I feel like a part of the A-team...someone give me cigar so I can say: I love it when a plan comes together!

My Top 10 Favorite Acting Tips

10 Top Acting Tips. Acting is challenging, rewarding, deep, and sometimes even painful, but it is arguably the most growthful art under the sun. Here are my top 10 favorite tips to help you break through to your full expression!

1. Learn to breath. Start with complete full breaths and then you can play with extending the length of your inhale and exhale. One great way to expand the diaphragm (and increase your ability to project) is to inhale as deeply as possible and exhale for twice the amount of time you spent inhaling. Breathing helps with stage presence, stress and stage fright.
   
2. Support your fellow actors. Making your peers look and feel good will cultivate community, improve the show and ultimately bring out your best. Nobody likes a scene-stealer or a prima dona. Chemistry within the cast is one of the primary indicators of a successful show
   
3. Practice! Practice! Practice! The more you speak your lines out loud and move your body the better you will get. (Scroll down for more tips on how to memorize.)
   
4. Be willing to "look the fool." If you're afraid of looking silly, you are in your ego. You are not your role. A true actor does whatever is required of the character to make it the most engaging role possible. Remember you are not your character, and you cannot be fully expressed if you're holding back.
   
5. Don't fling your body around randomly when you act. Outstretched arms and excessive gesticulation is a sure sign of an armature. Channel that distracting energy into your voice, eyes, and characterization. Be strong and still so the energy is projected to the audience, not haphazardly about the stage.


6. If you forget a line: stay calm and always remember to stay in character. Breaking character during a performance is theatrical suicide. Ask yourself what would your character do in this situation, or how would they respond? Eventually you will recognize your cue and the lines will come back. Plan B, in worse case scenario is to skip ahead to a line that you remember.
   
7. Hold for laughs. If you or one of your cast mates induces chuckles from the crowd, be sure to pause a little until they quiet down; this way your lines don't get lost in the sea of noise. Do not laugh, no matter how much laughter you get from the audience, Stay in Character.


8. Do your scene work. Ask yourself the 3 Ws or basic questions about your role:Who am I? Where am I? What do I want? Fill in all character activity not provided in the text. (Where does he go when he exits? What he was doing before entering the stage?)


9. Use Creative visualization. Imagine your character's phycial appearance and run them through your mind until it become second nature. Visualization is a secret shared by all successful athletes, performers, and leaders. Visualization is mentally picturing yourself successfully performing in the play. Spend time each day imagining your ideal performance. Relax and go through all your senses and notice what you imagine seeing, hearing, tasting, feeling, even smelling, within the world of the play. Breathe deeply and easily as you imagine your success into reality.


10. Be professional and prepared. Show up early or on time, will give you the necessary warm up time and, mental peace that you need to perform at your best. Know your script. Read, re-read and then read again. (Especially at night before bed, this is the most effective time to read and dream about your script.) From this foundation you can go on to identify the reason for your lines, (Subtext) this will add depth to your lines and make remembering easier. (Scroll down for more tips on memorization.

Top 5 Memorization Tips:
All the preparation in the world is useless if you don’t know your lines!
You can’t really begin to act at all, or to develop your character, until you have your lines (off book). So the sooner you get started the better. The process of memorization boils down to one thing: Repetition. There are several different tips which, when practiced in repetition will lead to success:

1. Memorization takes conscientious work night after night. (I recommend you do it right before bed and visualize a perfect performance.)

2. Be sure to say your lines out loud in each of these methods. You can’t merely reproduce the words: you have to speak them into birth. Try recording your monologues or lines in a tape recorder or MP3 player and play it back while your driving around or before going to bed. I recommend you record them in a monotone voice so that when you repeat it back you can try different inflections. Don’t fall into inflection patterns too early on. Setting inflections too soon often prevents the scene from growing and changing as you discover more things about it. Your director may have input that will change what you thought the line meant, or how you need to respond.

3. By focusing on the motivation behind the words and WHY you would say them, you not only add depth, but you can memorize your lines easier and they make more sense in the context of the play as a whole.

