November 2015: Best Holistic and Entertaining Festivals and Workshops in Northern California

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Juice The Earth ~ A Cocréa Retreat

November 6-8, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Northern Queen Inn
400 Railroad Ave, Nevada City, California 95959

This retreat will offer powerful tools for sensing subtlety in our own bodies as well as another’s through a diversity of connection points. Emphasis on entering into emotional dialogue with the music and how we share the emergent story of a song through kinesthetic exploration and clearing away the monkey mind chatter that wants us to think in terms of “right” and “wrong” moves.

What you will receive:
~ 8+ hours of Dance Instruction ~
~ 2 evenings of Social Dancing ~
~ Confidence and Competence dancing with others ~
~ Improved Body Awareness ~
~ Community Activation! ~

Cost: $165 - $195


Tantra Beginners Weekend Seminar

November 6-8, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

Learn 22 Tantra Techniques that will transform your sexual love life into one of ecstatic pleasure, harmony and deep emotional connection! No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. There is no nudity in the seminar. The at-home Saturday night practice is optional.

Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving seminars provide the education we never had and always needed in order to have wonderful, real and lasting love, and to rediscover the full potential of our sexual energy. "Rather than a "touchy-feely" course about sex, Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving is a spiritual yet practical guide to being present and intimate with the most important person in your life. Sure there was a lot of discussion of sex, but only in the context of celebrating yourself, your partner, your love and of life itself...this should be required learning for all people."

Have you ever felt there must be something more to sexual loving? In just a few days, you will discover the ancient secrets of female and male sexual ecstasy. You will learn to use sexual energy for increased intimacy, spiritual connection, pleasure, harmony and freedom. Turn sex into a relationship practice of healing energy, renewal and transformation.

Are you tired of chasing weak orgasms? Women can experience longer, deeper, faster and more powerful orgasms. Men can orgasm without tiring ejaculations. You can tap into an endless, spontaneous flow of creative, love energy.

In Ancient India, Tantric sex was taught as an art form that every conscious person must master. Now you can learn these ancient and proven skills translated as a 21st century art form and experience harmonious, joyful union.

No explicit sexual activity or nudity takes place in class; optional homeplay is assigned.

Cost: Single - $495; Couple - $990


Weekend to Remember (Family Life)

November 6 – 8, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort
One Old Golf Course Rd
Monterey, CA 93940-4908

Life has a way of overwhelming a marriage. Jobs, kids, activities, errands. Before you know it, checking your e-mail is more important than carving out a date night. FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember® marriage getaway is a chance to make a change. It’s a time to rediscover each other and find more intimacy in your life together.

Connect:
When you arrive for the weekend, we will help you step away from daily life. Cell phones are turned off. To-do lists are forgotten. You will find it's a warm, engaging environment that’s all about making progress in your marriage, not placing blame.

Discover:
What you and your spouse will hear during the Weekend to Remember® is not just one couple’s opinion on marriage. Instead, it is the result of more than three decades of biblical research by a team of men and women who distilled what it takes to have a successful marriage and family.
The Weekend to Remember getaway is not a large counseling session, and you will not be asked to participate in small groups. Rather, you will receive marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives that will strengthen your marriage. During the weekend, you will learn how to:
•             Receive your spouse as a gift.
•             Clarify your role as a husband or wife.
•             Resolve conflict in the relationship.
•             Maintain a vital sexual connection.
•             Express forgiveness to one another.
•             Increase your commitment, creating an even deeper level of intimacy.

Our speakers will show you exactly how to pursue a marriage that really works through stories of their own breakthroughs and blunders. Every couple drives away with a roadmap to a great marriage. We want you to leave the weekend with encouragement, hope, and practical tools to build and grow your relationship. That is why we call this a Weekend to Remember.

Cost: $174.99 per Person; Optional Hotel $140 per Night


Le Bal des Vampires

Saturday, November 7, 2015 @ 7pm - Midnight

Alameda Elks Lodge
2255 Santa Clara Ave,
Alameda, CA

Waltz the night away in a beautiful candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area's most glamorous Undead at the 21st Annual Le Bal des Vampires.

