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The Men's Center of Los Angeles
Beverly Hills/Woodland Hills
in Association with
Sacred Path Productions
Newsletter for January 2007
Voicemail: (818) 348-9302
Web Site: www.menscenterlosangeles.com
Contact: info@menscenterlosangeles.com
Our Mission:
"Bringing good men together and bringing out the best in
them"
Our Approach:
Helping develop a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment for
men by fostering vision, passion, authenticity and intimate connection
to self and others
Our Services:
Psychotherapy for individuals, families, and groups, as well as
our Sacred Path and Call to Adventure Retreats,
Workshops, Seminars, and Monthly Men's Gatherings
HAPPY
AND HEALTHY 2007 TO ALL!
Sacred Path
Man Up Colloquium January 20
Sacred Ways
Kayak Retreat February 1-4
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Message from the Director
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
- ManUp Colloquium on Saturday, January 20, 2007
- David Friedman Opens at VIVA Art Gallery in January
- Sacred Ways Kayak Retreat February 1-4, 2007
- 20th Annual Sacred Path/Call to Adventure Retreat April
19-22
- Ongoing Men's Groups
Healing Energy for Art Pierson
Daniel Gilbert: Happiness and Your Health
From the Daily Om: Using Your Power
Recommended Reading: Marley & Me
Movie Review: Charlotte's Web
Greywolf's Native Spirit Lodge In New Larger Quarters
Men's Teams
Important Web Links
CD's by Sacred Path Members Available
Sacred Path Alumni Yahoo Group
Contribute to the Newsletter
A Message from the Director -
Dr. Stephen Johnson
 Does
Your Life Matter?
I love the Christmas movies. Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas
Carol and It's a Wonderful Life are favorites. Often,
I have one of them on in the background while I'm wrapping Christmas
presents or doing other things around the house. This year I
wanted to sit down and watch It's a Wonderful Life without
distraction. I had also read a couple of articles about the
filming of this Capra classic that was first screened in 1946
and was not an immediate hit. It apparently didn't become the
yearly must-watch until the 80's. I was moved when I learned
that the bar scene had to be a one-take shot because Jimmy Stewart
was emotionally overwrought and had a bit of a meltdown. He
just could not do another take, even upon the urging of Capra
who realized that they didn't have any close-ups. They had to
create those in post-production.
I also read about the actress that played the young Bailey
daughter, Zuzu. She is now in her 60's and has had quite a challenging
life, having lost her mother to cancer when she was 14 and her
father to an auto accident a year later. The challenges didn't
end there. Years later, her 18-year-old son committed suicide
and two husbands succumbed to illness, but she persevered. Her
faith was strong and she maintained an indomitable spirit for
life.
The theme of the movie, similar to A Christmas Carol,
has to do with how one chooses to live one's life. George Bailey
is an honorable man and old man Potter is a scoundrel. When
Potter takes the ultimate advantage of Bailey, causing him to
doubt himself and contemplate taking his life, an Angel, Clarence,
needing an assignment in order to earn his wings, is sent from
Heaven to save the day. When George gets the opportunity to
see what happens to the people in his community, as a result
of him not being around to influence the outcome of their lives,
it becomes apparent to him that his life does in fact matter.
With a new lease on life, George overcomes the adversity and
celebrates the newly found gratitude he feels for his family,
friends and all that he has been given for his wonderful life.
Too often one takes his life for granted or discounts it, failing
to realize that his life matters to others. Even when one is
in despair about the way things are going for him, if he can
realize that his life counts for someone else, maybe he will
reconsider his fate and contemplate that he does indeed have
a wonderful life.
I finished a novel recently titled Water for Elephants
by Sara Gruen. I listened to this book on CD, something that
I have come to realize makes my longer drives to and from the
office a pleasure. I highly recommend that you stay off the
cell phone and sit back and listen to a good novel like this
one. It will make your commute so much more tolerable. In this
novel, Jacob Jankowski is 90 or 93. He doesn't really know exactly
how old he is, but inside his mind dwell memories of himself
as a young man, tossed by fate into the Benzini Brothers Most
Spectacular Show on Earth. He was there because his luck had
run out.
The book unfolds as the reader is transported back in time
as Jacob reminisces about his youthful days, including how Rosie
the elephant and the lovely Marlena, star of the equestrian
act, impacted his life. I was struck by the somber mood that
is cast by an elderly man, residing in a home for the aged,
who only has the memories of his younger years to keep him company.