4. Beats. Large chunks of text can be broken into smaller sections, called "beats," to make memorizing easier. Each beat may have a specific theme: for example, the actor may be manipulative in one beat, and pleading in the next.

5. Add in the movement as soon as you have the blocking: this will help you link the sense
of the word to the action and to the environment. And you optimize your body memory and it helps you remember your text.

Remember that if you get your lines and movements memorized in your nervous system, it opens you up to be more present and alive when onstage. Have Fun!

I'm crushing on my Tantra Theater cast...I can't eat, can't sleep...all I do is dream about the show...and this time next week, it'll be all over.
Thus the drama faces :o) + :o(
http://ping.fm/RfSwQ

Hot off the Press: Tantra Theater Flyer

bought a toilet to use on-stage for Tantra Theater! Sara's painting a bathtub, anyone have a tall standing bathroom scale we can borrow?

Tantra Video Spoof with Shawn Roop

The Making of "DVD for Non-mongomous Ninjas"

REiD and I were shocked and amazed that after a successful week-long festival of events, we did not have enough people to run the weekend course on Free Love. On Thursday, Reid declared, there must be some shamanic reason why we weren't meant to teach this weekend.

"Bullshit!" I exclaimed with a smile. "Every time something doesn't go the way someone wants it, they recite the same spiritual justification, 'everything happens for a reason,' as if it were all planned out and we are just little pawns in this big chess game. Well, I'm not buying it!"

This snarky comment launched us into a humorous banter of existential proportion. I take responsibility for my reality...it's a co-creation. If the universe doesn't want us to teach this weekend, we can simply co-create something else.

Like what?
Like A DVD.

Like Conscious Porn?

Or Maybe an instructional DVD for polyamory.

If I'm giving up my weekend, it better be fun!

How about a Handbook for Nonmonogomous Ninjas.

You mean a DVD.

Right.

That Rocks!

And we proceeded to brainstorm, script, rehearse, and shoot an outrageously fun and informative DVD with our top ten tips and techniques for responsible non-monogomy.

"That's a Wrap!" Tatyana said at the end of the shoot before we posed for this silly picture.

And it's a good thing that we got it all finished on Saturday, it turns out my late aunt's funeral was re-scheduled for Sunday, and I would've had to cancel the Free Love Retreat so that I could be with my family in Los Angeles.

Goodbye to my Great-Aunt Deli

I read my first adult novel while one day during the summer before my freshman year. I was staying at my grandma's pent-house in Westwood when I happened upon a manuscript written by my great aunt Deli. It had sex, travel, politics and general lewdness. (which, I suspect is why it was never published.) Inspired, after reading her book, I declared that I too would someday become a novelist. Thus, Auntie Deli was my first creative, feminist, free-thinking hero.

I never told her how much I admired her art. She died before her 90th birthday. Her beloved Violin was placed on a chair at altar of a new-age religious science church where we gathered for her memorial. It was a subtle "Fuck You" to the family to not hold it at the Jewish Mount Sinai cemetery, where most of our ancestors are buried, and where the family usually gathers during times of grief. But this event was no pity party--it was a celebration of life for a woman who danced to her own drumbeat.

My Aunt Sandy kicked off her eulogy by saying, "I'm conflicted about giving a eulogy because I can't seem to talk about my Deli without cussing, and I know I'm not supposed to cuss in church...but then I heard Delis voice say, 'Go ahead Sandy dear, say whatever you want and if they don't like it, Fuck them!'" The jokes and memories rolled on for over an hour. "If Deli were here, she'd probably be tapping her foot saying, when's the party going to start?'"

The female reverend wrapped it up by informing us of the church protocol: at any time, anybody could stand up for any reason and call for a joke or ask for a standing ovation. Apparently aunt Deli was was the first to call in the jokes and we concluded the ceremony with a heart felt standing ovation so loud that she would surly hear it...wherever she is.

