SAMARA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
June 2008

"As soon as we recognize that the mind and the ego do not offer satisfactory answers on our quest for Happiness, for Love, for Joy, for Peace and for Spirituality, and that any fight, any research and any waiting for something separate and outside of ourselves are a waste of time, then we can experience freedom.

To let go of this belief is really magical. One calms down quite naturally and in this peace one can be in touch with Totality. Like the Phoenix rising out of the ashes, a new attitude emerges for life. A comprehension is formed in our hearts. We can reorient our beliefs and create a foundation for freedom and transformation.

This place of understanding from which we feel comfortable in all circumstances comes from inner peace rather than from waiting or researching anything. Then each step we take on our path naturally becomes an expression of Freedom, Joy and Love."

excerpt from 'A Shaman's Wisdom', by Tony Samara

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Dear Friends

What wonderful words to focus on over this upcoming solstice period which promises a shift from what has seemed unreachable and distant and is now ready for our complete and total embracing.

*********

The Solstice this year falls on 20 June at 23.59 UTC and at this time Tony will be working with all of you who choose to link in for this worldwide meditation. All that needs to be done is to set aside some time in any way that is comfortable for you and helps you to embrace this very special moment.

Perhaps a good way to prepare for this day is by reading the book 'A Shaman's Wisdom' which explains many of the special rituals and healing meditations possible to practice in nature as well as in your home.

The book is written in a very simple and practical way so as to appeal to everybody. Even though the book is written in a wonderfully readable way it touches a very profound part of ourselves that is more relevant today than ever before.

It is now available in the following languages, French, German, Portugese, Croatian (July 2008) and English (Spring 2009). If you have any problem ordering the book through amazon or your book store please visit http://www.tonysamara.org product page for more information about the various publishers' contact details.

*********

Tony would like to mention the interesting phenomena that seems to be baffling the world today and which is particularly close to his heart.

We write about this as we each as individuals have the remarkable possibility to make the difference with some of our practical actions. Little as they may seem they can all bring joy to your heart knowing you are part of the circle of life.

Tony advises that the extensive use of mobile phones, microwave ovens and other gadgets that emit specific radiation frequencies are seriously damaging our bee populations as well as our energetic bodies. He therefore emphasises the benefits to the environment created by minimising their useage.

Instead utilise sms rather than making long phone calls on mobile phones and find other ways (such as internet telecommunications) to stay in touch with family and friends. Also by using conventional cooking methods you can help nature and yourself.

We will now include an excerpt from a nature journal to highlight the seriousness of the situation:

"According to a study, beekeepers reported an average loss of just over 36% of their colonies over winter, a figure up 13.5% from the previous year, and just over a third of all beekeepers reported losing one or more of their colonies to the condition named Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

Since 2006, their keepers have been reporting the sudden and unusual disappearance of large numbers of their bees. Virtually overnight, all the adult bees in a seemingly healthy hive disappear [...]

As critical pollinators of many of the foods we depend upon, healthy honeybee populations are essential to our food supply. About 130 different crops rely upon honeybee pollination. Some 30% of all the different types of nuts, fruits, and vegetables we consume.

Things we can do:

· Plant species native to your region in your yard and garden. These will provide abundant food for local bee populations.

· Grow a wide variety of plants with different colors, shapes, and flowering times. A diverse range of plants will attract an equally diverse range of bee species and give them plenty of food choices throughout the growing season.

· Stay away from hybrid and genetically modified plants, which often don't produce any of the pollen that bees need to survive.

· Never use pesticides or herbicides of any kind. Though these poisons may be meant for plants and non-bee pests, they can often have a "spill-over" effect that harms innocent bystander species, bees among them. (Pesticides are also extremely unhealthy for us land-bound creatures, too!)

· Consider starting a hive and being a beekeeper by creating a nest for wood bees (which don't sting!) by simply taking a non-treated block of wood, drilling holes 3/32 of an inch to 5/16 of an inch in diameter and about 5 inches deep, and leaving it out for bees to find. Traditional beekeeping also has many rewards, from a supply of homemade honey to assured garden pollination."

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We would like to remind you that it is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world. Below we mention programmes happening soon but please check http://www.tonysamara.org for all of the latest event updates.

