Test Cover for Intstructional DVD on Polyamory

http://www.blisscoach.com/ Comments from Facebook:
Michelle Ropczycki

Looks hardcore S&M ish.
Brandé Faris
HARDCORE? Really? It looks like lighthearted, playful fun role play to me.
Joy Phoenix
I agree, it screams S&M not polyamory. If I knew nothing about polyamory looking at this cover I would assume it involved B&D
Norm Kerlin
(Bodhi Dharma) First thought: "And the problem is...?"
Second Thought: Marketing is about the eyes of the beholder, not the eyes of the marketer.
Stacy Elizabeth
the bondage appearing elements over power the polyamory elements, in my opinion. its going to require the consumer to take a slow, longer look at the cover... when most will likely only give it a quick glance.
Elizabeth FabuLiz Hahn
S&M is the first thing I see. Hard Core Bondage. Reminds me of my dungeon days. Knowing you both so well, it does not digest correctly. LOVE YOU
Avalon Avlyset
Gotta agree, there is another photo of just you and Reid together that is very sweet instead of S&M-ish. Love you both....all? :)
Brandé Faris
After viewing the picture and reading these posts, it has become very clear to me that I have a quite different working knowledge of what Hardcore S&M/Bondage is than the above posters do. Heh. We humans are so interestingly diverse!
Allison Moon
I think it would look more lighthearted, and less S&M-y if it were in color.
The black and white reminds me of Madonna's truth or dare, but not in such a good way. .. .
Robyn Talbott
KD, it's spelled "monogAmous." Signed, your spell checker
Amy Thornton
i agree that color would help this photo....I don't really see the S&M vibe here myself, but I suppose I could see how other people do.
Jamie
mmm, i have some ideas too...let me know if you'd like me to whip up something for you...would love to revisit my graphic design days...xo

This photo was submitted by one of our fans, Jaime, Thank you for taking our ninja photo and running with it. Based on all your feedback, I'm putting together a poll so you can vote on the best DVD Cover. This is so much fun!

Since many people said the last draft looked too "Hard core BDSM." Let usknow if this looks more innocent. I didn't even think about the BDSM affect until you offered your reflections. I am not a graphic designer, and ultimatley Reid will be doing the cover art. I'm just playing with the photos we took last weekend to consider some possiblities. Maybe we should hold a poll and open it up to customer feedback ... Read Morebefore we make the final decision. So, I selected a more "innocent" looking photo, let me know what you think of this one.

Namaste, Kamala Devi

October Potluck, Performance art and Sacred Snuggle Party

The evening was cold and since it gets dark early we decided to start the show before the potluck.  We had a great turn out with approx 30 eager friends and lovers in the audience.
Thank you: Shawn, Joy, Ember, Michael and a big warm welcome to Heidi for stepping out on stage for the first time. We put on an awesome show ( I think the hour and a half of rehersal paid off!)
And we tried a new theater game: Your sacred sexual Awakening onstage! In this game, we asked several audience members to stand up and tell us about a sacred sexual awakening and then the tantra theater troupe would spontaneously act out the stories on stage. 
For example, Cara talked about her fantasy of meeting an older more experience couple and being invited into their bedroom to learn.  And then Shawn and Ember stepped as Buffy and the professor (smoking a pipe) But ultimately Ember was scared away when she found out the professor hadn't changed his depends. 
Thanks to all for making it such a fun and memorable evening. 
Here's a photo from our last night in the tantra tent.  We're taking it down for the rains.  Since our backyard stage is out of commission through the winter I'd like to start looking for local performing venues such as the universities and downtown stages...anyone want to help scout for space?
Thanks to all, for your support and inspiration!
Love,

Kamala Devi By Kamala Devi, Author of Don't Drink the Punch, Sacred Sexual Healing, Tantra Teacher and Sacred Sex and Open Relationship Coach www.BlissCoach.com

A conference for sacred sexual healers, teachers and practitioners

You were missed at the Daka-Dakini East coast conference this year. It was held in a quirky 90 year old Inn by a lake in the Catskills, upstate New York. We had approximately 50 people in attendance from all over the country and several New Zealand representatives there. (I'm guessing about 10 people from NY and perhaps the same 10 people who were totally new to the conference.) The official theme of the conference was: Creating alliances, raising consciousness and cultivating professionalism. But the theme that spontaneously arose during this gathering was: a reunion of kindred souls. It felt as if a unique constellation of spiritual people came to earth to help anchor the experience of sacred sexual awakening. The Keynote presenters were Betty Dodson and Carlin Ross. Mistress and Master of Ceremonies Barbara Carellas and Baba Dez Nichols.

This conference was unique because we took over the entire inn and didn't have to interface with "muggles." Reid Mihalko was the official conference coordinator and charted a bus to pick us up outside Grand Central Station on Thursday. We met with about 20 sexual healers, educators and practitioners under the empire state building. The bus came late due to a flat tiered (we should've suspected something was wrong) But we loaded up and excitedly boarded and started introducing ourselves. What a quality group of people, the vast majority of whom have been to the conferences in the past so there was a lot of catching up to do. We spent most the trip playing musical chairs so that we could talk, massage, snuggle and connect on the FIVE AND A HALF hour ride up. The trip was supposed to be under two hours, but the fuel injector broke. We pulled over to the shoulder and drove about 15 MPH for over 30 minutes. What's a fuel injector do? I asked to which I got the humorous response: "In tantric terms, it's as if this bus is preserving it's seed." Ah. That explains everything. Lisa brought a bunch of percussion instruments and a small group jammed in the back of the bus nearly the entire trip. Nobody seemed to mind the extra time to connect. I personally enjoyed connecting with sexy birthday-girl Betty Martin, luscious Athena Lund, the affectionate Carla Tara and I finally met the much admired Anton Diaz. But ofcourse my favorite person to travel with is my beloved hubby Michael.
It was dark when we arrived at the groovy little inn which seemed designed to host small Jewish weddings. The catered dinner was yummy and then Lawrence Lanoff led a beautiful trance dance activation series in a small hot room where the participants played in varying states of undress...it was ecstatic!
Meanwhile Reid ran around like a chicken trying to accommodate late arriving guests who's rooms were needing repair. Broken door handles, sloping beds, leaking ceilings, no heaters were just a few of the complaints. The inn was run by a sweet Mafioso type named Keith who was understaffed.
Opening circle was simple: let's take a few breaths together and then dive in...There were about 20 presenters and lots to cover in only 45 minutes each! The highlight of the weekend was the sheer QUALITY of the presentations. Even speakers who I had heard before and wasn't too impressed with, have clearly grown into powerful presenters. See picture below for an idea of the amazing line up:

 

Hope to see you at the Daka-Dakini Conference WEST next May in Sedona when I MC with Shawn Roop. Kamala Devi, Author of Don't Drink the Punch, Sacred Sexual Healing, Tantra Teacher and Sacred Sex and Open Relationship Coach www.BlissCoach.com

Goddess Photo shoot with Sisters in Truth

At the graduation of Sisters in Truth, Summer 2009, a small but fierce group of goddesses agreed to do a playful little photo shoot. Here are some fun and sexy shots that resulted. www.BlissCoach.com

DVD pre-release party is a sexy success!

I'm back from a wild weekend conference in upstate New York where we pre-launched our new instructional DVD. Here's a sneak peek at one of the possible cover photos taken by Kevin Barwick. Thanks to Michael and Natasha for showing off your inner ninja. We did a mini-viewing and and sold out of pre-release copies!
We will be holding a contest to see which cover photo you like the best.  Please let us know: Which one would you Buy? Contact Kamala at www.BlissCoach.com or Reid@reidaboutsex.com

Hot off the press!

I'm headed to upstate New York with my carry-on full of pre-launch polyamory DVD's and black lingeree. We're going to the Daka-Dakini Conference to do a pre-release announcement for our forthcoming DVD. While there we're also planning to shoot the cover photo. We plan to dress up like ninjas and jump in a hotel bed together doing a spoof of this classic old swinger movie. (Reid's Idea, I'm too young to be so rhetro!) Michael, Reid and I are all in, but we'll have to pick up an extra woman along the way...oh, and a photographer.  I'm sure someone will volunteer. I'll give you all the juicy details when I return next week.  In the meantime I'm going to enjoy my time away from baby and responsibilities of running the university.
We're going to start taking orders and actually launching the video at our next big community gathering. Can't wait to share serious BLACKBELT level secrets for poly peops! Stay tunned for our spoofy new photos.

Ethics for Nonmonogamous Ninjas
By Kamala Devi www.BlissCoach.com and REiD Mihalko www.Reidaboutsex.com

British Film Maker seeks poly household

Hello Kamala,
My name is Giovanni Ulleri, I am a London based documentary maker here in the UK. I am currently developing a one hour film about alternative households and want to focus on Polyamory for Discovery’s TLC Channel in the US. At a time where around one in three conventional marriages now ends in divorce and where adultery is one of the main reasons cited for the breakdown in marriage, could polyamory households provide an alternative solution? Also given the huge rise in the number of single parent households, does polyamory also provide more security, both personal and financial, where children are blessed with having more than two role models within the home?
I am hoping you may be able to assist me find secure long term loving polyamorous households (where the female is at the centre of the household ) who would be good advocates and willing to discuss their alternative way of life on camera in a non judgemental way explaining how and why it works. I would want to drop in on them and film their daily routine for a few days next month and explore the issues surrounding this alternative lifestyle and see it day to day.
The documentary would be a serious examination of Polyamory and aims to explore how and why a growing number of people are now choosing this way of life and educate the ill informed about this chosen lifestyle and hopefully remove some of the stigma and adverse tabloid publicity the media wishes to focus on.
If there is any more information you require please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail or let me know when would be a good time to speak to you directly and I will call you. My details are listed below. I really look forward to hopefully speaking to you about this exciting project.

Best Wishes
Giovanni

GIOVANNI ULLERI
DIRECTOR

16 MORTIMER STREET
LONDON
W1T 3JL
UNITED KINGDOM
T +44 (0)20 7430 4740
F
E GIOVANNI.ULLERI@ITN.CO.UK
WWW.ITN.CO.UK

Sept. Monthly Tantra Talk & Poly Potluck

This Month's Topic: Tantra and Poly in the Media. We did a public viewing of Kamala's recent appearance on MTV and a sneak preview of her forthcoming instructional DVD entitled: Ethics for Non-Monogamous Ninjas with REiD Mihalko. www.Blisscoach.com

Sneak Preview of Non-Mongomous Ninjas DVD

New Polyamory Video Launch by Kamala Devi & Reid Mihalko

THIS JUST IN: There will be pre-release copies of our Humorous new instructional video at the Daka Dakini Conference in New York in just two weeks!  We will be showing sneek preview at the tantra and poly potluck in San Diego tomorrow!

Ethics for Non-monogamous Ninjas: Getting your BLACKBELT in Relationship(s)
With Kamala Devi & REiD Mihalko
(Back Cover Text)

Survival Training for Free Love Warriors.
Let's get real, monogamy is not the only option anymore, but there are too few resources or role models that offer the straight-talk on how to do it responsibly. In this playful DVD, two expert sex and relationship coaches offer tools and tricks to help you sustain multiple open relationships, successfully. They've developed a fun acronym to use in the field, so you don't get your ass kicked on the open road.

