Theosofest 2023 Presenters, Topics & Schedule
10:15 a.m. Auditorium
Opening Ceremony: Prayers from World Traditions
Judaism - Diane Eisenberg
Islam -Mazher Ahmed
Hindu - Danelys Valcarcel
Native American - Billie Topoa Tate,
Bahai - Jim Percic
Shaman - Christine Pateros
Christian - Juliana Cesano
Buddhism
Theosophical Prayer
PRESENTATIONS
11:00 a.m. Auditorium
The Native Guide to Invoking Our Spirit Helpers
Discover a new way to connect with your spirit guides and your inner wisdom Self. Billie Topa Tate will share the wonderful world of the Apache Medicine Woman through her training from her mother, Mama Little Wolf. In particular, she will explore the deeper wisdom and techniques regarding the Spirit world and how we can be divinely supported with our spirit helpers. This lecture will also provide opportunities for questions from the audience.
Billie Topa Tate is the founder of MSI Wellness Center. She is Mescalero Apache and is dedicated to “Creating a Sacred Place One Person at a Time” through the indigenous Native teachings of her teachers. Topa Tate has lectured and taught at Northwestern University, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and more. Her work has been published in several magazines, and she is the author of several meditation recordings and books. She is dedicated to being of service to anyone who is seeking wellness, mindfulness training, and spiritual growth. Learn more at her website: msi-healing.com.
11:00 a.m. Nicholson Hall
Therapeutic Touch for Healing Self, Family and Our World
Therapeutic Touch® (TT) is a gentle healing modality of the heart, mind, and hands. It brings a sense of balance, peacefulness, and wellbeing to those who are ill, dying, or have ordinary everyday stressors. It is a holistic, evidence-based healing therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy. Learn a simple way of administering TT to bring comfort to our families and ourselves, and to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. Imagine a world where individuals and families were taught to care for one another with a consciousness of compassion on a daily basis.
Marilyn Johnston-Svoboda, RN, EdD, QTTP/QTTT (Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher), is a retired professor of nursing. Taught by Dora Kunz, who co-created TT, Dr. Johnston has led numerous workshops and conferences for over 30 years, teaching TT, imagery, and other wellness and healing modalities. She currently teaches several TT workshops each year and mentors many students. In her private practice, she creates a caring and peaceful environment in which to administer TT for those who are ill, along with those who seek to maintain wellbeing. Dr. Johnston is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and a credentialing trustee of the Therapeutic Touch International Organization.
11:00 a.m Outside Tent
12:30 p.m. Auditorium
Four Essential Qualities for Self-Transformation
Spirituality must be practical and have a real impact in the way we live. Its high ideals and sensical philosophical tenets need a clear and simple application to the challenges we face every day. When this doesn’t happen, there is a disconnect in which frustration and disappointment grow like weeds. We seem to “know” more than we can actually “be.” The perennial wisdom offers four qualifications to tread the path. In this talk we will explore them and draw from them very practical ways in which they can be applied to truly transform our lives.
Juliana Cesano is a third-generation Theosophist and has been actively involved with the Theosophical Society’s work for over 20 years. She became a staff member at the National Center of the Theosophical Society in America in 2007, where she currently serves as the National Secretary and the Member Education Director. She is an international speaker, and her main focus over the past 15 years has been the transformational power of contemplative practices.
12:30 p.m Nicholson Hall
Seven Games of Life
with Richard Smoley
Life can seem to be a serious business. We could also look at it as a game—or a series of games. They include survival, love, power, pleasure, courage, creativity, and the Master Game.
In this lively and entertaining lecture, Richard Smoley talks about these games—how we play them, the mistakes we make, and how we can play them best.
Richard will be drawing on his new book, Seven Games of Life and How to Play (“an eclectic, spicy smorgasbord of philosophical food for thought,” says Kirkus Reviews).
The culmination is the Master Game. Richard explores practices from the great spiritual traditions to show how to reach this mastery. If you play this game, you will reach new heights of wisdom, courage, kindness, and performance.
Richard Smoley is editor of Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society in America and the author of thirteen books on spirituality, philosophy, and religion. His latest is Seven Games of Life: And How to Play, to be released in early 2023. His website is innerchristianity.co
12:30 p.m. Outside Tent
Despacho Ceremony: Traditional Andean Earthkeepers’ Living Prayer Offering
with Jami Lieder
This interactive ceremony, referred to as a despacho in the Andes, is rooted in gratitude for Mother Earth and extends to gratitude for all of life. It is an opportunity to release that which no longer serves one’s journey, then, with gratitude, to call in the gift of Creation. The prayers and living mandala of plants and flowers are ceremonially offered in a sacred fire to Pachamama (Mother Earth), or water. As the despacho is released, the intentions (prayers) are disclosed to spirit and the universe for the highest good.
