Abode Village View - Month of September

Abode Village View – Month of September

Update from the Executive Director – Al Bellenchia

Dear Friends,

As I write this month’s note, we are winding down from hosting the annual Wild Woman Festival at our Mountain Camp, and gearing up for the Labor Day weekend retreat with Pir Zia.

This ebb and flow is part of the rhythm of the Abode: welcoming guests old and new, holding them in and by our community, providing shelter, and nourishing body and soul.

Service has always been at the heart of the Abode. At the cusp of Labor Day in the United States, I want to acknowledge all of the labors that all have been contributed this season: by staff, volunteers, community members, friends and neighbors.

At the risk of not acknowledging every department or individual who contributed to the environment of caring hospitality at the Abode, I must single out the work that our Guest Services and Kitchen teams do. The Guest Services team led by Cherishmarie Church and the Kitchen staff led by Katya DePaolo are the heart and soul of our ability to welcome events and programs, while also serving the day-to-day needs of our campus.

We have been fortunate this year to have also had a robust team of volunteers assisting our labors this year – some for just a few days, some for months. They have brought new energy, ideas and vision that have added to the tapestry of our community life.

All of us are busy this holiday weekend holding the welcome return to the Abode of Pir Zia as he conducts his “Alchemy of Happiness” silent retreat. It is labor made light by the spirit of service that has always defined the Abode community.

“What is done for a return is not service, otherwise all the people in the city working with their machines would be called servants of God. That which is done, not for fame or name, not for the appreciation or thanks from those for whom it is done, but only for love, is service of God.” – Hazrat Inayat Khan

With love and in gratitude,

Update from the Abode Inayati Center – Wahida Young

Warm greetings from your Center Steering Committee. We have just completed a most profound and unique experience during the month of August, that is, the Retreat in Life lead by Batina and Wahhab Sheets. Overall, approximately 45-50 people attended at least one of the sessions and as we shared our experiences each Saturday new revelations emerged about our lives, both individually and as a group. We all agreed we want to continue the practices and awareness of keeping a broader and higher perspective as we move through our days, and are deeply grateful for all the hard work and inspiration Batina and Wahhab offered to us. And we acknowledge also the success of our first Teachers-in-Residence in the Pir Vilayat Center. Stay tuned for more about the dedication of this space later in September.

Yaqin and Shakur will be offering Thursday night classes this month and on the 13th we will have a special gathering honoring Noorunissa’s Urs and Hejerat Day which coincide. Hejerat Day recognizes the departure of Inayat Khan to the west to bring the Sufi teachings of love, harmony and beauty. Look for more details in the weekly Village Views coming up.

In advance of the World Parliament of Religions in November in Toronto, Canada there will be a gathering in Lenox on the theme of Humanity’s Essential Oneness and the Power of Inclusion. Wahida Ashki will be speaking but would be so happy to be joined by you. All are invited and welcome. It should be very special. Our next monthly meeting will be on Tuesday, September 4 at 7 pm in the Guest Services space in the red barn named Jamil.

Update from the Mountain – SaMoon Pal

In August, the Mountain Camp experienced Shakti Power galore. A month-long impression of Women Empowerment started with Ra Ma Institute led by Guru Jagat for their first event in our venue titled ‘Aquarian Women’s Leadership Society’. This past weekend, we concluded hosting Wild Women Project and Chris Jalila Maddox for yet another festive, maximum occupancy gathering. We are grateful for all the women who gracefully managed the Mountain Camp and held sincere space of service. Both groups are scheduled and eager to return next year. Ya Fattah!

Steadily moving along into September, we will infuse momentum toward an enjoyable communal gathering for The Abode and extended community (ies) on The Mountain Camp. On Sunday Sept 30^th, JoJo Silverman will facilitate a Medicine of the Heart cacao Ceremony with Kirtan. JoJo Silverman is the creator of the healing modality ‘Prayerful Resonance’ and visionary of the ‘Devotional Music Foundation’. He has been a student of yoga, meditation, holistic health, chanting, hand percussion, and fire-Tending for 20 years. Using sound in the exploration of consciousness to connect hearts and minds is his gift and mission. We will soon share the event template on Abode’s media platforms including Basecamp.

Support the Abode by visiting theabode.org/abodeappeal and donating today!

Abode Weekly Village View

Upcoming Week’s Events

Tuesday, September 4

– 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.

– Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm

– Meditation Class with Winfrid – Quddus Meditation Hall – 7:00 pm

Wednesday, September 5

– Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm

Thursday, September 6

– Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm

– Message Class with Shakur – Quddus Meditation Hall – 7:30 pm

Friday, September 7

– Community Dinner – Razzaq Dining Hall – 6:00 pm

– Book Lecture Reception – Rumi’s Café – 7:00 pm

– Book Lecture Series: Bridgette Shea – Meet the Author: 7:00 pm at Rumi’s Cafe; Reading and discussion to follow @7:30 pm

Bridgette Shea is a licensed physician in Oriental Medicine, a wellness educator specializing in the integration of Chinese and Ayurveda medical systems and runs a private practice in Saratoga Springs, NY. She holds degrees in Asian Studies from SUNY and completed her graduate work at the prestigious Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine. Bridgette is the author of the first comprehensive book to integrate the unique and complementary benefits of ancient Chinese and Indian medical systems, Handbook of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda: An Integrated Practice of Ancient Healing Systems.

Sunday, September 9

– Meditation Class Nur – Razzaq Library – 10:00 am

– Universal Worship Rahima – Razzaq Library – 11:00 am

– Brunch – Razzaq Dining Hall – 12:30 pm

Upcoming Programs

Book Lecture Series: Bridgette Shea | September 7

For the average layperson, ancient medical terminology is often arcane and seemingly divorced from the biomolecular principles common in conventional medical practice. The metaphysics and principles of “energy,” central to Indian Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and practice, is one essential example. Bridgette Shea has authored perhaps the most accessible text for people to have a clear understanding and appreciation of both of these ancient systems’ strengths and weaknesses and how the integration of the two can potentially maximize health and prevent and treat disease. This lecture and book-signing will focus upon some of the key elements of both Indian and Chinese medicine that often confound even professional Western physicians.

Bringing Spirituality into Everyday Life with Himayat Inayati | October 5-7

Pir Vilayat invoked a beautiful world filled with beautiful people and often underscored that the dervish brings to the world a living God – bringing Reality right into the marketplace! Today’s world is brimming with clouds all around us and naturally within us as well. The challenge that Pir Vilayat offers is to unleash that Great Spirit found at the depth of our soul in a manner that illuminates us and is shared with the world around us. This three-day retreat will revisit, celebrate, and apply the teaching of Pir Vilayat – addressing the needs of the young adult entering the world, the mature adult moving through this world, and the older adult making use of the space that is now offered within their life. For more information, visit theabode.org/programs/562

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!