One of the beautiful qualities of the Jewish people is to make the best out of every situation. Except for Deli, my family doesn't like to talk about the negative. "Cancer" is always whispered and we are often reminded to "stand up straight and smile" in the face of sadness. As such, the reception in the church basement was filled with a lot of reassuring comments such as, "It was her time.." and "She was ready to go..." Without spending 3 days mourning by the side of the body, (since she was cremated) there were a lot of unfelt feelings in the room. As an emotional and empathic woman, I found myself bawling and blubbering with nostalgic memories...

At some point in my pre-puberty years my aunt stayed at my home for advanced studies in violin at a nearby college. She witnessed the complex and painful relationship between me and my angry-depressive mother and decided that I didn't get enough love growing up. She took it on herself to love me unconditionally. Every time I saw her, at Hanukkah and Birthdays, she would make it a point to ask me how my life was going--and then she actually listened.

When I became a tantra teacher she would tell me how important my work is. When I'd send out my monthly newsletter she'd be one of the first to reply: "Wish I lived closer so that I could come to all of your events." And the last conversation I had with her was her asking me for advice on her regular practice of self-pleasuring. I'm happy to know that even into her final years she was a very orgasmic woman.

Her body-mind complex started to decline after she had a silent heart attack, and after 7 weeks in assisted living she was despondent about losing her independence. On Thursday, July 16th she fell and hit her head and was not re-vived. Her care taker and new best friend later told me that she stayed with the body for about an hour after death, speaking affirmations into her ear and kissing her face. That evening, Michael and I prayed for Deli before entering tantra tent and thought of her often while hosting an event entitled: "Dildos, dental dams and deep throating."

Devi is mourning the death of her great aunt... a defiant jewish violinist with a irreverent sense of humor. I'll miss her fiercely.

Dildos, Dental Dams and Deep Throating

Cuddle Party with REiD Mihalko

Speed Flirting with REiD Mihalko

The rehearsal process is like an organic garden where ideas are grown & challenged until the day of the feast when table is set and ideas devoured.

Romance for the Rest of Us

Over a 15 new members of Bliss Coach University showed up for REiD Mihalko's first class in San Diego this Week. Here's a puppy pile after class and

Testimonials from the students:

"A great and easy to understand presentation of how to understand women and men and how to love them like they want to be loved."

"I look forward to utilizing this info in my love relationships, I feel it is a sure plan for success."
"Reid is a light-hearted, authentic, insightful teacher who breaks his material into clear and valuable themes and projects his energy in a way that captures your attention."

"Awesome workshop, I learned so much about my love tendencies and languages and how they might differ from your partners and cause "lack of romance.""

"Amazing information. Very insightful, casual atmosphere, relaxed, good learning environment. Thank you!"

Theater Help Wanted

Do you, or anyone you know, have experience with theater stage and sound?

We are looking for creative volunteers to help out on a community production?

The shownights are:
Fri. July 31st Tantra Theater Show 6:45!!

Sat. Aug 1st Tantra Theater Show 6:45!!
Next week is Tech week: Monday 27, Tues. 28, Thursday 30th...

Crew will be called at 6pm on each of these nights.
Please let me know if your interested and/or available.

858-272-2254

Wanted: Event Coordinated for Bliss Coach U.

Help Wanted.

DEFINITION
In Collaboration with Kamala Devi you would coordinate, plan and market special events such as Tantra-Palooza 2009.
SUPERVISION OVER
Guest Teachers, Technical and clerical personnel as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Plans, organizes, coordinates, promotes, and facilitates special events.
Schedules and maintains communication with speakers, vendors, and participants.
Assists in preparing a variety of publications, materials, and programs for events such as fliers and distribution.
Acts as prime source for promotion of activities and special events through social media and tantra friendly sites such as Craigslist, grapevine, yahoo, one tantra, yahoo groups, SD Tantra Connection...
Coordinates and monitors event time lines before and during the event
Reviews and analyzes performance.
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and/or experience in event coordination, journalism, communications or related field a plus.
Knowledge of:
Event planning, public relations and marketing principles and practices; public education system, copyright laws, radio and television broadcast production processes; fundamentals of writing, composition, layout, photography and production for publications, Internet applications as they relate to public information activities.
Skill and Ability to: design and edit variety of materials; write in a creative, descriptive, technical or factual manner; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those involved; respond to sensitive matters and/or situations with discretion, and compassion. Attention to detail. Ability to coordinate complex projects and meet deadlines; prepare presentations and speak effectively in various public forums; utilize standard business and desktop publishing software.
PAYMENT: You're payment would be on commission as a percentage of enrollment for the special events you coordinate with an agreed upon guarantee and potential bonuses for exceeding agreed upon goals.
CONTACT:Please contact Kamala Devi with a resume and a statement of intent explaining why you think you'd be perfect for this position. kamala@blisscoach.com 858-272-2254

