DID you reserve YOUR book? If you have reserved it yet we recommend getting yours reserved and cash in on the free standard Ebook with your Signed Hardback book!
YOU ALREADY reserved your book! Good Job! Did you know the enhanced Ebook has Bright Hawk reading the story to the listener with her handpan music and sound effects! Don’t miss this $14.99 value! Simply attend the Book Release Party, celebrate, enjoy the interviews and previews AND see the special guest! AND you get a free Enhanced Ebook on top of your Hardback signed copy and your standard Ebook.
The long-awaited Dancing Hippo Book is on sale NOW for presales! There are several ways to pre-order your book.
-Attend the Book release party and Reserve your Signed Hardback Copy to get the newly developed Enhanced Ebook FREE (audio/visual experience – Bright Hawk’s music, storytelling & videos) as well as a FREE standard Ebook. (mailed on 11/27/20)
–Reserve your book on Amazon but give up the freebies and signed book. (paperback available) (mailed on 11/27/20)
We are so excited to release this beautifully illustrated book just in time for the next generation! Help kids learn how to manage hard emotions, overcome naysayers, and be their most authentic selves. This book has even folded in gender inclusivity so ALL children can see themselves in this story. GLBTQIA+ friendly.
We felt positively confident about our stop at Granite Hot Springs, since we had been to this public land the year prior. This is our second year touring the northwest US in our Honda FIT and we are feeling more confident in our use of public lands, and how to find them — we even had a few favorites along the way. Granite Hot Springs was our favorite from last year, Hollis loves waterfalls almost as much as trees and Bright Hawk loves hot springs almost as much as the wilderness. We both agreed that this place was worth more exploration and time. We dreamed about our future home on wheels as we drove past RV, Vans, and truck campers staying out on the edge of the river as we arrived. We wondered if the cows would be on the road like the year prior. With experience, we were less nervous about the cattle we encounter grazing on a lot of public lands. Honestly, we prefer seeing them grazing on wild public lands overcrowded bins on industrial cattle farms, at least this way they got to live a fair life, comparatively. We loved it when the cows visit us along the way. This day we didn’t see the cows but it was getting dark when we arrived. We had spent a couple of days in Yellowstone followed by a visit to Grand Teton. After hikes and exploration of the National Parks we were ready for a cozy night under the stars and some therapeutic waters.
This time we knew better than to camp in unmarked land, we got away with it last time but this time there were less people and the campground had plenty of open sites. This time we took a campsite a bit close to the water and the waterfall was now something in the distance. Although knowing it was there somehow inspired the soul. As we set up camp we were careful and bear aware, many signs around camp included warnings about bears. We carefully washed our dishes away from our tent and locked up all our food stuff in the car. Bright Hawk was sure to set up the tent with no scented things that might tempt a bear. We were aware that we were visiting in the fall, a rather hungry time for bears. We tucked ourselves neatly into our beds with dreams of visiting the hot springs the next day and also we needed to figure out where people where going at the end of the road. We fell asleep dreaming of exploring the space the next day in the light of day.
Campsite Set Up
Welcome Back!
Peaceful Campground
View from our Campsite
Granite Hot Springs Campground
Hollis is a fairly sound sleeper and can be caught sleeping with the loudest of music. They are rarely woken up by anything other than direct contact. This was a night that Hollis felt cozy, confident and very tired after days of hiking. Hollis found themselves woken in what could be defined as ‘the dead of night’ with no signs of the sun and not much noise. Except Hollis noticed something outside the tent, making the entire ground rumble beneath them. As Hollis’ eyes got larger and the part moon shined just enough shadow/light for Hollis to know there was a bear just outside the tent. Sniffing at the picnic table and walking around the camp looking for food. Hollis laid completely still, terrified that a bear was close enough and BIG ENOUGH to make the ground rumble. Hollis’ laid frozen beneath the sleeping bag, sweating but completely focused on what the bear was up to. Hollis hoped they didn’t have the toothbrush in the tent. Suddenly the worried mind took off with all sorts of worries like ‘can it break the windows of the car’ – ‘what if my clothes has food on it and he decides to try to get in here, what should I do’ – Soon Hollis’ storyteller had at least a dozen scenarios with only a half dozen solutions, Hollis’ heart rate increases. Hollis takes a deep breathe and says to themselves silently ‘you are still okay, in this moment everything is okay’ Hollis takes three slow full breaths, in and completely out as much as possible. Then, Hollis listened to the bear and begins to notice the bear was following a different scent, up the hill away from our campsite. Hollis exhales several sighs of relief, wondering if Bright Hawk slept through the whole thing. Hollis whispers, ‘are you awake.’ Bright Hawk says “What is it?” Hollis giggles in silence and whispers, “A bear was just outside the tent. Stay still I think it has left.”
