SEPTEMBER 2013

It Looks Like It's Open - 13 E Tulane Rd, Columbus, Ohio
More big changes at ILLIO! Now that Jesse Hemminger has purchased the ILLIO building, the other side has opened up. Ecoflora, the awesome organic flower shop, has moved in <www.ecofloradesign.com> and Heidi and Heidi have their own space for their awesome costumes and puppets. Beaker Prince has gone back to her fall schedule and won't be offering Alexander Practice at ILLIO anymore. Check out her classes elsewhere: <www.yogadirections.com>. But we've been joined by Alison Coleman, the Director of the Fuse Factory Electronic and Digital Arts Lab, and Teresa Devitt, who will be teaching "Meditate Activate Integrate" classes every Monday and Wednesday. See more about their work at <thefusefactory.org> and <www.mindfullyfitwithteresa.com/aboutme.html> 




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Studio-mate shows not at the studio:



Jesse Hemminger is taking Glowie Monsters to the Ingenuity Fest, September 20-22 in Cleveland OH. Ingenuity’s mission is to ignite the creative spark where the arts, science, and technology intersect. By animating Cleveland’s urban spaces with world-class, innovative experiences, Ingenuity provides a unique platform to explore the boundaries of art and technology. More info at: http://ingenuitycleveland.com/

Heidi and Heidi of Openheartcreatures are talking "Bully Eraser ~ Love Replacer" performance to Mifflin Middle school Friday, September 27th. 


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13 E. Tulane events:



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Saturday, Sept 7th, 6-8:pm

Intuitive Breath Work

Treat yourself to an evening of relaxation, release and renewal. Certified breathwork leaders Christopher and Paula Easton will be in Columbus and on Saturday 9/7 from 6-8pm at the It Looks Like It's Open Studio in Clintonville, they will be offering a group intuitive breathwork session. The cost is $40 and you can email Amy at PersonalGrowthCoachAmy@gmail.com to preregister.

For more about Paula and Christopher, visit: www.breatheinandbeyond.com

fb event at: www.facebook.com/events/1413878655500176/



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Sunday, Sept 8th, 2-4:pm

Open Meditation: The Garden of Sangha


For me, the last few months would have been impossible without the real sangha-jewel that surrounds me. A sangha is a community of kindness and friendship. It is hardly possible to make it through hardship and find our own deepest selves without this. According to the Sambodhi Sutta (AN 9.1), the Buddha advised his students, "admirable people as friends, companions, and colleagues ...is the first prerequisite for the development of the wings to self-awakening."

Even if we find great realization on our own, the effect on the world is minimal if we do not express our realization among others. Truly, cultivating our own awakening is not separate from cultivating the awakening of those around us.

One of the central tasks of a supportive community is to looking and seeing who we each truly are. A supportive community keeps us from being lost in our deluded perceptions of ourself. At the same time, we must practice giving our selves over to our community, taking our guard down, and - as much as possible - being authentic even though we may be afraid of their judgment.

While there are many places where we can improve, a true friend knows these flaws are not the whole of our being. She can remind us of our own best qualities and our own deepest aspirations, and we do our best to do the same for her.

Those who are free and feel they would benefit, let's sit in silence together allowing our thoughts to rest so we can cultivate deep listening and non-judement, in order to melt into something greater than ourselves.

*As we have in the past, we will sit for two 20/25 minute silent sessions with quiet walking in between. We will have time for every participant to talk before and after. Those new to meditation are welcome to join and participate as much as they feel comfortable. If you've never sat in silence in community before, come on time and ask questions.

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Tuesday, Sept 10th 7:30pm - and every Tuesday -

Queer Yoga's Tuesday Tadasana


Queer Yoga is Columbus's first queer-focused yoga class that offers professional yoga instruction in a designated Safe(r) Space. We endeavor to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and community in all we do, from sun salutations to post-yoga snack time. Whether you are new to yoga, or you can complete a headstand without assistance, you will find something to challenge and deepen your practice.

 Class fees are $6 for ALL participants. Everyone is welcome. Bring a mat.





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Thursday, Sept 19th, all night
Full Moon


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Friday, Sept 20th, 6-10:pm
Prisoner Art Show

This September RedBird is showcasing art done by prisoners from across Ohio. We have all new pieces and artists who are excited to share their work!

