A big hello to everyone in our Convergence family,

Welcome to the Summer 2010 Convergence Newsletter. I hope you find

something interesting to read.

Did you have a good Convergence? I am pleased to report that I had my

best convergence ever, re-connections with old friends, meeting of new
friends, and lots of wonderful conversations. And of course, delightful
heartfelt hugs.

Will you be coming to the mini Convergence? Find out when it is on and
more about it in this edition.

Speaking of editions, this may be the last newsletter. We are currently

rethinking what people need from an email, and it is most probable that
we will be going to something simpler, with a smaller file size to
download. In the meantime enjoy this weighty edition.

Love Oola Wave

Newsletter contents

• Convergence mini gathering 19th, 20th, & 21st March

• Convergence pot luck dinners
• Special thanks
• Convergence 2009/10 snapshot
• Get your Convergence 2009/10 photos on c.d.
• Feedback on Convergence 2009/2010
• Experiences and realisations by Jeff
• Poet's cranny
• Artist's nook
• Community notices
Convergence mini gathering 19th, 20th, & 21st March

Convergence Mini-Gathering
Journey’s End Campsite, North Loburn
th
The site will be open from 4pm Friday 19 March

Those that wish to arrive earlier please reply,

so that a gate key can be arranged for access.

The Autumn Mini-Gathering is a time of fun and reconnection and an

opportunity for those that wish to assist in the working-bee to come out
and participate. Please feel free to arrive when you can and stay as little
or as long as you can.

If you want to contribute to Convergence one way to do this is to give

back by improving the site. The working-bees we hold each year are part
of our Agreement with Journey’s End Campsite; it allows us to keep the
booking dates from year to year and to enjoy a substantially reduced fee
for using the site for Convergence each year. This is one of the ways we
are able to keep the ticket price so affordable.

The working bee focus will be:

* Wood Splitting
* Stacking wood behind Amberley Container, Leigh Lodge & in service area
* Removing items no longer used/required (a skip will be available for this)

Other things you are welcome to par-take in:

* Mulching and clearing around the young trees
* Erecting additional shelving in the container
* Photo Collage
* Cooking
* Stoking up the sauna
* Music – bring along your musical instruments

Due to the main focus of this gathering being the working bee there is no charge for
staying for the weekend, Leigh Lodge will be available for accommodation,

Things to Bring

Personal bedding & toiletries

Food for communal meals
Towel for sauna

If you have them:-

Ear Muffs or ear plugs
 Gardening Gloves
Chain saw
Spade or gardening tools
Carpentry Tools

A sharing circle will be held on Saturday evening. This sharing circle will focus on
Convergence 2010-2011 and will be an opportunity to:

* hear all the Feedback from Convergence 2009-2010

* create the theme for next event
* make suggestions for next event
* offer contributions for next event

Convergence pot luck dinners

A nice way of meeting up and getting to know fellow Convergee’s is to

have regular opportunities to get together in your area. It is up to you to
create these. If you wish to host a pot luck dinner then please email your
Convergence Pot Luck Dinner invitation to info@convergence.net.nz and it
will be emailed to those ‘near-by’. Please allow 2 weeks notice of these
get-togethers. It does not have to be at your place. Last year
in Christchurch a picnic in the park was one of the get-togethers.

If a Convergence Pot Luck Dinner is offered then the email goes out to
people who live in the local vicinity. The invitation is also posted on the
Convergence website www.convergence.net.nz for those that may be
traveling to that area and are able to attend.

Special thanks

Thank you to Alfred for creating the website for everyone to use. Alfred
has put time into creating and fine tuning the new website over the last 2
years. Please add www.convergence.net.nz to your favourites and visit it
to find out about upcoming events and general information about
Convergence.

Thank you to Jeff for setting up the new email accounts. Currently there
are 3 email addresses:
info@convergence.net.nz for all general information
tickets@convergence.net.nz for all ticket enquires and payments
workshops@convergence.net.nz for all workshops to be
offered at Convergence

Thank you to River for offering to attend to emails and website

announcements throughout the year.
Thank you to Carla and Devon for washing, drying, storing and creating
the list of items found, and organising collection/postage of the items
claimed.

