BANQUET OF BLESSINGS (UK) 2018 - Kundalini Yoga & Raw Food Retreat

Make a cup of tea, sit back and take in this interview. In it, I play my Native American Love Flute and answer questions (posed by friend and raw food coach, Gabriela Lerner) about the upcoming Kundalini Yoga & Raw Food Retreat: 

"Banquet of Blessings", in Dorset, UK, 11-13 May 2018. 

Click here to find out more about the retreat and register before end of January 2018 for the early bird special (10% off). 

Sat nam.

Review of my book, Tobago Peeps, by Shivanee Ramlochan

(Review by Shivanee Ramlochan for Paper Based Bookshop)

 

A collection of Duncan’s columns on living in Tobago, originally published in the Trinidad Guardian, these pieces have at their core a steadily reflective heart. The author, who wears many creative hats — also working as a Kundalini yoga teacher and boutique restaurateur of Table for Two, Made For You — distinguishes herself from a herd of lukewarm, generic presenters, who offer vapid portraits on Tobago as an “idyllic paradise”. There is much that is sublime and magnificent about the island, her people and their particularities: the strength of these assembled columns is that they view the space and its inhabitants from an embracing and inclusive perspective.

Whether ruminating on the inquisitive jaunts of her rehabilitated canine companion, Venus, or sharing the first-hand thoughts of Tobagonians on life, love and the Mystery Tombstone, the centre of each column basks in a generous, good-spirited light. In her “Peace and Love” discourse, Duncan shares the spirit of a timeless message in patience, showing how it resonates not just with her, but with her Kundalini yoga class at Castara Retreats:

“Now with this pebble returning to me full circle, I am reminded of the message that if you let love go and it comes back, it’s yours. I look around the class, sensing that each person has established a meaningful connection with his or her trinket. I don’t ask what their symbolic associations are, but I make my own for each: hope, blessings, insight, luck, more luck, guidance, fulfillment, release.”

From rescued roadside birds reposing peacefully in Heineken boxes, to empowering and rib-tickling anthems printed across the windscreens of idling gas station cars, the vision in Tobago Peeps is of a steady, connected gaze — one that sees smiling dogs, sage rastamen and seven-ingredient health juices in all their limitless, love-strewn potential.

We recommend it for: fans of Elspeth’s short story collection, Daisy Chain, who’re eager to sample her nonfiction style; those seeking a uniquely charming read for their next Store Bay stroll; anyone interested in Tobago’s richness and depth, beyond the brochure signposts.

TOBAGO PEEPS, the book, is AVAILABLE AT:

1. Things Natural (Crown Point, Tobago)
2. Time to Wine (Shirvan Plaza, Tobago)
3. Shore Things Cafe & Craft​ (Lambeau, Tobago)
4. Healing with Horses (Buccoo, Tobago)
5. Paper Based Bookstore (Hotel Normandie, Trinidad)
6. International Orders please request details by messaging via Tobago Peeps Facebook page.

 

We are Prosperous

Starting on Friday 11th January, Thou Art Yoga (Tobago) will embark on PROJECT PROSPERITY. If you live in Tobago, you are welcome to join us every Friday from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Kariwak Hotel for our Kundalini Yoga class in the ambient and atmospheric ajoupa. If you live in Trinidad but will be in Tobago on a Friday evening, you are also welcome to join us.

The name of this special series of Kundalini Yoga & Creativity classes (PROJECT PROSPERITY) has two meanings:
(i) together we will be embarking on a Prosperity project
(ii) in the process, we will each increasingly project our Prosperity and manifest accordingly.

The flyer (click on image to enlarge and read the details) lists the theme and date of each class. For some classes, students will be asked to bring specific items to the class (for creative/symbolic purposes). Those details will be outlined in the weekly email sent out for that specific session.

