Heart Wisdom News | Awakening to the Heart

Gardens are Blooming & Hearts are Full...

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 20:00:53 -0400

It is the beginning of July and we are looking forward to starting up our Awakening to the Heart schedule again!

Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary's gardens are blooming and Norman is now rehabilitating at home, 6 weeks after having a stroke. He is feeling energized and excited about participating in our heart-centered events.. We are both grateful for our loving community and all the support we have received over the past several weeks. Although he is unable to get around independently, Norman will be able to easily get down to the yurt via an old golf cart that has been used off and on here at the farm. He is looking forward to offering Satsang on August 3rd ~ Join us in the sacred space of kirtan, meditation and a special Satsang with Norman at BodhiHeart Yurt. Cynthia is also very ready to lead Community Kirtan again on August 11…!

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We are looking forward to celebrating with Johanna Beekman on Sunday, July 14, in less than a couple of weeks! Please join us for her special Soul-full Kirtan, followed by a Community Potluck
and an evening of Lullaby Yoga.

Feeling Blessed & Moving Forward...

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:17:34 -0400

We feel so blessed with all the love, healing energy and support we have received these past several weeks. And, we are now moving forward, ready to continue with our planned events this summer at BodhiHeart Yurt and Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary!

Norman will be returning home to Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary on June 25, 2019, a little over one month after having a stroke that has created limitations for using the right side of his body. In just 3 weeks, he is already walking with assistance of a cane for short periods. There has been a continual gain in the strength and use of his right leg. For now, he will be mobile by also using a wheelchair. His right arm is slowly waking up. There is still much therapy and rehabilitation ahead and he is working diligently with great determination and positivity. Norman's speech was originally affected as well, but he is now able to speak more fluently by relearning how to speak using his breath and being very conscious in how he enunciates his words and uses inflection. Norman’s mind is sharp, his spirit is strong, and he is looking forward to giving his next Satsang, which is scheduled for the first Saturday morning in August!

A Bump in the Road…

Mon, 27 May 2019 07:13:26 -0400

We’ve hit a bump, but we are still on the journey….

We are sad to say that we will need to put a hold temporarily on our events.

Friday, May 24th, Norman had an ischemic stroke. It was very unexpected, of course. Through various tests, we found out his large vessels and heart are in very good shape, but he had a stricture of the tiny blood vessels in an area of his brain, not caused by a clot or bleed, but by being one of the rare persons that may get this in his age group. It has been a whirlwind the past few days. We feel blessed to have gotten over the life-risking part of this. His speech has been affected and he is unable to use the right side of his body. He is very alert and determined to do whatever he can to talk clearly enough to communicate well (especially to give Satsangs!) and be able to walk down to the yurt on his own. We are now in the process of planning for his rehabilitation and it is very unclear at this point what that is going to look like.

In about a month, we will re-evaluate if we are able to hold any events in July. We both want to be able to continue with our vision and offerings. It has become part of the fabric of our lives and very meaningful to us. Please hold us in your hearts and send healing energy to Norman when you can.

A Sweet Day of Silence and Sacred Sound...

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 08:46:42 -0500

On February 16, we held our first silent meditation daylong retreat at BodhiHeart Yurt. Our time together was spent with silent meditation sittings, Satsang and spiritual inquiry/dialogue with Norman, and Kirtan led by Cynthia. A sacred time for all who were there.

We are looking forward to our next retreat at the end of September, when we can also include time walking Metta Labyrinth in meditative silence.

An Afternoon of Love and Grace...

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:08:57 -0500

At the end of January, a Kirtan Workshop and Kirtan sponsored by Scott Whitmore, Outreach Director of the Call and Response Foundation, was held here at BodhiHeart Yurt with about 25 open-hearted individuals. The afternoon and early evening was full and bright, with snow softly falling around us. What a special event it turned out to be! Scott Hari Whitmore and Evan Bushnell (Muid) offered such love and grace through their teaching and leading beautiful chants. Rasa Lockhart also offered us her special presence and Kirtan support through her percussion expertise with bells and tamborine!

Below are some memorable pictures of this event.

2018, a very good year...

Sat, 29 Dec 2018 16:15:12 -0500

Our Winter Solstice Evening was so warm with light and love, while the rain poured outside! We gathered around lighted candles in BodhiHeart Yurt and then around the fireplace in “the Cabin”, honoring the darkest night and the return of the light. What a sweet time spent with everyone who was able to join us!

Here we are at the end of the year 2018, which brought us many blessings and adventures, and the creation of our sacred space at Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary. Among the greatest blessings is the loving energy shared with new and old friends at the opening celebration and other events held at BodhiHeart Yurt. We are so very grateful. And, we are looking forward to the experience and unfolding of what the year 2019 will bring!

