Open Circles

Dear Friends,
It’s raining.
Nice, eh?
Good weather to go stand with our brothers and sisters in Fort Collins… or wherever you can… It is our sacred task to be loving and supportive of our friends and neighbors. Here’s how:

Sunday (today) 5 PM – Rally in Support of Fort Collins Islamic Center – the local Islamic Center was vandalized this morning… please come out to offer your support, solidarity and love – 925 W Lake St, Fort Collins

Monday, March 27th – Sufi Meditation – 9:30 AM – my house

Friday, March 31st to Tuesday, April 4th – Caravan to the Desert – Leaving this Friday morning… please contact me ASAP! More info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Monday April 3rd – NO MEDITATION AT MY HOUSE… We’ll do it in the desert.

Monday April 10th – YES Sufi Meditation at my house – 9:30 AM

Saturday April 15th – Zikr in Denver – 1939 S Monroe St (Rocky Mountain MIracle Center) – 7 PM – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck

Sunday April 16th – Easter! – Eat an egg for Jesus!

Monday, April 17th – Meditation at my house – 9:30 AM

Saturday, April 22nd – Earth Day Celebration – 10 AM to 2 PM – Westlands Park, S Quebec St, Greenwood Village, CO – I’ll be leading dances around 11 AM and again at 1 PM … come on out! The theme is “Honoring OurSelves, Community and Earth

Sunday, April 23rd – Chant in Fort Collins – (probably at Unity Church… but not quite sure yet…) – 7 PM – $10 suggested donation… stay tuned for location confirmation

Monday, April 24th – Meditation at my house – 9:30 AM

RETREATS COMING UP:
June 22 to 25 – MeadowFest – Pagan-esque campout at Jack’s Gulch – casual community campout, rituals, chanting, drumming, evening fires, pancake breakfast, potluck dinner… sweet time in nature with kindred souls. More info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

July 16 to 23 – Mendocino Sufi Camp – I’m on staff this year, Yay! – more info here: http://mendosuficamp.org/

October 5 to 9 – Toward the One retreat in Colorado with me, Maitreya Jon Stevens, and Khabir Christian Mayer-Glauninger – Sufi stuff, dances, zikr, teachings, and time in the exquisite Rocky Mountains – Camp Santa Maria, near Bailey, CO – more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Attuning to this beauty:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMXGo_JuiAM

Love,
Sára

Beloved Community,
I am looking forward to being with you this Thursday for the last Fort Collins Dance of Universal Peace…
Thursday, March 9th – 7:30 PM – 1401 W Vine Dr, Fort Collins – $10 suggested donation

I expect there will be certain occasions in the future for which I will schedule individual Dance evenings… but nothing on the calendar now.

And while I’m saying “no,”
No meditation at my house Monday the 13th.

YES Chant in Denver-ish Saturday the 18th – 1:30 to 3:30 PM – Jefferson Unitarian Church, in the James Willis Chapel (not sanctuary) 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden, CO – http://jeffersonunitarian.org – We’re gonna sing, sing, sing, sing, sing! – Not sure if there will be a “suggested donation” amount… pay what you like!

YES Zikr in Denver! – Saturday, March 18th – 7 PM – at the Rocky Mountain Miracle Center, 1939 S Monroe St. – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck

BIGGER ADVENTURES:
Caravan to the Goddess – March 31st to April 4th… more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

MeadowFest – Community Campout! – Chanting, drumming, ritualing, dancing, fires, friends and Divine Nature! – June 22nd to 25th – more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Mendocino Sufi Camp – July 16th to 23rd – I’m happy to be on staff again this year, Dances, Zikr, Sufi classes, a sweet community in a gorgeous place! – more info here: http://mendosuficamp.org/

Colorado Sufi Retreat with Maitreya the Magnificent, Khabir the Glorious, and Sára the Silly – Toward the One! – October 5th to 9th – more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

And, most important of all…
JESUS!!
That guy makes me laugh:
http://imgur.com/GMiqr4R?r

Love raying forth!
Sára

Dear Community,
Coming right up:

Chant, Sunday, February 26th – 7 PM – 1401 W Vine, Fort Collins – $10 suggested donation

Meditation, Monday, February 27th – 9:30 AM – 2727 Alan St, Fort Collins

NO DANCE THURSDAY MARCH 2nd – I’ve changed my mind.