12:30 p.m. Outside Labyrinth
Exploring and Experiencing the Labyrinth with John Robertson
For over four millennia, labyrinths have been wonderful tools to enhance relaxation and intuition. They have helped people relax, meditate, make healthy life choices, and connect to their spiritual guidance. In this talk, you’ll learn about labyrinths and how to walk the outdoor labyrinth at the Theosophical Society, and take a guided group walk on that labyrinth.
John Robertson has nearly 20 years of experience practicing and teaching T'ai Chi Ch'uan and qigong and is a student of Taoist philosophy. He is a Level 7 Certified Qigong Instructor with the World Ki Gong Club and a Certified Advanced Instructor and professional member of the National Qigong Association. John owns Seven Stars Martial Arts in Winfield, IL. (www.7StarsMA.com).
2:00 p.m. Auditorium
Creating a Balanced Mind in a Stressful World: The Three Brain Model
Do you find yourself feeling anxious, getting headaches or struggling with digestive issues often? These are now known to be linked to your stress response system. Stress is everywhere, yet how is it that some of you are more prone to the negative effects of stress? Using ancient wisdom of ayurveda blended with modern medicine, Dr. Gokani uses ancient wisdom to explain modern ailments. In addition, she brings in the model of NLP, neuro linguistic programming, which taps into how we think and speak and how it relates to our stress response system. After almost two decades running an integrative neurology center, she has developed a proprietary Three Brain Optimization model to conquer your stress and finally learn how you can shift yourself from imbalance and anxiety to vitality and happiness.
Trupti Gokani, MD is an award-winning, board-certified neurologist, health & mindset coach, Ayurveda expert, and Master Practitioner of NLP, who has dedicated her life to developing a unique blend of ancient wisdom with modern approaches. By melding these approaches, she’s become a highly sought-after speaker and coach, sharing holistic wellness strategies with larger-than-life media personalities like Dr. Oz, global pharmaceutical giants like Teva, and coaching clients from all over the world. She has been a blogger for Huffington Post and served on the faculty for The Shift Network and Metagenics. For more information, visit Dr. Gokani at https://truptigokanimd.com.
2:00 p.m. Nicholson Hall
Karma and Rebirth in Buddhism
with John Cianciosi
The Buddhist teachings on karma and rebirth are often confused with ideas about fate and the reincarnation of a soul. However, the Buddha was very careful to refute the notion of fatalism and the belief in a soul that transmigrates from life to life. He pointed to a process of conditioned becoming, governed by impersonal natural laws that don’t require a creator or a soul. Within this framework, we discover that we have both the freedom and the responsibility of shaping destiny.
John Cianciosi was ordained a Buddhist monk in Thailand in 1972 and trained under one of that country’s most gifted and influential meditation masters, the late Venerable Ajahn Chah. Later, he was appointed abbot of Wat Pah Nanachat, the International Forest Monastery established to provide training for the growing number of Ajahn Chah’s Western disciples. In 1982, he was asked to establish a Buddhist monastery in Perth, Western Australia. For the next 14 years, he was instrumental in successfully establishing Bodhinyana Monastery and Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre. In 1995, he left monastic life and moved to the Chicago, Illinois area, where he continues to share his insights and wisdom. He is the author of The Meditative Path and is currently the director of public programs at the Theosophical Society in America.
2:00 p.m. Outside Tent
Easy Yoga for Balance and Wellbeing
Join us for some yoga postures that can be done while standing and sitting on a chair. These easy postures benefit your mental and physical wellbeing by improving relaxation, flexibility, and strength. No experience necessary!
Elaine Jackson is a member of the Theosophical Society and a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Education and has taught children and adults both in public and private school settings for the past 14 years. She uses her experience in education to share her lifelong curiosity about holistic health with others as she continues to learn and explore multiple modalities of physical, mental, and emotional healing
3:30 p.m. Auditorium
Planning for the Future: Planting Trees and Shrubs in the Shadow of Climate Change
This presentation will cover the basics of tree and shrub planting, from plant selection to post-planting care. Also, we will discuss how climate change impacts the decision making process. What tree and shrub species are recommended for planting? How will these recommendations change through time? What plant traits will be desirable with an uncertain future? We do not have all of the answers to these questions, but knowledge of the basics will still result in success for the foreseeable future.