Thank you Oola for editing and compiling this newsletter (I was instructed
to add this, just in case you thought I was thanking myself).

Convergence 2009/10 snapshot

Get your Convergence 2009/10 photos on c.d.

These are now available on disk for those that wish to have a copy.
Corinne and Dave have created a great photo reflection of Convergence
including some short video clips. If you would like a copy please email
info@convergence.net.nz with your postal address details and deposit $10
into the Convergence Account. Bank account details are on the website
www.convergence.net.nz
Feedback on Convergence 2009/10

If you would like to offer feedback about the recent Convergence

gathering please go to www.convergence.net.nz, go to “Latest Updates”
and click on “Feedback form” or post to:
Convergence
PO Box 13 329
Christchurch 8141

It would be great to hear what worked and what didn’t and suggestions of
improvements or changes. There is an opportunity to state if you are
keen to put energy into a specific area of Convergence for the next event.
This is a great way of announcing that intention. All this information will
be gathered and shared at the Mini-gathering Sharing Circle on Saturday
20th March.

Experiences and realisations by Jeff

I had an amazing time at Convergence. I would like to share some of my

experience and realisations that I had while I was there. I have been
attending Convergence for many years, about 15 and I have experienced
all sorts of things during that time. I have met many wonderful people
and participated in some great conversations and interactions with
others. But this year for me was special in that I gained a much greater
insight into the whole concept of how I exist and operate on three
different levels, the spiritual, the emotional and the physical.

On a spiritual level I am the same as everyone else. I am love and love is

all there is. At the breakdown of the site the stones of intention were
returned to the river. On these stones there were words that people had
written and love featured predominantly on the stones. I placed the
stones “Hello Love” into the river acknowledging who I am and sending
this energy out into the wider world.

On a spiritual level what happens at Convergence is of vital importance to

the world, as it flows out from the event to touch everyone in the world.
The river, that forms the boundary to the Convergence site, flows to the
ocean, the ocean touches every continent on the earth and the ocean
evaporates and falls as rain on every human being on the planet.

In a similar way what happens at Convergence reaches everyone on the

planet as people leave the site, return to their home town or travel to
other countries and share who they truly are with those that they meet on
the way. This is how what happens at Convergence can reach the entire
world.
But I do not exist solely on a spiritual plane, I also exist on an emotional
and physical plane as well. On this level I am a man and the way I
process emotions and my physical needs are different to those of a
woman. I had a wonderful talk with a woman at Convergence about
these differences. She shared a wonderful analogy that men are like
mountains and women are like rivers. Both the mountain and river can
co exist together in perfect harmony. No one is stronger or more
powerful than any other, each is different. And when these two elements
come together they interact in an amazing way.

Unfortunately in our society many women are forced to fulfill the role of a
man, either by circumstances, as a solo parent, or because of hurt
incurred in a past relationship. To fill this role the woman attempts to
become a mountain. But this is a difficult task and sometimes these
women become like rocks. As a rock they are unable to co
exist comfortably with the mountain.

I have witnessed that men and women process anger in different ways.
Men tend to be loud and express their anger through strength. Women
tend to express their anger through tears. I have spent time in men’s
circles and there can be very aggressive interactions at these events.
Unfortunately some men do not know how to direct this anger and
sometimes people get hurt. Women that have been hurt by an
aggressive man become frightened of men’s anger. I have also observed
both men and women that embrace their spiritual strength can never be
overpowered by another person. This is not about physical strength, it is
about spiritual strength and when I operate from this place, no physical
strength is required.

For many years issues around men and women have existed at
Convergence. Personally I have been opposed to the separation of the
two groups. I very rarely enter the men’s space and I have respected the
women’s space as well. But this year I finally understand why the two
separate spaces exist.