The reader is immersed in the depth of emotion that runs throughout
the author's portrayal of the characters that decorate the fabric
of this story. It's sobering to contemplate one's elder years
from the perspective of a younger man identifying with older
men who "were once somebody to be reckoned with."
I have also come to the realization of how I resist allowing
a good book to come to an end. With the ending of a terrific
novel I savor the ritual of mourning that comes with the loss
of each relationship that was forged with the characters. It's
as if they have died and one must grieve the loss ceremoniously.
I require a little space between the ending of one-just-finished
and the beginning of a new novel. I believe that listening to
a book can often be a much more user-friendly way for men to
be able to take in the experience when they just don't have
or make the time to read.
On another note, we are gearing up for our Spring Call to Adventure
Retreat, April 19-22. This will be our official 20th Spring
Sacred Path Retreat for men. The CTA retreats are especially
great opportunities for fathers and sons, boys and mentors to
experience the bond that is strengthened by participating in
this retreat together. The variety of activities allow one to
safely challenge oneself to man up to the goals that are declared
for living one's life to the fullest. Feel free to let us know
that you intend to register for this retreat and we will place
your name on a pre-registration list so that you can take advantage
of the early-bird discounted price. We'll have the information
about the April retreat ready to go later this month. This will
be a wonderful opportunity for men of all ages to convene to
be in the company of other good men and to bring out the best
in themselves.
Thank you to all who registered quickly for the Man Up Colloquium
at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel on Saturday, January 20th. It
is essentially full with perhaps one or two openings available.
This event commences periodic opportunities for men to explore
the archetypes of the mature masculine, especially the King.
These Council days will evolve as Meetings with Remarkable Men.
If you would like to participate in this event or the next one,
please let me know. We will create a wait list for this Colloquium
in case one or more registered participants cannot attend and
a pre-registration list for the next event. I'm really looking
forward to participating with the 20 men who will convene for
this first Colloquium.
In the Spirit of the New Year I wish you and yours all the
best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2007.
Namaste,
Stephen
To learn more about the Executive Director of the Los Angeles
Men's Center and Sacred Path Productions, go to: www.drstephenjohnson.com
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar
Only a Couple
of Openings Left for ManUp Colloquium on Saturday, January 20,
2007.
A colloquium for men will be held at the Marriott Courtyard
Hotel in Sherman Oaks. It will be led by Dr. Stephen Johnson
and will deal with pertinent issues in men's lives,including
relationships, aging, sexuality, intimacy, anger, longing
and other subjects of import. A light breakfast and lunch
will be served. The group will be limited to 20 men, and there
are only one or two openings left, so act promptly if you
are interested. The cost for the day is $150 including meals.For
more information, contact Rich Manners at (818) 888-8852 or
jyngleman@sbcglobal.net. If you use e-mail, make sure
you use" Colloquium" in the subject bar. He can
take your credit card info, put you on the waiting list for
this colloquium, or pre-register you for the next one, probably
to be held in March.
David Friedman
Opens at VIVA Gallery in January
Our Sacred Path brother, David Friedman, was recently admitted
to the Salon for 2007 at the VIVA Gallery
in Sherman Oaks.
Beginning in January, his work will be exhibited throughout
the year in a series of nine group shows.
VIVA, the Valley Institute of Visual Artists, is the home
of the Valley Artists Guild, the Valley Watercolor Society
and other arts groups. It is located at 13261 Moorpark Street
(818-385-0080).
You are all invited to a public reception for the artists
on Sunday, January 7, from 2 to 4 pm.
For a visual adventure, visit David's website MetaPixel Studio.
There are some recent updates, new images and other features
to see. Go to: www.DavidFriedmanArt.com
Sacred Ways Kayak
Retreat February 1-4, 2007.
Join the Sacred Ways Community as we take a rare .jpg) journey
through stunning Black Canyon on the Colorado River. We meet
at the Hacienda Hotel in Boulder City, Nevada on Thursday
night, Feb. 1st at 10 PM for an orientation. Early the next
morning we'll enter Sacred Space as we ask Earth Mother if
we may spend some time with her on the river just below Hoover
Dam. We will experience prayer in a vapor cave, stand beneath
a hot natural shower, and meditation in a hot spring pool.
We'll also sit together in a sweat lodge that we have built
on the shore where we camp for the night and come together
for a twilight chant.