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your "rebirth." This may include dress uniform, period costume (authentic or fantasy) or vintage or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball (We certainly do not expect Spike to attend in black tie!), but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

For costume tips, you may want to visit the PEERS photograph gallery for the 2011 Le Bal des Vampires.

This year there will once again be simultaneous dancing on two separate floors:

Our band in the elegant upstairs ballroom is the stylish but always dashing chamber ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries - from 18th century Baroque contredanses to 19th century Victorian rotary and Viennese waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas; to elegant early 20th century tangos, blues, and fox trots and even some classic rock and roll Swing. Please note that the band's first dance set will start at 7:45 pm sharp - 15 minutes earlier than usual. The dance sets will be unusually long, even by Bangers & Mash's high standards, so if you do plan to dance, please be certain to wear shoes or boots you can actually dance in.

For those preferring a more modern style of dance music and free-style dancing join us downstairs at the Nightfall Club (located in the hall's atmospheric Ratskeller) for a wonderfully varied repertoire of dark music to stir the blood and spirit from 7:00 p.m. to Midnight. Hosted by our remarkable DJs, Dark Moon and Persephone, Nightfall also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests. Since only snacks are provided at the ball, we strongly suggest dining before the ball. For those interested in dining out there are a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance of the Lodge, especially on nearby Park Street.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by the celebrated Theater of the Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart or for those who take the genre too seriously!  This year's Theater offers a new twist on the story of "My Fair Lady" and the mysterious goings on at the Transylvanian Embassy in London in the glamorous year 1912. 

Guests may also enjoy quiet conversation, Tarot readings, and photography opportunities in the Lodge's elegant but comfortable Edwardian Parlor with its Baroque décor.

Our 21st Le Bal des Vampires will be a night to remember. We suggest ordering your tickets early!

Cost: $25.00 until August 30, 2015; $30.00 from August 31 - October 11, 2015; $35.00 from October 12- November 6, 2015


Campbell Con 2015

Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Campbell Community Center
1 W Campbell Ave
#C31
Campbell, CA 95008

Campbell Con is a one-day pop culture convention held in beautiful Campbell, CA. It is fun for all ages and celebration of comic books, movies, Fantasy & Sci-Fi, superheroes, collectibles and more.

What makes Campbell Con different? Campbell Con is an experience that is pop culture with a touch of intimacy. Unlike big corporate conventions where fans are rushed out, Campbell Con offers all attendees a unique opportunity to spend quality time with celebrity guests, creators, exhibitors and friends.

Cost: $10


Becoming Thankful - A Vipassana Half-Day Retreat

Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Ocean of Compassion (Gyalwa Gyatso) Buddhist Center
1550 La Pradera Drive
Campbell, CA 95008

Mindfulness Meditation has the capacity for us to maximize our potential to be aware of the present moment. This simple and profound practice has been utilized for over 2500 years. Meditation is a learned skill that allows the individual to pay attention to present moment experiences with clarity of openness, curiosity, and investigation to be with what arises. During this last decade significant medical research has shown Mindfulness Meditation to increase attention and focus, fostering well-being, and lessen emotional reactivity.

Participants will explore the practice of developing clarity of attention that allows grasping, judgment, and fear to fall away. This practice can lead to the cultivation of qualities such as compassion, equanimity, wisdom, and joy. There will be instructions for sitting meditation, and walking meditation. We will have time for sharing, community, questions and answers.

This retreat is appropriate for beginners as well as experienced meditators.

Cost: $25


Self-Care Pearls for Women

Saturday, November 7, 2015 from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Toadal Fitness Live Oak Yoga Studio
1200 17th Ave.
#108
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

While making time for yourself in your demanding mile-a-minute life may seem impossible, an essential skill, that takes practice and devotion for mastery. Children, partners, family, bosses, employees — our ability to joyfully embrace our lives, to shine professionally, and to lovingly care for those who rely on us requires that we prioritize self-care.