Deep Wilderness
Misty Mountain Morning
Buffalo Road Blocks
Buffalo
We are sleeping on the ground in a truly WILD place
Now in unified listening we both validate that the bear has left our campsite and we both eventually settle back to sleep, ready for our next day. As the sun began to peak over the horizon we found ourselves packing up early so we can explore the rest of the day before we continue driving back to Colorado. As we get a quick breakfast, coffee and tea to go, and everything packed back up in the car. We noticed, while packing, that many cars are just going right by the waterfall/hotspring area. We are excited to see what is past the waterfall since we have never explored past the waterfalls and little soaking spring. We consider soaking before we head down the road because NOW it’s empty, but will it be empty after we explore down the road. We consider our choice for a moment and with the momentum of packing we keep going.
We drive past where we camped last year and the waterfall and hot spring. Here we could park, walk down the hill to the river, cross the river and soak in a little natural hot springs perfect for two people. We did this last year! From the waterfall parking area there was a hill that goes upwards. Last time we had noticed a lot of cars going up there, very carefully in a lot of cases. The road was rutted out and looked like we would need go slow in our little low lying Honda Fit. We wind around a corner and climb up a bit of a hill. As we come around the tree full area we see a building and as we approach we see signs. Signs giving instruction about parking to enter the hot springs, the prices and other various related information.
As we realize that the tiny spring from last time we visited was a teeny weeny reflection of the pools we are now looking at, large enough for 20+ people. For $10 we can soak all day if we want! We look at each other and start laughing at how we completely missed this the year before. Mostly because the road was challenging and we were grateful with what we found, a waterfall and a fun adventure across the river to a hot springs. This time though we decided to treat ourselves to a soaking for a nice long soak. It seems, that in most cases, there is more than one way to do things!
Bright Hawk & Hollis appreciate you reading our blog and are grateful if your willing to share it, comment, or like it! Forward the email to your friends? We appreciate your feedback as well, please email us.
Need something positive and unique for your event? Bright Hawk offers performances for 60-90 mins of live storytelling with the handpan that will leave your community feeling connected, loved, and inspired. A modern rendition of the ancient art of storytelling with a very modern instrument. Bright Hawk’s messages are sincere, inspiring and engaging to audiences that desire positive thinking, lifelong learning, and love for all people. Bright Hawk offers real-life travel stories, original and traditional fictional stories to intrigue even grown up imaginations. Bright Hawk is planning her 2020 schedule now and welcomes invitations to visit your community in 2020!
Part of the Fall/Winter Tour for 2019 is Cascadia Fire – “We come together as a collective of artists, musicians, dancers, magickians, bards, alchemists and wisdom keepers to create anew the sacred container of the fire circle in the beautiful home of Cascadia.”
Bring yourself to the fire to feed your heart, clear your mind and replenish your soul. Enjoy Cascadia Fire on the Oregon Coast and dance your way into the next chapter of your life! Connect with like minded people and create friendships for a lifetime.
We come together to co-create this gathering as place of sacred celebration, conscious connection with the Fire and each other, Cascadia and Gaia, and a prayerful container for nature-centered magick and music making.