"The best way to explain prosperity is that when a rosebud flowers and opens up, it has its fragrance. When a man or a woman is prosperous, there is that fragrance of security, grace, depth, character, and truthfulness, which that person can share. Like a candle emits light, a prosperous human emits prosperity.”

(Yogi Bhajan)


For more information on Thou Art Yoga and to see class and other details, please visit our website: http://www.thouartyoga.com/ Or like our Facebook page and receive daily updates.

Introducing Sendsationals Calendars

 (Front of calendar)

This year my two sisters and I pooled our talents to create the 2013 calendar featured here.  This innovative, interactive date-keeper is made up of twelve detachable postcards, featuring images that merge the simple magic of nature with uplifting words. With this calendar you experience the treasure and pleasure of sending and receiving snail mail. Detach an image/postcard at the end of every month and send it to a loved one. Who doesn't like to get an exciting surprise in their mail box?

 (Back of calendar)

Please visit our website, www.sendsationals.com, for more information and to purchase your copies. Order online from the comfort of home, wherever you are in the world, and your order will be shipped to you. Free delivery for orders of up to 4 copies within Trinidad and Tobago.

ALSO: Like the "Sendsationals Calendars" Facebook page and we'll keep you posted!

Your suggestions are welcome

THOU ART YOGA INVITES SUGGESTIONS for what and where you would like our yoga class to be on Friday 21 September—UN International Day of Peace. Even if you are not a Thou Art Yoga student you can still make a suggestion ... but if your idea is chosen, we would like you to be there to take part in it (unless you are from abroad, in which case you can be with us in Spirit and/or join us by carrying out your suggestion wherever you are).

Be as creative and innovative in your suggestions as you want to be, keeping it simple and effective. You can suggest something as small and simple as having a regular class with a particular peace theme, giving each other peace gifts, etc ... or as big (yet still simple) as something that reaches (and includes) the entire nation, region and/or globe.

We can have it in our studio or somewhere outdoors. The possibilities are infinite. As long as it promotes peace.

The idea that appeals to most and is most practical in terms of getting it done in the given time frame will be selected. If workable, a few suggestions may be combined.

Suggestions accepted all of this week until Friday 17th September.

Read here about International Day of Peace
http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

Survey for upcoming project. Please partake.

Dear All,

I am conducting a survey for a project soon to be revealed and would appreciate you answering the following questions. You can leave your answers in the comments section below or email them to me using the link in the 'About Me' section in the side bar.

1. How do you feel when you open the mailbox and find personal mail from a loved one (i.e. not bill, bank statement or flyer, etc)?

2. When last did you receive a personal letter, card, gift, etc in the mail?

3. Do you send personal snail mail to loved ones? (If yes or no) Why? 

4. Would you like to receive more personal snail mail? (If yes or no) Why?

Are you comfortable with any or all of your answers being used online as part of the project? (N.B. It is a reputable and inspiring project with which I'm sure you would like to be associated. You will know what it is before your answer is used).

If yes, please let me know how you would like your name to be shown online (e.g. Sally Jones, Sally, S. Jones, S.J.)

Thanks.

Elspeth

Supreme Being

I was recently in Tobago (8 - 14 July) as film facilitator for this year's EMA environmental camp for youths. The camp started off with environmental lectures (this year's theme was "Green Economy: Does It Include You?"), then the 15 students were separated into Drama Group (10 students) and Film Group (5), each under a facilitator ... with 4 days to develop pieces based on the theme.

We stayed at Footprints Eco Resort where the creating took place. The above video, Supreme Being,  is the resulting film product, written and filmed by the 5 youths in my group. 

Enjoy.

Thou + Art + Yoga = Inspiration

 Member of film crew transforms herself into a bird at sunset

Click here to visit Thou Art Yoga's blog and read about how Kundalini Yoga played an inspiring role in the recent creative/environmental workshop I was a part of in Tobago.

Does it include you?

Frog swimming in large outdoor tub at Footprints

Spent a fantastic week (8 - 14 July) at Footprints Eco Resort in Tobago as film facilitator for the EMA's environmental youth camp 2012.

