HOKKAIDO EARLY SPRING 2018
After experiencing different seasons in Japan in all its colorful glory it was time to discover the winter /early spring in Hokkaido. Arriving in Sapporo already presented us with a taste of the beauty of ice and snow. Train- and busrides through the countryside to take us to the Shiretoko mountainrange had us mesmerized by unbelievable views, snowstorms, glittering ice in the sunshine and drift ice. Soaking in outdoor hot springs while admiring the peaceful snowy surroundings allowed us to relax and meditate on nature's perfection. Sounkyo's ice sculpture festival was as entertaining as it was freezing. Hokkaido in winter/early spring was an adventure not to be missed ! |
          
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EXPLORE and EXPERIENCE JAPAN MAY 2017 Starting out at the favorite Kawayu Onsen enjoying the beautiful setting of the hot springs right next to the river surrounded by forests, inhaling the fresh air and soaking in the hot water we are ready to explore more of Wakayama. Cruised to the end of the beautiful Dorokyu Gorge to see the border of the provinces of Wakayama and Mie. Later we had fun experiencing Japanese (otashi) paper making , we discovered that it required close attention and great care. We visited a forest shrine, Kounouji and asukasi oji shrine, were delighted with the beautiful performance of a famous musician, discovered an interesting instrument taishogoto and finally had a class in Japanese calligraphy by a master which was quite intimidating but at the same time I was able to grasp the meditative quality when done correctly. After these busy days we moved on for a short stop at Nagoya, a big city, noisy that did not invite a longer stay . A leisurely bus ride through beautiful scenery we arrived at Takayama, a small mountain town famous for its shrines, the Hida no Sato, a folk village reproduction and the Matsuri no mori , a museum of float exhibits with the biggest Taiko drum in Japan. The days were spent walking, exploring, visiting the temples and museums, the town was lively but pleasantly so, some tasting at the morning market. Despite activities and sightseeing it felt quite peaceful as the natural setting and the temple visits calms the mind and nourishes the soul. The final stop was at Kanazawa after another beautiful bus ride. Kanazawa is famous for its Kenrouakon Garden, pines, lamps, ponds, extraordinary care for the trees and garden. This garden truly is a retreat especially in the morning, feel nature and humans waking up in this lush setting, it was the perfect ending for this journey . |
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FALL COLORS IN KYOTO AND MT.KOYA-SAN NOVEMBER 2016 Having experienced the cherry blossom season it seemed only reasonable to discover the fall colors and what a discovery it was ! Staying at the outskirts of Kyoto surrounded by a river, parks, meadows and trees we explored the nearby delightful suburbs such as Ohara with its famous temples Sanzen-in and Hosen-in and the exquisite gardens. The lush colors and the peaceful settings calmed our mind and spirit. A visit at the Kurama Onsen, an outdoor hot mineral spring pool provided healing realaxation inmidst of beautiful fall colors followed by hot soup - a cleansing physical experience yet ever so spiritually uplifting. Another profoundly moving experience was the overnight stay at a Buddhist temple at the 800m high sacred mountain Mt. Koya-san famous for its cementery Okunoin and the mausoleum of the founder of the Shingon Buddhism Kobo Daishi. The natural setting, the dazzling fall colors, the crystal clear fresh air, the early morning meditation and fire ceremony left us filled with gratitude and humility. Returning to Kyoto to experience more extraordinary temples, walking along the Philosopher's walk we finish with a visit to the Shugaku-in Imperial Villa with gardens and buildins in the traditional style. Because it was a foggy drizzly day the gardens, the pond and the buildings seemed to rise out of the mist in pastel colors inviting us to imagine the emperor and empress going for a stroll along the pond. As lovely and cheerful the cherry blossom season is I decided that the fall colors make my heart soar with joy and gratitude - I cannot help but be reminded of the richness of the "autumn" of my age to be enjoyed and cherished. |
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KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE , OSAKA and KYOTO APRIL 2016
Last year’s abbreviated version of the pilgrimage compelled me to get a real taste of the original pilgrimage and celebrate the famous "cherry blossom" season - this years "walk" was the physically more challenging and longer hiking version - Nakahechi Trail - but deeply moving and satisfying. Glorious forests and mountains, bowing to the many Shinto shrines, meeting extraordinarily kind people, pilgrims cheerfully hiking for days come rain or sunshine, overnight in delightful ryokans with onsen soothing for mind and body, revisiting shrines such as Nachi Shrine and discovering new ones. We enjoyed a short visit to the Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, admiring the famous women pearl divers and moving on to Ise to visit the famous Naiku and Geku Shrines. Even in cities such as Kyoto and Osaka we could find respite from the noise of city life in the most peaceful and beautiful settings be it a temple, shrine or garden - reminding us of being mindful and ever so grateful !