We are offering attendance to our Bana Kuma Village for *FREE or by donation. We ask that anyone attending throughout the 12 days commits for at least one FULL day (9am-6pm) so that we can keep a solidified container each day. To learn more please attend our opening council on January 12 at 5pm at Anuenue.
This is our gift back to community in gratitude for all that you have shared with us. Due to your support in other areas we are able to offer this once in a lifetime experience for free. We hope to see you.
*This offer does not include camping or meal plans.
(Note: this is not the Bana Kuma band Camp which will be providing the Prayerformance at Flow Fest)
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Schedule:
January 12:
Registration Orientation from 1:00p-4:00p
Opening Council: 5:00p-9:00p (roughly)
January 13:
Kasha (Fire Day)
January 14:
Shiniwa (Water Day)
January 15:
Kinika (Air Day)
January 16:
Chimbo (Earth Day)
January 17 to January 22 Daily Schedule:
Guided Music Meditation: 7:00a-8:00a
Breakfast 8:00a-9:00a
Air Focus: 9:00a-11:00a
Water:11:00a-1:00p
Lunch: 1:00p-2:00p
Fire: 2:00p-4:00p
Earth: 4:00p-6:00p
Dinner: 6:00p-7:00p
Roundcil: 7:00p-10:00p
January 23:
Closing Ceremony
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Is this for you??
Come Experience Living Wisdom in an Intentional Village for 12 Days.
Learn the Art of Self Guidance.
Initiate Yourself into the Greater You.
Live with Intention.
Create Your Reality…. For Real!
Are you living your greatest path?
Do you have the tools to decipher what is the best direction for your life?
Do you feel frustration and a sense of being lost at times?
Do you know how to read the subtle language of your expanded self or have you been making decisions that do not serve your greatest joy?
Are you fully expanded or do you desire to grow?
Come live the ancient, simple, unwavering and precise wisdom of the Bana Kuma.
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Background Information
“Bana Kuma” refers to our ability to make thoughts manifest into reality, or to create – a gift we all possess as humans. You are a self sovereign beings born with the choice to choose your own path towards your highest self.
Give yourself the gift of living in your personal alignment. Feel what it feels like to be your greater self. Let the feeling of the ‘real’ you become a beacon in daily life. Life is short. Don’t waste time in the quagmire of mistakes and life sapping activity.
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Retreat Design
The wisdom of the Bana Kuma is based off of each persons’ freedom and free will. In honor of this self sovereignty, this Bana Kuma retreat will be formatted with a myriad of daily offerings that you choose for yourself (See the list below).
The idea is that you show up and then choose for yourself the activities, ceremonies or healing practices that you feel are most in alignment with your personal expansion.
There will be four elemental camps that provide a wide variety of daily offerings. Each day will be split further into four sessions giving you the opportunity to experience each elemental camp, if you so choose. All four camps will gather in evening for a council around the fire or in the “Kinika” or spirit house.
This event is directed by Chris Berry (chrisberrymusic.org). He will be joined by other facilitators this year. For up-to-date info, email Banafest@gmail.com
Here’s a peak into some of the life enhancing activities offered by each camp…
WATER CAMP:
New! Swim with Dolphins and Whales: Experience a unique opportunity to swim up close with our Cetation brothers and sisters. January is a unique time in which the Humpback Whales visit Hawaii’s waters to give birth and to nurture their newborns. It is also a time when the Dolphins welcome their big Brothers and sisters back and the two species are often found singing together during this time. The Whales and Dolphins hold a very deep significance in the mythology and the wisdom of the Bana Kuma. You will know why once you have been in the presence of these great and peaceful beings. (Discounted boat and guide fees may apply).
Shiniwa: A water ceremony in which the first half of the ceremony is spent cleansing oneself in waterfalls. The ceremony takes place at dawn and in the evening if needed. medicines, songs and prayers are used to empower the process and the waterfall. While the first half of the ceremony is to release and cleanse the second half is done in still or ocean water and is meant to consecrate. The second half of the ceremony literally seals in good intentions and prayers and is meant as an empowering and blessing. Sacred anointing oils are used in this second half. Various music and songs may accompany both parts of the ceremony.