Participants will:
·         Explore how dietary & lifestyle factors impact endocrine function
·         Understand the link between adrenal health and hormone balance
·         Learn ways to support optimal energy, sleep, mood, weight & sexuality with integrative medicine and bio-identical hormones
·         Relax, rejuvenate and reenergize with restorative yoga
·         Enjoy pranayama (yogic breathing) and chakra awareness
·         Take home concrete ideas for their own self-care practice

Cost: $50


Usui Reiki 1&2

November 7-8, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)
Cranial Sacral Therapy Center, San Jose, California

Reiki I and II are taught together during a weekend intensive. Both attunements are given. All the information and techniques are covered including:
* The Reiki hand positions.
* Giving a complete Reiki treatment for self and others.
* Holy Love and Heavenly Banquet Meditation - Holy Fire Meditation experiences
* Japanese Reiki Techniques, as taught by Dr. Usui including Gassho meditation, Reiji-ho - developing your intuition, Byosen Scanning - detecting where Reiki is needed, Gyoshi ho - sending Reiki with the eyes, Koki ho - using the breath to send Reiki, Kenyoku - dry bathing or clearing ones energy field
* Using Reiki for specific conditions.
* The Reiki II symbols, how to use them with practice time.
* Using Reiki to heal unwanted habits, and wanted goals
* Distant healing.

Cost: $350


Dating Advice: From Nice Guy to Badass, Get Out of the Friend-zone!

Sunday, November 8, 2015 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

RAE Studios
414 Mason Street, #705
San Francisco, CA 94102

It can be totally frustrating to always be the FRIEND of a WOMEN whom you are ATTRACTED TOO!
I know how it can be to not fully understand why women do not see you as boyfriend material because you would make the most AWESOME boyfriend, right?
You are nice, considerate, and good listener, etc... But instead she dates JERKS! How the hell does that keep happening to you?
That’s why I created the Unleash Your Inner Badass program. This program is designed to help you demystify what women want and help you start getting the type of results you desire.

You will learn the secrets to: 
-Understanding your self-sabotaging behaviors
-How to conquer rejection
-Building unstoppable confidence with women
-Learning what turns women off and on
-Using your body and voice to attract women

Cost: $20 online; $25 at the door



Baron von Spirit & Friends Ecstatic Dance and Yoga

Sunday, November 8, 2015 at 9:30am - 1:00pm

Sweets Ballroom
1933 Broadway,
Oakland, California 94612

New ecstatic dance music program --never before played at Ecstatic Dance Oakland: soulful, sunny, playful, and emotional. Come treat your ears*body*soul to the latest beats coming from the favorite music producers.

Special guest musicians helping Baron von Spirit to lead you in this unforgettable magic journey:
* Shannon Puja Sahaja will be singing for the opening invocation and closing sound healing
* Aleksandra Shira Dubov will be singing over a couple of select songs in the middle of the set

Schedule:
* 9:30am -10:30am: Yoga warmup class
* 10:30am - 1pm: Ecstatic Dance with Baron von Spirit
* 1pm: Closing sound healing

Cost: $15 at the door


The Noble Man Experience Workshop: Healing Men's Wounds with Women

November 12 - 15, 2015 (Thursday – Sunday)

Dancing Deer Farms
2975 Vineyard Drive
Templeton, CA 93465

In The Noble Man Experience you will:
• Learn to trust your true power and sense of purpose in the presence of the feminine
• Release old wounds, fears and resentments towards women
• Learn that being open, vulnerable and present is undeniably attractive to women
• Be able to have a nourishing relationship, while staying true to yourself

The Noble Man workshop is a three and a half day Intensive for men who wish to heal their issues with women. It is a profound process of being supported and honored by experienced women holding an unconditional space of acceptance, loving kindness and devotion. This is a safe environment for you to express and explore your fears, wounds and resentments around the feminine, and to let go of whatever is in the way of you relating from a space of presence, openness and integrity.

Because of the presence of the Feminine, the true essence of the Masculine can come forth in a more real and integrated way. You will feel supported to go into the places within your own heart where you have shut down to love. From there you will rediscover where your true masculine strength lies, and be able to fully express your power and presence as a man.

This intensive culminates in a Rite of Passage into your purpose and vision as a whole man, honoring yourself and being honored by women. It is a unique and individual initiation for each man--one that helps you experience and honor your special gifts for yourself, for women and for the world. It allows for the true alchemy of the masculine and the feminine to emerge, and the mysterious dance of man and woman to come alive.

