newsletters

April Newsletter

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 07:07:31 +0100

Greetings, friends—

Our March Nurture Your Soul (NYS) day was dramatic, weather-wise, in the hills at Lopez. We meditated to rain, sleet, and wind. Great background sounds. Our next NYS falls in September. We will hold group retreats for caregivers, chronic pain patients, and survivors monthly.

On Saturday, March 31, we will meet at Unity SLO at 10:00 to meditate. Sunday, April 1, we will not meet at Unity-SM. That’s been postponed until April 15.

We are continuing our regular guided meditation groups Monday at noon and Saturday at 10:00 at Unity-SLO as well as at AG at 1:00 on Tuesdays.

Check the web site for more dates and classes.

I’ve attached our new flyer. Will you please forward it to folks from out of the area who might be interested in coming to weekend retreat? Our first is June 9 and 10.

I’ve also attached an article from Greg in Phoenix which I found inspiring and enlightening and comforting.

I wish you all the best.

Ruth

More March News

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:24:59 +0100

Hey, friends—

Sense the shifts and tugs? Changes rumble. It’s not just the wind. Something is blowing right through us. And I’m ready to go with it!

Our plans have succumbed to the perfidy of infinite wisdom and Grace. As Grace says, “Let go, trust, enjoy the adventure that your lifetime is.” Sounds terrific!

Specifically: in addition to the changes we mentioned in the newsletter, more changes evolve. We had planned two knock—your—socks--off programs for March 17 and neither one materialized! The super-intuitive women involved each demurred, saying the time isn’t right.

OK, I accept that. I thought it meant the whole day wasn’t to be but I’m not sure of that conclusion. So, my thought is to let you decide. If Ginny and I receive twelve reservations for NYS by March 12, it’s a go! We’ll make a fabulous lunch—Ginny’s always popular chunky vegetable soup with and without turkey meatballs, a huge garden salad with vegetables, cheese, and condiments. And, your contribution--your favorite small dessert; maybe a half dozen cookies from your Mom’s recipe, a tart apple crisp, a small cherry or blueberry crumble, some gluten free banana bread, fresh fruit, or whatever you choose to dazzle us with.

It’s up to you. Sit with these thoughts this week and let us know by next weekend that you will definitely come on March 17. If we don’t hear from you, we will ask Grace what to do next. (She never tells us in advance.)

Enjoy your week.

Ruth

March Newsletter

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 05:31:31 +0100

Greetings, friends—

March brings many activities! The Hospice group on Wednesdays has ended and a new Heart-to-Heart group will start. On the last Sunday afternoon each month we will gather for two hours to meditate, talk, visualize, laugh, and see what happens. It’s a creative time to step into our expanded selves. The location will be determined by the requests of the participants. $10. First meeting: March 25 RuthCherryPhD@aol.com

Nurture Your Soul lands on March 17 at Lopez. We are fortunate to have Sheila Ernst with us. Sheila is an intuitive counselor who will train us in Emotional Freedom technique (EFT). She describes EFT as “a tool to release emotions that have been causing pain or holding us back.”

Also at NYS, we will enjoy the tunes of Chick Two, a sub-set of Chick Tuesday. It promises to be a very fun day. And, of course, we will meditate, walk, meet new friends, and celebrate. Why not bring a friend and join the party?

We have learned so much from offering our three NYS days and I received some informative comments at our last meeting. So, changes we’re instituting: we will prepare and provide lunch. You don’t need to bring anything (unless it’s a half dozen of our favorite cookies). We had a great schedule last time but I was told that late arriving attendees disrupted our meditation time. We can avoid that. We assemble at 9:30, drink tea, chat, and start meditating at 10:00. Please, no entry while we are meditating. And we will now collect $20 from each NYS participant. We need your email registration in advance but we will collect payment at the door. We will limit the group size so please register early. ginnyco@gmail.com (A preview: We can’t get the room in April so no NYS in April.)

A Meditation for Skeptics class happens in Prescott, AZ, March 31. Information and reservations: Rexanne at unityprescott@gmail.com. If anyone is interested in this class here, let me know.