There are 10 chapters in this DVD:

1. Be Real: learn to be transparent
2. Labels and Lovestyles: define your own terms
3. Agreements and Boundaries: authentic negotiations
4. Clear Communication: express yourself fully
5. Know your needs: and how to get them met
6.Break-ups and Transitions: let go with grace
7. Emotions are Welcome: honor your feelings
8. Learning Curve: give yourself room to grow
9. Takes a Tribe: creating alternative community
10. Sex and Spirituality: honoring your lovers and self
Kamala Devi is a sacred sex and creativity coach who has been studying tantra during her extensive travels for the past eleven years. She is the author of Don't Drink the Punch, Sacred Sexual Healing with Baba Dez Nichols and Teaching Tantra the EROTIC WAY. She is the creator and director of San Diego Tantra Theater and has appeared on the Tyra Banks show, Discovery Channel, Morning Show Live, Inside Edition, MTV, various independent documentaries. Kamala lives in San Diego with her beloved Michael and their son, Devin. http://www.blisscoach.com/

Reid Mihalko is bi-coastal sex and relationship educator, speaker and writer. Best known as co-creator of Cuddle Party, Reid has been a featured on the Montel Williams show, Fox News, VH1’s Scott Baio is 45 and Single, Penn & Teller's Bullshit!, the Sex Files, Sex TV, NPR, Maxim radio, and Cosmo radio, and in Marie Claire, GQ, People, Newsweek as well as media across the globe in thirteen countries and at least seven languages. A graduate of Brown University's Fine Arts program, Reid has been a writer and producer on a number of film and television projects about sex and relationships. www.Reidaboutsex.com
Copyright 2009 shared written and spoken intellectual property by Kamala Devi & REiD Mihalko

POLYAMORY CROSSWORD PUZZEL

CLUES ACROSS:

1. Triadic group sex.

4. A geometric figure with three sides and three angles.

9. A pun to indicate having so many lovers that one is not currently seeking or open to new partners.

11. An umbrella acronym which refers to a broad range of power exchange practices such as bondage,dominance and submission,and or sadomasochism.

16. A Term coined in mid 80's by Zhahai Stewart to refer to the intense and addictive bio-chemical rush of falling in love. Relationships are said to become more sustainable or to dissolve after NRE wears off.

21. Sounds like the name of a bank, doesn’t it? This term was Coined in the late 70's by Kerista community in San Francisco. It refers to a relationship of more than two individuals who have made a commitment to keep sexual contact exclusive within the group. In other words, they restrict sexual activity with outside partners. More partners can be added with everyone's consent.

23. The partner who has seniority or the strongest bond. They are considered the highest priority and given the most time and energy. Often primary partners live together or are committed by marriage or ceremony.

24. Someone who is attracted to both sexes.

25. A sexual exchange involving more than two participants at the same time. Also known as an Orgy.

CLUES DOWN:

2. A new term defined by Dossie Easton and Catherine A. Liszt. A slut as "a person of any gender who has the courage to lead life according to the radical proposition that sex is nice and pleasure is good for you." It refers to anyone willing to engage and accept the pleasure of sex in ethical and open way.

3. An umbrella term for ethical non-exclusive relationships such as swinging and polyamory, this term implies there are explicit agreements, especially around safe sex.

4. Three people involved in a loving relationship with any combination of intimate bonds. An EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE is where three people are equally involved with both of the others.

5. A word createdfrom the literal Greek roots "Many Loves."

6. A four way relationship, typically referring to two couples together or a foursome actually in relationship.

7. Any relationship in which partners are allowing the exchange of bodily fluids and having barrier-free intercourse.

8. When condoms are not used in the primary relationship, but are used when having sex with other people. In other words, the couple practices safe sex with everyone else.

10. Not knowing french, Kamala Devi misspelled this word and therefore you get a freebie: Ménage à trois is the French term describing a domestic arrangement in which three people having sexual relations occupy the same household.

12. The second relationship in terms of time or priority.

13. This term was coined by the ZEGG community in Germany this term refers to the positive feelings one gets when a lover is enjoying another relationship. Also referred to as the opposite of "jealous" feelings.

14. A committed partnership, sometimes a marriage, where both partners are open to active sexual and/or intimate relationships with other people.

15. A three-person relationship where one person has two lovers, but those two lovers are not as closely connected with each other. Geometric arrangements involving four persons can be described as an “N” or “Z”.

17. A marriage in which men have multiple wives who may live together or each may have their own homes.

18. Often refered to as “THE LIFESTYLE” used to be called “WIFE SWAPPING.” Includes a wide range of sexual activities commonly conducted as an organised social activity between three or more people. It’s often engaged in by a primary couple and can be seen as a modified version of monogamy, involving sexual exploration without romantic or emotional bonds. Friendships and Bisexuality amongst women are considered OK but usually male homosexuality is usually not. The Lifestyle subculture has it’s own conferences, gatherings, parties, magazines, websites, email groups.

19. A marriage in which individuals have multiple spouses. Also known as a Plural Marriage.

20. is a Sanskrit word that literally means “expansion through awareness.” An esoteric and embodied spiritual discipline that involves an integration of the opposites. Western Tantra Partners may practice sacred sex to worship the goddess or transcend the sensual experiences of the body together.

22. When the primary partner is given the power to approve or veto any outside relationships. If the primary partner does not approve, then the new relationship is not allowed to continue.

All Rights Reserved by Kamala Devi This Crossword Puzzel was created by Kamala devi for her forthcoming book: Open Relationship: Can you really afford free love?  http://www.blisscoach.com/


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All Rights Reserved by Kamala Devi This Crossword Puzzel was created by Kamala devi for her forthcoming book: Open Relationship: Can you really afford free love? www.BlissCoach.com

is looking for real statistics or studies on Poly culture. Any ideas on where to find some basic demographics?

Free Audio on How to ReWrite your Book

Congratulations! You've written a rough draft! This fall are forming a new 90 course for serious writers and soon to be authors who want to learn all the skills and tools and gain the motivation to FINISH their book projects and see their books in print!

Join me for this FREE tele-class to see if you have what it takes to finish your book before the Holidays!" This Course is offered by phone to anywhere in the world! NEW How to FINISH your book in 90 days (REWRITING) Telecourse Tuesdays: 1pm on Sept. 8,15, 22, 29 Oct. 6,13,20 Nov. 3, 10, 24! Just imagine having your book totally complete by Thanksgiving!
Ten weeks to Rewriting your book:
1. The artist vs. the editor
2. Project Plan
3. Big Picture vs. small details
4. Think like an Editor
5. Focus on the quick fix
6. Filtering your feedback
7. Reshaping and researching
8. Time managment & scheduling
9. The art and accountability of Blogging.
10. Publishing, Marketing and Sellng your book!