This group will be lead by Britta and another facilitator, and assisted by women who have completed the Celebration of Woman workshop and are willing and capable of holding the men on this courageous journey to discover the true Noble Man within, the Knight without Armor!

Cost: $ 1,197 (before October 1, 2015), and $1,397 thereafter


The Healing Way of Huichol Shamanism

November 13 – 15, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Santa Cruz, CA

Join world renowned shaman Brant Secunda for a weekend retreat focused on the healing essence of water. Learn about the spiritual energy of the sea and embrace her power of beauty through practical, yet powerful exercises. Haramara, the Huichol word for the ocean, has long been linked with the power of healing.  Come learn to connect with all water in a sacred way, creating a bond between your soul and the world of nature.

Cost: $350


Spiritual Healing and Healthy Relationships

November 13 – 15, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Anubhuti Meditation and Retreat Center
820 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949

Our relationships with others are ultimately a reflection of our relationship with our self. When we know the 'real me' and our ‘true potential' we realize our own self-worth and value. Each of us is needed in the world; each of us has a gift to give to the world.

Understand how our inner world affects our relationships to others
Experience peace and stillness through meditation and reflection exercise
Create a new vision for healthy relationships
Know how to become free from negativity.

Cost: Donations


All about Sex for Women

November 13 – 15, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Martinez, CA

At this residential workshop we will create an intimate, loving and safe space for all of us to learn, grow, shed our shame and to be teachers for one another. You'll gain a greater understanding about how your bodies work sexually, including learning NEW information about the physiology of our genitals.

During this special retreat, we’ll also:

- Discuss the difficulties we have had —and have— with sex and sexuality
- Discover your body’s own “sensual map”
- Learn more about your G-spot and how it works
- Discuss different ways to achieve orgasm and multiple orgasms
- Talk about your sex toys and how to you use them
- Demystify female ejaculation
- Share experiences, concerns and expectations of menopause and aging
- Experience the transformational benefits of using Breath-work

Join us for All About Sex—For Women and, with your sisters, celebrate your unique feminine power, strength, wisdom, gentleness and juiciness. Have fun, laugh and experience with other women the joyous bonding of our sacred womanhood. Let’s transform sexual shame and ignorance into our potent, whole, feminine sexuality – sacred, rich, beautiful and sexy.

Cost: $450


12 Hours of Love Workshop

Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

East Bay Meditation Center
285 17th St
Oakland, CA 94612

Dedicate yourself to 12 Hours immersed in your Heart at EBMC’s first extended daylong intensive. We will explore Lovingkindness and different heart practices to transform and uplift our lives. Our current experience can often be filled with escalating amounts of stress and conflict within our personal lives, our communities, our country, and our global world. How do we live through the hard difficulties of Life without becoming hard ourselves? Commit a full 12 hours of your life to explore how to cultivate the Energies of Our Heart, including Loving Kindness, Compassion, Joy, Equanimity, Generosity and Gratitude, with the intention to find freedom. There will be explorations through guided meditations, dharma discussions, group exercises, and investigations of how to use these teachings to contribute the quality of our lives.

Cost: Donations



Hold Me Tight Workshop for Couples

November 14-15, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)
The Lodge at Tiburon, Tiburon, California

Do you want to feel more accepted by your partner and have less conflict in your relationship? Would you like to feel like your partner is more accessible, responsive and engaged with you? Is it time to improve your relationship and learn how to communicate in new ways that promote better understanding and closeness?

At our Hold Me Tight Workshop, you will learn and experience how to:
* Affirm strengths in your relationship
* Address negative interaction patterns
* Understand more clearly each other’s emotions
* Recognize underlying reasons for your conflicts
* Learn how to repair and forgive
* Enhance your emotional and physical closeness
* Improve your communication
* Be more accessible, responsive and emotionally engaged with each other (A.R.E.)

Hold Me Tight Workshop is based upon Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples to create supportive, safe, practical, and positive environment for the relationship improvement framework.

Cost: $695


Natural Path Meditation Training – Free Workshop

November 14 - 15, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)

6898 Bollinger Rd,
San Jose, CA – 95129

This 2-day course provides a comprehensive overview of the system of Pranahuti Aided Meditation (PAM) to prospective students. The system is also called the Natural Path. It is a comprehensive self-contained spiritual discipline that aims to assist a person to evolve into cosmic consciousness and obtain Self Realization. The system uses the process of Pranahuti (Yogic Transmission) by a competent trainer as the main aid to assist a person to grow and transform.