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VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT, North Fork- December 2015 Spending Christmas and New Year in silence and mindfulness is becoming an increasingly important practice to greet the New Year with a clearer mind and open heart. This silence truly allows the spirit to sink deep within and experience nature's beauty without distractions - what a gift ! |
KUMANO KODO PILGRIMAGE June 2015 The foundations of the pilgrimage were established 1,000 years ago when retired emperors and aristocrats from Kyoto’s Imperial Court started making the 600 mile (800 kilometer) journey in large numbers. We followed the footsteps of those ancient pilgrims from Kyoto by train, bus, ferry and hiking up to the shrines. The walk itself was an integral part of the pilgrimage process as pilgrims would undertake rigorous religious rites of worship and purification along the way following the practices of Buddhism, Shinto, Shinto mythology and nature worship. The goal of the pilgrimage was simple: to visit and pay respects at the Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha and the Nachi Taisha, also known as the Kumano Sanzan. While June is not necessarily recommendable to travel due to the beginning of the summer and rain season it provided us with an extraordinary mystical experience in the forests visiting the shrines. Whenever the sky cleared a bit and the mist lifted we felt embraced, enveloped by the mythical power of nature. The stays at the traditional ryokans along the journey added to a feeling of total immersion in the Japanese traditional lifestyle, the onsen (hot mineral springs) surrounded by nature revived our spirits and bodies. Finally returning back to Kyoto with its plentiful of temples and shrines, bustling city life and extraordinarily beautiful gardens was a gentle re-entry into the real world. Although this was a short encounter with the transcendent beauty of nature. spirituality and traditions of Japan it touched me deeply – a truly divine experience !
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VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT, North Fork- December 2014 Another Christmas and New Year in silence to end the year cleansing mind and spirit and start the New Year with renewed appreciation and gratitude. The beauty of the nature enriches and deepens the profound experience of "being" in silence. As I said last time - (mindful) silence truly is golden - and riches deep within can and will be unearthed to open heart and mind. I would not miss this retreat for anything !! |
Visit this wonderfully inspirational blog created by my good friend, artist and spiritual director Rebecca Janes to invite you to join a community celebrating creativity and spirituality ! |
REMEMBER GRATITUDE
Check out the bookstore at Blurb http://www.blurb.com/search/site_search?search=mandalas+margreth At the same time as I realized while drawing the mandalas I am in a state of profound gratitude I discovered the website Blurb that enabled me to publish my mandalas with little reminders to be grateful. May these colorful reminders lift your spirit ! |
VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT, North Fork- December 2013 Christmas and New Year in silence surrounded by more than 100 meditators makes for a particularly profound and powerful experience. What a beautiful way to end the year and start fresh with a clear heart and mind. In addition to the sacredness of the silence the setting of the meditation center at the foothills of Yosemite offered nature in all its glory. By the end my heart was at peace and full of gratitude ready to greet the New Year ! I have said it before and can't say it often enough - (mindful) silence truly is golden ! |
India Journey
03 - 22 April 2013
Amritsar, Dharmsala, Cochin, Amritapuri, Kerala, Trivandrum
Revisiting the Golden Temple always is inspirational, however this time my India journey led me to places I have long wished for to see such as Dharmsala, the current seat of the Dalai Lama. Although the Dalai Lama was not there, we joined Tibetans for a march of Tibetan uprising, impressed by their unbroken devotion and courage. Traveling south to Cochin took up a whole day by bus and plane arriving at Cochin to a sveltering humid heat. Under the guidance of our friendly host family we visited a school for special children, a senior's community center for women, a boy's orphanage and discovered Christian/ catholic churches - brought by Portuguese traders - in the midst of Hindu temples, one last synagogue and a Jain temple. Before continuing south to Amma's (the hugging saint) ashram, we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon on a houseboat floating in the backwaters of Kerala. Amma's ashram came as a surprise to me as it turned out to be a huge complex with 4000 residents. The liveliness and business distracted from the spiritual peace that I had come to associate with an ashram. We joined in the morning/afternoon/ evening chants and observed the ashram's routine. i was assured it was really peaceful because Amma was not present, normally when she is there would be about 20.000 people daily attending the services. Fatigued by heat and travel I finally enjoyed two days swimming in the Arabian Sea and cooling off in a pool in Trivandrum at the very southern tip of India. As always India never fails to impress me - despite noise, despite heat, despite crowding, I can find a moment's peace and centering in a little temple or the friendly curiosity of people around me will uplift my spirit (especially when I think I am about to melt in the heat). |
