Souldish NYC: May 8-15

Greetings New Yorkers. There’s some stellar events happening this week. Be sure to check out MANA-fest II: Cosmic Convergence at SEED Gallery, CC Treadway’s Sacred Space of the Heart, the film screening of “Hofmann’s Potion,” and get an early bird’s eye view of an upcoming CoSM event with Robert Venosa.

Send your events to salma(at)souldish(dot)com. For more in-depth listings, subscribe to the Souldish newsletter.

One love…

Salma

=====Friday, May 9th=====

Renegade Sufi Sitar

Dawoud will appear with dancer Bayou Bennett and vocalist Judy Sky, at Agni Gallery.

(7p, $?)
Agri Gallery
170 east 2nd St., Storefront #3

=====Also on Friday=====

Brent Kessel with It’s Not About the Money

Discussion and Book Signing. Brent Kessel is President and Co-Founder of Abacus Wealth Partners, named by Bloomberg as one of the “top 250 wealth management firms in the U.S.” Combining financial thinking with ancient spiritual wisdom, Brent draws on interviews with financial gurus and spiritual leaders to share ways to grow more conscious of personal spending, saving, investing, and giving, and become more financially sound and spiritually at peace.

(7p – 8:30p, Free)
East West Books
78 5th Ave.
http://www.eastwestnyc.com

=====Also on Friday=====

Clarity of Mind Retreat

May 9 - Sunday, May 11 with Kadam Morten
Come join Kadam Morten A Country Retreat at the Kadampa Meditation Center - New York more details
Join us for a retreat weekend on the relaxing and peaceful meditation on the mind. This meditation helps us to understand our mind, the basis of our entire experience. Through gaining insight into the clear nature of the mind we will begin to recognize our extraordinary potential for freedom and happiness.

8:00 pm Fri., May 9 to 2:00 pm Sun., May 11
http://www.meditationinnewyork.org/meditation-retreats.php

=====Also on Friday=====

Deep Relaxation Through the Subtle Bodies Nischala Joy Devi

We all function with not just one, but five bodies, or maya koshas (the subtle bodies). Our physical body is best known, yet it does not function alone. The bodies of energy, thought and emotion, higher wisdom, and peace all must come into alignment for deep healing relaxation to happen. In this workshop, through relaxation exercises, we will explore and experience these five layers that cover our true self and gain an understanding of the obstacles that keep us from experiencing the peace of our true nature. 08WBY22M Approved for CEUs

(7p–10p, $$35 / Nonmembers: $40)
New York Open Center
83 Spring St # 1; (212) 219-9635
http://www.opencenter.org

))****Saturday, May 10th****((

Reality Sandwich, Souldish, and SEED Gallery present..

MANA-fest II: Cosmic Convergence

Experience what enchantment unfolds when a host of conscious creators, ecstatic revelers, and visionary dreamers gather for an all-out, all-night escapade across the Hudson…

From 7pm - 7am, we’ll dance and delight in an alchemical fusion of pulsating live world beats, rapturous performance art, consciousness-shifting talks, exotic workshops, multimedia installations, tripped out lounges, mythological creatures, astrological gadgetry, and a variety of mystical shenanigans.

Featuring: Spiro (Freek Factory, IDM, trip hop, electronic, very dancable) Himalayan Voices(acoustical, gongs), Conscious Hip-Hop with Propaganda Anonymous, Renegade Sufi Sitar, live band the Jungle Jazz Initiative (jazz, jam), Mikio (Freek Factory, very danceable electronic beatzzz), Justin Lang (downtempo in the chill out space);

Plus a late night psytrance party:
with Tony Unorthodox (Psytrance, 28th Day), Kamal Sunflower, (psytrance), Dharma (psytrance), DJ L’ement (breaks, psy, and other very danceable stuff. )

Workshops and fun stuff:
Kiana Love’s 2nd Chakra Activation, Dr. Brainwave’s Mind Machine, Eric Rosado’s crash course in tarot, Raw Yoga with Dave Bryson; Alan Steinfeld of New Realities right left brain synching, lyrical prose and vegan and raw food provided by Fun Yun Moon, Raw food and beverages provided by Raw Foodist Matt, Liz and Natasha and The V Spot Restaurant, Nelia’s Creative Bodypainting Transformations, Dreamtime Mythology performance by Invisible Rinzai, video art lounge featuring the work of Doug O’Neil, Kaliptus, Nemo, Chris Dyer, Natalie McKeever, Priya Nadkarni, Robert Mermet, and Simon Haiduk and friends, Sigil workshop by Domino San, live tarot readings by Eric Rosado and Kelly Hanlin, Sacred Geometry workshop by Basem Hassan, Dharma’s poetry, Origami with Kamal Sunflower, Hooping by Courtney and Chrissy of Goddess Hoops and a sneak peak at the next Seed Gallery exhibition presenting the large scale series of mind-blowing “Pop Deity” paintings by award-winning visionary artist, Kelli Bickman.