Class agenda:
* Introduction to Natural Path
* Daily meditation practices - methods and techniques
* Role of Pranahuti (yogic transmission technique) as an active and continuous support for practitioners to achieve higher level of consciousness
* Holistic way of living to be in tune with universal consciousness
* Control of mind and concentration
* Stages of Progress - A complete map of spiritual journey up to the highest level of consciousness
* Four experiential guided meditation sessions (30 minutes each) during the two days.

No prior meditation experience is needed; it is meant for new students.

Cost: FREE


Alchemical Healing Level 1

November 14 - 15, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)

Innate Sense
1275 Lincoln Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125

In this workshop, students will receive the basic level tools & initiations for Alchemical Healing. You will learn a powerful healing form that allows you to access the Universal Life Force energy and develop a working relationship with spirit allies from the animal, plant, and mineral realms.

During the workshop we will cover:
Fire Mist Shower Empowerment
Opening of the hands and third eye
Healing with Elements
Distant Healing
Ethics of Healing
Forgiveness as an Alchemical Process

Cost: $295


Tomales Bay - The Bay Area's Best Kayak Tours

Sunday, November 15, 2015 @ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Heart's Desire Beach
Tomales Bay State Park
Inverness, CA

Come paddle with us and experience the best of the Bay Area's paddling destinations. We'll introduce you to beautiful highlights of the region and experience marine wildlife and shorebirds in their natural habitat. We will paddle at a comfortable pace. Lunch and all paddling equipment are included. See location details for which "Best Kayak Tour" we'll be doing. Pre-Requisite: Learn to Kayak Class or equivalent skills, students must be physically able to paddle up to 9 miles. For this tour, we will be using high-quality tandem (2 person) kayaks to keep the group together, prevent fatigue, and keep you focused on the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Recommended for those 14 and older; paddlers under 18 must be accompanied by a participating parent or responsible adult.

Enjoy a great day on the water
Gain a unique vantage point on the topography and ecology of the region

Cost: Member: $125; Nonmember: $145


Shamanic Drumming and Healing Circle

Sunday, November 15, 2015 @ 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

97 Shereen Place,
Campbell, CA

Shamanic Drumming and Healing Journey with Israel Hurtado

Spend an afternoon on a shamanic journey of deep healing and clearing with Shaman Israel Hurtado. Israel is a spiritual and self-growth healer, speaker, and author. He uses his gifts of channeling and clairvoyance to assist and serve you on your spiritual path.

Today, using the energy of the drum, Israel will assist you to connect to higher states of consciousness and healing.

Please bring a drum or percussion instrument (We do have several extra drums available for use), Pillow and blanket - to be comfortable for the journey, and Water bottle.

Cost: $25



Dark Kabaret

Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

The Great Star Theatre
636 Jackson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133

Your host Paul Nathan (HBO, MTV, Star Trek Voyager) welcomes you to an evening of unbridled passion, music, humor, and artistry. The venue is the most interesting room on the west coast. The band is the sexiest you will ever hear. Your host travels the world performing from Berlin to Broadway, starring in shows in London, Paris, Sydney and San Francisco. Once a year Paul gathers a collection of his favorite performer friends for an event like no other. The show is a cavalcade of stars from top European cabaret, circus, and variety shows.

Produced in association with Climate Theater, Dark Kabaret is more than a hit list of the world's finest performing artists, it is the most romantic place to bring that special someone. The perfect mixture of sumptuous champagne, an array of beautiful gowns, gentlemen in their finest frocks, and daring footwear choices. Dark Kabaret is the place to bring a first date or to take your lifetime love on a perfect night out. Timeless and timely, Dark Kabaret is the sweet nexus of magic, comedy, music, and erotic entertainment - all in one beautiful room for your pleasure.