Tantra Theater Two

Ten Commandments of the Pathless Path...How's that for a paradox?

Inspired by the"Core Principles" of The Tantra Theosophical Society founded by Rev. Janet and Sasha Lessin, I've updated my Credo which I strive to practice without dogma:

1. My body is my temple.
2. I am true to that which I know myself to be.
3. I am not separate from God/Goddess.
4. I practice transparency and compassion in communication.
5. I celebrate the full expression of others.
6. I practice ritual AND experience magic in the mundane.
7. I embrace the non-dual through the paradox of polarity.
8. I recognize every moment is a doorway to love.
9. Sex is one of the highest forms of worship.
10. The Earth and all her creations are sacred.

The "Temple of Tantra" is legally recognizes as an Establishment of religion protected under the first amendment. As an ordained minister, I intend to align with this temple and help it become a more inclusive umbrella for other dakas, dakinis and tantra teachers. Check it out! http://www.tantratheosophicalsociety.com/!

Om Tat Sat. Kamala Devi

Are your sex toys eco-friendly?

More Tantra Theater Set Ideas

Devi was dreaming about death again, and woke up to a irrodescent green scarab beetle bumping against my window...? what do you make of it?

Devi is observing the ongoing conversations with imaginary people in her head.

Inspiration for Tantra Theater Costumes

Devi couldn't sleep a wink last night...The full moon? the annoying chewing of my muse? or subconsciously waiting for 4:5:6 7-8-09?

Inspiring Set Ideas for Tantra Theater

Every peice of art has an original spark, a creative seed or a visual metaphore...I'm looking for the grand unifying concept for the next Tantra Theater Showcase. The personal narratives are crying out with the idea of "Slumber party" or "SPA" A place for deep reflection, exfoliation and rejuvination...And if your curious about the reference to "Emerald City" you'll have to come see the Show July 31st and Aug. 1st. http://www.blisscoach.com/

Depression: You are not alone.

After my fourth major episode with depressive disorder, my doctor declared me a "life-long" sufferer. According to medical studies, people who seek treatment for depression more than three times, never fully recover. It's like a terminal disease, which, he assured me "doesn't mean it will kill you, but statistically speaking," he said, "you'll probably take it to your grave."

As a tantrika, I understand this condition is not eternal, it is merely a temporary karmic pattern. And though, there are many subtle and complex variables binding me to it, I believe liberation is possible in this lifetime. I took the doctor's sentence as a challenge. Having done my time with the pharmaceuticals, I am determined to "go natural" even if it is "against medical advice."

Dedicated spiritual practice has helped my soul experience itself as much greater than the debilitating illusion. I recognize depression as the ego's last stand. It comes on as a desperate attempt to attach to some identity or circumstance. Yet I have great compassion for people in depression because it's hard to generate enough energy to meditate when you can't even get yourself out of bed. I would never have been able to do it alone, and am still grateful to my friends, lovers, spiritual teachers and my community.

Even though there is no "cure" for depression, I have been practicing a wide variety of treatments and I consider myself living proof of that it can be overcome, and life can even become...ecstatic!

One of the many ways I medicated myself was with mantras and affirmations. For Example: "I am not alone." In fact, I found myself in the company of extraordinary people who, like me, had also suffered the big bad blues. Here is a list of famous people that also wrestled with depression.

