November Newsletter and Appeal for Help

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Hello Everyone,

It is very exciting for me to announce that the new heating system will be installed in the yurt on November 13th. This will make it very comfortable for winter yoga classes, group and private meditation retreats, healing circles, circle dancing and for those who drop in daily to sit in silence. The total cost for this will be $3,651.00.

There have been two fund raising events at the yurt to raise money for the heating system. Lynn Crawford offered a shamanic/buddhist day long retreat a few years ago and we raised $400.00. Twenty-six of us gathered for a Winter Solstice Celebration and fundraiser and added another $60.00 (after expenses) to that.

This fall I decided to take the plunge and go ahead with this project.

Most events that happen in the yurt are available to you by donation or with a 'no one turned away for lack of funds' policy. The yurt was built with the intention to create a space that cultivates silence as a container for meditative inquiry, yoga, and other healing modalities. This quality of energy is now palatable and it is available to everyone regardless of financial situation. This is my gift to my community and this is my work in my community.

Yesterday a tree fell and hit the yurt. Although there was no structural damage, (whew!) the roof needs repairing. I need your help. I need to raise funds for the heating system and yurt maintenance so that I can take the next steps in my healing journey.

Without more financial support, I can no longer continue to carry this project. I am not independently wealthy. I make my living primarily from the sessions that I do. Deerheart has not been designed to be a big money maker...it has been set up to serve the community as sacred space.

I realize that in the west we are uncomfortable and unfamiliar with the concept of 'by donation'. Is this too little or too much or does it mean it is free? It is a different orientation and the only way to approach this is from your own truth of whether or not this has value for you. Would you like to see this continue in a way that everyone can benefit?

There are a number of ways to contribute:

1. Come 'veiled' and join us on Monday November 2nd for THE DAY OF THE DEAD gathering and celebration. This is an opportunity to honour those loved ones who have passed over. Fire Circle 3pm. Journey to the Underworld with Ambika at 4pm and Circle Dancing with Yamaya at 7pm. Please bring: a picture or talisman of someone who has passed over and their favorite food to share in potluck. *also bring your own bowl/plate, cutlery and mug. If you would like to contribute, leave a donation in the basket provided.
2. Join us for a silent meditation retreat Sunday November 15th - Wednesday November 18th. There is a charge for food and accommodation but the actual retreat is available to everyone by donation. This means hours of scheduled, timed meditation sits and satsang (dharma talks) for you. More info on the website.
3. On Thursday November 19th at noon, join us for a screening of inspiring short documentaries from the Global Oneness Project. Live/Raw food snacks and tea will be served. Donations appreciated!
4. Offer a workshop, retreat or yoga class. Call me to learn about rental policies.
5. I have herbal heart balms (great for dry skin) available for $15.00 and they make beautiful gifts!
6. Book a session with me! I will be heading off on an important healing journey of my own toward the end of November. Make your appointment soon or buy a gift certificate for a special someone! (If you are buying it as a Christmas gift I will be back on the island in February. if not before. Gift certificates will be honoured for one year.)
7. We can always use some help with projects.
8. If you feel inclined to support the space being held and the work being done here at Deerheart, you can also make a donation by going to the homepage www.deerheartsanctuary.com and clicking on the donate button. This will take you to paypal. Another option is to send a donation by mail to Deerheart Sanctuary, 7720 Central Rd, Hornby Island B.C. V0R 1Z0
9. If you know of anyone else who might like to make a contribution, please forward this e-mail to them.

*Open records will be kept re: donations and projects

I appreciate you taking the time to read through this. This has not been comfortable or easy to write. To those of you who have continually offered support in so many different ways, my deepest, heartfelt gratitude. May we all have the courage to ask for and the willingness to receive the support that we need!

Many Blessings, Michelle

Please refer to www.deerheartsanctuary.com for more information or do not hesitate to call me at 250-335-0952.

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