The evening will include a silent auction, poetry written by prisoners, group art projects, prisoner call-ins, music, food and drinks, and a few other surprises.

Come out to support prisoners and RedBird's ongoing efforts to end the silence of incarceration.

$5 sliding scale donation gets you food, booze, entertainment, and a chance to gaze at beautiful art!

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Friday, Sept 27th, 7-10:pm
Wrest and unnamed happening

Wrest
This trio plays acoustic, fully-improvised music on sax, upright bass, and percussion.  The mood can range from a brash, barely-controlled chaos to very delicate.  I'd say we try to avoid musical conventions, including the things we've done before as a group. Trying to become aware of our unconscious notions about what's good or bad in music, and allowing those notions to be upset.  Creating an intensely vulnerable moment that makes possible a strong connection to each other and the audience, and also makes possible a total failure to achieve whatever it was we wanted. This show in Columbus will be towards the end of our third tour as a trio.

Jack Wright (saxes, from Easton, PA)
Evan Lipson (upright bass, from Chattanooga, TN)
Ben Bennett (percussion, from Columbus, OH)

For more info: www.springgardenmusic.com/Wrest.htm

*and*

An unnamed group of women leading an interactive performance / happening.
Posted by at No comments:

Calendar August 2013

It Looks Like It's Open - 13 E Tulane Rd, Columbus, Ohio

Big changes at the studio! Jesse Hemminger has purchased the ILLIO building and we're making plans to expand the space for artists. Send us a message if you'd like to be involved. <seth.josephson@gmail.com> or any other studio-mate.

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Studio-mate shows not at the studio:

Jesse Hemminger's Glowie Monsters
In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.  $39 | 2 for $70. For more info.:thefusefactory.org or glowiemonster@gmail.com

August Glowie Monster Dates:

Tu Aug 6, 9am-12pm, Upper Arlington Recreation Station
Th Aug 15, 1-4pm, McConnell Art Center
Mo Aug 19, 9am-12pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd
Sa Aug 31, 9am-12pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd


A Rainbow of Vegetables: kid's workshop at the ROOTWIRE festivalSunday August 18th 2pm-4pm

1 Hour Workshop, 1 Hour Performance

This offering by Openheart Creatures will focus on how good one feels after eating a ‘rainbow’ of fruits and vegetables. During the workshop, participants will create masks of different varieties of fruits and vegetables which will then be used in a performance demonstrating the colors of the rainbow based on the colors represented in those masks. The workshop and performance will build off the books "How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods" by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers, and "The Way I Feel" by Janan Cain.  Improv storytelling will be used throughout the performance, incorporating the children’s responses about eating healthy foods that were prompted during the workshop.

http://rootwirefestival.com/kids-zone

Dance Performance: Out of Cast and Cave
Thursday, August 29, 5:00pm and 6:30pm

at OSU Urban Arts Space – 50 W Town St, historic Lazarus Building downtown

This performance is the premiere of a duet choreographed by Leigh Lotocki—performed by Leigh and Amanda Platt (both OSU Department of Dance alumni). Featuring live percussion accompaniment by OSU Department of Music graduates Kevin Estes and Johnny Mendoza. Created in conjunction with the exhibition at OSU Urban Arts Space, Donald Lokuta: Plato's Cave – Segal's Studio. Free admission. Reception to follow performance.


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13 E. Tulane events:

Alexander Technique Practicum Sessions (through august)

Beaker Prince will be offering opportunities to explore movement principles of the Alexander Technique at ILLIO at a low, affordable price as she completes complete practice hours to prepare for certification this summer.  Practice sessions are taught one-to-one (couples and small groups can be accommodated if requested) , are 45-50 minutes in length,and will be scheduled at ILLIO on selected afternoons. Beaker is offering these practice lessons at a sliding scale of $10-$20 ($5-15 for full-time students, or a time bank hour for members of the Care and Share Time bank.)

 Please contact Beaker at beakerbee@yahoo.com if you would like to schedule a practice lesson. More information can be found on her website www.yogadirections.com.