• Abraham Lincoln
  16th president of the United States, was first overcome by melancholia, today known as depression, in his mid 20s. During that time, his friends had to take away sharp tools from him in order to protect Lincoln from injuring himself. He was again afflicted with depression in the early 1840s. During that time he was under the daily treatment of a doctor for a long period. He struggled with it for the remainder of his life (in addition to anxiety attacks).
• Billy Joel
  Joel admitted himself into a hospital for treatment after attempting to end his life by drinking furniture polish.
• Buzz Aldrin
  Astronaut (along with Neil Armstrong) who walked on the moon in 1969. Aldrin’s depression began shortly after going to the moon and eventually was hospitalized. He recovered with the help of psychotherapy and depression medicines. Aldrin describes his depressive experience in his book, “Return to Earth.”
• Drew Barrymore
  Barrymore's history includes a suicide attempt and being hospitalized.
• Drew Carey
  In an interview with Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell, comedian and host of The Price Is Right Drew Carey revealed a darker side of himself. “I was depressed for a long time,” said Carey. So depressed that at the age of 18 and again in his 20's he attempted to take his own life by overdosing on pills.
• Ellen DeGeneres
  DeGeneres went through depression for about a year shortly after the cancellation of her show “Ellen” and publicly coming out in 1997.
• Emma Thompson
  Suffered from depression, brought on by her attempts to conceive via in vitro fertilization.
• Greg Louganis
  Multiple Olympics medal winner first experienced depression when he was 12 and attempted suicide twice.
• Georgia O'Keeffe
  After her husband’s affair, O'Keeffe was hospitalized for a short period of time.
• Princess Diana
  Suffered from post-partum depression (after her first son was born) and also experienced depression from her transition to Princess of Wales and marital problems.
• Sting (Gordon Sumner)
  While writing his memoir, “Broken Music,” Sting fell into a depression that lasted for two years.
• Sheryl Crow
  Crow discussed having chronic depression since she was a child. In the late 1980s, Crow had a period of depression after touring with Michael Jackson.
• Trent Reznor
  American musician from the band Nine Inch Nails who says he suffered from depression in the late 90's. In a 1999 interview for Rolling Stone magazine, he said that "It just took me time to sit down and change my head and my life around. I had to slap myself in the face: 'If you want to kill yourself, do it, save everybody the fucking hassle. Or get your shit together.'"
• Tennessee Williams
  American playwright who was reported to have a fear of becoming insane like his sister and went into a decade-long depression after the death of his lover.
• Others Famous Depressives include:

Elton John Brooke ShieldsJim Carrey, J. K. Rowling, Olivia Newton-John, Ozzy Osbourne, Kurt Cobain, Rodney Dangerfield, Roseanne Barr, Rosie O’Donnell, William FaulknerWoody Allen, Alan Alda, Joan Rivers, John Cleese, Dick Cavett, Marilyn Monroe. Alanis Morissette, John Denver, Cole Porter, Beethoven, Irving Berlin. Lord Byron, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway. Vincent Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Jackson Pollock. Kitty Dukakis Tipper Gore Calvin Coolidge Menachem Begin Barbara Bush, Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill.
So if you, or anyone you know is suffering depression...you are in good company.

The Relationship Rockstar Returns this Summer!

Do you remember the big commotion caused by REiD Mihalko and his radical relationship teachings, during the holidays? Now he's back in San Diego for a week-long festival of evening playshops leading up to our 3-day "Fundamentals of Free Love" Retreat:
Mon. 13th Romance for the Rest of Us Tues. 14th Speed Flirting Wed. 15th Cuddle Party
Thurs. 16th Dildos, Dental Dams and Deep Throating
In order to attend any or all of REiD's events you must enroll in BlissCoach University for six months. Now only $97 http://www.partnerplayshop.com/university.html

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This FRIDAY: New Tantra Tent Party with Potluck, Comedy and Sacred Snuggle!