For a man and a woman to co exist in a relationship it is necessary for the

man and woman to open up to allow the other person into
the relationship. A man and a woman bring their individual strengths to a
relationship and can be far more creative than either individual alone.
This can be expressed with the birth of a child that takes both a man and
a woman to bring to life. A child is born as pure love, as a spiritual being,
and then learns to express itself on an emotional and physical plane. But
the relationship does not end with the birth of a child, ideally it
continues. From the discussion I had it became clear the role of the man
is to support the woman as she raises the child, particularly when the
child is young. It is not physically possible for the man to provide for the
needs of a young child and the woman is often totally consumed in
meeting these needs. The woman requires support during these
challenging times.

To open up and allow someone into a relationship both a man and a

woman must feel safe enough to allow the other person to experience
who they truly are. This can be difficult if someone is carrying wounds
from past relationships. The men’s and women’s space provide a forum
for the expression and processing of issues that a man or a woman may
be carrying. This year a combined space was also created for men and
women to share together. By sharing our story not only do we learn we
allow others to learn, understand and grow.

For me the biggest challenge in my life is finding a balance between the

spiritual, emotional and physical needs. Convergence provides a space
for me to explore who I am on all of these levels and I can use this as a
reference point as I live my life day to day. Thank you all for your
contributions. I deeply value what you choose to share and acknowledge
how wonderful you all are.

Jeff

Poets Cranny

Found in the Lost by Oola Wave

This poem has been created by plucking words from the list of lost and found items,
which was published in the last Convergence email. The order, spelling, and
capitalisation of words has not been changed; on occasion part words have been used.

Dark tan towel medium forest green

purple trim
pattern in middle
tarten picnic waterproof underside
crocheted
1m x 1m
one hem
flannel stencilled shapes bottom edge
red middle pillowcase

Jandals rockport burgundy

child crocs lovehearts on velcro strap
crackerjack trainers gumboots size 6
aqua coloured bodyglove foam
marbled 38 womens Rubi insoles Grosby birkenstocks grey geometric
Lee (right) brown soy treatment in light blue
Ganobi toothpaste
Japanese tea conditioner lid white tube
lipgloss
candyfloss
poink plastic corbons teeth handle
other bristles scrunchie silver

camp folding waterbottle Mash circular zip

Packard power flags Purple Home
Poi black toggle everyready Choc elastic belt
bronze velvet elephant plastic ears
rattle shampoo spf 30 blue

foldable umbrella semi-seethrough top

Camelbak scarf with tassles lacy
tube scarf loose knit knot in one end
Indian tassles colours run thin
intermittant 'checks Origine
short sleeved tshirt butterflies
chinese characters TU 5-6
boxer button cream tartan

Baby's t bow at neck tag cut off

oof slevved San Fran underneath NOW
size 2
strip
Pumpkin shoestring running around
horiz cardigan three green plastic love
Kitchown jumpsuit no legs
koala picture Kathmandu orange zip
Greenpeace owl within the bat
eyelid our forests

Urban pockets Wild

NARAN
handwritten 'Chief' Global 'pouch pockets' at front
terracotta half Levi
longjohns leggings sleeveless sleeved revolutionary
Alley cat chinese style short
oval run trim hoodie
breasted men's PING merino

Made in Scotland

burgundy waist Spencer teens Slacker front

Pink pink peak pink ballerina mouse
Subcasual pop domes at either side
'vaccinate' cat dog japaneze
beanie zipped colums Mec lime green
googly eyes underwear small purple gloves
one in a million blue fish hankerchief

knee high black and white stripy sock

women's black undies - cotton
blue dots or flowers very large white
white glove
brown socks bear footprints
childrens dinosaurs sock bra - D

socklet blue socklets

Pocket knife necklace with moon red beads
Snake ring
rectangular beads stones Bell

Community notices
To see the most recent community notices, including the ones below, go
to:
www.convergence.net.nz

House for sale near beach

WOODEN BEAMED COSY HOUSE NEAR BEACH

Would you like to live in a wonderful A-frame house near the beach?