Meditation, Monday March 6th – 9:30 AM – Alan St

LAST FORT COLLINS DANCE EVER – Thursday, March 9th – 7:30 PM – 1401 W Vine – $10 suggested – some of our delightful friends from out of town will be visiting our dance circle this evening… please join us for a last hurrah of the Fort Collins Thursday evening Dance circle.
I might schedule some other rhythm for dances… but right now… I’m done.

NO MEDITATION at my house Monday, March 13th. Do not come over here. Tim has specific instructions to keep the door locked and not let anyone have any coffee.

Chant in Denver – Saturday March 18th – 2 PM to 4 PM – location will be disclosed shortly…

Dinner in Denver – Saturday March 18th – 5 PM… somewhere or other between chant and zikr…

Zikr in Denver – Saturday March 18th – 7 PM – 1939 S Monroe St – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck

Caravan to the see the Goddess… more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Also… are y’all on facebook?
I encourage you to go to this page and click “like”: https://www.facebook.com/towardtheone/?pnref=story
I’m trying to consolidate communication streams… that’ll help, I hope.
You are also welcome to visit my page. I post a weekly reflection on a Beautiful Name of God, as well as some event announcements: https://www.facebook.com/saraswati.rain

In case you are tempted to start planting your Colorado garden… DON’T DO IT!!! It’s freaking freezing out there in the snow… last frost is officially May 15th. I’m not making that up.

That is all.
Sára

Dear Community,
I just went to Google and started typing in a search, “how many b…”
and here’s how Google finished my inquiry:
“how many beers in a keg”
That’s the first hit… is there something broken about the world?
In case you’re curious:
15.5 gallon keg: Also called a “1/2 barrel” or a “full keg” 165 servings of 12 oz each. 6.8 cases of beer (12 oz )

Very clear information for you this time, in all the details:

Thursday, February 23rd – 7:30 PM – Dance of Universal Peace in Fort Collins (1401 W Vine, Unity Church) – $10 suggested donation

Sunday, February 26th – 7 PM – New Moon Chant in Fort Collins (1401 W Vine, Unity Church) $10 suggested donation

Monday, February 27th – 9:30 AM – Sufi Meditation in Fort Collins (2727 Alan St)

Thursday, March 2nd – 7:30 PM – Dance of Universal Peace in Fort Collins (1401 W Vine, Unity Church) – $10 suggested donation

Monday, March 6th – 9:30 AM – Sufi Meditation in Fort Collins (2727 Alan St)

Thursday, March 9th – 7:30 PM – Dance of Universal Peace in Fort Collins (1401 W Vine, Unity Church) – $10 suggested donation

Sunday, March 12th – 2 AM – wake up and change your clock to 3 AM – I’m not even kidding.

NO MEDITATION AT MY HOUSE MARCH 13th

Thursday, March 16th – 7:30 PM – Dance of Universal Peace in Fort Collins (1401 W Vine, Unity Church) $10 suggested donation

Saturday, March 18th – 7 PM – Zikr in Denver (1939 S Monroe St, Rocky Mountain Miracle Center) – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck

THEN…
Caravan to the Desert – March 31st to April 4th – there’s still room for you… more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

PLUS…
I’m just gathering input for the now-forming Spiritual Mentoring Group. Want to be part of it? Let me know.

I just found this kooky lady. Love her! Bet you will too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iMra5IN9Tw

See you at the dance!
Sára

Dear Community,
How’s about dinner before Zikr?
How’s about Zikr?
How’s about other stuff too…

Saturday, February 18th – 5:30 PM dinner at Mad Greens (Colorado and Buchtel, Denver) if you care to join us

Saturday, February 18th – 7 PM Zikr at Rocky Mountain Miracle Center (1939 S Monroe, Denver) – We have so much good praying to do! Let’s do it! – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck

Monday, February 20th – 9:30 AM Sufi meditation at my house (2727 Alan St, Ft Collins) – done with “Mudhil” on to “Sami”

Thursday, February 23rd – 7:30 PM Dance of Universal Peace at Unity Church (1401 W Vine, Ft Collins) – $10 suggested donation

Sunday, February 26th – 7 PM Chant in Ft Collins… hmmm… where at? I don’t know yet… stay tuned…

Monday, February 27th – 9:30 AM Sufi meditation at my house…

Thursday, March 2nd – 7:30 PM Dance at Unity…

Drink water. It’s good for you.
Sincerely,
Sára

Hi Friends,
It’s time to dance! And sing… and pray… and commune with ourselves, each other, and the Perfection of Love, Harmony and Beauty. Let’s!