7:30pm: The night kicks off with Stephen Popiotek’s opening ceremony, followed by a sonic massage with the Himalayan Voices. Raw Yoga with Dave Bryson and a workshop by New Realities’ Alan Steinfeld starts at 8pm.

8:30pm: Reality Sandwich Panel:
Speaking from the Divine: Sacred Language, Symbols, and Ritual in Action: This forum, hosted by Reality Sandwich, will discuss how spiritual and cultural traditions have accessed the power of sacred language throughout history and how those techniques can be used to shift present-day paradigms. RS Editorial Director Daniel Pinchbeck will talk on contemporary messages in crop circles, RS Community Director Jonathan Phillips on reclaiming the lost Gnostic Mysteries, Magical Intelligence Teacher Rene Collins on the art of the Kabbalah, Urban Mystic Anthony Williams on the magic of Tarot, and Propaganda Anonymous on mystical Hip Hop. Music, mingling, and mystical mischief to follow into the wee hours.

2:00am: LATE NIGHT PSYTRANCE AFTER PARTY until the early hours of the morning with Tony Unorthodox (28th Day) Kamal Dragonlotus (Dragontribe), Dharma, and DJ L’ement.

Come early, revel all night, and greet the sunrise with us over breakfast.

DIRECTIONS: It’s easy to get there and shouldn’t take too long. Just follow the instructions below. As mentioned, come early, stay late and make this an extended trip out of the city. If you do not see the directions that you need,
check http://www.newarkseed.com http://www.realitysandwich.com/manafest_ii_cosmic_convergence in the comments section or write to me at salma at souldish dot com.

Via PATH:
PATH trains leave Manhattan from stations located at 14th St. & 6th Ave, 23rd St. & 6th Ave, and 34th St. & 7th Ave. Take PATH train to Jersey City/Journal Square stop (JSQ), get out there and transfer to the Newark train which takes you to Newark Penn Station. Once you get out at Newark Penn Station, you can take a taxi, walk, take Light Rail (which is in the station) to 2nd stop. (Washington St.) Once you get out of the light rail station, go up the stairs and make a right onto Washington St. Seed is located on the right side, 239 Washington St.

Via NY Penn Station:
Take an NJTransit train. All trains that say EWR and/or SEC go to Newark Penn Station. 2nd stop on NJTransit.

If walking out of Newark Penn Station:
Make a right and walk up Market St. until you hit Washington St. Make a right onto Washington St. Seed is on your left, 239 Washington St.

Taxi’s available for late night transport. We’ll have signs up with their numbers.

If you are driving from the Holland Tunnel see my comment under this blog: http://www.realitysandwich.com/manafest_ii_cosmic_convergence

Saturday, May 10th 2008
(7p - 7a, $20)
SEED Gallery
239 Washington St.
Newark NJ
917-607-4440, seedgallery@mac.com
http://newarkseed.com/

http://www.souldish.com
http://www.realitysandwich.com/manafest_ii_cosmic_convergence

=====Sunday, May 11th=====

GOODBYE ALBERT!

To commemorate Albert Hofmann’s life and legacy, Reality Sandwich will be screening the film “Hofmann’s Potion” — featuring Albert Hofmann, Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, and many pioneers — and the recent History Channel documentary featuring Wade Davis, ” Peyote to LSD: A Psychedelic Odyssey”, this Sunday night, at 7:30 pm. The screening will be followed by an audience discussion with John Perry Barlow and Daniel Pinchbeck.

Goodbye Albert!
This Sunday night, May 11, 7:30 pm
at The Wild Project
195 East 3rd Street
New York NY 10009
http://www.realitysandwich.com/goodbye_albert

=====Also on Sunday=====

Spirtual Salon

Trisha Balbert of Awaken Wellness leads this friendly group for all things spiritual – finding meaning, right livelihood, relationships and more. Meet new people and make new friends.

(2p – 4 p, $5 min Café purchase)
East West Books Cafe
78 5th Ave. at 14th St.
http://www.eastwestnyc.com

=====Tuesday, May 13======

Sexerati: Party

Sponsored by: Astroglide and Paradise Marketing, Babeland, Loving Sex, Good Clean Love, Pyrexions , Sliquid, and Stash Tea. Party with the Sexerati. Come celebrate the release of two exciting new books: Tantra for Erotic Empowerment: The Key to Enriching Your Sexual Life by Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson and Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships by Tristan Taormino. Tantra teachers Mark Michaels and Patricia Johnson and sex expert/Village Voice columnist Tristan Taormino will party with the Sexerati as they schmooze, dance, and sip on special cocktails. You’ll get an exclusive sneak preview of their latest collaboration: see Mark and Patricia teach Tantra techniques to performers in Tristan’s latest volume of her award-winning porn reality series, Chemistry 4. Every person who purchases a book will get a free tantra, sex ed, or porn DVD. Guests will also be treated to fabulous gift bags full of sexy, sensual, fun goodies hand-picked by the authors. Plus, don’t miss an exciting performance at 9 pm by a very special guest!