20 June 2008 -- Solstice healing worldwide meditation link
22 June 2008 -- Detox day -- Lisbon, Portugal
12-13 July 2008 -- Satsang -- Oberhausen, Germany
6 September 2008 -- The Magic of the Heart -- The Netherlands
20-21 September 2008 -- The Magic of the Heart - a profound experience -- Ljubljana, Slovenia

If you are unable to attend the programmes please remember that you can enjoy the wisdoms and meditations of Tony Samara by going to the product page of http://www.tonysamara.org to instantly download one of the e-cds or the e-booklet.

*********

Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.

Happy Solstice!

The Samara Foundation

****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites and blogs.

N.B. - New Mail Address: Tony Samara, Apartado 293, 8150-909 São Brás de Alportel, Portugal

SAMARA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
April 2008

"During these intense times people have asked me how to touch and expand the joy that they know is their essence but that is often veiled by the mundane and its demands on our time.

I have often answered this simply through the following:

That joy is not static, or a place, or even a goal but rather, like art and music, multi-faceted, uncontainable and expansive.

The way to experience joy is unique to each individual, yet the core of joy is a shared experience that makes us human and part of an alive participating adventure.

Simply put, joy is only understood through the expansion of consciousness. This is when we glimpse what it means to be expansive.

Most of us, due to a thousand and one reasons, focus on the lacks, limitations and problems. These lacks, limitations and problems are so real that they demand all of our attention and from this space we struggle to find the real joy of each moment.

Many feel that by resolving what seems to be a block or hindrance for their expansion then expansion will happen miraculously. I see it differently.

What we want is what we need to be.

An oak tree starts as an acorn but it has no doubt that it will fulfill its destiny as a tree.

Most of us don't even believe that possibilities and potential are real as our experience sabotages our expansion and holds us in the mud of daily living.

The sky, the light, the beautiful stars seem to come from a different world and seem totally out of reach. This leads to depression as we no longer believe in our destiny or even see the light.

One of the most important steps to reawaken who we really are is to be of service to humanity.

By being of service to humanity rather than to our perceived needs we remember in our actions the true meaning of love.

Love is expansive. As we expand with this service so does our focus expand freeing our attachment to the mud so that we are harmoniously in touch with the Universe.

It is not a difficult journey if put into action but it does seem impossible when one uses the present contracting situation as a limitation to what is possible and hence why many of us are not able to expand.

I ask you strongly during these intense times not to focus on yourselves or your needs, or the problems, or the lack of joy, or what could be better. No matter how present they seem, please focus on what it means to serve others and the divine aspect of what is their essence.

As you begin to see the light in every being there is no doubt in my mind that the light within will help the acorn that is in each of us to reach up and open to this new and beautiful expansive experience and hence open up to the joy of life.

This is what is asked of us during this special time of spring and the months that follow.

It is up to each of you to put this into practice rather than to just meditate upon the beauty of my words.

The world needs more trees."

Tony Samara
(March 2008)

* * *

Dear Friends

We are re-sending the recent newsletter related to the Spring Equinox as many people have indicated that they did not receive it and Tony would like to clarify a few things that people were asking about that arose because of his interesting message.

Tony's words inspire us to bring about changes in our lives through practical means. As explained in many of his spiritual discourses, transformation is meditation as well as practical every-day actions.

We have had many enquiries as to what those actions could be.

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on each individual's circumstances. But to clarify, cooking a meal for oneself is nurturing and a wonderful thing to do. Cooking a meal for someone who you do not know, e.g. an elderly or ill neighbour, is spiritual work.

By being of selfless service to others you touch the heart of humanity.

Practical actions directed for personal gains are wonderful but this is what we do too much of, often hoping that this will bring us permanent happiness.

Tony's radical plea is to do less for oneself and more for others so that we realise the oneness of love.

There are so many wonderful things one can do. The Samara Foundation has prepared many practical projects that need your help.

Please read about the forest project: http://www.tonysamara.org/obw/forests.html

Please read about the theriaca project: http://www.tonysamara.org/obw/teas.html

We have many other projects that require your skills and time so that we can continue to serve everyone. From translation projects into many languages to organising events in new locations, helping with logistics in running the various events, promoting the various events, holding meditation/group support meetings, making books and cds available to those who cannot attend the many programmes organised, helping with writing booklets, helping with music for the various cds, helping with the filming projects, coming up with creative new project ideas for the Samara Foundation to actualise and of course donations to help all of these projects to become a reality.