Our Celebration Blessings...

Sun, 25 Nov 2018 15:48:38 -0500

One week ago today was our Opening Celebration & Blessing of BodhiHeart Yurt.
What a joyous and heart-filled event it was! A gathering of the sweetest hearts one could ever imagine to meet. It started with a robust gathering and potluck with all sorts of lovey food to nourish our bodies. Then, Kirtan from the Heart with Adam Bauer and his crew that nourished our souls. Singing, chanting, dancing—it was all there. A divine blessing for BodhiHeart Yurt and for all those 30+ folks who participated! And, for those who had energy left, a celebration bonfire with tossing of cleansing herbs in the fire to send out the abundance of love we gathered in the yurt out to the world, along with some drumming and smiles.
We are so grateful for all of it!

A very special thanks to Scott Snyder for capturing these pictures for us all to enjoy and reflect on this fun and magical evening!

A Divine Rainbow for Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 13:40:56 -0400

Sites for BodhiHeart Yurt, Ceremonial Fire Pit (behind small group of trees)

and Metta Labyrinth

It is difficult for any one to ignore the majesty and mystical presence of a rainbow. Last week we received this beautiful image from above, offering us a divine message that our vision of expanding our sacred place here at Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary is indeed upon us.

It has only been since June when we received a clear message that we were called to build a yurt/meditation hall, but it has seemed longer in the waiting for things to fall into place. In the meantime, our vision of a sacred space has expanded to include a 40’ Labyrinth, a large ceremonial fire pit and offering a space for community kirtan!

This week things are progressing a at quicker pace, as the fire pit is completed, Metta Labyrinth now has a perimeter of stones, and BodhiHeart Yurt will be landing at Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary in a few days.

We are blessed. We are full of gratitude.
We are excited to share all of this with a growing conscious community!

Reflections on the Heart’s Way

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:28:06 -0400

Reflections on the Heart’s Way
~ Norman Scrimshaw ~

We try so hard to bring who we think we are to realization. These efforts will fail. The imaginary self cannot awaken. Keeping the false self going requires strategy. It constantly needs protection. Fortresses need to be built, yet it is like a sand castle facing the rising tide, it crumbles and constantly needs to be rebuilt.

We keep the imagined self alive with the ever changing “ Story of Me” We keep fears alive with memories of a past, then project them into an imaginary future. We forget the pain from time to time, with the dream of the “imagined one” who will awaken.

Let go of this dreaming—all that you think yourself to be.
It is so much effort and it is high maintenance.

We hold our identity tightly like a clinched fist.

Why not let go of this busyness of the mind for a short time and see what happens? Enter silently into that which is formless, without the baggage of all you believe to know.

Let go of your clenching fist, it will open naturally.

Community Kirtan!

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 18:27:58 -0400

~ Sandwich Mountain Community Kirtan ~
Cynthia Garner Scrimshaw

Our vision of providing sacred space that supports awakening to the heart, to joy, our true nature and building conscious community—Kirtan, often referred to as Bhakti Yoga or devotional music—encompasses all of this. We love the joy and heart-expanding experience of Kirtan. Chanting and moving to kirtan music is meditation in active form and creates an experience of heart connection and unity.

I can’t remember exact details around making the decision to purchase my harmonium. I just remember that it came from deep within. After ordering my sacred instrument, I immediately received information about “Kirtan Camp” with Amah Devi and Johanna Beekman at The Yoga Space in Keene, NH, a half day intensive on learning how to play the harmonium. Yes, the universe affirmed I was to play the harmonium and begin a daily chanting practice—and to use my voice! The next step: sharing this in community.

Devotional music is often seen as an essential part of Satsang. Other than occasionally playing a special recording before meditation, this is something new for Norman in all the years he has led Satsang. With his renewed energy for teaching, he is embracing the potential for deepening the experience of Satsang. When we chant ancient sanskrit mantras and sing together before meditation, it helps to shift our sense of separateness to that of oneness and unity with the divine source within each of us. In addition, Norman feels that devotional music added to Satsang can help to relax the mind and open the heart. We began with including one devotional song/chant before meditation at our last Satsang, and plan to continue with this format.

Harvest Moon…

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 15:45:58 -0400

~ Harvest Moon at Sandwich Mountain Sanctuary ~

It is now officially autumn and tonight is the Harvest Moon. Along with the moon, our hearts are full. It is one of our favorite times of the year here in the White Mountains. We must admit we have been challenged staying fully in the moment recently, with planning and making preparations for the building of BodhiHeart Yurt and Metta Labyrinth. The ground prep for both has been delayed by several weeks and we have received word that it will begin this week, weather permitting. Next week we will hear when to expect arrival of the yurt materials. A pile of old field stones continue to nest close by, waiting to become the foundation of sacred space for the labyrinth.