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PSOMA YOGA THERAPY
Molokai, Hawaii
November 2012
Under the gentle guidance of Donna Martin we enjoyed Yoga therapy, movement, mindfulness, meditation and laughter during this Hawaiian flavored workshop at the idyllic Hui Ho'olana. The island "Mother Molokai" seems to breath and live softness yet intensity of colors and sounds. "Kissy"sounds of geckos bring smiles to my faces Hawaiian songs touch my heart and the silence of the starry night calms my spirit - a beautiful combination of retreat, vacation and practice of mindfulness. I could not resist the famous tourist attraction of a mule ride to visit the leper colony Kalaupapa - what an extraordinary experience of sights !
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PSOMA YOGA THERAPY
Cortes Island, British Columbia
May 2012
Led by the wonderfully wise Donna Martin this week included movement, Hakomi Therapy, Yoga and meditation surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of the natural setting on Cortes Island. With laughter, grace and delightful companions I found stillness within, touching me deeply and opening my heart while experiencing a profound gratitude for this peaceful and glorious environment. A repeat experience is coming up this November in Hawaii on the island of Molokai.
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INDIA February 2012
Amritsar - Another visit to the Golden Temple to revisit and experience the powerful effects of constant prayer and chants, feeling peace in the midst of busy-ness and meditating in my favorite spot.
Vrindavan - Holy city of 5000 temples devoted to Krishna, a daily stream of pilgrims walking a 9 km walk around the town with a stop at the sacred river Yamuna for a dip keeps the city buzzing. Loud uplifting chanting and prayers often with the help of loudspeakers would surround the ashram day and night ( as well as many other sometimes undefinable sounds), you could feel the enthusiasm and devotion coming through the chants. Vrindavan is not far from the Taj Mahal, so we ventured out to join the masses of tourists to visit the magnificent symbol of love and admire the extraordinary beauty of the architecture followed by a visit to the Red Ford in Agra. A different kind of visit to India yet it never fails to leave me with awe and gratitude ....spirituality, poverty, chaos, extraordinary human beings, while all would seem to be contradictory instead all is a manifestation of the Divine. |
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| VIPASSANA MEDITATION RETREAT, Joshua Tree - August 2011 An extraordinary experience to sit 10 days in silent meditation that allows to sink into the depths of our godliness and ungodliness of the psyche, yet by the end of the 10 days I felt reenergized and spiritually nourished. The silence enveloped me like a soothing blanket and the energy of the group carried me through moments of distraction and resistance, truly a powerful experience that I shall repeat as often as possible. It is a cliche but true - silence is golden ! |
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YOGA OF SOUND AND HEALING - SIVANANDA ASHRAM BAHAMAS 2011 Not the first visit but this time the purpose was to learn and practice the healing effects of sound using voice and tuning forks. The setting of the Ashram, the daily kirtans, meditations and yoga classes are deeply soothing and provide a truly heavenly background for the workshop. We chanted, we sang, we danced, we meditated, we laughed and we cried as our hearts opened....and now we breath quietly, peacefully taking in the beauty of the vast ocean...... |
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| CHINA TIBET 2010 An extraordinary journey following the Silk Road to Tibet - incredible sights, smells and sounds to behold, experiencing Buddha's spiritual footprints in monasteries, caves and temples. It was not always easy to remember Buddha's teachings in the face of the strong Chinese military presence, however his first one did come to mind - all life is suffering. It was with a heavy heart we left Lhasa, grateful for the extraordinary experience but equally sad for their struggles. A trip that will remain deeply ingrained in my heart and mind ! |
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INDIA YATRA 2009 Darjeeling, Sikkim and Amritsar |
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Discovering another part of Northern India, catching a glimpse of the peaks of Mt. Everest, tasting delicious Darjeeling teas we experience tremendous spiritual peace in amazing Buddhist monasteries that abound in Darjeeling and Sikkim. This journey winds through lush mountainous landscapes to bustling small towns with friendly people to Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries, a delightfully rich melange of religions. At the end we return to the holiest places of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where the vibrations of the ongoing chanting envelop me in a cloud of spiritual wellbeing, it truly is a divine experience ! |