"Service to humanity is such an amazing gift in this seemingly more self-centered world of ours today. We can learn that the world does not centre around ourselves, our needs, our beliefs, or even our thoughts or words but rather centers around love, centers around our expansion beyond ego and into a space where spiritual growth, compassion, cooperation and focussed giving to others, to the world, to mother earth, to the universal goodness is the magical heart of existence. The creative meaning of existence helps us to nourish our needs, beliefs and thoughts from a space that transcends limitations, dependencies and expectations in a practical as well as in a philosophical sense.

In a practical sense we need to watch the mind and the ego to avoid the games that are so often created to justify our actions. If working in a garden and our efforts and time spent in the garden are simply to satisfy our selfish needs, then we bypass so much and we miss the beauty of sharing our efforts with all that is present and alive. If we plant trees as a gift to humanity then those trees flourish. If we plant them simply to satisfy needs then we don't have a forest rather we have an extension of or a picture of our needs in the garden lacking in the aliveness and magic that is so natural to this world.

In the same sense, if any other action or practical work that we undertake is simply to satisfy our needs and we surely forget the beauty of the world and to be an integral part of this beauty, then our work becomes self-centered and its goal becomes to satisfy our beliefs, needs, egos and thoughts. Being and trusting that your real and selfless actions are an expression of beauty then those beliefs, needs, thoughts and egotistical aspects become superfluous and we enter an aliveness and magic that is our birthright.

This is what makes people great and gives meaning to our personal life as well as hope for humanity. "

Tony Samara
(23 April 2008)

* * *

We receive hundreds of emails weekly from everyone and Tony has made it a point in the past to answer each one personally. This is a very important part of his work as he feels that love is walking on a path together. He will continue to answer everyone but very soon will answer beyond simple, written words as he will soon start his hectic travelling schedule.

You may feel that when writing to Tony with your questions that they become answered in a subtle deep way beyond written words. This is the way that Tony will begin to work with each of you. Tony will read every email that is sent and answer it directly to your heart.

* * *

We would like to remind you that it is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world. Below we mention two cleansing retreats happening soon but please check http://www.tonysamara.org for all of the latest event updates of which there are many new since our last newsletter.

22 - 25 May 2008 Cleansing detox retreat Algarve, Portugal
4 - 6 July 2008 Cleansing detox retreat Chieming, Germany

There is also a wonderful 2-day event to be held in St Polten, Austria 3-4 May 2008.

* * *

We also would like to let you know that publishers in Germany, Portugal and Croatia are working diligently on Tony's book 'A SHAMAN'S WISDOM' and we hope these will all be released prior to summer 2008!!! This is good news for the many who do not read French.

* * *

If you are unable to attend the programme s please remember that you can enjoy the wisdoms and meditations of Tony Samara by going to the product page of http://www.tonysamara.org to instantly download one of the e-cds or the e-booklet.

* * *

Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.

Love

The Samara Foundation

****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites.

N.B. - New Mail Address: Tony Samara, Apartado 293, 8150-909 São Brás de Alportel, Portugal

SAMARA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
March 2008

“During these intense times people have asked me how to touch and expand the joy that they know is their essence but that is often veiled by the mundane and its demands on our time.

I have often answered this simply through the following:

That joy is not static, or a place, or even a goal but rather, like art and music, multi-faceted, uncontainable and expansive.

The way to experience joy is unique to each individual,  yet the core of joy is a shared experience that makes us human and part of an alive participating adventure.

Simply put,  joy is only understood through the expansion of consciousness. This is when we glimpse what it means to be expansive.

Most of us, due to a thousand and one reasons, focus on the lacks, limitations and problems. These lacks, limitations and problems are so real that they demand all of our attention and from this space we struggle to find the real joy of each moment.

Many feel that by resolving what seems to be a block or hindrance for their expansion then expansion will happen miraculously. I see it differently.

What we want is what we need to be.

An oak tree starts as an acorn but it has no doubt that it will fulfill its destiny as a tree.