Big glorious wooden beams, gets the sun all day, spa pool for winter
nights, great garden for entertaining.

• 3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms and mezzanine floor

• Double garage
• Double car port
• Spa pool
• Large lounge
• Kitchen
• Groovy bathroom

Offers over $330,000

Full details on trade-me

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=164292182

Contact: Roger Bays 11 Aston Drive, Waimairi Beach, Christchurch.

Phone 669 0558 (yes this is a Christchurch number)
Mobile 021 778 273

Practical philosophy

Hi to all
Just passing forward information to say that if anyone is interested come along to a completey free!
Practical Philosophy group meeting, run three to four times weekly at 42 Ford Road Opawa. This
includes meditation, and teachings taking from various sources (eg Sanskrit, the Bible, Shakespeare,
Buddhism etc).
The theme is...finding the middle point.
Keywords: --meditation--letting go--discerning mind--enlightenment--consciousness--like
minds--(and you know the gyst....come along to have a look-see).
The group is based on a philosophy being the 'love of wisdom' (as opposed to academic debate) and
its application to living in the real world 'being in the world, not of the world'.
Feel free to contact Derek or just turn up on a Tuesday at 6:30pm (intro evening) Times: 6:30-8:30 pm
weekly, with a monthly Sunday retreat on the peninsula (there are simply no catches, or monetary
exchange, Derek believes that this does not 'belong' to him and so doesn't accept payment for it).
The links below aren't directly about the Practical Philosophy group, but will give you insight into
Derek if this helps. Or phone me 383 9916 or text, cell below, if you'd like me to share more, or meet
you there.

Kindest Linda
Quality carpentry

Allan, Josephine and 5yr old Frederik have been part of the Convergence family for 2yrs and
we love it! We also have a carpentry business (Allan is the carpenter. Josephine writes the
ads and Frederik helps out when he can.)
We aspire to building with consciousness which means helping you find the best solutions for
the projects around your home or business; solutions which are effective, efficiently carried
out, ethical, economical, environmentally-friendly and beautiful.
Here is what a current employer (John Allen) says about Allan:
“Allan and I have been working together on various landscaping/building projects for a year.
The working environments are often challenging. There are interruptions, changes of plans
and a large degree of spontaneity in our planning and construction. Allan remains focussed
and adaptable to the changing demands. He is able to interpret my innovative, new designs
using his practical carpentry skills to bring them into reality. He is precise and methodical
and achieves excellence, not only in his work but in his relationships with colleagues and
employers. He is trustworthy and responsible and I am happy to recommend him.” (John Ph.
328 8977).
If you are looking for someone who will work to enhance the atmosphere of your home
physically and energetically, phone and have a chat with Allan: 388 1328 or 0275 21 21 21.

Spiritual awareness group

GOLDEN PATHWAYS
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS GROUP

“The path of our Spiritual journey is an inward one, unique to each of us.
Wise teachers can guide us; however only we can make the journey.
We move forward in our own way, in our own time, only taking with us
that which resonates with our Higher Self.
Our journey is never-ending as it is a continuous journey
of learning, growth and enlightenment.”
Chris Warnes & Lisa Roche
¹Golden Pathways Spiritual Awareness Group is the bringing together of
like-minded people who want to become more knowledgeable and
spiritually enlightened.
¹We envisage a series of talks, discussions & experiencing of subjects
such as: How we can live a Spiritually Enlightened Life; Different Healing
Modalities; Past Life Regression; Astrology; Guardian Angles; Guided
journeys to meet our Spirit & Animal Guides; Psychometry; Medium
night; Book night; The Chakra system etc. (We may also have different
speakers come in and talk to us about what they do)
¹The first night will be a meet & greet night, where we bring our collective
energies together, connecting and building rapport. There will be a
general discussion of what people would like to learn more about, then
inputting what we can into a weekly time-table, to be covered over a ten
week period.
¹There will be a group of approximately 12 people, where participation
and interaction is welcomed from everyone – a sharing of knowledge,
information and experiences. The whole idea is about“FEEDING OUR
SOULS”; about learning and growing in our Spirituality…about meeting
like-minded people, making friends for life……and focusing on what we are
passionate about and having some fun along the way!
¹The meetings will be held at Spirit Talk Development and Wellness
Centre, 276 Colombo Street (upstairs); meeting one night per week for
ten weeks. Start date for 2010 is Wednesday, 10thFebruary. There will
also be a nominal charge per person, per night T.B.A.
¹If you would like to join us on this Spiritual journey of learning, growth &
enlightenment, please email your interest and we will add your name to
our list. We look forward to hearing from you, and welcoming you to our
group.
Please email Chris and Lisa at: goldenpathways101@gmail.com
Chris: 3253 263/ 0274 169 071 - Lisa: 021 959 634