Our first one-day retreat at Lopez Lake occurs on April 7. This day is all yours. We offer meditation, time to wander alone outside or sit alone inside, lunch, information about the Lopez Lake area, space to write and read and remember yourself. (We’ve started a library of inspiring books. All book contributions are welcome!) Whatever you need for your personal or group retreat, we can accommodate. $35 ginnyco@gmail.com

Stay for Easter, April 8, and celebrate the holiday in the morning with a group meditation and in the afternoon with a lively gathering of fun folks and great food. (Everyone is invited to the Easter pot luck.) No fee but reservations are necessary: ginnyco@gmail.com

We want to expand our retreat program to full weekends and some week days. You have a stressed-out friend living in a crowded area who needs some time off. Why not tell her/him about this opportunity to get away, renew, and refresh? We want to get the word out and we appreciate your help! The hall is also available for local groups wanting a meeting space.

More workshops are coming in April—Health, Psychological and Spiritual, Meditation Your Way, and Heart Connections. Check the Retreats tab of the web site for dates.

Nancy continues to improve the web site. She’s added 58 pages of articles under the Teaching Blog tab and re-vamped the Chat Forum page. For the latter, please send me your thoughts about how meditation has affected your life and we’ll post them. (If you ever miss a newsletter, you can always find it on the web site.)

Carolyn has created a Face book page for Nurture Your Soul! You can contribute your thoughts and photos, also. Thanks very much, Carolyn!!!!

Weekly guided meditation groups meet at Unity-SLO Mondays at noon and Saturdays at 10:00, AG on Tuesdays at 1:00, and Santa Maria the first Sunday of the month at 1:00. Hope to see you!

According to Ann Albers:

"The universe will support you in gaining abundance in your life, but it may take a change of attitude, a willingness to be more flexible, and some diligent work to rid yourself of the beliefs with which you were programmed."

Check out her web site: www.visionsofheaven.com

Enjoy the minutes of your days! I look forward to seeing you somewhere this month.

Ruth

February Newsletter

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:30:59 +0100

Greetings, friends—

The workshop at Unity—Phoenix was magical. Our experience was transformative, deeply personal, and clearly “in partnership.” We allowed the day to unfold in response to the needs of the group and we were transported! Magic happens.

Please check out the new tab on the web site, Retreats (www.meditationintro.com) . We can now offer personal retreats in addition to facilities for a group. The setting is ideal for those who want a day alone to wander, muse, write, and drink tea by the fireplace. Groups of all kinds are welcome. If you need a site for your group or meeting, we’ll provide lunch. Contact Ginny at ginnyco@gmail.com for details.

Our very first group retreat we’re planning for Saturday, March 31, 9:30 – 4:00. We’ll meditate, talk, and have lots of quiet time to wander, reflect and receive, or write. We’ll provide lunch so all you attend to is your inner world. We’re limiting the retreat to 12 participants. $35. Reservations: ginnyco@gmail.com If you’d like to add a day, stay overnight or come back on Sunday, tell Ginny and it’s done!

Our next Nurture Your Soul day is Feb. 18 at Lopez Lake. Details will follow next week.

Weekly guided meditation groups continue at Unity—SLO on Saturdays and Mondays, AG on Tuesdays, Hospice in SLO on Wednesdays, and Santa Maria the first Sunday. Groups are listed at the Schedule tab of the web site.

We’re here to experience. I wish you meaningful experiences!

Ruth

January Newsletter

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:47:15 +0100

Greetings, friends—

Nurture Your Soul happens Jan. 21 at Lopez Lake, the Boy Scout camp. Directions are on the web site, www.meditationintro.com, as well as Joelyn’s pictures of our first NYS day. Attached are Anna Lillian’s group photos.

The schedule for 1-21:

9:30 Assemble and chat

10:00 Morning Meditation with Ruth and discussion

11:00 Musical Meditation for Six Senses with Joelyn and discussion

12:00 Lunch and Hike (a hike-alternative discussion will take place indoors)

1:00 Walk Into Your Heart, a walking meditation with Ginny and discussion

2:00 Heroes and Super-heroes, an imagery meditation with Ruth and discussion

Please bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch, your vegetable already diced to add to the soup, and your submission to the Original Spiritual Bumper Sticker contest. We have prizes! Also, please supply your own utensils, a plate, bowl, cloth napkin, and a cup.