Most of us don't even believe that possibilities and potential are real as our experience sabotages our expansion and holds us in the mud of daily living.

The sky, the light, the beautiful stars seem to come from a different world and seem totally out of reach. This leads to depression as we no longer believe in our destiny or even see the light.

One of the most important steps to reawaken who we really are is to be of service to humanity.

By being of service to humanity rather than to our perceived needs we remember in our actions the true meaning of love.

Love is expansive.  As we expand with this service so does our focus expand freeing our attachment to the mud so that we are harmoniously in touch with the Universe.

It is not a difficult journey if put into action but it does seem impossible when one uses the present contracting situation as a limitation to what is possible and hence why many of us are not able to expand.

I ask you strongly during these intense times not to focus on yourselves or your needs, or the problems, or the lack of joy, or what could be better. No matter how present they seem, please focus on what it means to serve others and the divine aspect of what is their essence.

As you begin to see the light in every being there is no doubt in my mind that the light within will help the acorn that is in each of us to reach up and open to this new and beautiful expansive experience and hence open up to the joy of life.

This is what is asked of us during this special time of the spring equinox and the months that follow.

It is up to each of you to put this into practice rather than to just meditate upon the beauty of my words.

The world needs more trees.”

Tony Samara
(March 2008)

*  *  *

Dear Friends

Welcome to the special time of the Spring Equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere!

Tony's words inspire us to bring about changes in our lives through practical means. As explained in many of his spiritual discourses, transformation is meditation as well as practical every-day actions.

We have had many enquiries as to what those actions could be.

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on each individual's circumstances. But to clarify, cooking a meal for oneself is nurturing and a wonderful thing to do. Cooking a meal for someone who you do not know, ie an elderly or ill neighbour, is spiritual work.

By being of selfless service to others you touch the heart of humanity.

Practical actions directed for personal gains are wonderful but this is what we do too much of, often hoping that this will bring us permanent happiness.

Tony's radical plea is to do less for oneself and more for others so that we realise the oneness of love.

There are so many wonderful things one can do. The Samara Foundation has prepared many practical projects that need your help.

Please read about the forest project http://www.ourbeautifulworld.org/forests.html 

Please read about the theriaca project http://www.ourbeautifulworld.org/teas.html

We have many other projects that require your skills and time so that we can continue to serve everyone.  From translation projects into many languages to organising events in new locations, helping with logistics in running the various events, promoting the various events, holding meditation/group support meetings, making books and cds available to those who cannot attend the many programmes organised, helping with writing booklets, helping with music for the various cds, helping with the filming projects, coming up with creative new project ideas for the Samara Foundation to actualise and of course donations to help all of these projects to become a reality.

*  *  *

We receive hundreds of emails weekly from everyone and Tony has made it a point in the past to answer each one personally. This is a very important part of his work as he feels that love is walking on a path together. He will continue to answer everyone but very soon will answer beyond simple, written words as he will soon start his hectic travelling schedule.

You may feel that when writing to Tony with your questions that they become answered in a subtle deep way beyond written words. This is the way that Tony will begin to work with each of you. Tony will read every email that is sent and answer it directly to your heart.

*  *  *

With regards to the march equinox worldwide meditation link that is mentioned on the programme page of http://www.tonysamara.org this is an event that you can participate in from anywhere in the world.

Create your own personal space or gather a group of people and link in as the special equinox energies work their magic. This March the time of the equinox is 05.48 GREENWICH MEAN TIME.

Tony will link in from wherever he is making this an extra magical time. Enjoy!

*  *  *

We would like to remind you that it is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world.  Below we mention two cleansing retreats happening soon but please check http://www.tonysamara.org  for all of  the latest event updates of which there are many new since our last newsletter.

22 - 25   May 2008   Cleansing detox retreat       Algarve, Portugal
4 - 6       July 2008    Cleansing detox retreat      Chieming, Germany

Also please be aware of a programme date change

5 - 6 April 2008 Detox days Ljubljana, Slovenia (previously 29,30 March 2008)

This event is now for only 1 day on 6 April but two additional days have been confirmed for 31 May and 1 June 2008.

