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Spinning as Spiritual Practice, GGF 6/30/13

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Reirin Gumbel
Sunday, June 30, 2013,  9am - 5pm
with Reirin Gumbel and Randy Chelsey

Spinning thread from animal or plant fiber is an ancient art that has been practiced by peoples all over the world. What used to be a chore for slaves and women has now become a recreational labor of love for people who prefer their own handmade creations to store-bought varieties. At the same time as one concentrates on drafting the fiber, the turning of the wheel or spindle has a calming effect, and many spinners liken their craft to meditation practice.

You will learn to prepare the fiber, and draft and twist it into yarn with spinning sticks and hand spindles. You can also try out a spinning wheel.

There will be ample time to also take a lovely walk in the gardens and farm after the class, and you might turn your stay at GGF into a weekend craft retreat by booking a room in our guest house.

Fees: $90, $81 current SFZC members, $72 limited income, plus $25 materials fee (for drop spindle and fleece). A delicious organic vegetarian lunch in the Green Gulch dining room is included.

To Register: Use the Ticket Table below. Or call our toll free number 888.743.9362 or our local number 415.475.9362.
Randy Chelsey, started spinning in 1980 and teaching spinning in 1982. Spinning is a daily activity--a practice for her, as is teaching. She has published several articles in Spin Off magazine, including an article on teaching spinning. She has traveled extensively in the third world, where she spent time spindling with local women. She has a BA in religion with a focus on Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and has been practicing Zen since 1999. Her Master's degree is in counseling. She is a member of Ocean Gate Zen Center in Santa Cruz, California.

Related Bio(s):

Reirin Gumbel
Reirin Seisho Alheidis Gumbel has been a resident at SFZC since 2003, was ordained as a Soto Zen priest by Furyu Nancy Schroeder, and was head monk for the Spring practice period in 2012. Prior to her residency at Green Gulch she lived in Santa Cruz with her two daughters, where she owned a fiber arts business, The Golden Fleece. Reirin is excited to have the opportunity to bridge Zen practice and Fiber Arts education, which she feels are intimately connected.