Reflections on The Women's Congress

(from the Wilbur Hot Springs Newsletter)

Dear Friends of Wilbur. . . This past weekend I was fortunate to be one of a handful of men, warmly referred to as “our male allies,” who were invited to join approximately 80 women for The Women’s Visionary Congress: Consciousness, Healing and Social Justice, held at Wilbur Hot Springs (see visionarycongress.org). I listened, learned, laughed and cried as remarkable women, from around the country, representing all sizes, shapes, colors, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic strata, told stories from their hearts about living and dying, presented scientific findings, and formed a community of concerned citizens all dedicated to making the world a place where consciousness may expand, healing may occur, and love may flourish . e For me one of the most emotionally moving lectures was presented by Angel Raich, a 41-year-old mother of two, former Republican from Stockton, who recently went before the Supreme Court of the United States in hopes of being granted permission to use cannabis to treat her many life-threatening illnesses including an inoperable brain tumor, life-threatening wasting syndrome, and seizure disorder. The Supreme Court turned her down with a 6-3 vote (visit angeljustice.org for more information). Suffice it to say that listening to this heroic human being left no dry eyes in the room, and as I allowed myself to resonate with her my body convulsed with sobbing. Another moving and highly articulate presentation which provided me with well-needed laughs was made by Carolyn “Mountain Girl” Garcia, an historic and legendary figure, who rode with Neal Cassidy, of “On the Road” fame, was an original Merry Prankster with Ken Kesey, a wife to Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia, acclaimed author and teacher, and an inner space traveler of epic proportions. She is a tribal elder in every good sense of the word. The list of other presenting and attending luminaries is so long that I refer you to the easily accessible web sites which you can reach at visionarycongress.org. Some of the lectures included such topics as: Anthropological Research on Mind States in Other Cultures; Use of Entheogens While Dying; Social Activism for Women of Poverty and Color; and, Ways in Which the American Civil Liberties Union Makes its Decisions on Which Causes to Support. Rarely did I hear anyone voicing arguments against anyone or anything. This was a congress of proactive, open-hearted adults who came together to share important information and support their mutual causes of dignity and respect for all. The Women’s Visionary Congress was graciously, articulately and seamlessly produced by Annie Harrison who assured us that audio and video versions will soon be available on the internet. Logistical and financial support was provided by Rick Doblin and the MAPS staff, and by Black Swan and the Cygnets. Exquisite multi-national cuisine was provided by Dog Star Catering, yoga classes and kirtan by Sarana Miller (see saranayoga.com). The cooperation of everyone involved made this an educational experience of significant proportions. I would be remiss if I missed giving special thanks to John Gilmore, a behind-the-scenes Renaissance man with a brilliant mind and generous heart. I am looking forward to hearing from those of you who call in with something to say on my radio program – 707-964-1205. Visit KZYX.org. You can also email me (DrRichardLMiller@aol.com) and I will read your comments on the air.

YOU ARE ARE INVITED TO LISTEN TO MindBodyHealth With Your Host: Dr. Richard L. Miller Tuesday, 9am National Public Radio Affiliate KZYX & Z 88.1 • 90.7 • 91.5 FM Radio Mendocino County Public Broadcasting On your computer at www.KZYX.org

- Richard Louis Miller, M.A., Ph.D. Wilbur Caretaker in Chief since 1972