 *  *  *

We also would like to let you know that publishers in Germany, Portugal and Croatia are working diligently on Tony's book 'A SHAMAN'S WISDOM' and we hope these will all be released prior to summer 2008!!! This is good news for the many who do not read French.

*  *  *

If you are unable to attend the programme s please remember that you can enjoy the wisdoms and meditations of Tony Samara by going to the product page of http://www.tonysamara.org to instantly download one of the e-cds or the e-booklet.

*  *  *

Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.

Love

The Samara Foundation

****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites.

N.B. - New Mail Address: Tony Samara, Apartado 293, 8150-909 São Brás de Alportel, Portugal

SAMARA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
February 2008

“The miracle of life and enjoying all its abundance leads humanity to a creative reflection that deepens our experience of this wondrous miracle.  This miracle is so often forgotten because of the thoughts and feelings that well up and colour the simplicity of each moment and its unique gifts.

To savour these gifts it is essential to remember that our desires for more, or something different, or something special, is often camouflaging the very essence of what feeds our heart, what enriches our experience, what deepens our feelings and what centers our thinking back to a sense of gratitude and love.

Live simply and appreciate this simplicity by appreciating what is, what you have and who you are thus allowing this moment to be savoured in its completeness.

Let's live life rather than chase the idea of life!”

Tony Samara
4 Feb 2008

Dear friends

The words above are a good way for us to focus our attention on what is life-giving and life-enhancing. In the coming months for many  there may be challenging moments which may make the above seem like a far-away dream. These challenges also encompass the physical dimension of our being as life carries more momentum changing the very essence of structures that no longer are appropriate. These structures can be subtle as well as very tangible, ie political and social structures, family structures and even our own physical make-up.

To assist during these times Tony has created a tea he highly recommends called Theriaca. The teachings of Tony Samara emphasise that the physical body as well as the energetic body go hand in hand. Theriaca tea, as its name implies in Greek, is an antidote to the many diseases (which in English means a sense of dis-ease) that this changing momentum may create for our bodies. Theriaca tea supports these changes so that our health both physically and energetically is more vibrant. This vibrancy helps us to live life in the sense that Tony speaks about above.

For more information please go to http://www.tonysamara.org/obw/teas.html

We would like to remind you that it is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world.  Below we mention two cleansing retreats happening soon but please check http://www.tonysamara.org for all of  the latest event updates.

22 - 25   May 2008   Cleansing detox retreat       Algarve, Portugal
4 - 6       July 2008    Cleansing detox retreat      Chieming, Germany

If you are unable to attend the programmes please remember that you can enjoy the wisdoms and meditations of Tony Samara by going to the product page of http://www.tonysamara.org to instantly download one of the e-cds or the e-booklet.

Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.

Love

The Samara Foundation

****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites.

SAMARA FOUNDATION WINTER SOLSTICE NEWSLETTER
December 2007

"The period of the winter solstice invites us to an amazing birth of spiritual rejuvenation.

For many of us Christmas and its festivities are a paradox as the original context and intention of this period has changed. What was once a time for inner movement has now been externalised as an outer material celebration pushing aside the rich inner world simply to focus on excesses that have taken priority in our modern civilisation.

For me this period is a truly important time – a time when we can powerfully connect to the seasons, the energy behind the seasons and the meaning behind the rhythms that support our process of living. Knowledge and wisdoms that our ancestors honoured is now more than ever vital for us all to remember.

Why not balance the outer with the inner to create a whole new perspective and way of being.? Why not nurture inner actions rather than focus on external aspects? Why not fill this time with meditation and inner contemplation like nature does during this period of stillness and inner growth?

The winter solstice invites an annual process of completion. Become conscious and actual by retreating into the inner world as the days grow shorter and allow bodies rest and rejuvenation. Focus on spiritual health and well-being.

An intimate connection with the rhythms of nature once shared with the earth by our ancestors honours the forces of nature and nurtures the blessed union of man with the divine.

For our experience of this union to be more present it is good to understand that the equinoxes and solstices are very special times when the solar light touches our being and the earth much more intimately than at any other time of the year.

During the winter solstice, which this year falls on December 22, this solar light travels to our emotions and is housed deep within. When nurtured consciously with intention supported by our presence and actions then we can prepare for March 21 which marks the rebirth of spring . (For me March 21 is the beginning of each year rather than January 1. March 21, the equinox, is the time when night and day again are in balance.)

