Reflections from the Land

The Heartbeat of Togetherness

9/26/2023

In a world that often pulls people apart, finding ways to foster a sense of unity and togetherness is crucial. This is where the power of community drumming comes into play. The simple act of drumming together has the potential to bring individuals closer, creating a bond that transcends barriers. The rhythm of the drum is like a heartbeat, reminding us of our shared humanity and the beauty of collective action. So, pick up a drum and join the rhythm; let the beats of the community drum create a harmonious symphony of encouragement and inclusion.

Community drumming is a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves, and through collaboration, we can achieve great things.

Harmonizing Community

At the heart of community drumming lies a belief in the power of collaboration. When people come together to drum, they are not merely creating music; they are harmonizing their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations. The collective beats of the drums synchronize with the beating hearts of the participants, fostering a profound sense of connection. In this unity, differences dissolve, and all that remains is the shared purpose of creating something beautiful.

Community drumming is a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves, and through collaboration, we can achieve great things. Moreover, community drumming nurtures a supportive environment for self-expression.

In the midst of the drum circle, one is encouraged to let go of inhibitions and allow the rhythm to flow through their body and soul. Each individual's unique style and energy contribute to the overall tapestry of sound, creating a vibrant and inclusive space. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned drummer or a novice; the community drum welcomes all with open arms.

By engaging in this rhythmic dialogue, we learn to respect and appreciate the diverse talents and perspectives within our community. The benefits of community drumming extend far beyond the music itself.

Sanctuary Member Bob Pickering (Wildnerness Vision Quest Protector) at a drum circle he was facilitating.

Drum Circles Rich with Benefits

Research has shown that participating in drum circles can have positive effects on mental health. The act of drumming promotes stress reduction, increases mindfulness, and improves overall well-being. When we drum together, we not only release pent-up emotions but also experience a sense of release and relief. It is like a cathartic journey, facilitated by the resonating vibrations of the drums. This shared experience promotes a sense of belonging and encourages individuals to take care of their own well-being as well as that of others in the community. In conclusion, community drumming is a powerful tool for fostering togetherness within our society. It encourages collaboration, self-expression, and promotes mental well-being.

Grandfather, our Home Drum

Huge gratitude to Gerry, our Land Steward, for creating the stand for Grandfather, to Kim, a pipe carrier from 6 Nations for creating the beaters for us, and to all of our Members who continue to bring people together across faiths and traditions, to sing and pray together while beating this beautiful drum.

A beautiful Buffalo skin on a massive cottonwood trunk, this drum came to us from friends of the community with a story. Before it joined us, there was a clear message from Spirit that we needed a Home Drum....a huge drum that would be played by all cultures, across the continuum of gender, race, and religion. And Spirit said the drum was "already here"...so I thought finding it would be easy.

Within a month I had the names of some indigenous drum makers, but they would not make it for us knowing that all cultures, religions and genders would play it. So I let it go to Spirit to show the way. And one day, a year later, I opened the door to our ceremonial room and fell to my knees - there before me was a huge, beautiful drum.

Apparently, it had been in one of the shipping containers in the work yard the whole time, and those who owned it asked it we could foster it for a while. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Home Drum was cold though..not yet ready to be touched. I asked more, and the drum had come to us after quite the healing journey itself - years of abuse, neglect and grief.

I spread the word to our Members and for months our Members sang to it and prayed to it, to help it heal. Finally the day came when he was ready to be played - several sanctuary members from across Ontario got the message the same week.

After letting it bath in the sun with a plate of food as an offering, it was played in ceremony...and what a resonance. In that ceremony, it was named Grandfather.

So, seize the opportunity to join your local community drum circle, and experience the transformative power of sharing a rhythmic dialogue. And the next time you are at the Sanctuary, please ask your facilitator about our drum and see if the drum can guide you towards a stronger sense of unity, where the sum of our collective efforts is greater than the individual parts.

Together, we can create a harmonious world where the rhythm of togetherness echoes through every beat of our hearts.

Author

Melanie Ollenberg: Eco-spiritualist and Founder / Co-Creator of the Rosseau Sanctuary.

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Labyrinth Meditation

9/19/2023

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Discover the Path to Inner Peace In our fast-paced, modern world, finding moments of stillness and tranquility can seem like an elusive task. However, there is a centuries-old practice that can guide you on a journey towards inner peace ─ labyrinth meditation. Engaging in this ancient form of meditation allows you to reconnect with yourself, quiet your mind, and find solace in the complexity of life's twists and turns. So, what is labyrinth meditation?

A labyrinth is a geometric pattern etched into the ground, acting as a path for meditation. Unlike a maze, which is designed to confuse and challenge, a labyrinth's path leads you on a single, winding journey towards its center. Each step takes you closer to finding clarity and calmness. To begin your labyrinth meditation, find a labyrinth in your area or consider creating one in your backyard. It can be as simple as drawing a labyrinth on paper or using stones to outline the path.

