Mandalas, Ayurveda, and Balance with Nature

COMING TO SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

MARCH 7, 2020

Let’s explore the ancient circular form of the mandala. This form is often used to represent the cosmos with the center point being the point of inception of all creation, Mount Meru. The mystery and magic of the mandala inspires artistic expression and interspection.

In this small group workshop, we will think about the ideas upon which the mandala is based as well as how we can maintain balance in our body as we transition through spring equinox using the ancient discipline of Ayurveda. Using watercolor and colored pencils, we will make an artistic record of these concepts on our mandalas providing an aid for alignment with the cosmos.


Early registration/payment at a reduced fee of $60 is open through March 1, 2020 after which the fee is $75. To complete the registration process, please text 407-520-2594 and I will send you a PayPal invoice to secure your space. 

I look forward to seeing you on March 7, for an afternoon of personal expression as we align with the energies of nature.


All are welcome.
No previous knowledge of Ayurveda or Mandalas is necessary.
 
Windows of the Soul Studio
Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Gift – Picture Book

In this beautifully illustrated and told tale of courage and personal transformation, old sage Grandpa Farley gives his grandchild, Half-Pint, a gift of coal. Half-Pint is disappointed with the gift until Grandpa reveals the potential of coal. As he spins a tale about a great Arctic adventure from his younger days, a gush of wind sweeps up Grandpa and Half-Pint, rocking chair and all, carrying them back to the time and place of Grandpa Farley’s experience. Aided by the Spirit of the Northern Lights and North Wind and Aglulik, the Inuit Spirit of Good, Half-Pint learns of the jewels that exists within both the gift of coal and every person.

Woven into the text and the illustrations of this book, “The Gift.” are elements inspired by indigenous peoples of the circumpolar region. I wanted Grandpa Farley at the “ends of the earth” in a landscape that is brutal and forces a new perspective on existence. I wanted him to be in a place where it is hard to get oriented – a remote place with few signposts for guidance and few inhabitants to intervene. In this space, where the familiar was already left behind, Farley could accept an extraordinary encounter. Like the great heroes of ancient odysseys, this setting and encounter opens the way for Farley to receive The Gift that he has carried in the center of his being all along.

Barbara E Verchot
April 12, 2018

This inspiring 32 page book is perfect for the whole family, for educators, museums, and home schoolers. The book includes material about the artifacts and other elements represented in the artwork making it an excellent resource.

Order your copy now for $15 plus shipping and handling by contacting Barbara at 407-520-2594 (Texts Only) or email at barbara.verchot@verchot.com.

Foundations of Ayurveda and Yoga Level 1

This Course Will Cover:

  • The History and Philosophy of Ayurveda and Yoga (Samkhya Philosophy) 
  • In-Depth Tri-doshic Theory
  • Prakriti and Vikriti
  • Dinacharya & Rutcharya – Daily and Seasonal Self-Care According the the Rhythms of Nature (sleep cycles, care of the sense organs, mindfulness meditation practices)
  • Rasayana (Rejuvenation Practices)
  • Ayurvedic and Yogic Anatomy and Physiology
  • The Ayurvedic and Yogic View of the Mind Body Connection
  • The Six Tastes
  • Ayurvedic and Yogic Cooking, Digestion, Nutrition
  • Ayurvedic Massage 
  • Basic Ayurvedic Pharmacology
  • Yoga for Specific Doshas

Required Reading:

Course manual and handouts

Ayurveda: The Science of Self-healing by Dr Vasant Lad

Yoga & Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by Dr David Frawley

Ayurvedic Cooking (TBA)

Early registration of $1000 closes by September 1, 2019

A nonrefundable deposit of $100 reserves your space. An additional nonrefundable $300 is due by September 1, 2019. These fees are transferable if necessary. 

The remainder of the tuition, $600, is due in monthly installments of $100 on the 1st of each month November – April.  

Registration after September 1, 2019 is $1200.

Class meets from 8am – 5:30pm Saturday and Sunday in Lake Mary, FL on the following dates:

November 2 & 3, 201

December 7 & 8, 201

January 11 & 12, 202

February 1 & 2, 2020

March 7 & 8, 2020

April 4 & 5, 2020

To register please text 407-520-2594 for instructions. 

 

Despacho Ceremonies

Preparation: Part of Sacred Process

The Quechua speaking Q’ero people of Peru, descendants of the mighty Incas, live on some of the most rugged and isolated land in the Andes. They fled to this remote cloud shrouded region to escape the Spanish invasion of the 1530s and, by doing so, retained their freedom. It is this isolation which also helped to preserve their cultural traditions. Many Q’ero today live much as their ancient ancestors did prior to the Spanish invasion. 

However, some Spanish influence is evident. The word despacho, Spanish for dispatch is seen in the name of an important Q’ero sacrament. In the despacho ceremony thanks is given to all of panchamama, mother earth. All energies are brought into balance including relationships with the natural world, our communities and other personal relationships, and with ourselves. Despacho ceremonies are performed for transitions, marriages, births, deaths, healings, and agricultural cycles.

Universal energy is understood to be a benign force that only becomes harmful when out of balance. Balance can be reestablished through ceremony. In the Q’ero worldview, humans are one with nature, not looking in from outside but an integral part of this complex and beautiful living whole. Life itself is one continuous grand ceremony that has other ceremonies nested within it.

There are three types of despacho ceremonies, the ayni as described below, the kuti despacho ceremony, for dispelling evil intent, and the aya despacho ceremony for honoring the dead.

To continue reading please click the link below:

Despacho Ceremony