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Wednesday, Aug 7th, 10:00am
(little) Open Meditation

A small group has been meeting weekly at the studio and at local parks for a 30 min meditation. We listen and check in before and after the sit. This Wednesday, we will make our place at the studio. Email <seth.josephson@gmail.com> for more information. 

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Sunday, Aug 11th 2:00pm-4:00pm 

Open Meditation : Rest in our own arms



Awakened within a dream,
I fall into my own arms.
...What kept you so long?
      -Lou Hartman

In times of need, how do we check in with ourself and support our rest and recovery? At these times, even sleep can be restless because our mind is not still. Entertainment looses its value because we feel no more at ease after than we did before. We must learn to fall into the comfort of our own arms with nothing extra. Sitting in silence with friends is one good way to turn our light inward and look to the places that call for healing. Holding ourselves in loving attention, we reject nothing, like a parent holding a crying child.

I hold my face in my two hands.
No, I am not crying.
I hold my face in my two hands
to keep the loneliness warm--
two hands protecting,
two hands nourishing,
two hands preventing
my soul from leaving me 
in anger.
      -Thich Nhat Hanh

Holding ourselves gently, we can better hold each other and better give ourselves over to be held. All we need is awareness. 

Be soft in your practice. Think of the method as a fine silvery stream, not a raging waterfall. Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go its own way, meandering here, trickling there. It will find the grooves, the cracks, the crevices. Just follow it. Never let it out of your sight. It will take you.  --Sheng-yen

This month Seth will be absent and Ryan Agnew and John Josephson will fill in as host and facilitator.

*As we have in the past, we will sit for two 20/25 minute sessions with quiet walking in between. We will have time for every participant to talk before and after. Then we'll have tea! Those new to meditation are welcome to join and participate as much as they feel comfortable. If you've never sat in silence in community before, come on time and ask questions.

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Tuesday, Aug 13th 7:30pm - and every Tuesday -

Queer Yoga's Tuesday Tadasana


Queer Yoga is Columbus's first queer-focused yoga class that offers professional yoga instruction in a designated Safe(r) Space. We endeavor to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and community in all we do, from sun salutations to post-yoga snack time. Whether you are new to yoga, or you can complete a headstand without assistance, you will find something to challenge and deepen your practice.

Class fees are $6 for ALL participants. Everyone is welcome. Bring a mat.







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Monday, Aug 19th, 9:00am-12:00pm 
Glowie Monster Workshop

Fee (instruction + materials): $39; $70 for 2
Instructor: Jesse Hemminger
In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.

To reserve a spot in the workshop, please preregister at: http://thefusefactory.org/workshops/

See above for the full list of Glowie Monster classes and locations this summer.

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Saturday, Aug 31st, 9:00am-12:00pm
Glowie Monsters Workshop

Fee (instruction + materials): $39; $70 for 2
Instructor: Jesse Hemminger

In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.

To reserve a spot in the workshop, please preregister at: http://thefusefactory.org/workshops/



See above for the full list of Glowie Monster classes and locations this summer.
Posted by at No comments:

Calendar July 2013

It Looks Like It's Open - 13 E Tulane Rd, Columbus, Ohio

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Studio-mate shows not at the studio:

Jesse Hemminger's Glowie Monsters
In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.  $39 | 2 for $70. For more info.:thefusefactory.org or glowiemonster@gmail.com

Summer Glowie Monster Dates:

Fr July 12, 1-4pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd
Mo July 29 1-4pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd

Tu Aug 6, 9am-12pm, Upper Arlington Recreation Station
Th Aug 15, 1-4pm, McConnell Art Center
Mo Aug 19, 9am-12pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd
Sa Aug 31, 9am-12pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd

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13 E. Tulane events:

Alexander Technique Practicum Sessions

Beaker Prince will be offering opportunities to explore movement principles of the Alexander Technique at ILLIO at a low, affordable price as she completes complete practice hours to prepare for certification this summer.  Practice sessions are taught one-to-one (couples and small groups can be accommodated if requested) , are 45-50 minutes in length,and will be scheduled at ILLIO on selected afternoons. Beaker is offering these practice lessons at a sliding scale of $10-$20 ($5-15 for full-time students, or a time bank hour for members of the Care and Share Time bank.)