If you want to start a brand new book and finish it in just 90 days...make it your NEW Year's Resolution. My NEXT How to Write your book in 90 days Telecourse runs Thursdays: 1pm on Jan. 7,14,21,28 Feb. 4,11,18 March 4,11,18 with optional check-ins on Tuesdays at 1pm. To reserve your spot, write: Kamala@blisscoach.com

I'm Polyamorous Listings: Pacific Standard Time

MTV's TRUE LIFE "I'm Polyamorous" will air on Chanel 36 if your provider is Time Warner or ATT, in San Diego. According to the local PST TV Guide: A polyamorous person is profiled.

Mon, Sep 14 at 10:00 PM
Tue, Sep 15 at 12:00 AM
Tue, Sep 15 at 10:00 AM
Wed, Sep 16 at 2:00 AM

As you know, I am Tantra teacher, and I am also in an open marriage. Please watch me tonight as I appear on MTV teaching tantra to polyamorous people!
Important Disclaimer: Tantra and polyamory are NOT necessarily related. I've taught hundreds of monogamous couples how to use Tantra to deepen their exclusive intimacy, commitment and trust in one another. And that is a beautiful path unto itself. Further, there are many polyamorous people who have never even heard of Tantra.
Yet in my experience, the practices of tantra can elevate polyamory into a profound spiritual path. And since society lacks role models for healthy happy non-monogamous relationships, I am honored to be teaching tantra to a bright young polyamorous family on national TV. Especially on MTV's Award winning show "True Life" which boasts of over twelve million viewers (mostly teenage girls.) Just imagine the brave new possibilities.
Personally, I was well into my twenties before I discovered the term polyamory. Now, I am not trying to preach or convert anyone to my sexual orientation, lifestyle or religion. But I believe knowledge is power and I'm happy to open young minds to new options.
Every time I do a national media appearance, I am swamped by hateful mail and shaming responses. If you support my message or even my right to free speech, please support me by using social media and responding positively to blogs, emails and youtube clips. Thanks for helping me spread the love.
Blessings,
Kamala Devi
www.blisscoach.comwww.blisscoach.com

Kamala Appears on MTV's "True Life"

"Kamala Devi will be featured giving an intro tantra session to the poly quad: Kerry, Diana Adams, Ed and Kerry's date. After hours of shooting and months of anticipation, it will be exciting to see how they boil it all down. We will be hosting a viewing party at the next Tantra talk and Polyamory Potluck in PB at 6:45pm on Sept. 23rd. "

According to Polyamorous Percolations, Polyamory in the News by Alan http://polyinthemedia.blogspot.com

Next Monday, September 14th, MTV will finally air its months-in-the-making, hour long documentary on twenty-something polys. Many people worked hard to pull this off, and we have high hopes. The title is "True Life: I'm Polyamorous."

It will air at 10 p.m. and again at midnight Eastern time; also 10 a.m. EDT Tuesday morning, 2 a.m. EDT Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, 8 p.m. EDT Wednesday evening, and maybe later. Check the schedule or your local listings. If you miss the show when it airs, it should eventually be available online.

The True Life series is described on its webpage as remarkable real-life stories of young people and the unusual subcultures they inhabit. Whether documenting the lives of gay marriage activists, individuals dealing with obesity, or teens in high school, the True Life series tells its stories solely from the varied voices and points-of-view of its characters — putting the series in the unique position of reflecting the state of youth culture at any given moment.

Someone put up a Wikipedia page for the episode with a note that it includes a "gay trouple, Jim Messaros, Thomas Freyre and Chris Morgan, as they traverse the world of polyamory and struggle with relationship issues." Includes photo.

Jim himself says, MTV is very excited about the episode and this will be a great opportunity for polyamory to be mainstreamed to a lot of people, especially young viewers out there. It's socially taboo to be polyamorous let alone gay, so having done this show I hope we opened at least one person's mind to our choice of lifestyle.

There's some poignant history here. It's been 11 years since the infamous April Divilbiss case, which began when a young vee triad went on MTV. The grandmother of their toddler used their appearance on the show to get a Tennessee judge to grant her custody of the child based on their immoral lifestyle — despite social workers' findings that all was well with their home. (The case ended inconclusively after two years when April declared herself unfit due to poverty and let the grandmother keep the child.) This time we can hope for better.

Hanuman Mantra for 09-09-2009

Saturn (the great and dreaded teacher) moves into Virgo on September 9th 2009. He will stay there till November 15th, 2011 and is expected to impact success on the material plane. In tantric lore, Lord Hanuman is one of the only gods who can protect against saturns great challenges. Here is a pure and sweet mantra to help you align Hanuman who's teachings are pure devotion and service.

Free Love Ceremony

 

Michael and Kamala Devi's Free Love Ceremony

 

Liquid Bells: Shamanic Trance: Tantra Temple

TANTRA IS MEDITATION IS TANTRA IS MEDITATION IS TANTRA
SEX IS LOVE IS SEX IS LOVE IS SEX IS LOVE IS SEX IS LOVE IS
SURRENDER

A SHIVA SHAKTI SOUND INVOCATION
With Liquid Bells AKA Damien Rose

Silent meditation, stillness, still-ness, still,…Live Kirtan with chants Empowering sacred Love FEEL your Beloved ::NO MIND>NO THOUGHT
Raise your SeXual Kundalini while bathing in live GONG energy Kiss, gyrate, scream, touch, intoxication, breathing, moan, wet, SERPENT,…SHIVA SHAKTI ALIVE NOW FINALLY FOREVER PRAY ONENESS
Surrender in ecstatic Bliss together meditating with live “Liquid Bells” Meditate, Feel Love, Feel your Lover, Feel YOURSELF

YOU ARE SHIVA YOU ARE SHAKTI WE ARE BLESSED, NAMASTE

Expand your love using sound. Relax into each other’s vibration. Go deeper with right-brain communication. Create a sonic bond. Open to more vulnerability.Practice being in the Present while making love. Stay connected to your partner and the sound vibration.
THIS SUNDAY @ TANTRA TENT @ THE EMERALD TEMPLE

Tantra Theater Video Montages

Tues. Sept. 15th Tantra Theater Auditions/Open House 6:45

Have you ever wanted to be onstage or on camera? Tantra Theater is a tansformative group process where we delve into personal history and have fun re-scripting the sexual and spiritual stories that have been holding us back. The journey involves at least 9 weekly rehearsals and a private session that culminate in a video recording of 5-10 minutes of a polished performance which you can show your friends and lovers. If you're interested we invite you to join our Free Open House. This first gathering is an audition where Kamala Devi will access your willingness and you can see if you resonate with Kamala's directing style.