Guided by two facilitators (one for film, one for drama), fifteen youths (5 in the film group, 10 in the drama group) spent the week creating pieces (one short film by the film crew and two skits by drama) based on this year's theme: The Green Economy—Does it include you?

We could not have asked for more—a great group of people, fun, creativity, productivity, purpose and fantastic food, accommodation, service and beautiful surroundings courtesy Footprints.

In London? Don't miss this ...

The girls from India came in on Saturday and work started yesterday (Sunday)—preparing for their performance and also working with new film participants. See below info so you and friends can come and experience their powerful dance & film performance on Thursday night at Sadler's Wells (as part of the Connect Festival). You will be glad you came.

"Buoyed by the rhythm of dance, I have discovered a new language in my body. I have discovered the ineffable taste of life." - Kolkata Sanved Dancer

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
Date: 22 March
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Venue: Sadler's Wells Dance Theatre, Rosebury Avenue, Islington, EC1 (Get off at Angel subway station)
Admission: 5 pounds

A diversity of life experience and human stories from two continents and two generations; expressed in a thought provoking performance, in two parts - Transforming Steps & KnowBody - incorporating dance and film.

Sadler’s Wells is committed to delivering an accessible dance programme, developing opportunities for participation and encouraging disabled and Deaf patrons to engage in all aspects of dance. When booking please inform Ticket Office of any access requirements.

How to book:
To book tickets call or visit 0844 412 4300 www.sadlerswells.com
When booking please inform us of any access requirements you may have.

Be a part of the transformation

Filmed during the Transforming Steps project in Kolkata, India, this clip shows choreographer Mafalda Deville working with women from Kolkata Sanved (www.kolkatasanved.org). The piece they're developing will be performed at Sadler's Wells, London in March 2012 to raise awareness of the global problem of human trafficking. There's an opportunity to contribute towards this ground-breaking project - there are currently funds to see four of the seven women come to London, we need to raise funds to ensure the remaining three women can join them. Make a difference, donate at http://www.indiegogo.com/Transforming-Steps

Help change these lives and more...yours included

In connection with the Transforming Steps project which we recently embarked upon in Kolkata, India, please visit this link to see how you can help/be involved http://www.indiegogo.com/Transforming-Steps

Let's say the target of only $5,000US works out to roughly $30,000TT. Working with multiples of ten to make the maths simple, this amount can be raised very easily if:

1,000 people/organisations donate $30TT each
100 people/organisations donate $300 each
10 people/organisations donate $3,000 each
1 person/organisation donates $30,000TT

Thank you for contributing to and/or spreading the word on this worthy cause.

Elspeth

When work is play

Yesterday morning from 9 a.m. - midday I (Thou Art Yoga) led 14 children aged 5 - 11 in an environmentally-themed art, yoga, music session. It was part of a kids' camp for children of TDC staff members. My assistant for the morning was a young woman, Falima, the niece of one of my friends (who had recommended her). She turned out to be a great assistant—very good with the children, proactively attending to things that needed to be done without me having to tell her what to do and when, and quite apt at taking pictures while I conducted the session.

 

We introduced ourselves by saying our names and which animal or plant we thought we most identified with. The children then made name tags with their name and a drawing of the animal or plant they had chosen—shark, jaguar, cheetah, monkey, puppy, snake, rose, tarantula, etc. Melisha (see above name tag) decided she was most like a bat "because I like the night. I like to stay up late watching TV."

We separated into two teams—Flora and Fauna—for an exciting game of Pictionary, using names of local flora and fauna as the items to be drawn. The children were very intuitive and excellent at guessing each other's drawings, even when the depictions looked nothing like "the real thing". For example, would you have guessed that the above was a leatherback turtle? They did.

Storytime yoga followed, with an environmental story I had developed called "Susie and the Magic Knapsack". In the above photo the children make their way into tree pose, representing the trees in the forest where Susie goes to rescue endangered animals.