Winter is the season to prepare for rebirth. We can actively create, grow and harvest anything within. Our bodies instinctively rejuvenate during this period allowing the mind and emotions to become clear of what is not our essence.

During this time of introspection, why not celebrate by focussing on the progress that you have made, the personal issues that you have resolved, the honouring of who you are and your dreams of who you are. At the same time it is important to look at new ways of exhibiting positive, empowered behaviours. This may initially seem daunting but with honest and clear words and positive and compassionate actions you will activate your limitless potential.

Many may wonder how to be introspective over the Christmas period as our role model culture has diverted and cleverly taken this aspect that should be natural and part of everyone's life away by solely focussing on the externals of life.

A more enlightened approach to Christmas would be to devote as much time as is devoted to shopping expeditions, gluttony and excess consumerism to time for appreciation of oneself and the simple joys of the beautiful world that we live in.

These words are not simply philosophical or an idea but an invitation to enhance your spiritual awareness of what is truly important for you, for your family, for your community, for the environment and for the planet. You can choose. You have a choice and your choice makes a difference.

Why not help yourself to strengthen this sense of freedom to choose what is really important for yourself by spending time in silence, by spending time to cleanse the body or by choosing an issue in your life that you wish to change so that it is no longer an issue and give this as the gift to yourself and your community rather than disguised and superficial gifts of materialism?

Why not offer yourself new insights? Why not offer yourself the great possibility to release old energy patterns? Why not experience deep moments of peace? Why not experience true connections to the world around you?

This can be done through the action of, what I call, self-observation. Imagine yourself in a very detached way watching yourself and your actions as an objective observer, as if you are in a theater. Watch the whole story unfold as you remain comfortably breathing and relaxing in the centre of your heart. This will help you to pay attention to all of your unnecessary actions and reactions. You will be amazed at how your thoughts and emotions will respond in a wonderfully creative way to transcend the old patterns and thereby gift yourself with new possibilities for inner growth.

The theatrical mind tends to be such a monkey. Remember, your thoughts and emotions create your reality rather than some coincidence that is out of your control. It is so simple to get caught in confusion and so easy to lose touch with our hearts and what is really going on. It is so easy to project this confusion onto the external world as this is what our collective culture is doing. Media and societal expectations and indoctrinations are racing in a futile bid to fill the empty spaces within with materialism rather than trying to remedy this inner lack through self-observation and contemplation.

When confronted with the excesses of food remember to eat simply and compassionately. The body needs light rather than the imprints of the suffering and pain caused to innocent animals.

When confronted by the excesses of consumerism remember yourself, your essence. Excesses do not fulfill your essence as they are temporary in nature and lead to the wanting of more. Why not appreciate an share your true abundance?

When confronted with the excesses of societal, family and other personal dynamics be patient, compassionate and diligent. Remember not to get stuck in fear or doubt but rather be ready to take positive action. In these situations that perhaps bring up parts of yourself that you do not wish to become, focus on the path of change and find a safe space where you can allow your essence to flow in a natural way.

When you embrace this enlightening approach of exploration enhanced by self-observation you create clarity for yourself. Use this solstice time and energy to grow spiritually. Get to know your thoughts and the inner processes of your mind and emotions. Delete the negatives that limit yourself. Create a healthier reality, a healthier inner space, a healthier belief system for your life through your wonderful actions. Your essence will emerge from this nurturing and you will feel renewed and ready to truly celebrate a new cycle of life – the rebirth of the light."

Tony Samara
December 2007

Dear Friends

The staff of the Samara Foundation would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Solstice on 22 December.

We would also like to let you know that the office will be closed between 17-29 December. Emails and orders received during that time will be gladly responded to upon our return.

Remember that for those living in Portugal there is a one-day event in Lisbon on 15 December 2007. Please contact us for more details about this programme.

If you are unable to attend this programme please remember that you can enjoy the wisdoms and meditations of Tony Samara by going to the product page of http://www.tonysamara.org to instantly download one of the e-cds or the e-booklet.

We would like to remind you that it is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world. Please check http://www.tonysamara.org for the latest event updates.

Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.