(7p-10p, Free with RSVP)
Happy Ending Lounge
Happy Ending, 302 Broome St.
Please RSVP to sarah (at) puckerup.com
http://www.openingup.net
http://www.tantrapm.com

=====Also on Tuesday=====

Qi Gong with Master Lu

Tuesdays at 4:45-6pm, $25. Master Lu brings decades of experience and energy to his gentle and flowing Chinese movement class. Your energy will increase simply by being around this living master. For an incredible healing experience, join him Tuesdays, only at East West.

(4:45-6p, $25)
East West Books Cafe
78 5th Ave. at 14th St.
http://www.eastwestnyc.com

=====May 15th - 18th=====

The Sacred Space of the Heart

A Nature & Healing Immersion (with llamas)
Hawkmeadow Llama Farm & Meditation Retreat, Lee, Mass.
Taught by healer CC Treadway, and naturalist Richard (Yogindra) Cleaver

A sacred teaching has been passed to us by the Earth People of this world, the ancient ones. They are reaching out to bring home their younger brothers and sisters. Enter into the sacred space of the heart. The technique, passed on by Drunvalo Melchizedek, is simple, but when done repeatedly the cumulative affect is one of profound awakening to your innate connection and love for Life. Your perception literally shifts from your mind to your heart. From this sacred space in the heart, a doorway to the mystery is revealed. Time is experienced as an infinite sphere. This space tells the story of who you are and why you are here. Sweetness, softness and sacredness are evoked within the deepest levels of your psyche and spirit. Instinct, intuition and a still mind are brought to light as you naturally experience the laws of nature through your own body, centering you within, no matter the chaos that can be presented in the world. In the gentle and loving arms of community we will explore nature from this space. Your heart is the heart of the world, and your heart beats with the rhythm of the earth. Llamas are extremely sensitive and vibrate at a unique frequency. To connect with their higher natures and receive their medicine, it is essential that we release the mind and enter the heart. This enables a natural connection to them and to all animals. This nature and healing workshop takes place at Hawkmeadow Llama farm in Lee, Massachusetts, where you will have 400 acres of natural woodland to explore in your heart space. Activities include opening and closing group channeling and ceremony, llama hikes, planting in the garden, fire ceremony, morning yoga and pranayama, drumming, dancing, music making, a sound healing concert and daily heart meditations. CC Treadway is an energy and sound healer, channel and artist with a private practice in New York City. CC teaches workshops and facilitates global healing, delighting in the ever-unfolding expression of her clients. She is a graduate of the 4-year program, The Barbara Brennan School of Healing and holds a BFA from The Rhode Island School of Design. She has studied and traveled extensively with world-renowned author and teacher, Drunvalo Melchizedek, working in ceremony with indigenous tribes for Earth’s healing and is a staff writer for his online magazine, The Spirit of Maat. Her mission in life is to connect the modern and ancient worlds through healing, nature, art and the heart. http://www.cctreadway.com Richard (Yogindra) Cleaver, owner of Hawkmeadow Llama Farm is a naturalist, tracker and biologist who intimately knows the 400 acres of woodland that surrounds his property. Richard has been studying, practicing and teaching holistic health, yoga and meditation for over 30 years. He was a resident for 13 years at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, where he mastered yogic principles and practice. At his retreat center, he leads llama hikes and holds workshops. Richard is the “Leader of The Llama Pack,” caring for them with deep love and respect. Working with the Elders in the region, Richard also hosts sweat lodges and teepee ceremonies on his property. http://hawkmeadow-meditation.com. We meet Thursday night for opening channeling and group intention, and close Sunday at 3pm. Richard has generously offered for participants to stay one more night if they want to rest and enjoy the area. CC will also be offering healings and channelings on Monday at a discounted price. Richard is keeping the housing price low because part of our workshop is assisting him with his farm work: planting, llama shearing, wood chopping. Meals are prepared by everyone. We will take turns and work in small groups.

Workshop starts Thursday, 5/15 7pm and ends Sunday 2pm 5/18

$325- Indoor bed (limited space)
$250- Day guests/Camping
Hawkmeadow Meditation and Retreat Center 322
Lander Road Lee, MA 01238
All meals included except Friday night dinner (we will go to a restaurant.)
*A 50% deposit is required with registration to hold your space (Space is limited.)