Fri. July 10th 6pm-11pm!
This is a sweet sensual event where we gather to share food, co-create spontaneous performance art, flirt, touch, massage, run tantric energy, play, laugh, cry, and share intimacy, vulnerability or whatever else arises in the moment.Doors open at 6pm for a potluck dinner that will continue until 7:30pm Doors will be locked and no one else will be admitted after we open the sacred circle with an invocation, icebreakers and social agreements (AKA rules) Afterwards we'll connect in whatever way feels safe sacred and sensual to you. Bring a blanket and pillow, yummy dish and meet new friends or re-connect with the tribe! NO drugs, alcohol, or Red Meat please. This event will take place in the tantra tent in the backyard. It is a membership drive for the new university. It is a free open house to see if you'd like to join, and a great place to purchase membership for any or all of REiD's upcoming events.

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Monday: Romance for the Rest of Us
Mon. July 13th 6:45pm-9:15
Join sex and relationship educator Reid Mihalko for an entertaining and informative evening where you will Learn how to woo lovers new and old, Discover which "Romantic Type" you are and your prefered "love languages," Finally understand why your loved ones "just don't seem to get it" when it comes to romance, Learn what the top romantic activities are for folks, and walk away with tricks to bring more romance into your world! This two-hour workshop is open to everyone regardless of relationship status or sexual orientation. We could all use a little more romance in our lives!

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Tuesday: Speed Flirting with REiD!
Tues. July 14th 6:45pm-8:45 Speed-Flirting is a rambunctious, 2-hour workshop/social event for men and women of all ages. The usual definition of flirting as just "a sexual thang" limits our ability to engage with people playfully. What if flirting meant "increasing the fun and play in any interaction?" - Break the ice with ease and confidence. - Make your dating and relationship life pressure-free. - Say No without feeling guilty. - Keep people from misunderstanding your intentions. - Relate with rejection gracefully and leave people feeling better for having met you. - Get anyone to make the first move. Get inspired about meeting new people as you learn to break habits of shyness and release your "inner flirt." Increase your self-esteem by giving people permission to smile, to wink, to have fun, and to never forget how to flirt again!

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Wednesday: Cuddle Party!
Wed. July. 15th Cuddle Party with REiD Mihalko 6:45pmYou probably already know what a Cuddle Party is by now. But this is a unique opportunity to experience it with the co-creator: REiD Mihalko. Join us for this structured, safe workshop on boundaries, communication, intimacy and affection. A drug and alcohol-free way to meet fascinating people in a relaxing environment. A laboratory where you can experiment with what makes you feel safe and feel good. This playful, fun workshop has been a place for people to rediscover non-sexual touch and affection, a space to reframe assumptions about men and women, and a great networking event to meet new friends, roommates, business partners and significant others. At the very least, you'll have a great time, and leave feeling relaxed and inspired. It is two safe, non-sexual hours of self-directed play and connection. This is a rare opportunity to meet the founder REiD Mihalko.

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Thursday: Dildos, Dental Dams & Deep Throating!
Thurs. July 16th 6:45-9:45This is a three hour, co-ed workshop for all sexual orientations, identities, and relationship statuses. This workshop includes some live, partially nude demonstrations, explicit language and lots of laughter. No participation or nudity required by participants. No one under 18 admitted. RSVP required. Bring a notebook! Join world renowned sex and relationship educator Reid Mihalko for an outrageously informative evening of NC-17, adult education and erotic demonstration. In this three hour workshop, you will learn...The ins and outs of dildo use, What a dental dam is and how to use one, How to deep throat and how to teach your lovers, Great tips for oral sex on men and women and The basics of safer sex and how to negotiate safer sex with ease!