Insight/ Vipassana meditation retreat

5 days at Bannockburn, Central Otago

7pm Friday 26th Feb – 4pm Wed 3rd March

With a weekend option. Residential or daytime.

This gentle retreat will encourage mindful self-awareness of breath, body

feelings and thoughts while sitting, walking, lying down & stretching.

Suitable for both beginners and experienced meditators.

Led by David Wakeling who has lived as a Buddhist Monk for 18 years,
exploring and teaching approaches to mindfulness, awareness and
meditation. He now practices Shiatsu healing bodywork at “The Villa” in
Nelson and teaches Meditation, Yoga and Stress Reduction both for the
Cancer Society and privately. His primary focus is on the “Insight/
Vipassana” Method.

Payment: For teaching $40 per day (Book before Feb 15th for
%10 reduction).
Accommodation: $20 per night.
Deposit $50
Food: Nutritious food for pot luck meals.
Arrive: Friday for soup at 5.30pm
Bring: Loose and outdoor clothing, slippers, torch, umbrella.
To Register Contact: Pip 03 443 4584 or David 027 6959 398
Angel turns suicide bomber

Angel turns suicide bomber!

An angel, trapped on earth, has resorted to terrorist activities in order to return to her
natural state of loving bliss. The angel, known to the public only as “Angel,” has
made an internet broadcast claiming that “we are all entitled to be loved
unconditionally for who we really are” and that she will be “doing all of humanity a
favour” if she carries out her explosive plans.

Angel is a funny and touching contemporary clowntheatre show. Created by the

most talented of Christchurch's independent circus, theatre and music
artists, Angel takes an irreverent and playful look at modern spiritual alternatives.

Angel tells the story of an angel fallen to earth and longing to return to heaven. A
sweetness pervades the piece as the angel discovers and pursues earthly ways of
achieving enlightenment.

Three uniquely talented women have brought their expertise together in the creation
of Angel: Olli Ricken (circus tutor at Christchurch Polytech) is masterful as the angel,
gifting the audience a depth that her 17 years of experience in clowntheatre and
circus allow her. Lucette Hindin (the clinic) brings to the piece her unique skill and
ten years of professional experience creating cutting edge and beautiful devised
theatre. Arielle Atman, intuitive pianist, has created music for Angel which on its own
would satisfy an audience for an hour. Angel catches these three at the height of
their creative careers. Angel is a funny, thoughtful, and expertly delivered piece of
theatre.

Glistening Arts presents

Angel
Christchurch
The Loons
(16 Canterbury Street, Lyttelton)

th th th
18 , 19 , 20 February 2010
8pm
$18, $15 Concessions or groups of 6 or more
bookings at The Loons ph 328 8230

Wellington
Bats Theatre
(1 Kent Tce, Te Aro)
6 March, 9 – 13 March 6:30 pm
Preview 6 March 4pm ($12 and $10)
Full $16, Concession $13
Bookings at Bats ph 802 4175

Contact and further info

www.olli.co.nz
Olli Ricken 021 175 3512
Lucette Hindin 021 175 9845
Equine facilitator comes to New Zealand

We are very fortunate to have Australian Equine Facilitator Chris Scott offering
her “Beyond Freedom Technique” clinics in New Zealand in March this year. Not only is
Chris running the successful SeaHorse Equine Centre near Perth/OZ but she is also teaching
in many European countries, where Equine Facilitated Personal Development has been
popular for many years.