Tira: refers to various sizes of smooth rounded sticks that are used in massage to clear energy meridians or rivers in the body. The technique has been compared with Lomi Lomi massage and is paired with an ancient elemental diagnostic technique that reads points under the collar bone. This technique is very powerful on its own and also when it is paired with the “quivering” and the tea ceremony. One is also taught the art of walking the ‘razors edge’ or not taking on the patients ills while strongly being able to understand and empathize with them.
Haula Frieme: Using water as a healer. Learn how to bless and change the molecular structure of water to heal almost any malady. The ancients used water as a medicine by learning how to imbue it with living intention.
Hana-Quiema: Carried out in waste high water, a whirlpool of current is created by a group of people who encircle the person receiving the healing. The ‘patient’ floats in the middle while the others sing ancient healing songs into the water as it gently spins the person in the middle. This is an ancient healing technique over 10,000 years old.
Dance: Like water receives energy from heat (fire) and reacts so to does the dancer receive energy from the fire of music and move accordingly. The Bana Kuma has a rich tradition of healing dances dedicated to each element.
FIRE CAMP:
Kasha: Clearing ceremony that is ruled by the drum and the element of fire. Intentional heat is created in the body through drum and dance that burns away ones blocks. Special rhythms and dances are used with intention and prayer to bring one more in line with their greater self. The obstacles that keep us from reaching our greatest potential are targeted and burnt away in this ceremony.
Ziassou: Or action from Greater self has been compared to Qi Gong and or Tai Chi. This technique includes the use of a staff called Ta that is ceremonially made by each person. The practitioner is taught how to let the bigger self move them or how to have involuntary action. It is action in which the Spark of life or spirit moves the body rather than the smaller you. This practice can prove to be very healing for muscle, bone and joints and has also been referred to as the martial art of Bana Kuma. It is also imperative for those leaning the art of mediumship.
Macheka: Learn an African version of Chinese accupuncture in which medicines and salves are applied to miniscule cuts made at various myridian points on the body.
Steam-vent Cleansing: Puna boasts a myriad of sites that feature natural steam vents in Lava caves or rooms. This is much like a Sauna or a sweat lodge but different in that the cleansing comes from Pele herself and is extremely healing and powerful.
Shiakwa Sah: The art of fierce love. Shiakwa sah is a technique that allows love to be expressed through fierceness without anger. Mostly used when ones self sovereignty is being jeoprodized this technique is very useful for non-violent demonstrators or in self defense. It also suggested for parents as a strong but gentle for of discipline
Drumming: The drum is the patron instrument of the fire element. There are 12 elemental rhythms of the Bana Kuma that will be drawn from in this class.
AIR CAMP:
Haum: Is an ancient form of meditation. it can but does not have to be accompanied with fasting and isolation for small to lengthy amounts of time. Haum may also be accompanied by music or done in silence.
Kinika: Is a “spirit house.” It is where the art of mediumship or listening to ones greater self is practiced. One of the many activities that happen in the Kinika is ‘Roundcil.’ The spirits that take part in these councils do not act as Gurus or masters but instead as wise elders with expansive perspectives. Kinika is a place for wisdom and clarity to be shared among humans or humans and those of the unseen. It is encouraged that every word that is spoken in the Kinika be loved by the speaker. It is a place for passionate discussion and a place where life changing decisions are made. From the perspective of Bana Kuma thought is the seed of all creation. In this way it is from the Kinika that much of the Bana Kuma’s ancient wisdom has been seeded. It is also a place of story telling, Alternative perspectives on history and healing. It is always a place of co-creation where the seen and unseen complete the circle of life together. Kinika Literally means house of self sovereignty as each individual (spirit or physical) is seen as a sovereign being worthy of great respect. There is a pole in the middle of the Kinika which symbolizes each persons authority self sovereignty.