I was honoured to work with composer, sound healer and performing artist Wendalyn Bartley in the creation of ours. Wendalyn had supported the creation of the labyrinth on Center Island, and offered to help us find a suitable location and design the 90' chartres labyrinth we have at the Sanctuary.

The important aspect is to ensure the integrity of the labyrinth's design, allowing it to become a sacred space for your practice. Donned in bug jackets with wood stakes in the June, about half a dozen of us marked the perimeter, paths, and the turns in our field, and in the proceeding years we have maintained the labyrinth with care and reverence for guests to enjoy. It has since been used for group meditations, ceremonies, and solo walks. Hundreds have walked the path under father sun and mother moon, through morning mist and sunset rays, in silence and through song.

We mow our labyrinth with an electric push mower, leaving enough room for the grasses and wildflowers to bloom between the paths through the summer. We keep the stakes in through the year, to help us mark the turns.

How to Walk the Labyrinth

As you embark on your labyrinth journey, approach it with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. I was taught that there are some key steps to consider when walking the labyrinth: Intention, The Journey to the Center, Pausing at the Center, and the Journey Back. There is no right or wrong way to navigate the labyrinth; instead, trust your instincts and let your intuition guide you. Use these steps as a guide, however I invite you to play with different techniques and approaches.

Beginning with Intention
Before you begin your walk, bring yourself to your intention. This can be an aspect in life you'd like clarity on, a challenge you are navigating, a state of mind that you'd like to align with. When your intention is set, begin your walk.

The Journey to the Center
Walk at a pace that feels natural to you, allowing each step to be deliberate and mindful. As you follow the twists and turns of the labyrinth, notice each sensation: the feel of the ground beneath your feet, the gentle breeze on your skin, and the scent of nature surrounding you. Immerse yourself in the present moment, letting go of external distractions and inviting a calmness to settle within. As you move through the turns, be mindful of your intention and any insights that you are receiving.

The morning mist coming up through the field - a mystical and magical time to walk the labyrinth.

Pausing at the Center
You have arrived at the heart of your intention. As you reach the labyrinth's center, take a moment to pause and reflect. This is a sacred space of introspection, where you can tune into your inner self. Feel the energy swirling around you, letting it recharge and replenish your spirit. Take notice of your intention, the clarity you have received, and soak in the wisdom. Allow the sacred geometry of the labyrinth to align with your state of being, amplifying your intention and preparing you for re-entry into the world.

The Journey Back
When you are ready, begin the journey back out of the labyrinth, carrying with you the sense of peace and clarity you have found. Each step away from the center mirrors the path towards the outside world, but now you are armed with a renewed sense of self and purpose.

A Versatile Practice with Profound Benefits

Engaging with labyrinth meditation can bring about a range of benefits. Many practitioners report feeling a sense of calm, clarity, and connection after a labyrinth meditation session. The rhythmic movement and focused attention required during this practice can help quiet the mind, release stress, and allow for deeper introspection. Furthermore, labyrinth meditation is not limited to physical labyrinths. There are also finger labyrinths, portable labyrinth designs, and even virtual labyrinths that can be used for meditation purposes. This accessibility makes labyrinth meditation a versatile practice that can be incorporated into one's daily routine, regardless of location or physical limitations. In conclusion, labyrinth meditation is a powerful practice that can lead to self-discovery, spiritual growth, and inner tranquility.

Incorporating labyrinth meditation into your regular practice can have profound effects on your overall well-being. It offers an opportunity to quiet the mind, release stress, and gain perspective on life's challenges. As you walk the labyrinth, you'll find that the physical movement becomes a metaphor for the twists and turns of life, teaching you to embrace uncertainty with grace and poise. So, if you are seeking a path towards inner peace, consider exploring labyrinth meditation. Allow yourself to get lost within this ancient practice and discover the profound beauty that lies within. It is a journey well worth taking, and the peace you find will ripple out into every aspect of your life.

Author

Melanie Ollenberg: Eco-spiritualist and Founder / Co-Creator of the Rosseau Sanctuary.

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Forest Bathing in the Muskokas

9/12/2023

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Forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide. It involves immersing oneself in nature, particularly in forested areas, to promote well-being and reduce stress.

Enjoying a slow walk to the Rosseau River

The benefits of forest bathing are numerous, including improved mood, increased focus, and enhanced immune function. To practice forest bathing effectively, one must first find a suitable forested area. It is essential to choose a location surrounded by trees, preferably with minimal noise and human activities.

Once in the forest, the individual is encouraged to slow down and engage all their senses. This can be accomplished by observing the colors, shapes, and textures of the trees, listening to the sounds of bird chirping or leaves rustling, and feeling the earth beneath their feet. It is vital to be fully present in the moment and let go of all distractions.

Another key element of forest bathing is deep breathing. Slow, intentional breathing helps to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and improve overall relaxation. Taking in the fresh forest air deeply and exhaling slowly adds to the therapeutic experience. It is advisable to spend at least 20-30 minutes in the forest, allowing ample time to connect with nature and reap its benefits fully.