After having read many books and inspiring stories on the subject I feel it’s about time that
we here in New Zealand can benefit from this kind of horse-assisted experience first hand
and in a practical and supported way.

If you think you might be interested and want to find out more please reply to this email
address or contact Bev and Roger for a first hand testimonial rogerbevseeney@bigpond.com

Please feel free and encouraged to forward this information to anyone who you think could
benefit from Chris’ courses – and remember: They don’t have to be riders or ‘horsey’ people.

Kind regards and hope to see you there,

Babs

Australian Equine Facilitator Chris Scott

of the SEAHORSE EQUINE CENTRE offers three

Freedom Beyond Technique

Clinics in Christchurch, New Zealand

th th
Basic workshops: 6 –7 March 2010

Advanced workshop: By arrangement

About the Facilitator Christine Scott is a pioneer in Equine Assisted Education and
training in Australia. She has developed a unique system which guides people towards a
greater awareness of self, deeper understanding of life, fuller relationships and knowledge
that allows them the possibility of changing their experience of life.

Our Vision Communication plays a key role in our lives, our relationships and in the
workplace. We all have the innate ability to communicate on different levels to get our
message across clearly, but stress, anxiety and our own fears can interfere with this
process. What many don’t realise is that the greatest teachers who can show us how to tap
into our inner wisdom and natural communication skills are creatures that we often take for
granted — horses. Our goal is to give you the opportunity to learn how to communicate with
these wonderful creatures in a connected and respectful manner while learning more about
yourself in the process. You will leave with valuable skills that can be applied to your human
and equine relationships, in your home, at work and in other areas of your life.

What do I experience? Program participants will be involved in a workshop tailored to

the needs of the group where participants interact directly with horses under the supervision
of an experienced equine facilitator. Discussion and contemplation activities are also used to
open new or forgotten pathways.

Why horses? We have found that people experience personal insights through the way
horses respond to them and in turn the way individuals attempt to connect to these creatures.
Horses not only guide us to understand the invisible forces and energies that affect social
interaction, but also teach us to better understand body signals, and to stas present and
focused.

Who benefits from these clinics? Professionals from just about any workplace
including teachers, physio- therapists, social workers, police and hospital staff can all benefit
from our workshop. The workshop will also allow horse owners the opportunity to find out
how to create willing partnerships without denying the horse its true nature.

What skills do we help to develop? No two workshops are ever the same, but
participants will look at areas such as listening, self-awareness, body language, leadership,
personal boundaries, creativity and being present in the moment. The experience can lead to
improved teamwork, greater enjoyment of the workplace and the generation of new positive
ideas. This is made possible in a fun learning environment that avoids digging into or
unraveling personal problems or issues from the past.

For horse owners: Become the architect of your own future. Ignite your imagination, tap into
your intuition and design your own equine ‘program’. Create the bond you dream about. See
yourself as your horse sees you. Identify what no longer works for you and why.
What if I can’’t ride or I’’m afraid of horses? Riding is not a key component of our
workshops. The interaction between participants and the horses largely occurs on the ground
in a non-threatening environment. Participants can have as great or as little interaction with
the horses as they wish and still learn important life skills — there is no pressure.

What do I need to bring? All you need to bring is the appropriate attire for an outdoor
activity and a smile. You can also bring your horse or play with ours. We’ll provide the
facility to conduct the workshops and handouts materials. A list of accommodation in the
area will be available on the SeaHorse website closer to the time.

How much does this all cost? The cost is $350 NZD per person for a two day
workshop or $550 per person for four days. Paddocks are available at a charge of $10 per
night per horse.