The cost for the event is $395, which includes
admission to all ceremonies, kayak, paddle, and life vest
rental, first night's shared rooms at the Hacienda Hotel in
Boulder City, Nevada. Participants will be responsible for
their own transportation to the hotel, camping gear, firewood,
clothing, shelter, and all food and beverages. Reservations
are processed in order and are effective only when full payment
is received. We still have a few openings available, so register
now!
Send name, address, and full payments
to:
SACRED WAYS
4196 Eagle Flight Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
20th Annual Sacred
Path/Call to Adventure Retreat April 19-22
This spring brings with it the 20th annual Sacred Path Retreat
for Men combined with the Call to Adventure/Rites of Passage
Retreats for young men and their fathers or mentors. This
spring, all men and youth will be invited to participate in
the Call to Adventure events, such as the ropes course and
sweat lodge. We anticipate that a community of 120 participants
comprising 100 men and youth as well as a staff of 20 will
be on the Mountain for this Retreat. There will be ample opportunity
for men wishing to share Sacred Space with other men to be
able to speak safely from the depths of their souls. We will
provide an array of optional experiences for all. Since many
of the men from the Fall Retreat have spoken about bringing
several new men and youth to the Spring Retreat, we expect
it to sell out early. We will begin the website and mail-out
promotion later this month. So, to make sure you have a space
reserved, you might consider contacting us in advance so that
we can hold a space for you.
Weekly Men's Groups
are available in Woodland Hills and Beverly Hills. Both Stephen
Johnson and Dan Franklin have room available in their weekly
therapeutic support groups held in Beverly Hills and Woodland
Hills. More information at: info@menscenterlosangeles.com
Healing Energy for Art Pierson
Many of the Sacred Path brothers
who were at the fall retreat know Art Pierson from Tribe #5,
Men Who Must Descend into
the Waters. Art is the dude with the white beard in front
of the tree with his tribe at right. What many of you didn't
know is that Art is suffering from pancreatic cancer, which
the surgeons were unable to remove completely in an operation
before Art came to the last retreat. At the present time,
Art has started a regimen of concurrent radiation and chemotherapy
and is basically unable to eat solid food. Having been buddies
with Art since the early 70's, I can tell you that he is a
fighter and a positive thinker, and that he'll fight tooth
and nail to regain his health. He lives in the small town
of Quincy, Illinois, and aside from his Dalmatian, Duchess,
has very little in the way of a support system. Here's the
e-mail my wife and I just received from him:
Dear Rich and Mimi,
Thank you most sincerely for the kind and supportive thoughts.
It is indeed a dim and lonely time, brightened only by my
imagined ability to glow in the dark. But I'm determined
the last thing I'll lose is my sense of humor.
I've hadÊRadiationÊzap #7, 23 to go, and they added Chemo
late last week, which makes me nauseous and keeps me close
to home. Having a very limited social circle down here in
Hooterville, at least I haven't declined many holiday parties.Ê
I'm sleeping a lot and have little motivation except to
read, write and veg-out. Working very little in the Studio
'cause I really don't trust myself to be running power tools
right now.
Last solid food I managed to eat was at Thanksgiving, now
living on fruit juices and Ensure. I'm sure that's contributing
to the fatigue, but I'm REALLY tired of being Tired all
the time. However, I have no choice but to go with it, and
focus on the end of the tunnel.
Good thing I don't have a real job 'cause I'm spending
several hours a day in treatment and wouldn't have time
to 'work'. But this too will pass ... I've beaten The Reaper
several times already and I look at this as just another
brick in the wall.
It was good of you to write. The experience of the Sacred
Path was a very positive revelation for me. Thanks again
for your thoughts and prayers. I hope all is well with you
and yours. 2007ÊwillÊbe a better year!
Best,Ê
ART
I am asking all of my Sacred
Path brothers to continue supporting Art as his tribe has
done, sending him positive energy, prayers, e-mails, phone
calls or snail mail to help see him through this dark night
of the soul and body. Art's email address is:
art.pierson@gmail.com, his snail mail address is 1308
State Street, Quincy, IL 62301, and his phone number is (217)
430-9296. Thank you all for your caring.
– Rich Manners
Daniel Gilbert: Happiness
and Your Health
The next time you are deciding between
ice cream and cake, buying a car or taking a trip to Europe,
accepting a new job or keeping your old one, you should remember
two things: First, your decision is rooted in the desire to
become happy – or at least happier than you are now.
