Abode Village View – Month of October
Update from the Executive Director – Al Bellenchia
Dear Friends,
Veil upon veil, thought upon thought let go of them all, for they only hide the truth. ~ Rumi
October always brings changes to the Abode. As daylight fades, the summer heat dissipates and the leaves begin to radiate color, we both gear up to hold our last programs and wind down in advance of the off-season.
Last weekend, we celebrated the official opening of the Pir Vilayat Center for Meditation and Retreat, and welcomed many old friends for a beautiful ceremony led by Aziza Scott and Yaqin Aubert. This weekend, we closed out our visiting teacher programs with “Bringing Spirituality to Everyday Life,” a retreat led by Himayat Inayati at the Pir Vilayat Center.
One thing is certain in this time of transition: there is much to be grateful for and appreciative of. It takes many hands and hearts to make the Abode work. Thank you to all who have been called here this season. It has been a busy and gratifying year. We accomplished much in 2018…manifesting changes both physical and metaphysical. And now we begin to downshift and look to what’s ahead.
We will, as usual, be scaling back our activities and operations as winter sets in. Activities will be focused in Razzaq and Quddus, and we will hibernate our other public spaces. Rumi’s Café will close for the season on Sunday, October 27. It was a wonderful addition to the energy we built in 2018.
This year, we are entering the winter season with less cushion than we will need to make it through to spring, and will need to tighten our belts accordingly.
This financial gap has plagued the Abode for most of its history. We continue to have a gap between income generated through housing fees, event revenues, meals, and donations, and our expenses: the significant maintenance costs of caring for our Shaker buildings and aging infrastructure spread across 350 acres, increasing food and energy costs, and the investments we must make in creating new income sources and in the people who hold it all together. Expenses are incurred year-round, even though our active season lasts only a few months.
Over the past couple of years, the gap was bridged through the generosity of a single donor. In past years, the community, Inayati Order or other benefactors (including Pir Vilayat in the earliest days) stepped in. Today, as an independent operation, the Abode must be more sustainable. Operating in a continuing loss mode is not workable for the long term.
We do not lack for opportunities. We are working on a number of initiatives for generating growth while maintaining our focus and mission, and lessening our reliance on infusions from benefactors. This will take time to manifest. And it will involve some shared sacrifice. We will share more on plans in the weeks ahead.
A match to end our Annual Appeal
Thanks to all who have contributed to our Appeal to date. A generous donor has offered a $10,000 match to close out the Appeal, which will end on October 31. The donor will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000. If you intend to donate, please do so during this match commitment. Every dollar will be doubled.
Thank you for your support of this living, growing community.
With gratitude,
Al
Update from the Abode Inayati Center – Wahida Young
We were all excited to be able to experience the sweetness of the dedication of the Pir Vilayat Center. Yaqin welcomed us and then invited us to watch a filmed interview with Pir Vilayat,. Aziza reminisced and led practices to a room of dedicated mureeds then we enjoyed socializing with old and new friends. We are so fortunate to have this new space to continue our work.
October’s Thursday evening classes will be Pir Zia’s webcasts teaching on the Mysticism of sound and Music. Please come to Quddus by 6:50pm so we can be settled to receive these important teachings at 7pm.
In November, Nur will offer the first Thursday class and then Winfired Fuchshofen will lead 3 classes on meditation. We continue to offer meditation classes at 10am on Sundays, Universal Worships at 11am and Dances of Universal Peace on the 3rd Sundays at 1:30pm.
Your Center leaders meet monthly to plan our activities . We have a very dedicated group of talented people giving of their wisdom and compassion in so many ways As always, we hope you will join us as often as you can.
We are happy to get your ideas and wishes. Just email me at wahida@theabode.org.
Loving blessings to you all,
Wahida Ashki
Update from Rumi’s Cafe at the Abode – India Langolis
Come cozy up at Rumi’s this month!
We’re welcoming fall with new seasonal drink and food specials! We’ve got vegan cinnamon buns, chai lattes, hot chocolate, or hot soup and grilled cheese! If you’re looking to enjoy the beautifully changing leaves and crisp weather and also satisfy your sweet tooth, come make yourself comfortable in our garden by our fire pit with some s’mores!