What time does the workshop start? Basic Workshop I: Saturday, 6th March 2010
th
9am-5pm & Sunday, 7 9am-4pm

Advanced Workshop: By arrangement

Any further enquires either visit our Website at http://www.seahorsecentre.com.au/wb/pages/

newzealand.php or contact:

Chris Scott in Australia 0064 897546232 email@seahorsecentre.com.au

Babs Theinert-Brown in N.Z. (03) 322 9119 babs.bat@gmail.com
Please see overleaf for an outline of a typical day at a workshop. Please also note the times
and activities are flexible given the workshops are tailored to individual group needs.

Biodanza

I had a wonderful time at the Luminate Festival and introduced another 50 or so people to Biodanza!

This has led to me arranging 2 events at Pohara Hall, Golden Bay.

On Wed 17th Feb I will teach a class from 7 -9.30 pm, cost $10.
and Sat 20th Feb I will teach a workshop from 11 -5, cost $60 waged / $50 unwaged.

Again no experience is necessary. It will be an opportunity to connect deeply with yourself and others,
and take that depth with you on into your life.
If you know anyone who may be interested, please forward this e-mail to them. Also, I have attached
a poster to this message. If it feels right, you may be prepared to print it out and display it somewhere.
Biodanza is a great thing to share with others so the more the merrier.

I am also delighted to be a part of The Blooming Sister, A gathering of Women, 3 - 7th March at the
Tui Events Park, Golden Bay. Contact: bloomingsister@gmail.com or Sybille 03 525 7138 if you
would like to know more.

My web site www.biodanza.co.nz is still under construction so I will keep you informed of events by e-
mail. I feel so blessed to have received such wonderful statements of your experience of Biodanza,
from so many of you. I wait eagerly for them to appear on my web site.

Until we dance together again,

Much love,

Diane Sparks

Men's workshop

Empowering the Sensual Masculine

February 26 - 28 - 2010
$175 - 225.00 unwaged - waged sliding scale.
A transformational workshop for Men who want to expand sensitivity in their lives
and relationships

Workshop Leaders: John Allen - Gorden Hamblyn - John Bushell

About the Workshop

This mens residential weekend will consist of structured group sessions framed by
ritual elements.
There will be opportunities for you to:

* practice building and maintaining relationships.

* gain greater strength and confidence in Self.
* increase your ability to open up your creativity.
* develop a deeper sense of how to meet the need of others from your own place
of power
* become more joyful, accepting and fun to be with

The aim of this event is to build confidence in men to express themselves in a

sacred, nurturing and sensual masculine way.
At this empowering workshop the work of the group will be carried out in a variety
of ways: including expression through art themes; painting, dancing, singing, and
chanting; exploring symbolism, movement, language and breath.
There will be feasting; both casual and formal; dynamic communing with each-
other and Self; dynamic nurture of each other and Self; there will be morning
exercise/meditation; there will be no sleep in;
Though security, through structure and facilitation, will remain paramount; an
emphasis will be placed on the 'present' energy of the group.

Group Leaders
John Allen is an artist, teacher and healer. He has found an attitude of self-love and
integrity through exploring relationship with family, community and lovers, also with
satisfying work in the world. Opening to the creative flow of life through meditation,
dance, song, yoga, art, connection with the earth and spirituality, along with some
helpful guidance through the crossroads, has brought him to this place of genuine
kindness for his body, now inhabited for 53 years. "I want to experience rest,
stillness and contentment and embrace fuller self responsibility."

Gorden Hamblyn has a 19 year history of involvement in the men's personal growth
movement in Christchurch entailing both participation in, and leadership of, mens
groups; including service positions with both Menstrust and Mensline. He has
extensive professional training in co-facilitation and has trained others in co-
facilitation. A background of over 20 years working in semi and unskilled labour
markets, plus ten years of martial arts training has provided a thorough
understanding of the macho male culture. More recently Gorden has been using his
facilitation skills in the tough working environment of mens prison. "My experience in
the Mens Movement has given me both a broad and a deep understanding of mens
issues and mens responses to their issues".