Second, there's a good chance that the decision you make will
be wrong.
Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert
summed up our failings this way: People have a lot of bad
theories about happiness."
It's not for lack of trying. The Constitution
grants us unalienable right to pursue happiness, and it's
something we do with a vengeance.
Americans will spend $750 million on
self-help books this year and more than $1 billion on motivational
speakers. More than 100 colleges now offer classes in positive
psychology – the science of happiness. With all those
resources focused on achieving happiness, we should all be
brimming with joy.
So where do we go wrong? Gilbert, author
of the recent book, Stumbling on Happiness, blames
our culture, our genes and our imagination.
Our culture implores us to buy bigger,
newer, better things, but research shows "stuff"
does not buy happiness. By and large, money buys happiness
only for those who lack the basic needs. Once you pass an
income of $50,000, more money doesn't buy much more happiness,
Gilbert said.
Our genes hardwire us to reproduce,
but children have a small negative effect on happiness, research
shows. If you're a parent reading this, you're most likely
shaking your head. But Gilbert said the findings are clear
when parents are asked about their level of happiness in the
moment.
"When you follow people throughout
their days, as they're going about their normal activities,
people are about as happy interacting with their children,
on average, as when they're doing housework. They're much
less happy than when they're exercising, sleeping, grocery
shopping, hanging out with friends," Gilbert said. "Now,
that doesn't mean they don't occasionally create those transcendent
moments of joy that we remember as filling our days with happiness."
Finally, our imaginations fail us,
Gilbert said, because when we envision different futures we
see either perpetual gloom or happily-ever-after scenarios.
In fact, neither unhappiness nor joy last as long as we expect.
As you've probably guessed, winning the lottery will not guarantee
a life of bliss.
By the same token, becoming disabled
does not relegate one to a life of unhappiness. The disabled
spend their days about as happy as the general population,
according to Gilbert.
So what makes us happy? In general,
the older you get, the happier you get – until you reach
very old age.
According to a Pew Research Center
survey, the happiest age group is men 65 and older; the least
happy: men 18 to 29.
The survey also found:
-
Married people are happier
than singles.
-
College grads are happier
than those without a college degree.
-
People who were religious
are happier than those who aren't.
-
Sunbelt residents are
happier than other US residents.
-
Republicans are happier
than Democrats – but both are happier than Independents.
Nancy Segal, a professor at California
State University, Fullerton, has spent her professional career
studying twins and happiness. We all have an innate level
of happiness, Segal said. The best we can do is boost our
happiness a little bit above this natural "set point".
With that in mind, Segal said we should
pass on buying lottery tickets and find small things we can
do every day that bring us joy, whether it's going for a walk
or cooking a meal or reading a book.
Robert Biswas-Diener is called the
Indiana Jones of positive psychology because he has traveled
the globe looking at happiness in different cultures.
"There is good evidence that people
express at least some fundamental emotions like disgust, anger
and happiness in a very similar way all around the world,"
Diener said.
Diener, who also is a life coach, says
happiness from the most traditional cultures to the most modern
depend heavily on close family and other human relationships.
If you want to do a better job prediction
how happy something will make you, said Gilbert, the Harvard
professor, you need to remember we are not so different when
it comes to happiness.
"If I wanted to know what a certain
future would feel like to me, I would find someone who is
already living that future," he said. "If I wonder
what it's like to become a lawyer or marry a busy executive
or eat at a particular restaurant, my best bet is to find
people who have actually done these things and see how happy
they are.
"What we know from studies is
not only will this increase the accuracy of your prediction,
but nobody wants to do it," he said. "The reason
is that we believe we're unique. We don't believe other people's
experiences can tell us all that much about our own. I think
this is an illusion of uniqueness."
And if you're trying to decide between
the new car and the trip to Europe, Gilbert recommended the
trip.
"Part of us believes the new car
is better because it lasts longer. But, in fact, that's the
worst thing about the new car," he said. "It will
stay around to disappoint you, whereas a trip to Europe is
over. It evaporates, it has the good sense to go away, and
you are left with nothing but a wonderful memory."