Line up:
* Paul Nathan - Your Host - From San Francisco
* Michael Davis - Juggler - San Francisco
* Eden Berlin - Burlesque - From Germany
* RJ Owens - Klown - From Las Vegas
* Ruby Besler - 1940s sex expert- Los Angeles
* Pogo Fred - X Games Star and Pogoist - From Montana
* And special guest Frank Olivier - Madman - Berkely
* With live music by Eric McFadden and Special Musical guest - Mark Growden
* Plus Trapeze artistry by Shannon

This is going to be our biggest and best show yet.

Cost: $55


Meditation and Yoga Retreat: Self-Unfoldment: Living Up to Our Highest Potential

November 19-21, 2015 (Thursday – Saturday)

Center For Spiritual Enlightenment
1146 University Ave
San Jose, CA 95126

A spiritual retreat exploring the dynamic path of engaged enlightenment and its imperative for all those who yearn to truly excel. Discover what the timeless teachings of Yoga and Vedanta offer for surpassing the bounds of limited perceptions and becoming a successful achiever—one who is free to creatively pursue life’s higher goals with love, wisdom, and play. Retreat will include meditation instruction and practice, dialog with Sw. Bodhananda and Yogacharya, as well as teachings on how to engage in life fully with steady wisdom and devotion.

Registration Options:
* Full Retreat: Thursday 7-9pm, Friday 9am – 9pm, Saturday 9am-3pm
* Evenings: Thursday and Friday, 7-9pm
* Saturday: Saturday, 9am – 3pm

Cost: Offered on a donation basis.


The San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest

November 20-22, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Palace Of Fine Arts Theatre
3301 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

The San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest (SFIHHDF) is the first ever festival of its kind that honors the artistry of hip-hop dance in a non-competitive environment. In one spectacular weekend, the SFIHHDF creates a convergence of global phenomena by presenting groundbreaking performances from professional dance companies from all over the globe. 2015 marks the 17th year for the SFIHHDF; presenting inspiring, electrifying and thought provoking works of art through hip hop dance forms. Award winning and critically acclaimed, the SFIHHDF is a Bay Area legend that is not to be missed!

All ages event!

Cost: $40/program

Official 17th Annual SFIHHDF VIP Party:
Saturday, November 21, 10:30pm -1:00am
Palace of Fine Arts Lobby
DJ Wonway Posibul
Drinks provided
$15
Party and dance with performers for the 17th Annual San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest.


West Coast Ragtime Festival

November 20-22, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova
11211 Point East Dr
Rancho Cordova, CA

The West Coast Ragtime Festival in Rancho Cordova, California, is a syncopated, dance-inducing showcase of one of America’s earliest musical genres. Six stages perpetually pump out piano and banjo tunes while seminars and workshops pertaining to the craft will an informational element. The after-hours jam sessions are one of the event's must-see experiences.

Cost: All Events: $110; Friday Only: $50; Saturday Only: $60; Sunday Only: $40; Fri-Sat: $95; Sat-Sun: $85


Thanksgiving Insight Meditation Retreat

November 20 – 29, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)

Spirit Rock Meditation Center
5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd,
Woodacre, west Marin

The Thanksgiving retreat at Spirit Rock is a special opportunity to spend the holiday in the company of a like-minded community, surrounded by the peace and silence of the land. We will spend our days in noble silence with the sitting and walking practices of Insight Meditation (vipassana). Supported in this beautiful container, we will explore how the teachings of the Buddha point us to directly touch and understand our experience, opening us to compassion and wisdom.

There will be meditation instructions for sitting and walking meditation, periods of movement (qigong), dharma talks and meetings with the teachers. This retreat will also include devotional practices and chanting. Sebene Selassie will assist on the retreat.

Spirit Rock extends a special invitation to young adults (age 18-26) who wish to attend this retreat at a reduced rate, on a first come, first serve basis. A limited number of special rates are available, please apply early.

Cost: $2070 - $1035 sliding scale, plus a donation to the teacher(s) and retreat staff.


Nocturnal Lands 5K

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
344 Tully Road
Santa Clara, CA 95111

A night spent dancing to a DJ at the club burns calories and works up a sweat, so why not put the dance floor on a 5K course? That is exactly what Nocturnal Lands has done—participants run, walk, or dance their way through a racecourse illuminated by interactive light shows and pumping with electronic dance music from live DJs. After partying through multiple DJ stages, revelers finish at a raucous main-stage after-party. Headliner DJs soundtrack the event on the main stage while participants celebrate crossing the finish line as a member of the Night Nation.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
* Night Nation T-shirt
* Race Bib
* Glow Necklace
• Free Giveaways
• Admission into the Night Nation after party
• The best night of your life!