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Friday-Sunday: "Fundamentals of Free Love" Retreat!
Fri. July 17th 6:45-10pm
Sat. July 18th 10am-Midnight
Sun. July 19th 10am-4pm
In this 3 day retreat with Kamala Devi and REiD Mihalko, you're invited to explore your true beliefs on love, jealousy, sex and letting go of control. We'll be sharing experiences and techniques to help you resolve old hurts and transform fears. Experience more love and less pain.
· Are you curious about other healthy relationship options? · Wish you had the courage to ask for what you want in your relationship life? · Are you frustrated by your relationship role models and and feel there's a more fulfilling way. · Do you identify as non-monogamous but haven't quite mastered it? · Are you tired of possessing and want to learn effective tools to help you navigate the world of non-monogamy? · Want to celebrate what your partner is asking for without compromising your boundaries or being overcome with jealousy?Whether you're new to the concept of non-monogamy or have been practicing open relationships for years, you'll be amazed by the rewards and transformation of three rich days of playful, deep and interactive exploration into the world of free love. We guarantee you'll learn something new about yourself and witness things you've never seen before!
To sign up call 858-272-2254 or go to: http://www.blisscoach.com/
$497 Registration and Masters level membership Includes: 3 Day tuition to Fundamentals of Free Love, Evening entertainment and Sensual play party on Sat. nightOptional community style accommodations if your coming from out of town.
Also includes SIX Months membership to Bliss Coach University:
Free admission to 9/9/09 TANTRA-PALOOZA a five day festival
Select a transformative 90 day journey or weekend intensive of your choice
One Private Bliss Coaching tele-session with Kamala Devi
Unlimited Playshops on various Tantric Topics for three to five hours monthly
Monthly Sacred Snuggle Parties, first Saturday of the month
Tantra Talk and Poly potlucks on the last Wednesday of the month
Tantra Theater Performance Art and Comedy Improvisation Shows
A live monthly tele-class on a variety of tantric topics by a variety of teachers
Private access to the members only page with past recorded classes. http://www.partnerplayshop.com/university.htm

Love you,
Kamala Devi
P.S. Please Pardon the dust as we "remodel" our site and schedule to offer you more value. We're looking at the summer months as a time of transition where we can offer FREE and NEW events to eductate and enroll the community in our new Online University structure. Check out the big changes and view my new welcome video!

Remember, in order to attend any or all of REiD's events you must enroll in BlissCoach University for six months. Now only $97 http://www.partnerplayshop.com/university.html

A Call for Help: We're putting up (and decorating) the "Tantra Tent" at 2-5pm today...it'll be fun and we'll feed you pizza. 619-871-2828

Sacred Sex has the same rules as theater improv!

It's no secret that I've become infatuated with tantra theater. And when I'm not directing the sacred sexual stories of my friends and lovers in our weekly rehearsals, I'm spending my spare time playing with a new comedy improvisation troupe. What's this obsession about? At first I thought it was just the sultry hot endorphin rush that I got from doing it. Then I realized it is the most ego-confronting practice I've ever engaged in. And now I'm starting to see how this art form is no different from tantra. Infact, famed masters of modern improv, Charna Halpern and Del Close even said:

"Improv is like sex, even when it's bad, its still pretty good."
-- Truth in Comedy.

But they had no idea that many of the basic principles they teach can be cross-applied directly to Sacred Sex. (This is distinctly NOT the case with acting.) Infact, the more someone 'acts' in bed, the less sacred the sex is.
Here are some of the basic tenants of good improv that I could just as easily say about tantra :

• You can not learn it from books, it is a whole body experience that must be practice with devotion.
• The first and most important rule that must not be broken is agreement (Also known as YES...AND) Agreement forwards the action. If there is no agreement in the scene it falls apart. The improvisation dies. It becomes rape!
• A true practitioner must gives up all control without any attachment to how they think the scene should go.
• If you adore and admire your playmates their expression becomes brilliant and by making them look good, you will look better and have more fun!
• Get out of your ego and let a larger story be told.
• Surrender to the spontaneous co-creation in the moment.
• Mistakes are all part of the play.
• No matter how much laughter and play is involved, you must have deep reverence for the craft and the scene must be taken seriously.
• Unlearn your stock responses. Let go of whatever you planning to say. Jokes, like witty pick-up lines will make your audience groan. Don't try to create an effect in your audience, but be true to the deepest impulse that arises in you.
• Trust is essential. Be willing to follow your partners lead.
• Listen deeply to what your partner is saying, not only in their words but in their body language. Take notice and be responsive. Try to recall what they are saying or doing and reflect it back to them later in the scene when it will illuminate new meaning.
• Initate physical movement. Reveal yourself through your actions.
• Interact with your environment
• Don't be afraid of the silence, pausing at the right place can be dramatic.
• Go for group mind...where possible perform as if one player with multiple heads.
• Remember the wise words of Del Close "Listen to your inner voice" and "Take the unusual choice"
• All rules are just suggestions. There is an exception to every rule.