If anyone wants to carpool to Lopez Lake from SLO or from Nipomo or from Morro Bay, let me know: RuthCherryPhD@aol.com

We’re expanding! You are welcome to come to Unity-Phoenix on Jan. 28 for a Meditation for Skeptics class. Details are on the web site. The Unity-SLO Sat. morning group is canceled on 1-21 and 1-28.

In January the AG Tuesday 1:00 group meets every week, the Monday 12:00 SLO group meets every week, and the Wed. 11:00 Hospice group meets weekly. The first Sunday group meets in Santa Maria on 1-1.

A wonderful New Year is evolving! Enjoy!

Ruth

December Newsletter

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:19:06 +0100

Our first Nurture Your Soul (NYS) day, 11-19, was magical . . . and great fun. Stories from Rigel about dissecting a cadaver vied with descriptions by Carolyn of climbing Half Dome. Joelyn photographed many seconds of the day which may be viewed at the web site, www.meditationintro.com

Our next NYS day is 1-21-12. I’ve received several suggestions and request more. How can we eliminate any “carbon footprint” by avoiding plastic, styrofoam, and paper while still using cups, silverware, plates? Please send your ideas to RuthCherryPhD@aol.com.

Our new CD with Stephen Tosh on the piano is now available! He improvised while recording original music which will never be heard anywhere else. It’s a lovely CD with two tracks—Partnership, 43 minutes, and Being, 19 minutes.

Christmas Eve is a Saturday and we will hold our 10:00 am meditation at Unity-SLO. We will also meet on 12-31 at 10:00 am.

From Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks;

. . . there is nothing that you cannot be, do, or have . . . if your dominant intention is to feel good and . . . if you try to make the best of where you are, you must reach your natural state of joy. (p. 127)

Best wishes for a blessed and peaceful holiday season,

Ruth

November Newsletter

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:10:17 +0100

Greetings, friends—

Big news! We have instituted a Nurture Your Soul Day, the third Saturday of each month. The inspiration came through Ginny at one of our meditation groups and the idea has taken shape! We’ll meet at Camp French at Lopez Lake to meditate, hike, learn about the flora and fauna of the area, talk, laugh, write, meet new friends, and celebrate. Donations accepted; bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch. To register: ginnyco7@gmail.com Check out Beckie’s beautiful informational flyer on the Schedule tab at www.meditationintro.com (and then forward it to everyone you know). I’ve included the text of Beckie’s flyer at the end.

I would really appreciate your comments about the groups or the CDs to put on the web site. RuthCherryPhD@aol.com Thanks very much to those of you who have already submitted!

On Sat., 10-29, we will meet at Unity-SLO at 10:00 for a 60” meditation. There seems to be some interest in reviving the Sat. morning group. Let me know what you prefer. The Sat. afternoon group in Atascadero will meet through 11-12 and then will discontinue.

On Sunday, 11-13, I’ll be speaking at the service at Unity-SLO. We’ll talk about The Best Thing in the World. It will include our first meditation with Stephen playing the piano.

If anyone is interested in an extra-long holiday meditation on Thanksgiving morning, 11-24, please let me know.

October Newsletter

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:46:31 +0100

Greetings, friends—

With the change in the seasons, it feels like we have completed one phase of our work. The focus this year has been offering Introduction to Meditation classes. We’ve offered two dozen classes and talks in fifteen different sites. Some folks have committed to weekly or monthly groups and many have initiated their own practice. We’ve made two CDs, we have four ongoing weekly groups and one monthly group, and, constantly, we’re improving our web site, www.meditationintro.com. It’s been a great year!

Now, it seems that inner work calls. Let’s refocus with our same commitment and availability. We’ll pay attention to our own particular guidance in personal terms and, thereby, deepen our practice.

I’m thinking about forgiveness. We’ve all been disappointed and hurt and frustrated. I’m realizing that these are not primarily interpersonal experiences. I don’t need to remember my past and forgive person A and B and C. If I want a different experience, I need to move into a different reality. Richard Bartlett speaks about parallel universes:

From a parallel worlds view . . . events are continually being reconstructed by the person to make sense of the present. We reconstruct the past as we remember it. Often what we recall as the past justifies our present. . . . What you get is another set of possible or probable realities, and then all you can do is step outside of the probability that you’re noticing and you let go. . . . That letting go of how you are perceiving allows the new perception to occur.