To register contact CC Treadway 917 685 7889 healer@cctreadway.com
All checks payable to CC Treadway 317 East 3rd St #17 NY, NY 10009
http://www.cctreadway.com
healer@cctreadway.com or call 917 685 7889
http://www.cctreadway.com/events.html

=====Also on Thursday 5/15=====

Cognition and Memory: Consumer Attitudes and Ingredients to Remember

Did you know certain nutrients have been shown in randomized, controlled, double-blind trials to improve brain function? Attend the “Cognition and Memory: Consumer Attitudes and Ingredients to Remember” Webinar to hear more about ingredient science and examine: * Consumer attitudes, beliefs and shopping patterns in the brain health category. Specific opportunities in the cognition and memory category, based on Natural Marketing Institute research. New ingredients and current research related to supplements in the brain health category. Speakers: Parris Kidd, Ph.D., Author, Consultant and Nutritional Scientist. Greg Stephens, RD, Vice President of Strategic Consulting, Natural Marketing Institute (NMI)

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/webinars/memory_webinar.html?cntwe...

)))))=Links=(((((

Support the cause, support CoSM. Now, it’s more important than ever. Become a card carrying member of CoSM
http://www.cosm.org

http://r6xx.com/ Nemo’s wonderful online art store

Stories of Psychedelic Adventures
http://www.psychedelicadventures.com/

Visionary Arts Collective:
http://www.elfintome.com/artscollective/artists2.html

Evolve 2012 Music and Arts Festival
http://www.evolve2012.org

)))))=Ongoing=(((((

For the most interesting mind/body/spirit ongoing events, check out Alan Steinfeld’s awesome website: http://www.newrealities.com/events_may.html

)))))=Upcoming=(((((

=====Friday, May 16th=====

MicroCoSM Gallery Presents: Works by Robert Venosa, “Fantastic Realism” May 16th, 2008
Robert Venosa Opening Reception at MicroCoSM

Exhibited worldwide, venosa’s art is included in major collections including those of noted museums, rock stars and european aristocracy. New Exhibition: May 16 - Jun 18th, 2008.

The Fantastic Realism art of Robert Venosa, exhibited worldwide, is represented in major collections, including those of noted museums, rock stars and European aristocracy. In addition to painting, sculpting, computer art and film design for three major motion pictures: Dune, Fire in the Sky and Race for Atlantis. His work has been the subject of three books, and featured in numerous publications and CD covers, including those of Santana and Kitaro.

New York City born, Venosa entered the world of fine art in the late 60’s after experimenting with mind altering substances and seeing the art of Fantastic Realism masters, Ernst Fuchs and Mati Klarwein, both of whom he eventually studied with. Of his apprenticeship with Klarwein in 1970, Venosa says, “Not only did I begin proper technique, but on occassion I had Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Jackie Kennedy and the good doctor Tim Leary himself peering over my shoulder. That loft on 17th Street was the energy center in New York, and somehow, miraculously, in the midst of all the nonstop pandemonium, I learned to paint. Discipline was one of the necessities that Mati emphasized and I could only join the festivities after my work was done and all brushes were washed. Mati taught well the techniques of painting and of quality living. I’m honored to have been one of the fortunate few to have studied with him.”

Venosa moved to Europe in the early 70’s settling in the celebrated Mediterranean village of Cadaques in Spain, where he made acquaintance with neighbor Salvador Dali and other notables in the world of art and literature. Much of Venosa’s work and exploits are published in his books, Manas Manna (Big O), Noospheres (Pomegranate Artbooks), and, most recently, Illuminatus (Robert John). Venosa describes his return to the U.S. after 10 years in Europe: “The admiration and aristocratic respect given the artist in Europe is stripped clean upon arrival in the U.S. as these architects of culture are transmogrified into novelty items and entertaining curiosities. Competing in the fast lane of high-velocity illusions and banal delusions of movies and TV poses a problem for the painter and his two-dimensional immobile images. Nevertheless, the challenge of affecting consciousness with more eternal value cannot be denied, and so, combining the historical deep roots of European culture with dynamic America’s youthful energy, an attempt is constantly made.” Presently Venosa maintains studios in Boulder, Colorado, and Cadaques. Robert offers workshops at Omega Institute in New York, Naropa in Colorado, Esalen in California, Skyros Institute in Greece, in Bahia, and Brazil. Robert is married to the German artist, Martina Hoffmann.

Opening Reception Friday May 16th, 2008,
(6:30pm - 8pm, free)

Entheologue to follow: Robert Venosa and Alex Grey discuss “Fantastic Realism”

(6:30-8p opening & 8p-10p entheologuge, opening free, entheologue $20)
The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors
542 W 27th St, 4th Fl
http://www.cosm.org

and directly following this is:
Friday May 16: Gaian Mind and 28thday present Wild Things. DJ Beardy Weirdy breaks off some stomping sounds from the London underground at CoSMosis.