Gah: Gah is an initiation into Actions that are harmonious with all that is. Gah itself is small “medicine pouch” that is worn around the neck and ceremonially made by the owner. While the creation and receiving of this pouch is unique to each individual, there are protocols which are intended to enhance ones personal creativity and power. Gah is also an object of which you own together with those in the unseen realm. When one wears their gah they are stating that they are living or about to do actions that the unseens are in alignment with. Once one receives Gah it is said that ones power to manifest is greatly enhanced. It is also said that actions born from the will of Gah have a distinct power to change the world no matter how big or small those actions are.
Gah-Ta: Or that which is born from Gah, is the process of creating those actions or Bana Kuma that are impeccable and in harmony with all that is. This is the closest thing that Bana Kuma has to teacher training and is unique to each individual. It may include learning how to conduct Bana Kuma ceremony or something entirely different as each person has a unique gift to bring to the world. Those wishing to undertake Gah and Gah-Ta will have a special orientation at the beginning of the gathering to to co-create their 12 day journey. The actions that one creates from Gah are aimed at being Impeccable. The definition of impeccable for Gah is something that is in harmony with ones greater self, The unseen world and all life on earth. Gah and Gah-Ta is suggested for those who want to guide their own retreats, ceremonies, healings practices, teachings, performances, take on leadership roles or anyone who wants to share their creations with the greater community.
Sah-kanama: Is ancestral or spiritual healing. It is said there are three main routes to Spiritual and Ancestral healing. One is that negative entities have ‘hijacked’ or attached themselves to a person without permission. This is often prevalent in Schytsofrenia, or those who have moods that they cannot control. Learn an extremely effective technique to release these entities from yourself or from others who may seek your assistance.
The second route is unresolved past lives. Past life stories that can still play out in our lives today. Learn how to resolve and to release their negative effects on your life and the lives of others.
The third route are those things passed down to us by our ancestors that reside in the memory of DNA. This too can be transmuted and healed.
Learn to diagnose which route the spiritual affliction comes from and how to effectively treat and heal it forever. It is said that ones entire lineage may be healed through this process.
Wind instruments and Song: Learn to play a pentatonic bone flute and also the sacred songs of the Bana Kuma.
EARTH CAMP:
herbal studies, medicine making: learn an ancient technique of herb gathering called “The Quivering” In which the plant world communicates directly with the person harvesting the herbs for the benefit of those who will be consuming the herbs or tea. Create Salves, tinctures and other healing remedies with the vast array of healing herbs on the island.
Tea making and ceremony: The tea ceremony that follows from the freshly harvested herbs is an ancient one in which all elements are honored as they combine to make the tea. Teas are made on an a sacred fire and the healing effects have been to many to mention here.
Gudoku-doku; Or tree medicine focuses on all of the healing properties of tree bark, roots and leaves (different from herbal or plant studies). Gudoku-doku actually refers to the club that is used to pound the bark and the roots while making them into medicine. The first song taught in this practice speaks of the club and the medicines power to kill or to heal. The song refers to the fact that we possess great power in the decisions we make. Apparently many things from trees can also be poisonous if not treated in the right way. This practice requires special attention and intention from the practitioner. The tree medicines can also be used in the Elemental tea ceremony.
Chimbo: Is the basic crafting or consecrating of objects, adornments or clothing. Chimbo are consecrated in ceremony to represent something that is shared between the spirit and physical realms. They are empowerment objects. Since these things are shared with the unseen realm, a process is undergone to be guided by ones spirits. A Chimbo consecrated and owned by both the individual and their spirits but is taken care of by the person who is alive. There is no limit as to what the object can or cannot be.
Bana Kuma music on Western instruments: Learn some or all of the 12 Bana Kuma archetypical music on any instrument other than the voice, drum or flute.
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*We are viewing Gah-Ta as our teachers training. You may choose to receive in depth training on any of the activities listed above or choose your own Gah-Ta and receive guidance from your spirits and the spirit of the Kinika. In this process it is important that you co-create with those of the unseen so that your Gah-ta will be in harmony with the unseen as well as everything else. There will be extra councils for people in this program as well as a graduating process with Haha. This program is reserved for those who have their gah or are going to be obtaining their gah during the upcoming expansion.