Whether we're in the bedroom or on stage, the spontaneous flow continues. Tantra and Improv continue through everything you do. Practicing either craft can improve your performance in all other aspects of life, from your technical expertise to your sales. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming Tantra theater shows!

Kamala Devi is the Director of Tantra Theater. Next Show Friday, July 10th. For tickets write Kamala@blisscoach.com. Or go to: http://www.partnerplayshop.com/Tantra_Theater.html

Numreology and Personality Testing

(((Subtitle: Another insignificant blog post...NOW MORE SELF ABSORBED THAN EVER!!!))))


I am both a sucker and a skeptic when it comes to astrology, numerology and other personality indicators. I recently hired a new business coach and she made me take a personality test to see how best to work with me. It got me curious about all kinds of other tests...and then I found this one. I'm impressed and suprised about the simplicity and acuracy...check it out...no strings attached: http://www.paulsadowski.com/Numbers.asp Here's a Tantric Numerology report http://www.3ho.org/clients/3HO/numerology.nsf/WebEntry?OpenForm (A little more complicated but also interesting!) Let me know what you think of your results...I'll show you mine:

Kamala Devi
number is: 7
The characteristics of #7 are: Analysis, understanding, knowledge, awareness, studious, meditating.
The expression or destiny for #7: Thought, analysis, introspection, and seclusiveness are all characteristics of the expression number 7. The hallmark of the number 7 is a good mind, and especially good at searching out and finding the truth. You are so very capable of analyzing, judging and discriminating, that very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding. You are the type of person that can really get involved in a search for wisdom or hidden truths, often becoming an authority on whatever it is your are focusing on. This can easily be of a technical or scientific nature, or it may be religious or occult, it matters very little, you pursue knowledge with the same sort of vigor. You can make a very fine teacher, or because of a natural inclination toward the spiritual, you may become deeply emerged in religious affairs or even psychic explorations. You tend to operate on a rather different wavelength, and many of your friends may not really know you very well. The positive aspects of the 7 expression are that you can be a true perfectionist in a very positive sense of the word. You are very logical, and usually employ a quite rational approach to most things you do. You can be so rational at times that you almost seem to lack emotion, and when you are faced with an emotional situation, you may have a bit of a problem coping with it. You have excellent capabilities to study and learn really deep and difficult subjects, and to search for hidden fundamentals. At full maturity you are likely to be a very peaceful and poised individual.

Your Soul Urge number is: 8
A Soul Urge number of 8 means: With an 8 soul urge, you have a natural flair for big business and the challenges imposed by the commercial world. Power, status and success are very important to you. You have strong urges to supervise, organize and lead. Material desires are also very pronounced. You have good executive abilities, and with these, confidence, energy and ambition.
Your mind is analytical and judgment sound; you're a good judge of material values and also human character. Self-controlled, you rarely let emotions cloud judgment. You are somewhat of an organizer at heart, and you like to keep those beneath you organized and on a proper track. This is a personality that wants to lead, not follow. You want to be known for your planning ability and solid judgment.
The negative aspects of the 8 soul urge are the often dominating and exacting attitude. You may have a tendency to be very rigid, sometimes stubborn.
Your Inner Dream number is: 8
An Inner Dream number of 8 means: You dream of success in the business or political world, of power and control of large material endeavors. You crave authority and recognition of executive skills. Your secret self may have very strong desire to become an entrepreneur.

Further, Here are the results from my personality test on Thomas International. Working Strengths of Kamala Devi:
Results-orientated
Generates enthusiasm
Influences and makes an impact on others
Participates in team and community affairs
Radiates charisma and optimism
Has a strong preference for straightforward communication
Motivated towards getting results
Expedites action
Willing to venture into the unknown
Energetic, with quick reactions
Able to handle variety and demanding assignments
Receptive to change
Delegates to others
Makes decisions
Acts without precedence