My son finally let go of his security blanket today (a life long habit!) Now we're celebrating at Dance Church in Encinitas...who's down?

Writers Only: Book Proposals

After 8 months of working on a book about Free Love, REiD Mihalko and I've decided to distill our best book ideas into a DVD which we just finished shooting today!! (Thank you to all the fun, beautiful and articulate volunteers who agreed to do interviews in the last couple weeks.)

Like any good poly partnership we processed this transition and with mutual love and respect, we agreed to put our collaborative efforts on the shelf. In time we may even decide to scrap the book idea all together. Of course we will proudly co-parent the forthcoming DVD: "Ethics for Non-monogomous Ninjas," but will otherwise encourage each other's creative autonomy.

So what's next? As a poly-creative person, I think I'm going to take a break from co-authoring.

Instead of committing to one primary writing partner, I am interested in consulting with other experts like secondaries. My new plan is to go solo to pitch a new book to mainstream trade publishers. So, gentle reader, I'll be posting more details from my forthcoming proposal, and you're an author/writer type, I'll be blogging the juicy details on how to pitch a new book to New York publishers.

According to the Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Book Proposals, here's the basic skeleton for a standard non-fiction book proposal for trade publishers:

Please include the following information:
• Description of the Book. Include background information on the subject, details on the particular approach you intend to take toward the subject, approximate estimated length of the book (in words), and anticipated special features such as photos, illustrations, sidebars, tables, charts, checklists or other elements. Let us know how much time you will require to complete a full manuscript.

• Market Overview. Describe who will buy this book and why. Try to quantify the size of the market and the extent to which it is growing. Include any available demographic information on your target reader. Keep in mind that it is a rare book indeed whose audience is "every American."

• Competition for Your Book. List other available books that the reader for your book might purchase as an alternative. Describe how your book will offer the more appealing alternative. Do not include competitive books that are widely different in scope or format from your proposed book.

• Your Author Credentials. Provide a brief bio or CV, including education or experience in the subject, writing experience, and previous publications. Let us know of your availability and/or willingness to participate in promotion and publicity efforts, and any special media contacts or promotion opportunities you bring to the project. Be sure to include your contact information.

• Outline of Content. At a minimum, include chapter titles and a brief description of each chapter. Include major subheads if you have them. Make sure the subheads are clearly descriptive of the content, and not merely clever.

• Sample Material. Include a sample chapter or chapter segment from the proposed book. The sample should be at least five pages long, but no more than 20 pages. If you will be supplying photos or illustrations with your manuscript, include a sample of such. If you do not have any sample material available for the proposed book, include another sample of your writing that has not been heavily edited by a publisher.

Writers, Please stay tuned for my NEW Pilot writing class: "How to RE-WRITE a book in 90 days." Here's the skinny:

Congratulations! You've written a rough draft! This fall we we will be launching a new 90 course for serious writers and soon to be authors who want to learn all the skills and tools and gain the motivation to FINISH their book projects and see their books in print! Join me for this FREE tele-class to see if you have what it takes to finish your book before the Holidays!" This Course is offered by phone to anywhere in the world! NEW How to FINISH your book in 90 days (REWRITING) Tele-course Tuesdays: 1pm on Sept. 8,15, 22, 29 Oct. 6,13,20 Nov. 3, 10, 24! Just imagine having your book totally complete by Thanksgiving!
If you want to start a brand new book and finish it in just 90 days...make it your NEW Year's Resolution. My NEXT How to Write your book in 90 days Tele-course runs Thursdays: 1pm on Jan. 7,14,21,28 Feb. 4,11,18 March 4,11,18 with optional check-ins on Tuesdays at 1pm. To reserve your spot, write: Kamala@blisscoach.com

Run away and join the circus with us!

To Register, go to:
http://www.partnerplayshop.com/9_9_09.html

Devi is not immune to the charms of a woman in chaos.

New Videos Just Posted

www.TempleArtsProductions.com

My Co-Author Baba Dez just launched a wonderful new site that has tremendous resources for tantra teachers to develop their craft. Check it out!

is wondering why all her friends are talking about time as if it were a location...then realizes it's not supposed to make sense to anyone who chose reality over another mind-bending adventure at black rock. Have a wicked burn you lucky bastards!

Writing Resources

I'll be teaching another writing class soon and so I've been reviewing my notes and decided to post a few writing resources that you may find useful:

Here are my Instructions on Automatic Writing or "Channeling"
1. Free yourself of all distractions such as phone, people, and pets.
2. Sit comfortably in front of your computer. Place both feet flat and firm against the Earth. Lengthen your spine, close your eyes.
3. Drop into your breath. Gently restricting the back of your throat so the breath is long and smooth. (Ujiah breathing.)
4. Relax every muscle, especially your pelvic floor and your jaw. Completely clear your mind.
5. Bring your palms to your heart in prayer to silently invoke protection. Set your intention on the highest vibration. (Allow 1 minute) Know that during this session you are safe and guided.
6. Now place your fingers lightly on the keys before you. Stay open and receptive.
7. You’re computer is simply an instrument to help you talk to your spirit guide or higher self. Crystallize a question in your mind. Anything you yearn to know.
8. Visualize white light coming down from above and entering your crown Chakra. Or allow any other visualization that represents drawing infinite intelligence from source.Know that whatever the answer is to your questions will be written by the spirit.
9. Do not allow time for your mind to listen to this information. Just type. You may even close your eyes or look outside to distract the left brain while the right brain does the channeling. If you hear a voices, or your own voice, don’t question it. Simply record it.
10. Continue this process for at least 15 minutes. If you get stuck, simply focus on a new question, and repeat the process.
12. To conclude, ask your source if they are complete. And when you have finished your last question, close your eyes, take a deep breath.
13. Thank your guides and come back to full consciousness.
14. Stand up and shake out your body before reading over what you’ve written.
15. Practice often.

