Meditating with Minerals

Wonder & Delight (Fall 2016)

Join us for an indoor adventure, prospecting for insights into the deep structure of Reality, with minerals from around the world as our guide. Over 5 Thursday evenings (6:30 - 9 pm), each on a different mineral theme, we'll explore meditation techniques combined with hands-on experience of rocks, minerals, crystals and gemstones.

Along the way, you'll become familiar with dozens of mineral families, learning how to identify them by sight and feel. You'll learn about crystal geometry & habits, how minerals organize themselves, how crystals grow, and how minerals have shaped human civilization. You'll also learn how to look -- really look -- deeply into a rock, where you'll find a richly complex world in miniature, a holographic image of the cosmos, maybe even a reflection of your own mind (you be the judge). You'll have opportunities to explore the "energy" and "vibration" effects of holding minerals, and become attuned to sensing the vibrant Presence within them.

As you spend more time with rocks, you'll find your senses heightened: the whole world looks more detailed and vivid. You may even come to experience rocks less as solid things and more as concentrations of light / energy /information within a "universal field."

• October 27: "Charismatic Crystals" : a fun introductory session suitable for adults and children
• November 3: "Scintillating Stones" : rocks that inspire imagination; chatoyant and fluorescent glow-in-the-dark minerals
  
• November 10: "Rustic Rocks" : less "pretty", more exotic pieces to study and meditate upon
• November 17: "Fascinating Fossils" : impression and replacement fossils, petrified wood, amber
• November 24: "Magical Minerals" : super-special pieces, healing stones

You’re welcome to attend any or all 5 evenings.

Tuition

$40 for Each Evening
$180 for All 5 Evenings

Registration

Please phone Calgary JCC at (403) 253-8600 (ext. 0) and ask to register for Class #9029.

Please let the agent know which session(s) you wish to attend.

About the Presenter

David Maulsby (PhD) has been collecting rocks and minerals since childhood, and shares his home with thousands of them! A seasoned meditator, he has a Level-2 Instructor certification in iRest® Yoga Nidra. This past April he conducted a day of workshops at the JCC on playing and meditating with Himalayan Singing Bowls.

Schedule

Each evening we will explore a different mineral theme, with hundreds of rocks on hand. The workshops will include some instruction and guided viewing and meditation exercises, but most of the time is for you to visit with the rocks.

Typical Agenda

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; formal class begins at 7 and ends at 9:00; doors close at 9:30

Location

Calgary Jewish Community Centre (JCC) 1607 – 90 Ave SW
403-253-8600

We’ll meet in the Chapel, an acoustically soft room with wood paneling and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a park. The room has no fixed seating, so you’ll have a choice of sitting on a folding chair at a table, on a rug or yoga mat.

We’ll also have the Science Room, a windowless space suited for viewing fluorescent rocks, and Room 1, a carpeted area, good for spreading out on the floor.

You’re also welcome to sit on a couch in the Lobby.

What to Bring

No special equipment required, but we suggest...

magnifying glass or loupe (we'll also have some on hand) glasses or UV-blocking goggles (for viewing fluorescent rocks at the Scintillating Stones session; we'll have several pairs on hand) small flashlight (for highlighting rocks) journal and pen drawing paper and crayons (some thoughts go beyond words) water bottle yoga mat / blanket and something to place under your head (optional)

Supper and Snacks

To simplify your evening, we invite you to arrive early and dine on a light meal at Karen’s Cafe inside the JCC, or across the street at Good Earth Glenmore Landing.

JCC is a Kosher facility: please be sure that any food you bring into the building is Kosher-certified.

David