Forest bathing can also include gentle movement or light exercises. This may involve stretching, yoga, or simply walking mindfully through the forest. These activities help to further enhance the connection between the individual and the natural environment, leading to a more profound sense of peace and tranquility.

In a world that is increasingly fast-paced and technologically driven, forest bathing offers a much-needed respite. It allows individuals to reconnect with nature, rejuvenate their spirits, and find solace in the simplicity and beauty of the natural world. By making forest bathing a regular practice, one can significantly improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Author

Melanie Ollenberg: Eco-spiritualist and Founder / Co-Creator of the Rosseau Sanctuary.

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The Sweat Lodge Ceremony (by Jodie Cara Lindley)

9/1/2023

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When we recognize the virtues, the talent, the beauty of Mother Earth, something is born in us, some kind of connection, love is born." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

The sweat lodge ceremony is something that is very close to my heart. Since receiving my first sweat in 2008, it has managed to wind its way into my entire being. So I would like to write a bit about it here.

Most recently, the lodge has become a more intimate part of my life. I have been blessed with the initiation into facilitating this most ancient ceremony for others.

The lodge for me has been transformative, both as participant and facilitator. In my experience, it has brought the opportunity for deep healing and connection with the Earth. This is unique in our modern age of technology and disconnect from Nature.

In May of this year, I initiated a build of a sweat lodge at a beautiful retreat centre in the Muskokas of Ontario. This was a dream come true for me. What an honour to build a space of healing upon the land.

Jodie Cara Lindley

Registered Massage Therapist and Integrative Holistic Healer

Special training in: Sweat Lodge Facilitation, Registered Massage Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy, Somato-Emotional Release, Reiki, Traditional healing, Coaching, and Astrology.

The sweat lodge is familiar for most people as a ceremony part of many First Nations / Indigenous traditions. It is a ceremony held for the purpose of purification of the four levels of our being - mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. There are numerous reasons for holding sweat lodge ceremonies, which are unique to each tradition.

I want to be clear here that I am not a First Nations person, nor do I run a sweat lodge that claims any such heritage or healing process.

The sweat lodge that I have been initiated into does not follow a specific native / indigenous tradition, but embraces all traditions, and at its heart is guided by Spirit and the Mother Earth herself.

I have been taught to incorporate teachings from certain African (Dagara African Cosmology) and Shamanic traditions into the lodge process, the ones that have inspired me and my teacher the most. In my experience, the lodge is a call to the ground. It calls us to connect to Nature and the Mother Earth. Something we so desperately need.

The lodge follows a spiritual death and rebirth process, where participants surrender to Mother Earth, the elements and nature, and open to the compassionate love that is there waiting. We are received by the Mother Earth as a nurturing presence.

Therefore, it is the Mother Earth that heals in this ceremony. I as facilitator merely co-create the sacred space for what is needed to occur.

Many associate a sweat lodge with a sauna. The only resonance between a sweat lodge and a sauna would be the heat and steam! A lodge is a ceremony: a specific sacred process of purification and cleansing. Ceremonies in general have the ability to shift energy. When we finish a ceremony, we are in a different "state" than when we started.

The lodge follows a spiritual death and rebirth process, where participants surrender to Mother Earth, the elements and nature, and open to the compassionate love that is there waiting. We are received by the Mother Earth as a nurturing presence.

Upcoming Earth Healing Lodge
May 10-12, 2024

The same is true of the sweat lodge. We begin full of our "stuff" and are given the opportunity to let go and receive something different. What that is, is very personal and cannot be intuited ahead of time. We sit on the ground, on the Earth herself. It is said to be in the lodge is to be in the womb of the Mother Earth: a warm, moist and dark cradle of love. Here, we make offerings. We offer what comes up for us in the lodge, whether it be thoughts, emotions or physical expressions. We offer it as a prayer ... as our prayer for release and healing. Then, once we have surrendered, we have more space to receive. To receive the love and compassion that the Earth offers. To receive a gift blessed by Spirit. Each experience and gift is unique.

And, we do this in community: communing with nature and the elements, and our fellow man and woman. We are all in this together.

So, how do you know you are to receive a sweat lodge?

You will be called to it.

It is not for everyone, and many have expressed concern about the heat and tight spaces. I always say, honour how you feel.

It is my great honour to be able to offer this healing space for others. I do it with incredible respect and love, and take it very very seriously.

It is a responsibility I cherish, and my hope is that many can receive the benefit of healing from Nature and the Mother Earth, through this most sacred and ancient process. Aho.

©Jodie Cara Lindley

** Images above taken at the earth healing lodge build and initiation at Rosseau Sanctuary in Rosseau Ontario ... courtesy of Melanie, Gerry my Engineer Extraordinaire and myself Jodie Cara Lindley. Much gratitude to my teacher Heloisa da Silva Porto for her mentorship, love and guidance. <3

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