Earth Heart Tour

Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 9:00pm - 2:00am

Zodiacs Petaluma
256 Petaluma Blvd N,
Petaluma, California 94952

Earth Heart calls out the bay area family to connect, share, inspire, communicate, and activate for a greater experience in the power of Conscious Creation dedicated to our mother.

We are focusing this gathering as opportunity to co-create a living prayer through Art and Action devoted to the Earth. Any and all Earth Empowerment designers, educators, leaders, and organizations are welcome to weave the evening with us. We open to the reality that together we All can make waves in this global Eco Sustainability movement by focusing our love and attention on all the Eco Solutions within our hands.

This Tour Invites You to Create Magic and Movement with us.
Invite others who would like to join in creating:  Up-cycled/ Recycled Eco Art, Eco Decor, or Earth Altar

Community Creativity = Heart Connection to each other, our Earth Mama, and millions of others joining together to restore our planet to Health.

World dance music DJ Dragonfly will get the ecstatic journey started at 10pm. This is the nearest show to the Bay Area all tour, so we encourage fans to make the trip for this very special night.

Cost: $20 early birds / $25 advanced / $30 door


The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

5 Weekends & One Friday
November 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 & December 5 or 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2015.

The Cow Palace
2600 Geneva Ave
San Francisco, CA 94014

Visit London in San Francisco! The world-renowned Great Dickens Christmas Fair is the only event of its kind. The winding lanes of Victorian London come to life with over 3 acres of music halls, theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops overflowing with hand-made holiday treasures. Enticing aromas of roasted chestnuts and hearty foods fill the air. It's a lamp-lit city brimming with over 700 lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens, the pages of history, and the sometimes saucy world of the Victorian stage. Open from 10 AM to 7 PM, five weekends and one Friday from Nov. 21-Dec. 20.

Cost: $20 - $30 for visit, or $90 for entire season


Alleyne Dance Workshops

Sunday, November 22, 2015 @ 12pm-3pm

Dance Mission Theater
3316 24th Street (corner Mission)
San Francisco CA 94110
Tel: 415.826.4441

1.      DYNAMICS, RHYTHM & TEXTURE: Contemporary Class @ 12pm-1:30pm

This is a physical Contemporary Class, which will involve strong, complex and technical sequences in and out of the floor, focusing on performance/stamina and commitment throughout the session, improvisation will also be explored as part of self-development. The significant factors for the workshop are to develop the dancers' creative mind, drive from passion, determination, strength, musicality, and most importantly an intention/honesty in whatever choice they make throughout the session.

2.      DEVISING TECHNIQUES: Choreography @ 1:30-3pm
(Please note, Dynamics, Rhythm & Texture is a prerequisite to attend Devising Techniques)

This class will give the dancers the time and space to explore different possibilities to create unusual and unpredictable movement. Giving participants the opportunity to discover and challenge ones own interest / style and develop into set movement. This workshop will involve different tasks to stimulate and challenge the creative minds. Dancers will play with the art of intention / honesty of the movement and how emotions can transform material or be used as stimuli. This class is for participants discovering their personal styles in movement, self-development to improve in auditions and creative processes, young choreographers who want to test their creative methods and teachers who need inspiration for generating material. In these sessions the participant will explore many ways to devise onto others / own solos / group explorations and partner work.

Cost:
Early bird - Register before November 10:
Dynamics, Rhythm, & Texture: $20
Dynamics, Rhythm, & Texture AND Devising Techniques: $35

After November 10:
Dynamics, Rhythm, & Texture: $25
Dynamics, Rhythm, & Texture AND Devising Techniques: $40


Reiki Healing Night - Open to All!