Other Recommended Writing Resources:

http://parapublishing.com/sites/para/This site has hundreds of pages of information and free documents plus books (both ours and those from other publishers), reports, disks and tapes. Just click on your area in the menu below. For specific information, use the search feature.

http://www.writersblock.com/ An organization dedicated to helping musicians,songwriters, poets, and writers get one step closer to their dreams. Find strength in our numbers. http://www.elance.com/ Our professional writers, editors, and designers can get your message across loud and clear. If you can describe your project, you can get someone to help you at any step of the process...all the way to completion.
http://www.nanowrimo.org/ National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Nanowrimo in a Nutshell:
What: Write a novel (at least 50,000-words) from scratch in 1 month.
Who: You! In November of 2006, over 79,000 people attempted to write a novel in 30 days. (Over 300 people in San Diego) Nearly 13,000 succeeded by the midnight deadline. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.
Why: The reasons are endless! To acomplish something memorable, be able to make obscure references to passages from our novels at parties, to further your career, to express yourself, for the hell of it!
When: Sign-ups begin October 1, 2007. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.

Join me for my next writing course:

NEW How to FINISH your book in 90 days (REWRITING) Telecourse Tuesdays: 1pm on Sept. 8,15, 22, 29 Oct. 6,13,20 Nov. 3, 10, 24! Just imagine having your book totally complete by Thanksgiving!

NEXT How to Write your book in 90 days Telecourse
Thursdays: 1pm on Jan. 7,14,21,28 Feb. 4,11,18 March 4,11,18 with optional check-ins on Tuesdays at 1pm.

http://www.partnerplayshop.com/How_to_write_a_book_in_90.html

Audio Postcard from Tantra-Palooza Teachers!

Want a taste? Enjoy this 12 minute recording wherin...

Kamala Devi announces the schedule for this ground breaking 5-day event, and each tantra teacher personally names the type of activation they'll be offering. Thank you: Francoise, Mare Simone, Kypris Aster Drake, Ariel White, Michael and Baba Dez! http://www.partnerplayshop.com/9_9_09.html

NIN-heart, determination, perservereance, JUTSU-skill, art, technique. Ninjutsu is a collection of survivalist techniques developed during violent political turmoil in fuedal Japan.

Now Auditioning for Tantra Theater

Enjoy this 12 minute excerpt from our 90 minute show. These personal narratives are deep and true, many of these performers are new to the stage. We are looking for a few good players for our next 90 day journey!

San Diego Tantra Theataer Troupe Presents:
My Body is My Temple

Directed By: Kamala Devi
Starring: Janos Novak, BethE, Joy Keller, Shawn Roop, Nelly B. Anjali, Jodi Ember, Meeshi Anjali, Michael McClure, Adam Paulman Special Thanks for Videography by: Ian Delgado, Steve Bickell, Lindsey Ward and Electric Rick Raney.

(The Full show will be available in DVD thisFall.)

NOW AUDITIONING:
Would YOU like to be onstage, or in front of the camera, telling YOUR Story? Tantra Theater is a transformative group process where we have fun re-scripting our sacred sexual stories. The journey involves 9 weekly rehearsals and one private session that culminates in a performance which will be video recorded.
FREE OPEN HOUSE:
Tues. Aug. 25th 6:45This gathering is an open audition to see if Tantra Theater is for you. No experience necessary!The next Tantra Theater course runs: 6:45pm on Tuesdays: Aug. 25th, Sept. 15, 23, 29. Oct.13,20,27 Nov. 10,17,24. & Decompression Party TBA.The regular tuition for the 90 day Tantra Theater journey (plus six months membership at the masters level) is $497. Kamala@blisscoach.com 858-272-2254 http://www.partnerplayshop.com/Tantra_Theater.html

Some recommended relationship reflections.

When I take on a couples for relationship coaching, I ask them to prepare for our session by journaling and meditating on the following questions:

What do you like about your relationship(s)?

What don’t you like about your relationship(s)?

How is that affecting you ?

What would you like your relationship to look like ideally?

How would your life be different if you realized this ideal?

What challenges you from accomplishing that outcome?

How do you think tantra or coaching could help you?

Finally, one of the deepest coaching questions that I invite you to meditate, journal, and talk about is: What is it about MYSELF, in regards to this other person (or people, or situations) that I am resisting? This inquiry is the beginning of shadow work and can ultimatly stop the unhealthy but common pattern of relationship projection. Just reading these questions will not give you the benifits of actually journaling. Remeber, true transformation starts with self-awareness. Enjoy, KD

Bliss Coach 858-272-2254 Kamala@Blisscoach.com

QUIZ YOURSELF: Which Color Tantra Path is Best for You?

There is a day and night difference between the three types of tantric. They are totally different in quality, quantity, direction, practices, methods, facets, and use.” –Yogi Bhajan

Yogi Bhajan was referring to the White, Pink and Red paths of Tantra. Now that TantraTantra-Palooza is almost upon us, you will have an opportunity to sample a wide range of teachers and styles. So we were inspired to create a quiz to help you determine which type of tantra is best for you: Multiple Choice. For each question, write down the letter that best answers the question. At the end count up how many answers you got of each letter and we will tell you which color tantra is for you.

What is the purpose of your tantra practice?

A. For spiritual purification and to uplift the being.
B. To experience the sensuality of my spirit.
C. To sustain sexual energy and artistry.
D. To obtain mental control of other people.

The central focus of my practice is characterized by:
A. Breathwork
B. Subtle energetic touch
C. Intoxicating chemistry
D. Total annihilation of the ego

When it comes to tradition I like:
A. A well respected linage
B. Picking and Choosing what works for me.
C. Unorthodox creativity
D. Absolute defiance of social norms

When it comes to quantity, I always say:
A. "Waste not, want not"
B. "Everything in moderation"
C. "Excess is everything"
D."Go to the extremes or die"

When it comes to sex:
A. I sublimate my sensuality to a higher spiritual purpose
B. I play in the sublet and sensual realm
C. Bring it on!
D. Sex is merely a state whereas death is absolute.