From the Daily Om: Using
Your Power
Using Your Power Self-Determination
Our lives are defined by the decisions we make each day. When
we choose one option over another, whether we are selecting
a restaurant or considering a cross-country move, we shape our
lives. The decision-making process can be empowering, allowing
us to enjoy the benefits of self-determination. Yet it can also
be a source of anxiety because decisions force us to face the
possibility of dissatisfaction and inner conflict. As a result,
many of us opt to avoid making decisions by allowing others
to make them for us. We consequently turn our power over to
spouses, relatives, friends, and colleagues, granting them the
stewardship of our lives that is ours by right. Though the decisions
we must make are often difficult, we grow more self-sufficient
and secure each time we trust ourselves enough to choose.
Ultimately, only you can know how the options before you will
impact your daily life and your long-term well-being. Within
you lies the power to competently weigh the advantages and disadvantages
of each selection. Even if you feel incapable of making a decision,
your inner wisdom and your intuitive mind will give you sound
counsel if you have faith in yourself. Try to come to your own
conclusions before seeking the guidance of others, and even
then, treat their suggestions as supplementary information rather
than votes to be tallied. Before making your choice, release
your fear of wrong decisions. Perceived mistakes can lead you
down wonderful and unexpected paths that expose you to life-changing
insights. If you can let go of the notion that certain choices
are utterly right while others are entirely wrong, you will
be less tempted to invite others to take the reigns of your
destiny.
When your choices are your own, you will be more likely to
accept and be satisfied with the outcome of those choices. Your
decisions will be a pure reflection of your desires, your creativity,
your awareness, and your power. Since you understand that you
must live with and take responsibility for your decisions, you
will likely exercise great care when coming to conclusions.
As you learn to make informed and autonomous choices, you will
gain the freedom to consciously direct the flow of your life
without interference.
Recommended Reading: Marley
& Me
Sacred Path members can send in their
own reviews and recommendations of personal favorites, whether
they be novels, poetry, short stories, or nonfiction dealing
with men's work, essays, anecdotes, sources of inspiration,
etc. Each review could include a short blurb on the author,
or perhaps a short piece taken from the work. Send your favorite
reads to Rich Manners at:
jyngleman@sbcglobal.net
Marley & Me
Life and love with the world's worst dog
by John Grogan
289 pages
 "When
I looked up, there Marley stood, ten feet from us, facing
the street, in a determined bull-like crouch I had never
seen before. It was a fighter's stance. His muscles bulged
at the neck; his jaw was clenched; the fur between his shoulder
blades bristled. He was intensely focused on the street
and appeared poised to lunge. I realized in an instant that
my wife had been right. At that moment I knew – I absolutely
knew without doubt – that Marley would fight the trespasser
to the death before he would let him at us."
Marley & Me is the heartwarming and
unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously
neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life.
John and Jenny Grogan were just beginning
their life together. They were young and in love, with a
perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they
brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy.
Life would never be the same.
Marley quickly grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound
steamroller of a Labrador retriever, a dog like no other.
He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall,
flung drool on guests, stole women's undergarments, and
ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including
couches and fine jewelry. Obedience school did no good –
Marley was expelled. Neither did the tranquilizers the veterinarian
prescribed for him with the admonishment, "DonÕt hesitate
to use these."
And yet Marley's heart was pure. Just as he
joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and
loyalty were boundless, too. Marley shared the couple's
joy at their first pregnancy and their heartbreak over the
miscarriage. He was there when babies finally arrived and
when the screams of a seventeen-year-old stabbing victim
pierced the night. Marley shut down a public beach and managed
to land a role in a feature-length movie, always winning
hearts as he made a mess of things. Through it all he remained
steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was
at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn,
comes in many forms.
Is it possible for humans to discover the
key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog?
Just ask the Grogans.
– Rich Manners
Jonathan Young: Movie Review
- Charlotte's Web
Mythologist Jonathan Young has provided a review of
the movie Charlotte's Web.Ê Since it also speaks to the
power of mentoring I thought we might use it in our Jan.
newsletter.
– Stephen Johnson
The Radiant Life:
Thoughts on the Enduring Significance of Charlotte's
Web
There are a few stories that light up the imagination so
vividly they change how we see the world. Such a tale is
Charlotte's Web. The saga of the runt saved from the farmer's
axe reflects our own experiences. We have all felt like
runts at some time. We are each, like Wilbur the pig, discovering
that life is a risky proposition.