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INDIA YATRA 2008 See the stunning sight of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, an experience of Kirtan singing and prayers sounding across the temple. Despite the constant movement of pilgrims and visitors walking in and out of the Golden Temple I felt surrounded by an amazingly peaceful and prayerful atmosphere. See local ladies join us in a Yoga meditation in Anandpur, the "holy city of bliss" . The power of devotional chanting, meditation and prayer throughout the journey kept all of us so uplifted we could not imagine being anywhere else at that moment - present, grateful and peaceful ! |
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"Bootcamp for Goddesses" My summer retreat 2007 Under the loving and knowledgeable guidance of the facilitator Sierra Bender I reconnected with my neglected and occasionally forgotten Inner Goddess. Away from the noises of the city we laughed, cried and meditated in midst the exquisitely peaceful setting at Mount Madonna. The final test for me - the first sweat lodge - was more profound and empowering than I could have possibly imagined. The power of the Spirit was all around and within us ! |
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AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY TO INDIA 2006 Enjoy the pictures from this Yatra to Hemkunt Lake at 15.000 ft in the Himalayas in the northern part of India - see the converging of two rivers to form the birth of the holy Ganges, the final steps leading up to the sacred lake, hiking in the Valley of Flowers, observing children getting ready for the Fire ceremony (Arti) at the Ganges in Rishikesh, listening to the chanting in a Gurdwara, I experienced a symphony of beauty, sounds and smells of nature and sacred settings as well as the cacophony of urban noise while keeping in mind the purpose of our journey - to remember, see and experience God at all times in all ! |
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"My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer" the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky. "Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams." "The Alchemist", Paulo Coelho
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| One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.
In Awe I stand before You In Humbleness I bow my head In Gratitude I received Your Grace In Faith I give my mind and soul In Love I give my heart ! From "Devotions", Anonymous
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| On the Wings of Prayer By Helen Steiner Rice Just close your eyes and open your heart And feel your worries and cares depart, Just yield yourself to the Father above And let Him hold you secure in His love- For life on earth grows more involved With endless problems that can't be solved- But God only asks us to do our best, Then He will "take over" and finish the rest- So when you are tired, discouraged and blue, There's always one door that is open to you- And that is the door to "The House of Prayer" And you'll find God waiting to meet you there, And "The House of Prayer" is no farther away Than the quiet spot where you kneel and pray- For the heart is a temple when God is there As we place ourselves in His loving care,
And He hears every prayer and answers each one
" There is no glimpse of the light without walking the path. You can't get it from anyone else, nor can you give it to anyone. Just take whatever steps seem easiest for you, and as you take a few steps it will be easier for you to take a few more. When you look at things emotionally, you will not see them clearly; when you perceive things spiritually, you will understand." From 'Thoughts to Ponder" by the Peace Pilgrim --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once Chuang Chou dreamt he was a butterfly, a butterfly flitting and fluttering around, happy with himself and doing as he pleased. He didn't KNOW he was Chuang Chou. Suddenly he woke up and there he was, solid and unmistakable Chuang Chou. But he DIDN't KNOW if he WAS Chuang Chou who had dreamt he was a butterfly, or a butterfly DREAMING he was Chuang Chou. Between Chuang Chou and a butterfly there must be SOME distinction! This is called the Transformation of Things. Chuang Tzu, chapter 2 ( Watson 1968:49) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience but spiritual beings having a human experience" Yogi Bhajan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. LOVE THEM ANYWAY If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. DO GOOD ANYWAY If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. SUCCEED ANYWAY The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. DO GOOD ANYWAY Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. BE HONEST AND TRANSPARENT ANYWAY What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. BUILD ANYWAY People who really want help may attack you if you help them. HELP THEM ANYWAY Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. GIVE THE WORLD YOUR BEST ANYWAY Mother Theresa __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Saint Theresa's Prayer May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, Dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
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