Please contact Beaker at beakerbee@yahoo.com if you would like to schedule a practice lesson. More information can be found on her website www.yogadirections.com.

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Tuesday, July 9th 7:30pm - and every Tuesday -
Queer Yoga's Tuesday Tadasana

Queer Yoga is Columbus's first queer-focused yoga class that offers professional yoga instruction in a designated Safe(r) Space. We endeavor to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and community in all we do, from sun salutations to post-yoga snack time. Whether you are new to yoga, or you can complete a headstand without assistance, you will find something to challenge and deepen your practice.

Class fees are $6 for ALL participants. Everyone is welcome. Bring a mat.


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Friday, July 12th, 1:00-4:00pm 
Glowie Monster Workshop

Fee (instruction + materials): $39; $70 for 2
Instructor: Jesse Hemminger

In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.

To reserve a spot in the workshop, please preregister at: http://thefusefactory.org/workshops/

See above for the full list of Glowie Monster classes and locations this summer.

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Friday, July 12th, 6:00-9:00pm
FAREWELL - Drawings and Paintings by Mike Newton

Mike's last show in C-bus before he moves to Brooklyn. Drawings and paintings on display as well as some prints.


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Sunday, July 14th 2:00pm-4:00pm 
Open Meditation : Peace in a World of War

This month's meditation coincides with an event organized by the Columbus Burma Task Force, a group seeking to protect the Muslim minority in Burma. I think it's important to hold our meditation space regularly, so I am not canceling this month's session. I would like us to practice in solidarity with those suffering in this crisis. Let's reflect on how our own fear grows sometimes into anger and how to best express our anger fully but without violence. Let's also be aware that no identity (i.e. "Buddhist") is immune to the poisons of greed, hatred, and delusion.

Rather than collecting donations for rent and studio expenses, we'll collect for an aid organization helping Muslims in Burma. (not yet chosen)

Feel free to attend the Columbus Burma Task Force education event instead: 1:00pm at First UU. https://www.facebook.com/events/479685635458090/

*As we have in the past, we will sit for two 20/25 minute sessions with quiet walking in between. We will have time for every participant to talk before and after. Then we'll have tea! Those new to meditation are welcome to join and participate as much as they feel comfortable. If you've never sat in silence in community before, come on time and ask questions.

*PARENTS: I (Seth) do not currently have care set up for my kids. I'd love to work something out so we can share the responsibility. I'd be happy to have kids if another person was willing to lead the session. Send me a message (seth.josephson@gmail.com, or fb, or at 614-499-3350). I want to help make sure this quiet practice is accessible to parents!
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Sunday, July 14th, 7:00-9:00pm
Trance Studies: Green Tara II

By all accounts, the June 2nd experiment with the Tara trance was a success. Many people had powerful visions and were moved to tears. Others felt they received specific messages about what they needed in their lives. Because of it's power, we're going to do the same practice a second time.

Not a part of Felicitas Goodman's repertoire for trance-work, Tara is a female goddess (or, more accurately, Bodhisattva) rooted in the Tantric Buddhist tradition. Susan has worked often with the Tara figure personally and with students.

As in the past, we will have two sessions of the Cuyamungue trance. Each consists of a particular posture and the sound of a gourd rattle. Through a particular style of concentration, participants can "ride" the rattle into an aware, dream-like experience of an "alternate reality." We will have an introduction beforehand and a discussion of our experiences afterward.

The first session will be the Singing Shaman posture, which incorporates vocalization (useful for "opening the door"), and the second will be the Green Tara posture. If you find a chance to collect your intentions, come with a personal question for Tara.

We take an experimental approach to trance studies, not a dogmatic one. Open-minded people of all word-views are welcome. Find out what's useful for your practice.

*Young adults / teens welcome.

*Instructions for participation: Please arrive on time, the door will be closed at 7:15 so that the session can begin without interruption. Fasting will enhance the experience, but is not required. For best results, do not eat at least 30 minutes prior to the session. Avoid alcohol throughout the day. Wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid wearing metal.

*Susan is not expecting payment so this session is by donation. Feel free to contribute to her visit and the maintenance of the studio space with a small contribution.

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Monday, July 29th, 1:00-4:00pm
Glowie Monsters Workshop

Fee (instruction + materials): $39; $70 for 2
Instructor: Jesse Hemminger

In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.