Love
The Samara Foundation

****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites.

SAMARA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
November 2007

"As we move inwardly during this time of autumn approaching winter, this inward movement is best approached without our personal limitations. Better that it be viewed as a gateway to embracing more freedom beyond set patterns, thoughts and old ways of doing things.

These old ways need to change for us to actually see that change is possible.

As we approach the winter months I feel that the below questions provide a wonderful opportunity to meditate upon and thereby open ourselves more to the endless possibilities of life.

IS IT GOOD TO FEEL ENJOYMENT?

It is very good to feel happy and it is very good to feel enjoyment. Yet it is as, or even more, important to know the depth of what makes those aspects of ourselves become alive and real so that those feelings of happiness and enjoyment have a more permanent duration to them rather than simply being a temporary satisfaction of external desires leading to good feelings.

If the I (ego) is involved in the feelings it will be on a constant and endless search to satisfy what makes it happy and that is the same circle as the mind seeking its salvation in the problem of unhappiness and not realising its deeper essence.

IS IT GOOD TO LOOK IN OTHER DIRECTIONS?

All directions come back to who you are and what you do. I am sure you understand that it is not the directions that bring you back to yourself (your essence) but rather the enlightened teacher that helps you to see that some curves and twists even though seemingly on the surface are taking you straight to a place of what seems to be the solution to your problems, are in actual fact just that... curves and twists. Hence, as your guide, I must make you aware that you are curving and twisting rather than going directly to the space that will help you see clearly.

Being clear means to be less serious. Remember the light. There is no need to weigh yourself down with the excess baggage of the games that the mind likes to play anticipating that happiness and enjoyment are found in the shadows of the mind rather than in the light of your essence.

CAN I TRUST YOU?

Can you trust yourself? Many of us who have enquired deeply into ourselves have realised through the layers of what makes us human - our mind, our emotions, our body, our limitations - that really it is difficult to trust such human aspects in their incompleteness as they are always seeking salvation by fulfilling needs rather than moving beyond those needs and opening up to giving more. If the reference point is to find freedom and happiness then reflect on what is more truly a picture of such a reference by loving and giving rather than being distrustful and giving power to fears and limitations of the mind, body and emotions.

Surely the question of trust comes from a fearful, dualistic mind thinking that there is a separation between you and I. Trusting is not about fear of others or yourself , shepherds or sheep, good or bad, right or wrong, it is much deeper. It is about trusting. The more we trust the more we are able to love as love embodies trust. If we approach love from a trusting space then if this love is all-embracing and real how can it not be worth your trust? On a practical level, my work with everyone, including you, goes beyond such mundane separations such as distrust.

Whether you are aware of love or not makes no difference as love goes beyond the normal senses and into the divine spaces of unknowingness. Soon you will know this space as you trust it more.

Be aware that the clever mind creates a veil that clouds our thinking and perceptions - twisting and curving and moving us away from giving and loving and creating the perception of lacks and judgements that create needs and desires.

Trust what you know and do what is natural - give directly from the heart".

Tony Samara 2007

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Dear friends

October has been such a busy month that it is over before a newsletter has been created. We apologise for this lateness but celebrate the first flurries of snow as they fall softly past the window as we write.

Many people have been asking us about the longer retreats which were planned for January and March 2008. These retreats will now not be happening. We have such a backlog of work to get through that to start organising something that requires as much planning as the 40 day event does, does not do this special event justice.

However plans are underway already to create new venues for these programmes in Costa Rica and the Bahamas which will ensure wonderful 40 and 10 day retreats are possible in 2009.

For those living in Portugal this has created the possibility for a one-day event in Lisbon on 15 December 2007. Please contact us for more details about this programme.

Some more good news is that we have recently signed a contract which will enable Tony's book LA SAGESSE DU SHAMAN (published only in French at this time) to be published in German. We understand that the German version will be ready for release in May 2008.

We would like to remind you that it is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world. Please check http://www.tonysamara.org for the latest event updates.

Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.

Love

The Samara Foundation

****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites.

SAMARA FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
September 2007

“ We are fast approaching the wonderful autumnal equinox here in the Northern Hemisphere. This, for me, is an often forgotten yet so very important time of celebration. Celebration being a deep honouring of the various aspects within oneself.