The implications are clear. When I’m ready for a new reality, I’ll let go of the dynamics which are so familiar and then I will “allow.” Richard suggests installing a virtual reality GPS to take us to the reality we prefer. As he says, “ . . . if you are not living the ideal life you would prefer, inevitably some parallel ‘you’ is!”

So, it’s all right here right now! Let’s embrace the life we choose and enjoy!

Newsletters may be infrequent in the future but you can always check the web site, www.meditationintro.com. Any news will always be listed there, thanks to Nancy.

Ruth

September Newsletter

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:30:06 +0100

Greetings, friends—
September brings some changes and some continuations. On Wed., Sept 7, at 11:00 am, a new guided meditation group starts at Hospice, 1304 Pacific, across the street from Scolari’s. It will continue weekly, open to everyone. They request that you sign a confidentiality form for their records. They have a beautiful facility with comfortable chairs; it looks like a great space for meditating.
At the libraries in Morro Bay and Atascadero, Intro classes are scheduled for Tuesday, 9-13, (MB) and Sat., 9-24 (Atascadero). Check the web site, www.meditationintro.com, for times. And for Nancy’s innovations. Weekly she changes the Teaching Blog so there’s always something new to read.
I will speak at the Alano Center on Sunday, 9-11, at 1:15. The address is 1814 Osos. Please confirm with Sean at sean.kzoz@gmail.com
The meditation group Monday at Unity-SLO at noon continues as does AG, Tuesdays at 1:00. Atascadero continues at 1:30 Saturday afternoons. Again, the web site has all the details. Schedules change frequently, so if you haven’t attended a group in a while, check the web site before you show up.
We will meet at Unity-SLO on Labor Day at noon for a special, holiday meditation—a little longer, with some imagery, and who knows what else?
I’ve made a new CD with Joelyn Lutz. Her beautiful and sensitive guitar playing accompanies my words for two healing meditations.
On the first Sunday afternoon of each month at Unity-Santa Maria, we party—meditate, image, talk, and laugh. Join us at 1:00 at 1165 Stubblefield. It’s great fun!
This month’s quote:
“We want you to rediscover your innate ability to allow the Well-Being of this Universe to flow steadily and unrestricted into your experience, and we call this discipline the Art of Allowing. It is the Art of Allowing the Well-Being--which makes up every particle of that which you are and that which you come from--to continue to flow through you as you continue to be. The Art of Allowing is the art of no longer resisting the Well-Being that you deserve; the Well-Being that is natural; the Well-Being that is your legacy, your Source, and your very Being.”
from Ask and It Is Given by Esther and Jerry Hicks
Enjoy!
Ruth

August Newsletter

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:32:00 +0100

Greetings, friends—

We’ve had a short break from some of our groups and we’ve added two. The Saturday morning group which has been meeting for five years at Unity-SLO will cease. It’s been a wonderful run.

The Monday noon group at Unity will resume on August 1 and continue.

The first Sunday afternoon group at Unity-SLO has been discontinued permanently. A group will meet one Sunday afternoon a month in Santa Maria at Unity.

A Tuesday 1:00 group in AG will meet irregularly. (The contact information for this group is on the Class Schedule tab.) All this information is listed on the web site, www.meditationintro.com, and will be updated frequently.

Now all of my books are available for download from Amazon. Links are on the web site.

A new Introduction to Meditation class will be held in Santa Maria on August 14 and 21. Details on the web site.

Nancy, our talented web master, continues to improve our web site. This month she has revamped the Teaching Blog so that dozens of articles are or will soon be quickly and easily available. Thanks, Nancy!

Recognize these quotes?

1. Consciousness is the basis for health—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

2. In your partnership with Spirit the focus of your collaboration is your life experience. How well are the two of you working together on this joint project?

3. The depth and commitment we bring to our lives determine our integrity.

4. ‘Spirituality is a way of being and receiving with depth, not apart from things but deeper into them. It doesn’t mean not feeling, acting, or being involved with people. It’s a way of attending to those things more deeply. It’s in attending to the day’s happenings, not just going through them numbly, that I find meaning.’

5. When we accept that the outside world mirrors our inside world we can only watch.

All these quotes are from my book, Matters of the Soul.

Enjoy!