To reserve a spot in the workshop, please preregister at: http://thefusefactory.org/workshops/

See above for the full list of Glowie Monster classes and locations this summer.

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Friday, Aug. 2nd, times TBA
Endurance Noise

Milwaukee Noise Musicians Peter J Woods and Neil Gravender are currently touring with three different projects and an intention to perform three shows in each city they go to. Because... they are wild and crazy guys.

In Columbus, they will be doing two out of the three, cuz we're a little more mild around here.

We're looking for locals and will post more details soon. But mark your calendars! It'll be epic and weird!

Posted by at No comments:

Calendar June 2013

It Looks Like It's Open - 13 E Tulane Rd, Columbus, Ohio

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Studio-mate shows not at the studio:



Heidi Kambitch of OpenheartCreatures
<http://openheartcreatures.wordpress.com> will perform with others at the Alternative Fashion Mob Night Show, and Grand Finale. "Fashion isn't always about pretty dresses, friends! Come feast your eyes on a runway show of local, original fashion styles." 8:00pm, June 6th: Pay-what-you-can donation at the door ($5 suggested) 18 and over. Circus, 1227 N. High.    And 8:00pm June 8th at 422 West State Street Warehouse. https://www.facebook.com/AlternativeFashionMob/events
June 28, 29, 30th-COMFEST! ~ Columbus, Ohio’s very own Community Festival. Join Openheartcreatures for our 4th annual Live Arts Stage Performance, Saturday at 1:30, and be on the lookout for other sightings as well….

Jesse Hemminger's Glowie Monsters
In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.  $39 | 2 for $70. For more info.: thefusefactory.org or glowiemonster@gmail.com

Summer Glowie Monster Dates:

Sa June 8, 1-4pm, ILLIO 13 E. Tulane Rd. [FULL]
Th June 20, 2-5pm, Upper Arlington Recreation Station
Tu June 25, 1-4pm, McConnell Art Center
Su June 30, 1-4pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd

Sa July 6, 1-4pm, Upper Arlington Recreation Station
Fr July 12, 1-4pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd
Mo July 29 1-4pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd

Tu Aug 6, 9am-12pm, Upper Arlington Recreation Station
Th Aug 15, 1-4pm, McConnell Art Center
Mo Aug 19, 9am-12pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd
Sa Aug 31, 9am-12pm, ILLIO 13 E Tulane Rd



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


13 E. Tulane events:

Alexander Technique Practicum Sessions

Beaker Prince will be offering opportunities to explore movement principles of the Alexander Technique at ILLIO at a low, affordable price as she completes complete practice hours to prepare for certification this summer.  Practice sessions are taught one-to-one (couples and small groups can be accommodated if requested) , are 45-50 minutes in length,and will be scheduled at ILLIO on selected afternoons. Beaker is offering these practice lessons at a sliding scale of $10-$20 ($5-15 for full-time students, or a time bank hour for members of the Care and Share Time bank.)

 Please contact Beaker at beakerbee@yahoo.com if you would like to schedule a practice lesson. More information can be found on her website www.yogadirections.com.

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Sunday, June 9 2:00pm-4:00pm 
Open Meditation : The Opposite of Stress
 



The term "stress" in its common usage was popularized by psychologist Hans Selye who put animals under unusual or extreme conditions (starvation, worry, fatigue, cold) to record the physiological consequences. He demonstrated that various circumstances can produce overwhelming stress which breaks down a body's mechanisms leaving it open to a variety of diseases. A rat forced to swim in cold water until the edge of drowning was more likely to get infection or suffer other apparently unrelated ailments.

We may often feel we are the subject of arbitrary experiments of a pitiless psychologist, that our health and wellbeing are deteriorating as barely achievable demands are made of us from work and family, or as the extremes of discomfort are reached. 



We all have ways of reacting to stressors that allow us some temporary ease, but they often produce new stressors over time. We can be like a injured patient addicted to pain medication. The initial tool for coping is now a larger problem because it never giving us what we really need to heal. 