We’re also hosting our famous Jam Night every Friday this month! Stop by between 6 and 8 to share some music, poetry, stories or just come to enjoy! We look forward to seeing you!
Abode Weekly Village View
Upcoming Week’s Events
Monday, October 8
– Community Lunch – Razzaq Dining Hall – 12:30 pm
– QiGong Class with Wahida Ashki – Fattah Family Room – 5:00 pm – Join Wahida Ashki for a simple QiGong class. She will teach basic principles and show how to make up natural routines for your own practice.
Tuesday, October 9
– Community Breakfast – Razzaq Dining Hall – 8:00 am
– Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm
Wednesday, October 10
– Community Lunch – Razzaq Dining Hall – 12:30 pm
– Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm
Thursday, October 11
– Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm
– “The Mysticism of Sound and Music” with Pir Zia Inayat Khan and Celebrated Qawwali and Raga Musician, Sukhawat Ali Khan Livestream – Quddus Meditation Hall – 7:00 pm – Please join us for this exciting four session program of teachings and music derived from the inspirations of Hazrat Inayat Khan, found in the second half of the Sufi Message Volume II, centennial edition, (the mysticism of sound, music, the power of the word, and cosmic language). This series will be live streamed from the Inayati Order’s center, the Astana, in Richmond, Virginia. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes earlier. For more information about the program and presenters, go to http://inayatiorder.org/event/the-mysticism-of-sound-music/2018-10-11/
Friday, October 12
*Please note that we will be hosting a large program October 12-14. Due to this all meals—except for Sunday brunch— will be CLOSED to all who are not on meal plan. Thank you for your cooperation.*
– Regenerative Seeds: For an Eco-Culture with Kevin – Family Room Fatah – 9:30 am-2:30pm
– Dinner [closed to those not on meal plan] – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm
– Rocktober – Rumi’s Café – 6:00 pm
Sunday, October 14
– Meditation Class with Wahida Ashki – Pir Vilayat Center – 10:00 am – Shuttle Service will be available to transport you to and from the Pir Vilayat Center.
– Universal Worship with Wahida Ashki & Nizam – Pir Vilayat Center – 11:00 am – Shuttle Service will be available to transport you to and from the Pir Vilayat Center.
– Brunch – Razzaq Dining Hall – 12:30 pm
Upcoming Programs
“The Mysticism of Sound and Music” with Pir Zia Inayat Khan and celebrated Qawwali and Raga musician, Sukhawat Ali Khan Livestream | Thursdays in October | 7:00 PM | Quddus Meditation Hall | Please join us for this exciting four session program of teachings and music derived from the inspirations of Hazrat Inayat Khan, found in the second half of the Sufi Message Volume II, centennial edition, (the mysticism of sound, music, the power of the word, and cosmic language). This series will be live streamed from the Inayati Order’s center, the Astana, in Richmond, Virginia, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Quddus building. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes earlier.
For more information about the program and presenters, go to http://inayatiorder.org/event/the-mysticism-of-sound-music/2018-10-11/
House of Spirits | October 27 | 7-10 PM | TBA | A Journey for Your Life! Join us on Saturday, October 27th for an evening of food, fun, and fearless festivities with friends. The Masquerade Party starts at 8! All ages welcome. Students $10; Adults $15; Families $30. Food not included in ticket price. Hope to see you there!
New Years Even Retreat with Aziza Scott and Yaqin Aubert | December 28-31 | Begin the New Year with a sacred journey under Aziza Scott’s gentle guidance. This time will offer an opportunity to cleanse the heart and mind; to hearken to the call of the soul; to experience the peace that comes from turning within; to return to the struggles and joys of life with energy and a broader perspective. Aziza establishes an atmosphere of sacredness and emotional safety that is healing and energizing. Her humor and common sense provide a grounded approach to spirituality that helps in personal problem solving, inner realization and spiritual growth. Yaqin Aubert will lead the early morning and evening sessions, and will welcome retreatants on Thursday evening. Registration will be up soon!
Please check our calendar and programs pages for an extended look at upcoming events and happenings. We look forward to being with you soon at the Abode!