John Bushell moved to Canterbury partly because of the strong Mens Movement
here. The sudden demise of a 25yr marriage, loss of family and job saw him embark
on the pathway to authentic self some ten years ago. Rituals, retreats and rites of
passage; abstinence and excess; feast and fast (incl 40 day event); John's path is by
nature empirical. He believes a student is often a great teacher; still in touch with the
lesson. Vast experience in massage/energy disciplines, as well as being a trained
listener, enables John to hold space in powerful group dynamics. “The gap between
who I am and the Buddha is balanced by the gap between who I am and who I used
to be”

Contact: "Empowering the Sensual Masculine"

Menstrust Christchurch
Christchurch Community House, 141 Hereford Street, Christchurch. 8011
Email: admin@menstrust.org.nz
Phone: (03) 940 9477
Venue: Leigh Lodge - Journey's End Campsite. North Loburn, Rangiora North,
North Canterbury
Cost: $175 - 225.00 unwaged - waged sliding scale.
The workshop fee includes food and accommodation. Places on this workshop are
limited to 18 men. Enrolment does not guarantee a place on the workshop.

Tantra healing

Aotearoa Talk & Workshop Tour February 2010

Shamanic Tantra Healing
Baba Dez & ISTA Dakas & Dakinis
Baba Dez Nichols, author of "Sacred Sexual Healing – the Shaman
Method of Sex Magic"
is touring New Zealand during February. Dez leads Trainings for Daka
and Dakini Healers,
and facilitates Conferences for Sacred Sexual Educators across the USA
and the World.
He is traveling with the International School of Temple Arts Dakas and
Dakinis.

* AUCKLAND Hobson Room, Parnell Community Centre, 545 Parnell

Rd Talks 6.30-8pm Workshops 8-10.30pm
th
Mon 8 Generating, Cultivating & Directing the Healthy Masculine in Women
& Men
th
Tues 9 Empowering the Divine Feminine Energy in Men & Women

* WELLINGTON Pure Wellbeing, Upstairs at 37 Courtenay Place Evening

Talk / Day Workshops
th
Fri 12 Talk: Sex Magic – Manifesting Your Deepest Desires 8-10pm
th
Sat 13 Day Workshop: Sacred Sexuality & Relational Mastery 10am-6pm
th
Sun 14 Day Workshop: Building Extraordinary Relationships 10am-6pm

* NELSON Fairfield House, Trafalgar

Street Talk 6.30-8pm Workshop 8-10.30pm
th
Tuesday 16 Living the Bliss of the Healthy Masculine and Divine Feminine

* CHRISTCHURCH Classic Room, Arts Centre, Worcester

St Talks 6.30-8pm Workshops 8-10.30pm
th
Wed 17 The Cutting Edge of Spiritual Sexual Shamanism
 th
Thurs 18 Sex Magic – Manifesting Your Deepest Desires

Evening Introductory Talks $20 Talk & Workshop $90 2 Evening Talks &
Workshops $160

Wellington Day Workshops: Each $180 Both $330

Baba Dez: www.sedonatemple.com Yogadhara Tantra

Aotearoa: www.videoyogalessons.com
RSVP - Viryam Robertson: yogadhara@mac.com More
information: 021 896 429
Baba Dez, Daka Viryam and Dakinis Natasha and Lana will also be
offering Private Sessions

Baba Dez Tour

Viryam (William) Robertson - Hatha Yoga Teacher, 'Daka', Registered Nurse
YOGADHARA TANTRA AOTEAROA
Yoga Tuition/Sacred Sexual Self-Healing/Kashmiri Shiva-Shakti Massage
34 Windley Street, Porirua, Wellington 5024 NZ
Phone: 021 896 429 or 027 232 6076 or 04 897 0002
viryam@me.com www.videoyogalessons.com

Puala's new art website

Dear all Convergies, I would like to welcome you to my brand new

website, and share my art with you as a true expression of who I am.

www.paulasart.co.nz

Enjoy my world
Happy greetings
Paula Smulders

Convergence
www.convergence.net.nz