Wilbur is bottle-fed and wheeled around in a pram. This
is the innocence of early childhood, the universal Garden
of Eden. It is lovely, but cannot last. Once Wilbur grows
too big to be a pet, he moves to Homer Zuckerman's barn,
an unwelcoming community of various animals. This move could
represent our introduction to social life. Things do not
go well. Wilbur is terribly lonely.
One creature welcomes the newcomer. It is Charlotte, the
spider. Wilbur has been complimentary to everyone and delights
in the smallest things. Only Charlotte sees his fine qualities
and Wilbur is the only one who thinks the spider is beautiful.
This mutual appreciation is absolutely genuine. The others
have simply not made the effort to see below the surface.
When Wilbur learns that he will be sentenced to the smoke
house before winter, Charlotte promises to literally save
his bacon. The bond is formed. The word used in the story
is friend, but Charlotte is really more of a mentor to Wilbur.
Essentially, a mentor is someone who knows more and is
willing to share the knowledge. "Should I worry?" asks Wilbur.
"Of course not," Charlotte replies, "what good would that
do?"
Charlotte's Web takes an unflinching look at hard parts
of life. Charlotte serenely faces the worst, "We're born,
we live a little, and we die." She manages to calm Wilbur
in the face of looming slaughter. It takes courage not to
be immobilized by awareness of mortality.
The other animals don't think much of Wilber at first.
He is something of a lost soul when he arrives. Only gradually
do they appreciate his charm and enthusiasm. Charlotte bolsters
his self-image by spelling out his best aspects. The story
reminds us that identity is formed in relationships. Wilbur
doesn't know he is Some Pig until Charlotte tells him.
This is not a story about a victim who does nothing to
save himself. To see Wilbur as passive would be missing
his subtle gifts. Wilbur is consistently caring and engaging.
These are not small contributions to the social fabric.
He affirms everybody he meets.
It is crucial to appreciate that Wilbur does his part.
As Charlotte spins, he digs down and finds ways to be radiant.
When the crowd gathers, Wilbur blinks his long eyelashes
and smiles up at the gathered throng. Then, for dramatic
emphasis, he springs into the air and does a backflip. He
is giving this project his all.
Charlotte did not create Wilbur's fine qualities, she
just noticed them. He even protested that he did not feel
particularly terrific, but she knows better. It is crucial
that a mentor celebrates true qualities. Caring attention
allows a glimpse beneath the surface.
Fame wins Wilbur only a temporary stay of execution. Maybe
if he wins the blue ribbon at the county fair, he will be
allowed to live on. Charlotte is a fine wordsmith, adding
terrific and finally humble to the web over the fair stall.
This last word is perfect. Fame has not changed Wilbur.
He is still an unassuming, unpretentious little pig.
The events have certainly changed Homer Zuckerman. In a
speech to the crowd at the fair, he says we just need to
have eyes that are able to see miracles when they happen
in the midst of our ordinary days.
There are good reasons that this is the bestselling children's
paperback of all time. Charlotte's Web is a celebration
of the quiet virtues, like keeping a tender heart, accepting
one's true nature, and valuing the unique gifts of others.
The story has many mythic parallels. Charlotte is akin
to Penelope from the Odyssey, weaving and unweaving her
web to stall off an unwanted event. She also reminds us
of the Navajo tales of Spider Woman, who controls the elements
with her web.
There are also hints of Ariadne who spun the guiding thread
that made it possible to escape the labyrinth. We might
also think of the three fates. One would spin the thread
of life. Another measures out the length. A third cuts to
provide termination. Of these, the second of the fates would
be the primary model for this story. Charlotte's spinning
lengthened the number of Wilbur's days.
Charlotte's Web was first published in 1952 and has now
been loved by generations of children. Responding to a young
reader, author E. B. White once wrote: "In real life, a
spider doesn't spin words in her web. . . . But real life
is only one kind of life - there is also the life of the
imagination." The memorable details of this story linger
on. Any tale that can so enrich the inner life is a treasure.
We could see this dream-like tale as a drama unfolding
entirely in the imagination. In this view, each of the characters
represents an aspect within. After all, the tale came out
of the head of one writer and goes into the imagination
of one person at a time.
Wilbur would stand for the vulnerabilities of an insecure
identity. Charlotte would represent a higher self who provides
help from above. In the world within, we are never alone.
We each have a colorful cast of inner characters who bring
differing gifts to the table. The story shows that each
of us, in our own ways, can be radiant and terrific. It
also reminds us in moments of glory to remain humble. Not
all wisdom tales are so enchanting. Charlotte's Web is one
for the ages.