What company do you prefer to practice in:
A. The presence of my guru and fellowship
B. With my spiritual community
C. Alone with my lover(s)
D. Ghosts and dead bodies

Now add up all your answers and see which Path is most aligned with yours:

A. White Tantra

White Tantra orients around the subtle practices and philosophies. Physical touch and sexual practices are not necessary in order to advance on this path. Tibetan Tantric Buddhist monks, for example, can engage in profound love making rites with deities through meditation and visualization. Vajrayana Tantra involves many powerful concentration exercises that bring universal awareness down from the crown chakra into the heart, without activating the lower chakras. Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga also offers partnered exercises that include eye gazing, and breathing and sounding exercises that circulate and build sensual energy without sexual contact. Similar practices are commonly referred to as Solo Practice, Right-Handed Tantra or the path of the Dakhsini Marga or Bramachari.

B. Pink Tantra

Pink Tantra embraces both the spiritual and the sexual aspects of the practice. This is the path where the heart is opened and lovemaking is practiced with honor and reverence. It is a merging of embodied souls, for both pleasure and enlightenment. This path can also encompass transcendental lovemaking, Taoist sexual healing arts and the sweet, sensual exercises in modern Tantra pujas. This path is sometimes referred to as violet, the middle Tantra or the full path.

C. Red Tantra.
Red Tantra consists of many passionate sexual practices. Traditionally the color red connotes femininity, potency, passion and sex. This path can be liberating for the sexually repressed and may also hold interest for the sexually obsessed. The fiery Kundalini practices of Red Tantra use taste and touch to experience the primal sexual impulse that can create intense purifications and awakenings. Practitioners of Red Tantra see the sacred in the profane and instead of bringing the Kundalini energy up to the crown, they draw spiritual energy down into the root, sex and power chakras. These Tantrikas are also known as Vama Marga, Left-Handed Path and sometimes negatively called California Tantra or the Cult of Ecstasy.

D. Black Tantra.

Black Tantra is the lesser talked about branch of Tantra. After years of advanced Tantric practice, many yogis begin to experience siddhis or supernatural powers. These powers can be used for personal gain or for service. This is an aboriginal Shamanic practice, like black magic, which transforms physical energy with or without the consent of all parties involved. Throughout India today, people seek Tantrikas for hire, like wizards or witch doctors. They are paid to cast spells, end legal battles, even burn down someone's farm. Many people who begin to play with these superpowers often get lost on their path. Instead of advancing towards enlightenment, Black Tantra may lead people further away from enlightenment. The Aghori are an example of an extremely secretive Hindu sect of Black Tantra practitioners. Aghori is a Sanskrit word that means non-terrifying. The practitioners have been known to cover themselves with ash from graveyards and use human bones in their rituals.

For more details, or to register for Tantra Palooza go to: http://www.partnerplayshop.com/9_9_09.html

Shawn Roop Says: If 2012 turns out to be to be a Religious Armageddon, I'm going to be PISSED OFF that I've been playing for the wrong team!

What's all this madness about year 2012?

What do you think about 2012? Is it the big prophesied doomsday? Is it another episode of mass hysteria like in Y2K, or are we in the midst of the great shift in consciousness?

Many believe that the activation is happening now and that by 2012 the collective consciousness will transcend our fear-based ways of being and we will be able to live together in peace and union. Maybe you're already feeling it: a deeper sense of purpose, time speeding up, and a stronger creative impulse.

Nobody knows the future for sure, but when Spirit started asking me to help anchor a higher vibration for the planet, I thought, "that sounds like fun, sign me up!"
On 7-7-07 I had a vision of a San Diego based festival with playshops, performance art and a wide range of tantra teachings.

You may be wondering what sacred sex has to do with saving the world? Everything. Sex is how we all got here. It is the most powerful creative force on the planet, but too few people learn to harness its potential.

The ancient hindu texts write about this era (the Kali Yuga) as the dark ages during which there will be a resurgence of tantric practices to test the human spirit. If society is grounded enough to embrace their shadow and sensual nature, it is believed that we will succeed in a sacred sexual revolution.

Admittedly, awakening the planet is no easy task, and perhaps a little utopic, but we only need a small but powerful percentage to ground a loving and non-violent field to help people around the world overcome the illusion of suffering and separation.

Thus, you are invited to the 2nd annual Tantra-Palooza! It's is an annual nationwide festival which will lead to 10 tantra teachers on 10-10-2010 and 11 teachers on 11-11-11 and yep, you guessed it, 12 teachers on 12-12-2012... We invite YOU to help anchor in a global activation of love, passion, and bliss!
http://www.partnerplayshop.com/9_9_09.html

With Love,
Kamala Devi

Tantra-Palooza tickets now available at Adept Level... This is our premium packages for members who are sincere about making sacred sexuality a part of their daily life, while still saving money and balancing their busy schedules. Last years tuition was $397.
Beta Members get $100 off, PLUS 6 months tuition for Only $297.If you Enroll in the Adepts Level, you will be invited to:

1. TANTRA-PALOOZA A five day festival with 9 tantra teachers 9/4-9/9/09
2. Private access to a members only page with hours of past recorded classes
3. Unlimited Playshops on various Tantric Topics for three to five hours monthly
4. Monthly Sacred Snuggle Parties, first Saturday of the month
5. Tantra Talk and Poly potlucks on the last Wednesday of the month
6. Tantra Theater Performance Art and Comedy Improvisation Shows
7. A live monthly tele- class on a variety of tantric topics by a variety of teacher
   Already a Member? In gratitude for your ongoing support we are offering a Deep discount for initate level members to upgrade to the Adept level which also renews your six month membership, time is limited so act fast. Your new membership will be good until March 2010! For a Limited time, you can upgrade for Only $169.
   

To Enroll go to: http://www.partnerplayshop.com/9_9_09.html

See you there!

New Date for video interviews for Poly DVD

NEW DATE: We will be videotaping interviews at4:30 on Thursday the 20th at the Emerald Temple (this is just a few hours before the monthly tantra talk and poly potluck.) We will also be doing a shoot at 10am on Friday the 21st at Crystal Peir and 2pm at Kate Sessions Park in La Jolla. Please write kamala@blisscoach.com if you're interested in being a part of this exciting project.