Thursday (tomorrow) February 9th – Dance of Universal Peace – 7:30 PM – 1401 W Vine, Fort Collins – $10 suggested donation

Saturday and Sunday, February 11 and 12, chant and dance shenanigans in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1759233021063922/

No meditation at my house Monday, the 13th… if you want to join me via the all-powerful internet, please let me know…

Thursday, February 16th – Dance – 7:30 PM – 1401 W Vine, FC – $10 suggested

Saturday, February 18th – Zikr! – 7 PM – 1939 S Monroe St, Denver – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck… bring something scrumptious to share.

Monday, February 20th – Meditation at my house, come on over! – 9:30 AM – 2727 Alan St, Fort Collins

Thursday, February 23rd – Dance in Fort Collins – 7:30 PM

Are you coming with us to the Temple of Sekhmet in Nevada? Getting close… more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Other things on the docket:
Meadowfest in June…
Mendocino Sufi camp in July…
Toward the One Retreat in Colorado in October…
Life is sweet!

JOY!!
Sára

Beloved Community,
Thank you for all the beautiful blessings, prayers and love! I’m improving… not to worry.

New Event Announcement!
Sunday, February 5th – 3 PM to 9 PM – Urs of Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan – a Sufi Class from 3 to 5… VEGETARIAN potluck dinner from 5 to 7… Zikr Chant from 7 to 9 PM – Come for all or part… All are welcome. No experience necessary. – In the Rumi Room on the east side of the Unity Church of Fort Collins (1401 W Vine… our usual dance spot) – Suggested donation $10 to $40 as you are able. – Please do let me know if you’re going to attend so I can plan materials…

And the usual event announcements back on the calendar…

Upcoming Fort Collins Dances – 7:30 PM – Unity Church (1401 W Vine) – $10 suggested donation
Thursday, January 26th
Thursday, February 2nd (IMBOLC!! We’ll be celebrating the quickening of Spring!)
Thursday, February 9th… maybe… it’s Teva’s birthday and I might decide to play video games with him instead of leading a dance… stay tuned!

Upcoming Sufi Meditations – 9:30 AM – my house (2727 Alan St, FC)… or join us via internet, contact me for info
Monday, January 30th
Monday, February 6th (Happy birthday to Bob Marley)
NOT MONDAY February 13th… I’ll be traveling home from Jackson Hole.

Upcoming Zikr – 7 PM – Rocky Mountain Miracle Center (1939 S Monroe St, Denver) – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck
Saturday, February 18th

Special Events in Jackson Hole
Saturday, February 11th – 7 PM Chant!
Sunday, February 12th – 10 AM to 4 PM Chant and Dance workshop
Sunday, February 12th – 7 PM Dance of Universal Peace
Details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1759233021063922/

There is still room for you to join the Caravan to the Desert – more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

And, finally, courtesy of my sweet and hilarious son… Enjoy this very short tidbit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib2Vl7JEjfc

See y’all at the dance!
Sára

Dear Friends,
Colorado is entirely beige. Dry, cold, beige. And I LOVE it!
I’m home… and looking forward to Zikr-ing with you this evening!

ZIKR – Saturday, January 21st – 7 PM – 1939 S Monroe St, Denver – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck – bring something yummy to share…

CHANT – Sunday, January 22nd – at Becky’s house, 627 Heckle Court, Loveland (yes, Loveland) – 7 PM – $10 suggested donation

MEDITATION – Monday, January 23rd – Sufi prayers, wazifa concentration, etc… focus on Al-Khafid – at my house – 9:30 AM

DANCE – Thursday, January 26th – 7:30 PM – 1401 W Vine Dr, Ft Collins (Unity Church) – $10 suggested donation