They seemed to enjoy it. I certainly did.

We also made sock puppets, using old socks and items brought from home—buttons and cereal boxes. Reduce, reuse, recycle. The morning snack was eaten while watching I SPY Things in My Garden (a ten minute environmental documentary made by children aged 7 - 10 under my guidance)—after which questions were asked to see who had been paying attention.

 

 The final part of the session was a composition of a song about keeping the beach clean, sung lustily to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", which some of the children were able to play on the pan.

Before lunch, we closed off by standing in a circle, each saying one at a time: "I promise __________________" and filling in the blank with something we promised to do for the environment.

Answers included:
I promise to pick up rubbish whenever I see it.
I promise to help my mummy clean the house.
I promise to not throw garbage in the water.
I promise to ride my bicycle (i.e. to help reduce toxic car exhaust)

Being around children, there are many things they say that are worthy of remembering and recounting to others for a laugh. The one that stuck with me above all was this one . . .

(Just after I had told them what our next activity was going to be).
Little boy: But I HATE yoghurt!
Little girl: It's not Yoghurt! It's yogaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

For those who didn't/don't know . . .

This image is an illustration, for those who didn't/don't know what a CD calendar is. It is a calendar (comprised of loose cards—one image per month) in a CD case. The case folds out to form a stand for your desk.

The first batch and extras sold like hotcakes. Orders are already coming in for more to be printed. Please place your order now (accepting orders until Monday).

The new batch of calendars will be printed by Wed/Thurs and delivered.  See calendar order details here http://tinyurl.com/2ef68m8

Thank you.

Women, we need you for an ambient film shoot

Karishma, my camera which shoots miracles.

*

20 women are invited to participate in a short ambient film shoot:
YOU ARE CALLING

SHOOT DATE : Sunday 25 April 2010, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. in St. Augustine (location details from Patrice - see below for her contact info).

You are a dancer and/or feel comfortable moving freely. Over 18 yrs. of age. No acting experience or special body type required - only movement.

Wardrobe: Fitted black top or vest. Black pants.
Please bring a working torchlight.

Refreshments will be provided.

Music Production: Irukandji
Listen to examples of his music here

Director/Camera: Elspeth Duncan
See some of her videos here

The first collaboration between Elspeth Duncan and Irukandji was "Raindrops on Skin".
See it and hear it here.

Be a part of the second collaboration: "You Are Calling". Contact Patrice Charles at 729-3255
or highermystery@yahoo.com by Wednesday 21st April for more information and to confirm.

Thank you.

Touching base

Letters on the wall with the name of the project
*

Blogging has been sporadic as of late. I haven't even been checking in on other blogs that I normally peruse. Where in the world is Melanie now? What has Henry has been up to and what new art has Lynn created? What awareness-raising adventures has Kelly had as of late?

... etc.

I've been busy and making concerted efforts to keep focused. Every day, as always, I write out my 'list of things' to do. These days the list is up in the twenties, with "little" and "big" things. Yesterday morning it was at 22 things to do. I remained focused and steady throughout the day and got most of it done.

By nightfall, only seven items were left. Crossing off the completed items is a pleasurable feeling, akin to playing Tetris and seeing the boxes disappear.

As I write this, it's 4:25 a.m. Off to Tobago on the first flight this morning (5:45 a.m.) to continue photography for this project.

Back tonight.

Silence isn't always golden

Girl taking a late afternoon walk in Charlotteville, Tobago - one of the communities involved in the research project
*

In 2009 I started work as a documentary photographer with a team from the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at U.W.I.

The project on which we are working is aptly named Break the Silence. It "focuses on breaking the silence that has surrounded incest and other forms of child sexual abuse in Trinidad and Tobago. Its aim is generating knowledge and understanding on child sexual abuse/incest and the implications for HIV; empowering women, girls, men and boys to address these issues; and influencing service providers to strengthen their response to child sexual abuse and to understand the linkages between child sexual abuse/incest and HIV."