Kamala Devi (BlissCoach.com) and REiD Mihalko (Reidaboutsex.com) are co-creating a entertaining educational DVD entitled: Ethics for Nonmonogomous Ninjas! (Subtitle: Earning your BlackBelt in Relationship.) We have shot the main content but would like to inter-cut it with real poly people talking about their love life. We will be conducting interviews with volunteers from San Diego, New York and San Francisco at interesting locations. (Beach, Coffee Shoppe, Sex Shoppe, Park...etc.)

This instructional DVD is intended for nation-wide distribution. Please consider joining us for a 2-4 hour shoot. We will ask interviewees the following questions:
-- How do you define yourself? Do you use labels?
--Why do you practice monogamy or non-monogamy?
-- What is the most challenging part about being in relationship?
-- What is something about yourself that you used to hide?
-- What is your current relationship geometry?
-- What are your boundaries and bottom lines?
-- Do you practice honesty and openness? Why?
-- Do you know your needs in relationship?
-- How do you feel about breaking up?
-- How do you handle strong emotions, like jealousy when it comes up?
-- What have you learned about yourself from practicing nonmonogamy?
-- Do you have a nonmonogomy community, an what does it look like?

If your interested please email me kamala@blisscoach.com and tell me your name age, where you live and I will be able to notify you of the time and place where we will be holding the interviews. All Interviews will be video taped and you will be notified when the video is in publication. If you are selected to appear in it, we can offer you one copy per person at cost.
Thanks for your support!

New Tanatra Palooza Poster!

2009 Tantra-Palooza Schedule:

(Subject to Change)

**** 9/4/09 FRIDAY****
6pm Registration
7pm- Icebreakers and Orientation
8pm- Sensual Puja with Francoise

**** 9/5/09 SATURDAY****
10am-Opening invocation Kamala Devi
11am-1pm Tantra activation with Kypris Aster Drake
1pm- 2:00pm Potluck Lunch
2pm-4pm Tantra activation with Shawn Roop
6pm-8pm Dinner Break
8pm Tantra Theater Performance Art and Sacred Sensual Play Party 'till Midnight
Ariel White, Baba Dez, Michael, Shawn Roop, Viraja Prema, Sheila Joy, Kypris Aster Drake & others TBA

*****9/6/09 SUNDAY****
10am-Opening Circle
11am-1pm Tantra activation with Kirin Khalsa
1pm- 2:00pm Potluck Lunch
2pm-4pm Tantra activation with Ariel White
5pm-6pm Shamanic Journey with Damien Rose
**** 9/7/09 MONDAY****
6:45pm - 9pm Puja with Mare Simone
**** 9/8/09 TUESDAY****
6:45pm - 9pm Tantra Talk with Baba Dez Nichols
**** 9/9/09 WEDNESDAY****
6:45pm - 9pm Closing Ceremony Michael & Kamala Devi!

Mission Statement for Tantra Theater

(Yikes! Our new logo is kinda creepy, The Om looks like a worm going through the eye sockets...stay tunned for the next version.)

MISSION:
SD Tantra Theater Troupe uses theater technologies to transmute sexual guilt, shame and/or fear into art, healing and liberation; we celebrate the presence of spirit in every aspect of life's drama.

VISION:
The San Diego Tantra Theater Troupe is a collective of spiritual artists who've undergone a 90 day tantric journey to explore and empower their sacred sexual history. The Tantra Theater training provides a, safe, challenging, non-judgmental space for spiritual seekers to experience their full expression. After training we collaborate on performance art in order to promote a greater understanding of sacred sexual issues in conscious communities within and beyond San Diego. Our personal, theatrical, and creative presentations inspire learning, open discussion and spiritual awakening. The troupe provokes continual re-examination of self in relationship to all things sacred and spiritual. During performance, both artists and audience have an opportunity to realize the creative power within their sex center. We aim to educate, entertain and enlighten.

GOALS:In order to achieve this mission and vision, SD Tantra Theater Troupe will:

1) Perform at least two masterful public performances annually with provocative original and adapted scenes, monologues, music, movement, and improvisation for the San Diego conscious communities.

2) Organize periodic outreach performances at conferences, festivals and tantric temples.

3) Promote video or dvd documentation of the show as an ancillary product for other communities that are not able to attend.

4) Reduce the barriers between the audience and the presentation by using minimal props, lighting, or staging, and involve the audience in discussions in order to increase the impact on participants.

5) Retain a diverse team of sacred sexual activists who care about one another and the community and who support and help promote the troupe’s work.

San Diego Tantra Theater was conceived and directed by Kamala Devi and is produced by BlissCoach university. WWW.BlissCoach.com

I've been invited to enter a women's jello wrestling event...Hmmm...I'm seriously considering, but it would be more fun if I knew my opponent. Anyone up for the challenge?

Certificate of Completion:

At the end of every performance, a masterful actor must kill his/her character. Imagine how powerful this is when the character you've been playing is YOU!



When the last Tantra Theater show closed we gathered to burry the production.
In the spirit of art therapy or psycho -drama we used the following incantation:
You are not my mother, you are not my father, rapist, ex-lover, brother or director. Thank youfor playing that role so that I can better know myself. I am the writer of my own drama. I

am the director of my own life. Aho!

The tantra theater troupe will be performing next at Tantra-Palooza, Saturday Sept. 5th as a part of the Tantra-Palooza five day festival. Get your discounted tickets now. We are offering $100 OFF of last year's tuition and including SIX months enrollment to Bliss Coach University! http://www.partnerplayshop.com/9_9_09.html
Afterwards we'll be performing at the Whole Being Weekend, The Daka-Dakini Conference in New York, and we are open for invitations to play for conscious community everywhere!
Thank you for supporting our school.

enlightenment

Express yourself completely, then become quiet.
Open yourself to heaven and earth,
and be like the forces of nature.

When the wind blows, there is only the wind;
when it rains, there is only rain;
when the clouds pass, the sun promises to shine.

If you open yourself to insight,
you are at one with insight
and you can use it completely.

Open yourself to heaven and earth,
then trust your natural responses;
and everything will fall into place

by Lao Tzu

There's no place like om! There's no place like...

Thanks and Happy Birthday to Photographer Rick Raney!