MEDITATION – Monday, January 30th – at my house… focus on Ar-Rafi’ – 9:30 AM

CARAVAN to the DESERT – driving to the Temple of Sekhmet in Nevada, spending a few sweet days there doing ritual, chanting, drumming, doing work projects to support the land, temple and community, delicious vegetarian meals… March 31 to April 4 – More details here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

ASA’s CHOCOLATE NECTAR!!! Recipe below… THANK YOU, ASA!!
Happy Dancing,
Sára
Asa’s Chocolate Nectar (Makes about 15 servings)

Ingredients:

Must:

One bar of super-dark chocolate (85% and above)
A chunk of cacao butter or a couple of spoonfuls of coconut butter (or both!)
Cardamom seeds
Around 15 peppercorns, or a small chunk of ginger
5 dates
quarter teaspoon turmeric
4 cups hot water (if it’s gotten to a boil, let it cool a bit before blending)
Additional sweetness as desired (stevia/agave/or sugar if you must)

Optional:

2 spoons blanched almonds (either soak in hot water for a few minutes and peel or soak overnight in cold water)
some goji berries
1 spoon maca or mesquite powder

Preparation:

Blend it all in a Vitamix or similarly powerful blender; you can add the water in stages.
If you don’t have a Vitamix, I would omit the almonds, as they won’t get blended
well enough and use the powdered form for the peppercorns and cardamom.

Serve in small cups – this is very rich stuff!

Hi Friends!
I’m retiring. This week.
Then coming out of retirement next week.
Please pay close attention to the man behind the curtain.
NO DANCE TONIGHT… because… snow.

Yes, Meditation at my house Monday, January 9th – 9:30 AM – come on over!

Yes, Dance at Unity, Fort Collins Thursday, January 12th – 7:30 PM – 1401 W Vine – $10 suggested donation

NO MEDITATION at my house January 16th… because… Florida!

NO DANCE in Fort Collins Thursday, January 19th… because… Florida!

YES, ZIKR!!! I’ll be back and sunburned! YAY! – Zikr, Saturday, January 21st at 7 PM – 1939 S Monroe St, Denver – $10 suggested donation and dessert potluck

CHANT!!! Sunday, January 22nd – at Becky’s sweet house in Loveland – 7 PM – 627 Heckle Court, Loveland (yes, Loveland) – $10 suggested donation

Monday, January 23rd – Meditation at my house – 9:30 AM

Thursday, January 26th – Dance in Fort Collins (Unity Church) – 7:30 PM – $10 suggested donation

Monday, January 30th – Meditation at my house – 9:30 AM

Are you thinking about joining us for our caravan to the Temple of Sekhmet in Nevada? It’s coming up… please check it out and let me know if you’re coming. We still have a few spots open for you. http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

And, I thought I was sending you the recipe for Asa’s amazing magical chocolate concoction… but he put it in a locked-down, highly classified, no-one-can-access-it-except the president elect or super ninja hackers… so… no recipe for you!
Just eat chocolate.

Happy snow day!
Sára

Dear Community,
2017 is almost here, praise Jesus! And it’s time to fill up the 2017 calendar with all the good juju we can squeeze into it!

RETREATS!!

These are the things on my calendar that you might (probably do) want to include on yours:

February 11 and 12 – Dance and Sufi Shenanigans with me, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming… Yep! Grand Tetons, here we come! Details are still being worked out… stay tuned…

March 31 to April 4 – Caravan to the Desert – Our yearly trip to the Temple of Sekhmet in Nevada – two travel days… plus three full days at the temple, ritualing, chanting, drumming, and doing helpful projects to support the land and the community. More info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

June 22 to 25 – MeadowFest – Pagan-esque campout at Jack’s Gulch – casual community campout, rituals, chanting, drumming, evening fires, pancake breakfast, potluck dinner… sweet time in nature with kindred souls. More info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

July 16 to 23 – Mendocino Sufi Camp – I’m on staff this year, Yay! – more info here: http://mendosuficamp.org/

October 5 to 9 – Toward the One retreat in Colorado with me, Maitreya Jon Stevens, and Khabir Christian Mayer-Glauninger – Sufi stuff, dances, zikr, teachings, and time in the exquisite Rocky Mountains – Camp Santa Maria, near Bailey, CO – more info here: http://trigoddess.org/special-events/

Looking forward to a beautiful year of community connections and spiritual fulfillment.
With joy,
Sára