All is well. When we stop and listen carefully, we can hear the land and the mountains whispering “Yes”.

Blessings from John “O’Donohue

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 08:32:28 -0400

Blessings from John O’Donohue
~ Cynthia Garner Scrimshaw ~

Recently I came across an article that I had saved, called The Presence of Compassion, an Interview with John O’Donohue by Mary NurrieStearns. The quote below comes from his discussion about compassion and prayer.

Compassion and Prayer
"There is a place in you...that is the eternal place within you. The more we visit there, the more we are touched and fused with the limitless kindness and affection of the divine…If we can inhabit that reflex of divine presence, then compassion will flow naturally from us.”

~ John O’Donohue
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After reading those eight pages of dialogue in the article, I deeply felt the presence of compassion and the beauty of O’Donohue’s spirit. It reminded me of his powerful short time on earth, the spiritual hope and wisdom that he offered us…and a couple of his books on the shelf that I had not visited recently. This morning, I spent some time with them. Below are some other heart wisdom words from him that I feel moved to share…
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Metta ~ Compassion Practice

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 09:43:18 -0400

Metta ~ Compassion Practice
~ Cynthia Garner Scrimshaw ~

The Practice of Compassion is rooted in the heart, at the very core of our being. It is the essence and ultimate expression of my own spiritual practice, and that of Buddhism, Christianity and other World Religions. Practicing compassion opens the heart and awakens us. In the practice of compassion, we discover our innate resilience that helps us cope with life challenges and personal suffering, and strength to hold empathy for others. Simultaneously, it offers us a way to deepen heart-felt feelings of love, joy, and connection with all sentient and non-sentient beings and the world we live in, and finding deeper meaning in our daily life.

So what does this practice look and feel like? How can one move concepts out of the mind into the true experience? I adore the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. He has helped me simplify and develop my practice of compassion, such as mindfully drinking a cup of tea when feeling stressed, or moving my computer out of my lap to make the space for one of my cats, Ani or Bodhi, so that we can taste the sweetness of silent and healing connection with one another. This is a simple practice of compassion—being mindful, intentional and opening one’s heart to the beautiful experience of living each moment.

What are you Searching For?

Thu, 05 Jul 2018 08:48:31 -0400

What are you Searching For?
~ Norman Scrimshaw ~

Behind all our desires we are seeking peace, joy, wisdom, love, and connection. These are natural to who you truly are.

~You are already that which you are seeking~

Often we are not experiencing this natural state of being. We are identified with a mind that assumes we are lacking something that we need. This mind churns to seek what is missing that would complete us where we feel deficient. It could be more money, a new relationship, a better job, a house, or land. Perhaps if we had more friends, we would be happy… Some seek power to feel more safe—“if only people would behave towards me the way they should”. Getting what we want may help us feel better for a time, but the feeling of “something is missing” returns. It is never enough. Those who seek spiritual experiences can fall into the same trap of believing in a mind that is never satisfied. The light is not bright enough. The experience didn’t last. Eventually the disappointing experience rises as “I lost it” or “I need a bigger experience” and so on.

If We Build It, Will You Come?

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 13:44:32 -0400

We wake up each morning in gratitude to be living surrounded by such natural beauty here in the White Mountains. For many years, we have had a vision of building a yurt as a sacred space on this land. There is a new stirring in our hearts that the time is NOW! We are feeling a deepening in awakening that needs expression. We keep getting an image of the movie, “Field of Dreams”. A voice in our hearts speaks, “If you build it, they will come”.

There are other voices in our Heads, that say…
“Are you crazy?”
“It is too expensive”
“You are supposed to be retired and are too old to start something like this”
“No one will come this far into the wilderness”

We have decided to follow the voice in our hearts.

The deposit has been made and it’s non-refundable! We anticipate the “raising” of the 25-foot diameter yurt to happen the beginning of October 2018.

Below is the site where the yurt will rest. Look carefully for the Prayer flags that are flying over the sacred space that has been chosen.

More news and pictures to come, as we share the progress.

The Call to Serve…

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 18:50:57 -0400

When we decided to retire a few years ago, we envisioned spending our time enjoying the natural world and our home, doing more traveling, reading, and a sundry of other activities.

We have done a lot of this, yet what we realized after deep inner listening, is that we both are called again to serve others. Serving others in awakening to the beauty of their hearts, we continue to deepen a sweet intimacy in our own true nature and love for life.

Norman and Cynthia