It is wonderful to celebrate this moment of the equinox with our remembrance.

What we are actually remembering is the light. This light touches our essence at all times but is especially powerful during solstices and equinoxes as evidenced by research surrounding monuments such as Stonehenge and other stone circles. And, during this moment of remembrance, one can become more conscious in mind, body, emotions and essence.

This light is not just external. It is not something to be experienced simply on the outside by the senses even though the external aspect of it is so beautiful at this time of year. It is a vital and internal radiance that has two great forms - the male radiance and the female glowing.

The male radiance can more easily be experienced through the masculine aspect within. The masculine is our more common experience because of our culture (meaning the western culture). In this culture we measure time according to the masculine light using the western calendar which is a solar or masculine recognition of the light and hence the lesser importance placed on the equinox and its meaningful celebrations.

Interestingly the Islamic calendar, which comes from a culture often perceived in the West as a very masculine society, is based solely on the lunar cycle rather than the solar cycle. It measures time according to the moon rather than the sun.

The female glowing is totally different in character and inner experience but ultimately equal and part of the light. The moon would not glow without the sun.

The union of both lights – masculine radiance and feminine glowing - creates life for all beings of this earth.

Harmonious life is when these two lights interact in a harmonious way, such as the yin and yang of the east . To achieve this we need equal respect for the masculine and the feminine - light within and as experienced externally, rather than creating separation or focussing on only one.

As both aspects of the light need equal recognition, often this western and more masculine/material calendar creates imbalances that manifest in our experience of life because of the focus being solely on time and material achievements with little time left for the more feminine action of inner reflection. This imbalance creates disharmony between people in their actions, in their thoughts and in their feelings of despair. This we see so much more prevalent in todays world of separateness and individualistic neediness.

Often we ask why is this so? because we do not understand the core issues and fundamental structure of what has created this disharmony in the first place.

When we celebrate the harmony between our two aspects during this special moment of the equinox then we create a vitally necessary interaction between the sun and the moon. This interaction was a vital part of traditional and wise cultures.

In these traditional and wise cultures the celebration was not a masculine aspect on the outside, such as celebrations are today with gifts of materialism and indulgence in the senses, neither was it a quiet, internal introspection that can be seen as a reaction against the masculine superficiality. Rather the celebrations were a bridge between the worlds.

The breath is also a bridge between the worlds - the breath that is inhaled is a beginning and the breath that is exhaled is the end.

When we can unite the in breath with the out breath we honour our origins and create beautiful harmony. And, as in the old times, we can celebrate with simple joy as if it was the first day of our life.

Some people will see this season as the end of the summer but rather than the end, if we give ourselves time to breathe in what is all around, we will notice that the colours and light that reflect back to us are a bridge to the beautiful golden hues within ourselves.”

Tony Samara

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Dear Friends

We are excited to announce that a worldwide meditation link has been created in order to celebrate the European autumnal equinox on 23 September. No special preparation is necessary. You can join in individually or gather a group together to create a time for this remembrance. The official equinox time is 10:51 in the UK and Portugal and 11:51 in the rest of Europe.

We also look forward to welcoming you to one of Tony's cleansing retreat programmes:

Portugal 4-7 October 2007
Slovenia 2-4 November 2007

or to the detox days being held in

Zagreb, Croatia 13-14 October 2007
Graz, Austria 20 October 2007
Warsaw, Poland 10 November 2007

It is always possible to spend time with Tony and receive personal discourse with him in the many retreats and seminar programmes organized for him throughout the world. Please check http://www.tonysamara.org for the latest event updates.

We have had incredibly positive feedback about the programmes and newsletters although many have mentioned that they have not been able to come to the programmes and wish for some more easy access to the teachings and practice of Tony Samara.

Why not take the opportunity to purchase some of the CDs and DVDs that are available and are a great inspiration?

Why not organise a group in your area who can support each other with regular get-togethers? It is often easier to practice together and feel the support of like-minded people.

Please let us know when you get your group started so that we can put others in touch with you.

Thank you for your support and love as we continue to expand this beautiful work in the world we live in.

Love

The Samara Foundation

****** Thank you all for supporting this work by forwarding this newsletter to your friends and posting it to your sites.