Author: Sára

Dear Ones,

Dance tonight (March 27th)! – 7:30 PM – 344 E Mountain Ave, F.C. – $10 suggested

Dance next week! – April 3rd – same bat time, same bat channel!

Dance – April 10th … ditto to the rest…

Chant – Sunday, April 13th – 7 PM – 344 E Mountain – $10 suggested

NO DANCE APRIL 17th…

NO DANCE APRIL 24th…

NO DANCE MAY 1st…

BUT…

CHANT RETREAT!!! It’s time to sign up… deadline is April 15th…
Retreat goes April 25, 26, 27 – here’s the link for info and registration: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

AND…

SUFI YOUTH JAM!!!
Retreat goes April 29 to May 4 – here’s the link: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

PLUS…

EVERYONE… please do join us at Camp Santa Maria for May 3rd afternoon and evening community day at the Youth Jam – Come experience the leadership of the next generation of Dance and Sufi Ruhaniat leaders… $25 includes dinner – Pre-register for dinner so our AMAZING caterer knows how many of us to cook for – e-mail me for the flyer with all the details…

AND… FINALLY…
I highly encourage you to spend at least an hour a day in the spring sunshine… and if you do it like me… be super lazy about it, don’t move at all, and you too can get a nice first-sunburn-of-the-season on your sweet noses!

See you at the dance!
Sára

(970)227-5275

Dear Darling Circling Community,

may I suggest walnuts and mass quantities of sesame seeds to alleviate confusion… and as a human supplemental agent, allow me to clarify a couple things for this weekend (before I leave town)… which I should have included in my last mailer, but I forgot to take my brain pill yesterday.

1. Tomorrow – Saturday – I will be leading the Sufi Class at Studio Be (2077 30th St, Boulder) at 6 PM – by donation – we do some practices, breath concentration, readings, etc… seated and sedentary…not very Ruhaniat-like at all…

2. THEN – also Tomorrow – Saturday – Habib and I will be leading the evening Zikr at 7:30 also at Studio Be – $5 donation – dessert potluck – not seated or sedentary – very Ruhaniat-like!

3. Sunday – I will be facilitating the Chant evening in Fort Collins – 7 PM – 344 E Mountain Ave (Art and Science) – $10 suggested donation

Then I’ll be gone… Next planned gatherings upon my return will be… Thursday, March 6th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – Fort Collins Sunday, March 9th – Chant – 7 PM – Art and Science

Studio Thursday, March 13th – Dance – 7:30 – Art and Science

Saturday, March 15th – Sufi Class in Boulder AND Zikr in Boulder (6 PM and 7:30 PM, respectively)

Thursday, March 20th – Dance – Fort Collins

Sunday, March 23rd – Chant – Fort Collins

Thursday, March 27th – Dance – Fort Collins

and I think that is quite enough looking ahead and being responsible grown-ups mapping out our calendars into the future…

In this moment, I want to tell you that I do understand fish oil to be the best brain food… but I am a vegetarian and even though little orange, squishy gel caps don’t look like any animal I’ve ever seen, I just can’t condone eating them even if they would make me smarter.

that being said, if you feel your brain really needs a boost, I will not judge you for eating squishy orange gel caps filled with fish oil…

and I also will not judge you for wasting several hours a day solving on-line Sudoku and Kakuro puzzles. (Studies show they are good for you and this form of brain exercise is supposed to stave off dementia. Worth a try. Dementia sucks).

In fact, I will whole-heartedly celebrate you taking such good care of your brain! God knows I’ll be depending more and more on your intelligence as mine continues to plummet into the depths of inanity (that is not a type-o, just a creative use of language, and a very nice word… feel free to look it up).

Love and Good Chocolate to you all!

Sára

(970)227-5275

If you were a type of music, what would you be? Classical, jazz, hip-hop, dub-step, folk, bluegrass, oldies, reggae, death metal…

If I were a type of music, I would have to create my own genre… but the primary instrument would be the saw. Not like a power-saw, but the old fashioned saw, played with a bow… the kind that sounds like ghosts and broken door hinges. Want a sample?

Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL2J9Q2F0Wo&list=PL_RyXRArZZ2rYGQr6eyy1–qyfZa6Ezkm

I must admit.. there were lots of REALLY pretty musical saw samples… but this one made me laugh so that’s the one you get!