Note to the origin of the Bana Kuma ceremonies: Bana Kuma is based on a goal of a final world culture in which all peoples share their ‘medicine’ with each other. Those that have co-created and shared these ceremonies with us have requested that we do our best to keep them from being put into a cultural box. Where the ceremonies come from is not important to the creators of these ceremonies. Wheter or not they serve you or not is what is important. Bana Kuma is focus on creating unity instead of division and therefor is for and from earth people for all people. We are warned that the Bana Kuma is never to be delineated as certain peoples tradition. The ceremonies are born from ancient wisdom that is universal to all. They are not to be owned by any one culture or people but be freely offered to all humankind. It is said that if Bana Kuma is not as universal as a tear or a smile then it is not Bana Kuma.
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Meal Plan:
$50/day
MEAL PLAN OPTION:
Contact us at banafest@gmail.com if you are interested in up-to-date details for the meal plan option. We will need a commitment no later than January 1.
Typically the meal plan includes a light breakfast and a large lunch and dinner. To follow the ceremonial diet of the Bana Kuma, the meals are largely vegetarian and use little to no processed ingredients. When meats are incorporated, they are butchered ceremonially and/or locally, with great care and intention.
REGISTRATION:
We would greatly appreciate it if you could touch base with us at banafest@gmail.com if you are going to be joining us just so we can be as prepared as possible for the number of participants.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Contact us at banafest@gmail.com for accommodations.
$10/night Camping. Access to hot shower, Flush toilettes and community kitchen.
Rooms and shared cabins available for $58 per night.
Full cabin rental available for $95 per night (sleeps 3), $225 per night (Sleeps 8).
Directions to Anuenue from Noni Farm Road:
VERY IMPORTANT: Set odometer to zero at start of Noni Farm Road. The entrance to Anuenue Cultural healing arts Sanctuary is 1.7 miles from the highway. Make sure to always stay to the left on this road!
Landmarks:
You’ll pass Polestar on the right after .2 miles.
Once you see Gaia Yoga (on the left). the property is 5 driveways past them on the left.
You will first see the Norfolk Pine Trees that line their neighbor’s porperty directly across on the right.
Its February and many of us could use a mood booster! Many of us would agree that Bright Hawk and the Hang PANArt will leave us feeling uplifted, joyful, and peaceful. Positive music, a positive artist, and a unique instrument – a perfect break from winter life. We hope to see lots of you here at these events! Thank you for subscribing to Bright Hawk’s News.
The First show in February will be at Eldora Lodge closer to Coal Creek Canyon than Golden. The show is Feb. 13th at 8pm. This concert is open to anyone that wants to attend. Tips are welcomed and appreciated! Cd’s are available
Bright Hawk will also be featured at the event Tacos-N-Tunes at the Blue Owl Book Store in Nederland, CO at 6pm. Come on out and have dinner and music. No cover but tipping is appreciated! Please Reserve a dining table – Call us, at 303-258-3695 – CD’s are available.
Bright Hawk is excited to also appear at the Mercury Cafe, again! Have you seen this place? The art and creativity of this venue certainly is an amazing back drop to the most unique solo artist I know, Bright Hawk! This is great fun and just before the open mic, so come on out! No cover!
Bright Hawk’s final appearance in Feb. will be at The Laughing Goat on Friday Feb. 26th at 10pm for a fun uplifting concert. This concert will contain lots of original compositions and Bright Hawk’s signature smile and positive attitude. The Laughing Goat is known for featuring up and coming artists and helping to bring live unique music to downtown Boulder.
Bright Hawk has also been booked for Costa Rica ForestDance Festival. She is super excited to have a warm work-vacation. This is an extra special event for Bright Hawk and she is honored to bring her uplifting spirit, Hang PANArt Vibrations, and loving smile.