– Jonathan Young
Greywolf's Native Spirit Lodge
in New Larger Quarters
The Native Spirit Lodge has moved to a facility 2 1/2 times
larger than the old store. It is now located at 22559 Ventura
Boulevard in Woodland Hills, two blocks west of Shoup on
the north side of the street. Greywolf and David have augmented
their stocks of stones, crystals, carved turquoise, necklaces,
bracelets, and Native American goods including pipes, talking
sticks, drums, rattles, various smudges and more. They also
have a complete supply of Tibetan Singing Bowls. Hours are
Wednesday through Sunday, 12-6 PM. The phone number is still
(818) 703-7046. Remember to ask for the Sacred Path discount
price when you purchase your goods.
Men's Teams
A new group will be forming in the Venice/Pacific Palisades
area. For more info on joining and meeting times, contact Nick
Rath at (310) 454-2965, or e-mail him at: nrath@adelphia.net
The West Hills Group is now filled to
capacity. For those interested in adding their names to the
wait list, contact Ross Avery at (818) 762-5022, or e-mail him
at rossandarlyn@sbcglobal.net
The West Side Men's Group is now filled to capacity. For
those interested in adding their names to the wait list, contact
Mark Kreher at (310) 581-6616 or e-mail him at: mark.kreher@verizon.net.
You can also contact David Sacks at (323) 369-3344, or e-mail
him at: sacks.d@gmail.com
The Thousand Oaks/Calabasas Men's Circle is currently meeting
monthly. If you live near this geographic area and have an interest
in participating in a men's group, contact Matthew Burke at
(818)774-1000, or e-mail him at: matthewburke@singerburke.com
for more information.
David "Stongbear" Myers is heading up a team in the
San Gabriel Valley. If you're interested in joining, talk to
Strongbear at (818)541-9499, or e-mail him at: strongbear46@msn.com
Important Web Links
The LAMC web site now has a page dedicated to links to various
individuals and organizations who may be of assistance to members.
You'll find therapists, counselors, authors, realtors, health
resources, men's issues resources, assistance in fathering,
musicians, Native American and interfaith teachings, ceremonies
and camps,mid-life issues resources, and a lot more. If you're
reading the newsletter on a PDF file, simply paste this link
into your web browser to go to the Links page: www.menscenterlosangeles.com/links.html
CD's by Sacred Path Members Available
You can purchase the excellent CD's by Sacred Path brothers
Ed Munter, Tommy Holmes, Christo Pellani, Rich Manners
and Albert Marrewa.
Ed's CD's, Tracking Down the Soul and Soul Journey,
are available at www.innerpathproductions.org
Tommy's self-titled album can be ordered from www.TommyHolmes.com.
Christo's second album, Soundscape Pyramids – Resonance
Forms, is available at info@soundformation.com
Rich's CD, Speechless, featuring the voices of Mimi
Manners, is available at jyngleman@sbcglobal.net
Albert's Relaxing Into Now is available at www.albertmarrewa.com
In addition, talks by the Director of the L.A. Men's Center,
Dr. Stephen Johnson, are available on the LA Men's Center web
site, as well as several CD sets of past retreats. Go to
www.menscenterlosangeles.com
Sacred Path Alumni Yahoo Group
What does Sacred Path do to support men after they have completed
their retreats? The Sacred Path Alumni Discussion Group is one
answer to that query. It provides a means for our community
of men to have ongoing e-mail contact and discussions with their
fellow Sacred Path Retreat graduates. Membership is restricted
to graduates of a Sacred Path retreat. The simplest way to sign
up is to send an e-mail (its content is irrelevant) to: Sacred_Path_Alumni-subscribe@Yahoo.groups.com.
You can also join from the Sacred Path Alumni's home page:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sacredpathalumni.
Once you have become a member of the discussion group, you
can begin using our Sacred Path Alumni Yahoo Group immediately.
Members are able to use any or all of the following features:
Contribute to the Newsletter
Does your creativity need an outlet? Here's a chance for your
unique words to appear on the printed page (or at least a computer
screen)! Send us an article, an anecdote, a poem, a joke; whatever
tickles your fancy. Please address your e-mails to Rich Manners
at: jyngleman@sbcglobal.net.
Bribes will be cheerfully accepted!
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