Thursday, January 30th, 7:30 PM – Dance of Universal Peace – 344 E Mountain Ave, Ft Collins – $10 suggested

Saturday, February 1st, 1 PM to 9 PM – Tending the Heart (mini Sufi retreat) – The Yoga Room, Idaho Springs – facilitated by me, Gayan and Rafia – an afternoon of Sufi practices and teachings, a long break for dinner and hot springs, an evening of Zikr – flyer and registration link here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Sunday, February 2nd, 7 PM – Imbolc Chant – 344 E Mountain Ave, F.C. – $10 suggested

Thursday, February 6th, 7:30 PM – Dance of Universal Peace – 344 E Mountain – $10 suggested

Thursday, February 13th, 7:30 PM – Dance of Universal Peace – 344 E Mountain – $10 suggested

Saturday, February 15th, 6 PM – Sufi Class and Zikr – Studio Be, 2077 30th St, Boulder – I will be leading the Sufi Class again this month… by donation – Zikr will be with Habib and me… $5 suggested – Dessert potluck, bring a treat to share!

Sunday, February 16th, 7 PM – Chant – 344 E Mountain – $10 suggested

NO DANCE in FORT COLLINS FEBRUARY 20 or 27!!!

I’ll be out of town, leading events on the east coast… have buddies you want to send my way? Here’s the general idea:

February 21st an evening of Universal Worship concentration, music, movement and prayer – somewhere in the DC area

February 22nd a day-long Dance Leading workshop and an Evening Zikr at OneCircle in Silver Spring Maryland

February 23rd to 27th… an array of events from DC to Floyd, Virginia to Asheville, NC…

February 28th morning workshop… evening Zikr in Asheville NC

March 1st afternoon Meditation and Movement workshop… evening Dance of Universal Peace at Earthaven

March 2nd Charge of the Goddess Cycle of Dance in Asheville

If you want more info about any of these things, please let me know and I’ll forward you flyers with details.

See you back in Fort Collins for Dancing March 6th!

Also… don’t forget to register for:

1. CHANT RETREAT w/ me and Allaudin – April 25 to 27

2. SUFI YOUTH JAM – April 29 to May 4

All registration info and flyers are here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

QUESTION: is there a “Beautiful Name of God” associated with laughing hysterically for no good reason?

I’m going to have to make one up…

Ya Guffaw!

Love to all,

Sára

Darlings,
Chant, Dance, Retreat… repeat… Chant, Dance, Retreat… repeat… Chant, Dance, Retreat…

Let’s CHANT!!!
Sunday, January 19th
7 PM
Art and Science Studio, 344 E Mountain Ave, Fort Collins
$10 suggested donation
Bring a cushion or backjack for your own comfort.

Also…
I’m in the market… Does anyone have a hint about where I can purchase 15 backjacks for cheap?

Thursday night dances are still happening.. hope to see, sing and boogie with you on:
the 16th
the 23rd
the 30th
and on into February…

AND…

For your yearning Sufi Hearts…
I just confirmed details with my co-conspirators from last year:

TENDING the HEART – 2nd Annual Sufi Mini Retreat – Idaho Springs (The Yoga Room) -Saturday, February 1st – 1 PM to 9 PM with a big break in the middle for dinner and hot springing – check out the flyer and register here: www.trigoddess.org/special-events/

Love to all!
Sára

Beloveds,
WELCOME to 2014!
I dare say, it has been (so far) a flawless transition for me, meaning that since the december page gave up the ghost, I have not once written “2013” on a check or official document. Rare display of intellectual vigilance!
I also dare say, I am impressed at the non-existent New Year’s Resolutions I’ve been hearing from all y’all and out in the big bad world. Do New Year’s Resolutions not exist anymore?
Where’s your sense of commitment?
I’m telling you, the world is settling into a self-indulgent lethargy of humanity. Lapsed gym memberships, wagon deserters, cookie and cake consumption rages on!
With all my rabble-rousing enthusiasm, I say:
HUZZAH!!!!
Keep the vices coming! Diets be damned.
And when you’ve finished your toast… back to the serious spiritual matters at hand:

Thursday, January 9th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – 344 E Mountain Ave, Ft Collins – $10 suggested donation

Thursday, January 16th – Dance! – 7:30 PM – E Mountain – $10 suggested

Thursday, January 23rd – DANCE!!! – ditto…

Thursday, January 30th – DANCE, DANCE, DANCE!!! – same bat station

… and then, there are the out-of-the-ordinary offerings…

CHANT  RETREAT with Allaudin Ottinger and Me! – registration is open! – April 25 to 27 – $115 for lodging and meals (w/ a vegetarian potluck dinner) – more info and registration form here:http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

SUFI  YOUTH  JAM with the next generation of Dance Leaders and Sufi folks! – registration is open! – April 29 to May 4 – $250 for lodging and meals – I’m unbelievably excited for this event! – A retreat for and by the young’uns – http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

If you LOVE the idea of the Sufi Youth Jam, whether you are attending or not, I heartfully invite you to donate money to help with registration and travel expenses for participants. You can dog-ear donations to the Sufi Ruhaniat International indicating your donation is specifically for the Sufi Youth Jam. Here’s a website: http://www.ruhaniat.org/index.php/support-sri/financial-support

Note: I’m not sure what’s happening with chant circles yet. Nothing scheduled at the moment… I’ll keep you posted. Stay tuned. I haven’t discontinued them… I’m just in a temporary limbo.

Peace out!
Sára

Darlings,
Are you sick of the holidays?
Please consider these opportunities for intentional presence and soul-nourishing events:

This Thursday, December 19th – Dance of Universal Peace (344 E Mountain Ave, Fort Collins) – 7:30 PM – concentration on darkness, intuition, and the blessings of stillness – $10 suggested

Saturday, December 21st – Sufi Class (Studio Be, Boulder) – 6 PM – I’ll be guiding this hour of Sufi explorations – by donation

Saturday, December 21st – Community Zikr (Studio Be, Boulder) – 7:30 PM – Habib and I will both be with you until I have to head to Denver… – $5 suggested donation and dessert potluck

Saturday, December 21st – Yule at the Mercury Cafe in Denver – starts at 8 PM (I think) – traditionally $13 at the door – Renna opens the night with intentions – Belly Dancer – Tuatha – And I lead music, movement and ritual around 9:45 PM – more Tuatha and home to bed when they run out of booze. – Hope to see all of you there… always a beautiful way to celebrate the season.

Thursday, December 26th – Dance of Universal Peace (F.C.) – 7:30 PM – proceeds from this evening will go to benefit Namaste Hospice – more details upon request – bring your Christmas hangover to the dance…. it’ll be an evening of MY favorites! Expect sweet melodies, plenty of heart…

Tuesday, December 31st – 7 PM to 1 AM – SUPER CHANT to honor the change of calendar! – Asa has very kindly offered to host a long chant evening for our mindful, musical celebration – Bring a cushion to sit on – Bring snack food/dessert/beverages to share… we’ll take a few breaks for refreshments in the course of the evening – bring your vocal chords – bring your loved ones. – 3916 Michaud Ln, Fort Collins – $15 to $40 suggested donation – RSVP to me so I can give Asa a heads up about how many to expect.

Thursday, January 2nd – Dance of Universal Peace (F.C.) – 7:30 PM – $10 suggested donation – recovering from Holiday Blues. Returning to rhythm.

I’ll be keeping a vial of St John’s Wort in my pocket at all listed events. Just ask if you need a little extra happiness to get you through!
Love and Good Cheer to all!
Sára

(970)227-5275
rain@trigoddess.org

Dearest Community,

****LET’S DANCE!!!****
My treat! – Thursday (tomorrow), November 28th – 7:30 PM – 344 E Mountain Ave (Art and Science Studio) – Bring the fullness of your belly along with the fullness of your heart! – Please do not bring your wallet or your steel-toed boots.