Chad M. Rigsby, Ph.D. During his academic career Chad studied the interactions between invasive forest pests, such as emerald ash borer, hemlock wooly adelgid, and spongy moth, and their novel host plants. Chad then joined the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories team in 2018 and is based out of The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL outside of Chicago. Chad’s research focuses on a variety of topics centered on trees and their management including pruning and biomechanics, soil and root management, pest management, tree stress, growth-defense tradeoffs, and tree planting practices. Chad also works with Bartlett Tree Experts arborists and other groups to educate on and implement best management practices and science-driven tree care.
3:30 p.m. Nicholson Hall
Becoming Goodwill Ambassadors: Cultivating Inner Peace and Outer Harmony
Today, the world and society seem to be aflame with conflict, hate, and fear. Conflict may be natural, but when perpetuated, whether intentionally or not, it impedes the potential for harmony and peace. It is often caused by communication breakdowns and trust issues ensuing from the differing perceptions, understandings and desires held by individuals and groups. By learning to recognize the biases and developing new skills for listening and communicating, we can overcome the tendency of differences becoming the basis of conflict. We can cultivate the skills to be goodwill ambassadors. One of the tenets of Theosophy is the Unity of all life, the recognition of the universal interconnectedness lying at the center of our existence. Recognizing the essential unity of life, can transform the quality of all associated interactions, generate clarity of thought and allow the will-to-cooperation to take root and break down barriers. Can we imagine together what becoming goodwill ambassadors, right where we live, might look like? In the interest of purposefully evolving, let's see what we might inspire in each other.
Pamela Ayo Yetunde, J.D., M.A., Th.D. is a pastoral counselor, professor, and writer. She wrote Casting Indra's Net: Fostering Spiritual Kinship and Community, and co-edited Nautilus Book Award-winning Black and Buddhist: What Buddhism Can Teach Us about Race, Resilience, Transformation, and Freedom with Cheryl A. Giles. Yetunde is also the author of the Frederick J.Streng Award-winning Buddhist-Christian Dialogue, U.S. Law, and Womanist Theology for Transgender Spiritual Care and Object Relations, Buddhism, and Relationality in Womanist Practical Theology. In response to the torture and killing of George Floyd, Ayo became the principal founder of Buddhist Justice Reporter (www.buddhistjustice.com) and was recognized in 2022 by the International Women’s Meditation Center Foundation as one of the Outstanding Women in Buddhism. Yetunde earned a M.A. from Holy Names University, a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law-Bloomington, a Th.D. from Columbia Theological Seminary, and did her post-doctoral research at Harvard Divinity School.
3:30 p.m. Outside Tent
Yang Style Simplified T'ai Chi
Through the practice of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, your mind can achieve a stillness and clarity rarely experienced with other forms of exercise, integrating your body and mind and allowing you to achieve inner peace. Practice strengthens the immune system; improves posture, balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength; reduces blood pressure and stress; and releases tension, allowing a feeling of positive energy to flow through your body. No experience necessary!
John Robertson has nearly 20 years of experience practicing and teaching T'ai Chi Ch'uan and qigong and is a student of Taoist philosophy. He is a Level 7 Certified Qigong Instructor with the World Ki Gong Club and a Certified Advanced Instructor and professional member of the National Qigong Association. John owns Seven Stars Martial Arts in Winfield, IL. (www.7StarsMA.com).
Fire Pit 5:00 p.m.
Spirit Circle Drumming
Celebrate your spirit through music and movement! Join us in sacred space for healing rhythms and dance. Based on a blend of traditions, the drum circle draws on our most ancient roots to create expressions of love and joy, raising energy that is held in silence and then sent out in offerings of prayer, followed by grounding. Although some instruments will be available, please bring drums, rattles, or other rhythm instruments if possible. Meet outdoors at the Stone Circle south of the labyrinth.
Karen Tlusty-Rissman is a musician, astrologer, artist and celebrant of Spirit. She currently leads a variety of meditation classes in the western suburbs and has facilitated sacred circles for over 35 years. She weaves the common threads from many Earth-centered traditions as well as astrology, aromatherapy, and energy work to provide participants with a direct connection to their inner Source. Karen plays the Native American flute, concert flute, bass guitar, Tibetan singing bowls, and gong. She is available for private consultation, meditation classes, musical performances, and lessons. Visit https://starsong23.wordpress.com/about-me/