Most conditions that give rise to our stress are not lethal in themselves. They become destructive because we react in a self-destructive way, not knowing what else to do. Stress is largely a psychological phenomenon. It is the feelings of anxiety or depression that we produce in particular situations. As such, it is transformable. If we can train ourselves to "respond" rather than "react" to the conditions we find ourselves in, we can learn not to give rise to stress, and will then have better clarity to change those conditions themselves. 

In his classic book Full Catastrophe Living, Jon Kabat-Zinn writes succinctly, "You have the power to affect the balance point between your internal resources for coping with stress and the stressors that are an unavoidable part of living. By exercising this capacity consciously and intelligently, you can control the degree of stress you experience. Moreover, rather than having to invent a new way of dealing with every individual stressor that comes up in your life, you can develop a way of dealing with change in general..."(p.238) The central element in the movement from reaction to response is awareness to the present moment where the exchange between the conditions we encounter and the stress we experience occurs. 




In our meditation and discussion this month, I suggest we reflect on "the opposite of stress," the experience of non-stress. Let us consider the methods we can use to attain this. We can learn how stress arises and what we would like to experience in its place.

According to the short Araรฑรฑa Sutta (SN 1.10), a shining forest spirit approached the Buddha when he and his disciples we're resting in Jeta Grove. Knowing that the Buddha and his students ate only one meal a day, she asked how it was that they were so healthy and radiant? The Buddha replied,
They sorrow not for what is past, 
They have no longing for the future, 
The present is sufficient for them: 
Hence it is they appear so radiant. 
By having longing for the future, 
By sorrowing over what is past, 
By this the unwise are withered up 
As a cut down tender reed.

Let us, together, find the present sufficient and learn this practice of radiance.




*As we have in the past, we will sit for two 20/25 minute sessions with quiet walking in between, and time for every participant to talk before and after. Then we'll have tea! Those new to meditation are welcome to join and participate as much as they feel comfortable. 

*If you need a responsible person to watch your kid(s) so you can participate, send me a message (seth.josephson@gmail.com, or fb, or at 614-499-3350). I want to help make sure this quiet practice is accessible to parents.



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Friday, June 14th 8:00pm
A.K. BURNS + A.L. STEINER’S COMMUNITY ACTION CENTER OR BUST! CROSS-CUNTRY 2013 U.S. SUMMER TOUR!

Artist A.K. Burns + A.L. Steiner are bringing a feature-length sociosexual video in our own city/town/village! These world renowned artists will join us in our humble studio to share their provocative video project. We're very honored!



*Community Action Center (2010, DV, TRT 69 mins.) incorporates the erotics of a community where the personal is not only political, but sexual. This project was heavily inspired by 1970’s porn-romance-liberation films which served as distinct portraits of the urban inhabitants, landscapes and the body politic of a particular time and place. Community Action Center is a unique contemporary womyn-centric composition that serves as both an ode and a hole-filler. Sex, sexuality and the complexities of gendered bodies are inherently political. This project is a small archive of an intergenerational community built on collaboration, friendship, sex and art. The work attempts to explore a consideration of feminist fashion, sexual aesthetics and an expansive view of what is defined as ‘sex’. The video seeks to expose and reformulate paradigms that are typical of porn typologies, intentionally exploiting tropes for their comical value, critical consideration and historical homage. The artists have created a reason to reflect on the cultural realness of homo-grown lesbian sexuality, and the work aims to be a hedonistic and distinctly political adventure.

Burns and Steiner worked with artists and performers who created infinitely complex gender and performance roles that are both real and fantastical, set to a soundtrack of music culled from the worldwide sisterhood: Chicks on Speed, Effi Briest, Electrelane, K8 Hardy, Lesbians on Ecstasy, Light Asylum, MEN, Motherland, NGUZUNGUZU, I.U.D. (Lizzi Bougatsos & Sadie Laska), Kinski and Thee Majesty (Genesis P-Orridge), and featuring original compositions by Justin Bond, Nick Hallett & Sam Greenleaf Miller, Ashland Mines & Wu Tsang, Sergei Tcherepnin and Tri-State Area with AV Linton.

In 2012, Burns and Steiner completed their fundraising campaign to raise money for this self-funded US tour with the help of USA Projects andover 300 supporters who pledged their donation in support of this project. Burns and Steiner look forward to presenting the video in-person in 16 cities nationwide.