THEN…

****LET’S SING!!!****
Chant this Sunday – December 1st, 7 PM – 135 Circle Drive

NEXT…

****WE’LL DANCE AGAIN!!!****
December 5th – same bat time, same bat channel

AND AGAIN…

****DECEMBER 12th DANCE!!!!****

PLUS ALSO…

****CHANTING again and again and again, DECEMBER 15th!!!!****

FOLLOWED BY…

****ANOTHER DANCE DECEMBER 19th!!!!****

AND ANOTHER…

****DANCE DECEMBER 26th!!!!  (which is my birthday… and I can’t think of a yummier way to celebrate!)****

and finally…
I have to admit…
writing this up super early in the morning (for me)… I’m not feeling very funny but I do have ENTHUSIASM!!!!

See you tomorrow!
With love in my heart
and a song in my spirit!
If you need some love for your heart or a song for your spirit, I’ll help you out!
Sára

(970)227-5275 (reminder: don’t text me, I won’t get it. either call or e-mail, please)

Dearest Community,
Thank you for your patience with the great unknown! I appreciate the flexibility as my life rhythms are taking shape. For now the Thursday dances are continuing, Chant will be twice monthly, and the monthly Boulder Sufi Class and Zikr are staying put.
Here’s the summary for the next month.

Thursday, October 31st – Samhain Ceremony and Dance – 7:30 PM to 10 PM – 346 E Mountain Ave, F.C. – SOME DETAILS:
*WEAR ALL BLACK!!! – For Real.
*Bring small items for the Altar for the Dead (pictures, little tokens/keepsakes, or written names of people you know who have crossed over)
*Bring a cushion to sit on
The evening will include lots of ritual, candles, music and dance (all of which will be Pagan/Samhain/Ancestor-honoring)
Suggested donation $10 – $20

Sunday, November 3rd – Chant – 135 Circle Dr, F.C. – 7 PM to 9 PM – $7 suggested donation

Thursday, November 7th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 to 9:30 PM – 346 E Mountain – Suggested donation $10

Thursday, November 14th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – E Mountain – Suggested $10

Saturday, November 16th – Sufi Class – 6 PM to 7 PM – Studio Be, 2077 30th St. Boulder – by donation

Saturday, November 16th – Boulder Community Zikr – 7:30 PM – Studio Be, Boulder – led by Habib (with a moderate dose of me) – $5 suggested donation and dessert potluck

Sunday, November 17th – Chant – Circle Dr – 7 PM – $7 suggested

Thursday, November 21st – Dance – 7:30 PM – Mountain Ave – $10 suggested

Thursday, November 28th – Thanksgiving Dance – 7:30 PM – Mountain Ave – I hope y’all plan to have EARLY dinner so your bellies will have recovered enough to come sing and dance with gratitude! – Please do NOT bring any money to the dance tonight. – My treat.

Friday November 29th – 2013th annual “Buy Nothing Day!” – skip the crowds, donate your money to a homeless pygmy shelter in Paraguay, stay home and enjoy a peaceful contemplative day filled with visions of world peace and infinite kindness.

For your pure joy, here’s my ad lib version of my family’s favorite cookie recipe:
1/2 cup butter (salted)
1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy)
soften and mix them together…
add 3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar (because we feel it is important to honor all the colors of sugar and treat them all with respect and gratitude)
3 raw eggs (from a real live chicken who would prefer not to be eaten… VERY IMPORTANT… cookies taste better when made with eggs from happy chickens…)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (the orange box with an arm holding a hammer)
mix it all up til nice and smooth… or have your slave children mix it for you
add 2 cups and a sprinkle more of gluten-full, but unbleached flour…
have the strongest member of your household mix it up.
add an entire package of miniature chocolate chips (minus the handful you eat immediately)…
mix it up yourself, don’t ask anyone else to do it… at this point it’s mean to ask someone else to tackle this difficult task.
cover your cookie sheets with parchment paper (a genius baker’s tool)
drop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough onto the tray…
(I usually fit 15 on a tray)
bake them at 375 degrees fahrenheit for about 10 minutes (watch them! they should look dry and ever so slightly golden around the edges)
take them out of the oven and let them sit for 1 minute before putting them on wire racks to cool entirely.
Unless you’re impatient, in which case, eat them directly off the tray and keep iced coffee close by to cool your scorched mouth.
Enjoy!
Love to all,
Sára

(970)227-5275
P.S. I’m not able to receive texts on my phone any more so don’t bother. Either e-mail me or call if you need me. Cheers!

Dear Ones,