Being in Nature Archives - Page 3 of 19 - Madhu Bazaz Wangu
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Being in Nature

Our Heartfelt Condolences

I am saddened and shocked by the tragic shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill—the neighborhood I lived in for ten years and love. Everyone’s friend, Mr. Rogers lived and worshipped in this neighborhood.   To those who lost loved ones or friends, on behalf of the Mindful Writers Groups and Retreats, I extend my heartfelt condolences. To all others who have been either injured or impacted by this senseless act of violence, our thoughts are with you.   Mindful Writers celebrate diversity of religion and race and honor our common humanity. We truly believe in diversity, honoring our neighbors and seeing the other as our own self. Our gathering spaces are sanctuaries of creativity and comfort.   What is a writerly thing to do after hearing about such insane...

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Journaling in South Africa

My recent vacation in Southern Africa, with my husband, was one of the most mind stretching and heart opening trip we have ever had. Some thirty years ago, with the practice of mindfulness meditation I experienced my body, mind and heart integrate and become whole. In 2010, I invited writers of all levels to practice Writing Meditation with me. Recently, in Africa my integrated-self awoke to a deeper connection within because I was alive and attentive to the vivid web of natural world around me. The terms such as interconnectedness and impermanence of each moment and every life form was made real. The force that animates the universe and is felt in deep meditation became more meaningful. This tremendously powerful phenomenon gets lost in the hullabaloo of civilization. Our previous travels...

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Literary Awareness and an Elegant Festival of Books!

I attended an outstanding book festival on September 14 & 15 with some Mindful Writers. Thanks to Denise Weaver and Hilary Hauck for making us aware of the first Allegheny Regional Festival of Books at Bedford, Pennsylvania! http://alleghenyregionalfestivalofbooks.org/index.php/the-arfb-story/  What an elegant evening and the exquisitely planned affair! The opening night at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort was graced by the local author, Ellen Prentiss Campbell, the author of the novel The Bowl With Golden Seams. The following day about forty colorful and attractive author tables were set under four huge tents in front of the Courthouse. Readings by various authors were held at selected shops throughout the business district. My reading was at https://www.backstagealpaca.com.  Thanks to Diana Morris for hosting me! Looking forward to attending the next years festival at Somerset, Pennsylvania....

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To My Husband

Let me dive my face into your chest as someone thirsty plunges into a stream. In that infinite expanse I have sensed the potent scents of old spice and cigarettes. Let me breathe in your enthralling odor with sweetness of your kiss. Let me feel your touch and reminisce the memories of us growing old together. When I met you, I dreamt of an ideal life. Your presence inspired my visions of vast oceans, clouds carrying us to enchanting lands where skies are always blue, and spring is forever. In your eyes I glimpsed our lush life together with refreshing flowers and intoxicating wine. We delighted in our children, in their innocence and intelligence. In loving them, and in caressing you how I forget our weariness and worries! Only if you could know how much I love you. How empty...

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A High Tea Book Event

High Tea at this year's Spring TeaSE Book Event was a lovely affair. Organized by Lillie Leonardi and Joyce Wilk, and hosted by Janet Rae Tyree and the staff of Springdale Free Public Library,  we had a gala time. I was accompanied by Kathleen Shoop, J.D. Wylde, Dana Faletti and Ellen Roth. Each author's presentation was unique, audience was absorbed, tables were artfully decorated and, to top it all, a tasty four course luncheon was served. Thank you to the organizers and hosts!     [caption id="attachment_41916" align="aligncenter" width="375"] SPRING TEAse[/caption]...

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Tea, Scones and Books

Come, have a cup of hot tea, relax and listen to five authors talk about their books, life, and answer any questions you may have! See you in April! [caption id="attachment_41916" align="aligncenter" width="375"] SPRING TEAse[/caption]   ...

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Mindful Writers Spring Retreat

Want to save a magnificent writing time for yourself? Attend Mindful Writers 9th Spring Retreat! Don't miss this incomparable opportunity!   You will be transported to a magical place, your heart will open to spaciousness of nature, your writing will flow freely, and you will have loving and understanding companionship of some very talented and productive novice and professional writers.   Come join us from March 26-30! [caption id="attachment_41913" align="aligncenter" width="465"] Mindful Writers Spring Retreat[/caption] ...

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Mindful Writers Winter Retreat

You're invited to the Mindful Writers Winter Wonderland Retreat! Join us: Thursday February 8, 2018 (12:30 welcome lunch) through Sunday February 11, 2018 (11:30 goodbye lunch) $450 for private room in toasty warm lodge, private bathroom, all meals included and: Sitting Meditation: Body, Awakening the Senses, Sensitizing Sensations (3 Sessions) Mindful Walking (3 Sessions) Mindful Writing Sessions (Approximately 33 Hours) Peace, productivity, joy, laughter, rest, friendship (Approximately 72 Hours) Ligonier Camp and Conference Center 188 Macartney Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658 (just outside of Pittsburgh, PA, easy trip on the turnpike from either direction) Contact Kathleen at Kathleenshoop@gmail.com or Larry Schardt at Larryschardt@gmail.com with any questions. Also, join us on our mindful writers retreat facebook page to stay up-to-date on mindful events and inspiration. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MindfulWritersRetreat/...

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William Rock’s Image of a Tibetan Goddess

Tibetan Goddess Yeshe Walmo By William Rock You may recall the essay, Understanding A Tibetan Goddess: Ferocious and Enlightening, that I wrote about William Rock's powerful and energetic sculptural image of Yeshe Walmo. Recently the work was purchased by New York dealer. Bon Tibetans are enamored by the image and pleased  with the essay.  Below is a PDF copy or you may want to download for reading later: UNDESTANDING A TIBETAN GODDESS by Dr. Madhu Bazaz Wangu with cover art https://issuu.com/artandinspiration/docs/understanding_a_tibetan_goddess_by_...

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Happy New Year!

LET 2018 BE THE YEAR OF NEW BEGINNINGS AND THEIR COMPLETION!  Happy and Healthy New Year to all from Manoj, me and our daughters, Srimal Wangu Choi and Zoon Wangu!   Thaal Bharun (filling a plate) and Thaal Vuchuun (Looking at the filled plate) are two beloved rituals of Kashmiris on Navreh (New Year’s Day).   The night of New Year’s Eve, after everyone is asleep, the mother fills a plate with uncooked rice, and snugly places bowls of milk and yogurt; sugar and salt over the rice. A piece of fresh fruit and dry fruit, a book, notebook, pen, gold jewelry, coins, and a mirror are decorated around the bowls. Other items such as red chili, pod of tamarind may also be artfully placed beside them.   The following morning, the New Year’s Day,...

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