"Queer sex requires creativity, a commitment to your entire body as a sex organ. Don’t assume anything. Sex should be a process of creativity and invention. We believe that queer sex and feminist agency is a shared acknowledgment of reciprocal penetration—physically, psychologically. The universe wants us to play."http://dismagazine.com/discussion/9725/community-action-interaction/




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Monday, June 17th - Saturday, June 22nd

Reweaving the Dhamma Cloth, 
Metta/Vipassana retreat with Sister Khema 
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 6:00-8:00am
Monday, Tuesday (location TBA), Thursday, Friday, Saturday - 7:00-9:00pm

In the beginning, the Buddhist teaching was said to be, "Easy to understand, immediately effective, and inviting inspection for those who are wise." What did that mean? Can we still connect all the pieces to this wonderful puzzle?

Buddhist nun, Sister Khema, will instruct what suffering is; how and why we suffer; what the Buddha taught about the end of suffering, and then how to use the Noble 8-Fold Path to practice the Buddha's teaching with both gradual and immediate results. This is an opportunity for each of us to gather in the threads, reset our own loom, and begin to reweave our own magnificently balanced colorful Dhamma cloth.

Ven. Sister Khema trained under and continues to work with Venerable Bhante Vimalaramsi Maha Thera.

Morning sessions - Sister Khema will lead us in some readings and we will share one or two 30 minute meditations. People are welcome to attend any or all mornings.

Evening sessions - will begin with a 15min meditation, followed by a talk and Q&A. Each evening talk will build on the last so participants are encouraged to attend all evenings. Tuesday's talk will not be at 13 E Tulane because of a time conflict there. The Tuesday location will be announced on Monday. 

This retreat is based on dana (generosity). We will accept donations to go toward the costs of hosting Ven. Khema. 

Those planning to participate are encouraged to send an email to Brent Applebaum at <brent@beol.net> or RSVP at www.facebook.com/events/543256142382119/ to estimate attendance. 


This retreat is for anyone who wishes to uncover this priceless gift. 

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Tuesday, June 18th 7:30pm - and every Tuesday -
Queer Yoga's Tuesday Tadasana


Queer Yoga is Columbus's first queer-focused yoga class that offers professional yoga instruction in a designated Safe(r) Space. We endeavor to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and community in all we do, from sun salutations to post-yoga snack time. Whether you are new to yoga, or you can complete a headstand without assistance, you will find something to challenge and deepen your practice.

Class fees are $6 for ALL participants. Everyone is welcome. Bring a mat.





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Monday, June 24th, 7:00-9:00pm
Anti-capitalist Meditation: Start where you are



The Marxist Literary Group is in town for their annual Summer Institute on Culture and Society: http://mlgics2013.wordpress.com/ Marxists, since Gramsci, have been aware of the importance of cultural work in the re-imagination of society, but they have rarely discussed "technologies of the self" that we could use to transform the particular forms of alienation we experience within capitalism. I (Seth) will be giving a paper at the MLG conference on the political philosophy of the Buddhist monk/activist Thich Nhat Hanh and hope some of the other attendees will join us at Illio Studio Monday evening for a special meditation and discussion on creating a new way of being in the world by beginning with our own self-awareness. 

*As we have in the past, we will sit for two 20/25 minute sessions with quiet walking in between, and time for every participant to talk before and after. Then we'll have tea! Those new to meditation are welcome to join and participate as much as they feel comfortable. 

www.facebook.com/events/172919802874608/


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Sunday, June 30th, 1:00-4:00pm
Glowie Monsters Workshop

Fee (instruction + materials): $39; $70 for 2
Instructor: Jesse Hemminger

In this fun, hands-on workshop participants make a small felt stuffed monster with LED eyes that light up when you squeeze its tummy. Learn the basics of electronics, along with sewing and soldering techniques. No previous experience with electronics or sewing is required. This workshop is fun for all ages and suitable for children aged 9 and up, although younger children are welcome if they are able to sit and focus on a craft project for 3 hours and if they are accompanied by a parent.

To reserve a spot in the workshop, please preregister at: http://thefusefactory.org/workshops/

See above for the full list of Glowie Monster classes and locations this summer.
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