Saturday, November 28, 2015, 7pm – 9pm

Reiki Energy Healing,
1780 Clear Lake Ave. #242,
Milpitas, CA 95035

Bring your friends and loved ones to our Reiki Healing Night where all will:
- Get a brief introduction to Reiki
- Hear stories about how Reiki has affected others
- Get a healing attunement
- Feel refreshed and energized

Cost: $10 suggested donation

SPACE IS LIMITED - please RSVP to reserve your seat. No previous experience is expected.
Other Reiki practitioners are welcome!


Homeland - a 5Rhythms Waves Workshop

November 28-29, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)

Presidio Performing Arts Center,
386 Moraga Ave @ Arguello Blvd.
Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129

The 5Rhythms is a moving meditation practice, an improvisational form of dance. This is a map of how energy moves. It shows us the patterns, rhythms and cycles of life. Flowing connects us to our feminine nature. Staccato connects us to our masculine nature. Chaos dissolves and integrates these two energies. As a result we find transformation in Lyrical. From this transformative space we are then connected to Stillness. The nature of the stillness dance invites compassion and connection to self, partners and community. Each of these rhythms is present within us at all times.

We have discovered that every person has a dominant rhythm. This is the primary energy that moves and inspires the unique expression of who are. We investigate these qualities in order to understand ourselves more. In learning about our “home” rhythm, we can look at both the light and shadow aspects to see what moves us and what stops us from moving.

How comfortable are you in your body? Some say, “Home is where the heart is”. If so, then the body we are given is our one true home. Through this method we can learn to love the home we have been given, and appreciate the gift of this body and this life.

Find your home rhythm. Learn to know yourself better. Become fascinated with yourself. In doing so you will better serve the world and all those you love.

Cost: $200


Restorative Yoga, Hot Stones & Reiki

Sunday, November 29, 2015 @ 2:30 pm - 5:45 pm

Yoga Tree @ Telegraph
2807 Telegraph Ave., Unit #A, Berkeley, California
 (510) 486-1989

Open up to inner-freedom, grace, and love yourself through a sweet and delicious Restorative Yoga and Reiki healing workshop. Through deep openings in long Restorative postures, you will relax through your entire body and completely soften through your mind and emotions. You will feel stress, tension and worry melt under the hot massage stones. Through the vibrational, energetic healing gift of Reiki, your life force energy will once again flow freely and the light of your heart will shine bright.

The marriage of Restorative Yoga & Reiki leads to a state of receptivity in which the participant’s mind, body, emotions, and spirit harmonize. Restorative Yoga cultivates wholesome states of relaxation and enhanced immune function. Reiki supports the body’s own life force energy and unlocks greater health and well-being. Participants experience a clearing of energetic blockages and leave with a calm, refreshed mind, feeling mentally, physically, and spiritually rejuvenated.

This workshop will be of interest to students of all levels who are in need of physical, mental and spiritual well-being and healing. Students who find other styles of yoga to be inaccessible due to injury, illness, and other concerns, have the opportunity to fully experience the healing benefits of yoga. Students seeking to learn more about how Restorative Yoga and Reiki can make a significant contribution to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, find this workshop essential.

Cost: $50 in advance, $60 at the door


In the Presence of Love: Metta & Qigong Retreat

November 30 – December 6, 2015 (Monday – Sunday)

Spirit Rock Meditation Center
5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd,
Woodacre, west Marin

This silent retreat will focus on cultivating a quality of loving presence that embraces our heart, mind and body with kindness and wisdom. Awareness and lovingkindness (metta) are essential to living a spiritual life. Awareness as developed through mindfulness practice leads to clarity, insight and understanding. Love opens the heart, allows a kind embrace of ourselves and connects us intimately with all of life. The fusion of these qualities helps us to respond more compassionately to the challenges that we encounter in ourselves and in the world.

Qigong is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation. With roots in Chinese medicine, martial arts, and philosophy, qigong is traditionally viewed as a practice to cultivate and balance (chi) or what has been translated as 'intrinsic life energy.' It recognizes, cultivates and nourishes the 'energy' aspect of our being. Qigong perfectly complements traditional sitting meditation practice and has a long and well-established history connected to contemplative traditions.

On this retreat the Metta practice will be supported by mindfulness instructions, periods of Qigong meditation and regular meetings with the teachers. All are welcome to attend!

Cost: $1230 - $615 sliding scale, plus a donation to the teacher(s) and retreat staff.