael Fraser. South Iceland is a lowland region of lush farmland, striking waterfalls, sandy coastline, glaciers, hot springs, quaint towns and villages. This tour is ideal for nature lovers, yogis of all levels and those wanting a unique adventure to one of the Last Best Places. We will experience the power of glaciers, plummeting waterfalls, towering rock formations, lava flows and the unique black sands of the Icelandic coastline. For more information click here.

Reawaken your spirit with Sherri Baptiste and India Supera in Ireland June 18-26, 2010. Celtic Spirituality is nature based honoring a connection to ones own potential and the Divine. The landscape will offer its spirit, while revealing Irelands story. This ancient land carries an inspirational richness of tradition that will enrich and deepen ones own personal journey. The traditional storytellers, Irish heritage, mythology, sacred sites, poetry, music, and Irelands rich blessings will serve to nurture the relationship between soul and spirit; the natural path of the Celtic Tradition. For more information click here.

October 16th, 2009

There’s no place like OM

NO matter where you go, there you are, and lucky for us, Montana is our
home. The Yoga Journal team listed the Feathered Pipe in their "wish you
were here" section of Retreat Centers. Check it out. We do wish you were
here, so come visit us next summer. Yoga_Journal

October 14th, 2009

Kim Schleicher is going to Ojai Yoga Crib

Kim is leaving next week for Ojai Yoga Crib to promote the Feathered Pipe's workshops for next year. Kim will be practicing with Erich Schiffmann and Laura Tyree while she is at the Crib. Erich and Laura are two great teachers that will be coming to the Feathered Pipe Ranch in 2010! If anyone is going to the Yoga Crib next week, let Kim know and hopefully she'll see you there!

October 12th, 2009

Breathe Deep

Before you read any further pause and notice your breath. Is it full and energizing or shallow and quick? Do you breathe with your belly or just your ribcage? Now, consciously deepen your breath-draw it in slowly, allow it to fill your torso and then release it with the same thoughtfulness. Allowing your breath to be soft, easy, long, natural and completely relaxed will trigger the quieting response of your nervous system. Ahhh, the peace within.

October 9th, 2009

Burrr….It’s winter time at the Feathered Pipe Ranch

Hello from the snow covered Feathered Pipe! Meri and the ranch crew have closed the ranch for the 2009 season and we are already thinking about the 2010 workshops. Please make sure to check out our 2010 calendar and don't forget about the discounts we are offering for all of our Mexico retreats and Lilias Folan & Marti Glenn's workshop.

October 6th, 2009

Teacher Training Workshop in Mexico

All Bodies are different. Yoga teachers and anyone interested in teaching yoga should learn techniques of Therapeutic Yoga. We are offering a 35 hour Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training in Mexico, March 20-27. Haramara is the perfect place to dive deeply into the depths of learning  with the support of sun, sand, ocean and two GREAT teachers.

June 24th, 2009

Camp WannaYoga 2009 Teachers

This year's first annual Camp WannaYoga showcases teachers from Montana, Idaho, and South Dakota. We are thrilled to offer regional teachers and yogis this opportunity at Feathered Pipe Ranch.

yoga room, Feathered Pipe Ranch

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