2010 Conference

2nd Annual Women’s Spirituality Conference

We are living in times of great change and opportunity. Come explore the knowledge of the wise women that came before us. Learn the tools of the ancients: storytelling, drumming, herbal wisdom, ceremony, movement, communion with nature, connection to our ancestors and more.

2010 Workshops

Workshops on storytelling, drumming, herbal wisdom, ceremony, movement, communion with nature, connection to our ancestors and more.

In Her Own Words: Reclaiming the Ancient Art of Healing Storytelling

The art of the storyteller is closely related to that of the shaman, as both are able to connect us deeply to spirit and help us to see beyond the boundaries that divide ordinary life from the worlds of dreams and visions. Like shamans, storytellers have the ability to heal individuals and societies. This workshop will teach you the tools and stories of the shamanic storytelling tradition. We will explore; the power of your life stories and personal legends, spiritual teaching stories and songs, ceremony, ritual, and magic tales.

Voice of the Water: Listening to the Wisdom of the Waters

Learn to listen to the messages Water has for us in this experiential workshop. Through guided meditation, song, movement, and direct meeting with Water herself, we will open ourselves to the messages She has for each of us and for the healing of the world.

Plant Spirit Shamanism

Roberta MacKrill is a curendera who walks the old path. For forty years, she has been apprenticed to the wild folk, who prod her to make the medicines that they wish to be out in the world. Needless to say, this has made for a very interesting journey that has lead her to work with the plants of the Amazon, as well as the Northwest.

On her most recent journey into the Amazon, Roberta received profound messages from the Shipibo Grandmothers, who summoned her there to learn the healing songs of the plants. Be prepared, not to just hear, but to touch, taste, smell, see and feel the profound vibration from these amazing plants. Truly a life changing experience.

Drumming Healing Circle

Come and join with us in the ancient practice of drumming as we connect with the Heartbeat of the Mother. Judi Dains will guide us on a vibrational journey through rhythm and healing. Peace Drums will be available for you to hear, play, and feel. These amazing drums allow subtle and powerful access to our inner source. Their deep tones and resonance help to clear away stress, worries, and resistance. Bring your heartbeat, your soul’s rhythm, and willingness to connect to Source. No drumming experience is necessary.

Dance the Goddess with Lena Grace

Lena’s Story: August 2004, during an early morning jog through Nob hill in San Francisco, I ascended the steps to Grace Cathedral and discovered an outdoor labyrinth. Reaching the center, a perceptible inner shift occurred, and I connected with a higher sense of ‘me’. Transformation and change were on the horizon. A discernable pulse, beating with no name, a deep calling and a voice resting within hidden, buried, not forgotten.

How do we gather the skills to keep going no matter what? The years brought divorce, custody battle over kids, hit while riding a bike to work and the long journey back to health in complete surrender. This is my story, one of survival and discovery, and this is ‘our story’ since the beginning of time. What we seek is a roadmap and friends to support us along the arduous path.

Tara found me! In 2008 I accompanied my beloved to Brazil for Dances of Universal Peace Leadership training. At the retreat, I met Prema Dasara who created the Mandala Dance of the 21 Praises of Tara and had been traveling and teaching this empowering and uplifting method of practice worldwide since its inception in 1985. With the directive and blessing of his Eminence Tai Situ Rinpoche, a non-profit was formed to preserve the Tara dance lineage for the benefit of All. http://www.taradhatu.org. How Auspicious! Meeting Prema, a living TARA!

This is where the dance begins for me, a chance meeting in Brazil. Since 2008, I continue to draw support from my sources of refuge, inspiration, and motivation from my personal Tara dance practice. As a result I found the courage to share and form a local Tara circle under the guidance and spiritual direction of Prema Dasara. Dance The Goddess Portland is a monthly gathering where we meet to explore techniques that empower us to manifest our human potential through the benefit of dancing Tara’s mantra, qualities, and praises.

In our workshop time together, we will explore the realm of the enlightened feminine through music, movement, and meditation. The empowering dance practice of Tara is based in wisdom, compassion and power. No Buddhist or formal dance training is necessary or required. Come! Dance the Goddess with us!

Spirited Activism: Ancient Wisdom for Anti-Oppression Work

As women we daily survive the multitude of ways in which institutions of white supremacy and racism, homophobia, sexism and classism limit our power. How does your spiritual practice nurture justice for you and women who are not like you? How is your spirituality a tool of oppression or liberation? In this workshop we’ll examine how the wisdom of the ancients can challenge and sustain us in the world today. Please come with an open and courageous heart, ready to both listen and share.

Insightful Readings with Staci Elliott:
Medical Intuitive, Healer

Staci Elliott, MLS is an Empathic Life Coach, and skilled Tarot Reader. She will provide intuitive readings on a donation basis at the conference. Staci comes from a long line of healers, and has worked intentionally as an empathic healer for the past fifteen years. She leads workshops in Basic Tarot, Personal Healing, and Compassionate Listening.

2010 Schedule

November 20, 2010
9am to 3:30pm

Childcare is not available. Coffee, tea and water will be available in the morning. Lunch is vegetarian-friendly and included in the cost of the conference.