This article, from which the above extract is taken, explains more.

Sacred Journey photos and captions

As promised, here are a few of the photos from Sacred Journey, my piece for the interactive art event, Mystic Intervention - a part of Red Earth Eco-Arts Festival 2009.

Click here to read a short synopsis of Sacred Journey ... what it was about.

Through the natural curtain (curtain made by my friend Rosanna), enter the room in which the raw clay finger labyrinth and other elements of the Sacred Journey were contained.

The clay finger labyrinth is inside, zen style on the floor, with two cushions: one for the person using the labyrinth and one for me when I'm talking to them and explaining before leaving them to have their experience alone.
I made the labyrinth with ridges along the pathway to facilitate closed eyes. Three heart shaped rocks at cardinal points surround the traveler with Love. The 'heart' in the fourth cardinal point is the Traveler/the person sitting before the labyrinth. Rose Quartz crystal (The Love Stone) at centre. Surrounded by Love, with Love in self and Love at the centre on the Sacred Journey.

The feathers emanating from each heart shaped rock are from the Miracle Bird ... Wings of Love, Taking Flight, Miracle.

I liked the shadow of these leaves falling on the paper.
Rose Quartz removed from centre, but energy still present.
Flower Powers.
These wire flowers were hanging all over the wooden walls of the room. Each contains a piece of paper with a special message (most of them being a message I've written down after my morning yoga/meditation). After 'walking' the finger labyrinth, the person chooses either a Flower Power or a Nature's Wisdom Card to receive a message that supports, confirms, gives them further insight about their experience.
One of the Flower Powers by the window.
Nature's Wisdom Cards.
A series of mystical cards, made from a selection of my nature photographs. For each one, I translated the symbols from the image and wrote down key words and phrases - messages for whoever selects a specific card after 'walking' the finger labyrinth. 'Nature Tarot', so to speak. Nature speaks to us through symbolic messages that guide us along our path in life when we take the time to tune in and listen.
Throughout the day, various people entered and embarked upon the Sacred Journey to the centre of themselves (afterwards, choosing their message in either a random Nature's Wisdom Card or Flower Power).
For some it was an individual journey ... a moment alone.
Some did it together. The circuit of the labyrinth is wide enough for one finger, so this couple rested one on the finger of the other and moved along the path.
Mothers and children also did it together.
(Mother and son - J & J).
Mother and daughter.
Some little children played on the pathways.
Eyes closed, feeling her way to the centre and back out again.

Quite moment of stillness and connection.

Sacred moments

The Journey of a Lifetime

Journeying to her centre

Bon appetit
*
*
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There were many other travelers, but these photos will give you an overall view. Tomorrow I'll share photos of some of the pieces by the other artists who were involved.

The Sacred Journey continues ...

The first 'leg' of my piece (The Sacred Journey) was a raw clay finger labyrinth
*

I'm sure everyone who came to Mystic Intervention enjoyed it and/or had whatever experience they were meant to have. Now that it's all over, I feel as I always do after I've immersed myself in a creative project of this nature ... totally empty ... along with the urge to clean my space and throw away or give away whatever I don't use or need. Creating more space for the next wave of energy ...

I have many more images from the Mystic Intervention (the other artists' pieces) as well as photos of various people journeying through the labyrinth and receiving their messages. Read more about Sacred Journey here.

I'll share those images at another time ... maybe tomorrow or some time later this week.

Today is Mystic Intervention

An interactive art experience

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Mystic House
First right before ruins of St Chad's Church
Off Macqueripe Road
Tucker Valley/Chaguaramas

Artists:
Dean Arlen
Elspeth Duncan
Gerard Gittens
Michelle Isava
Natasha Mahabir
Consciousness Raising
Ian Rampersad
Samantha Rochard
John Stollmeyer

Admission: The willingness to interact and be open