I think you're right that she's probably naive and doesn't know much.
http://www.spiritdancehealingcenter.com/CathysBio.html"SpiritDance® Healing Center was founded by Cathy Flinn in 1998 to improve life and share wisdom through activities which educate and bring empowerment through God-given resources."
Always funny how supposed super spirchul people make sure to copyright anything and everything..
"Cathy has met with three near-death experiences, placing her on a path of healing and awakening in her a recognition of the Divine. This path has led her into the sacred realm of energy, vision, storytelling and metaphor. She is a recognized teacher of American Indian culture, a nationally known drum making craft master, drum circle facilitator, and a traditional Usui Reiki Master Teacher."
It could be she is something like exploiter Scarlet McKinney, who imagines that almost dying somehow "entitles" her to do anything.
I don't see that "recognition" for her from anyone except client.
"Her books include Sacred Metaphors: Embracing the Myth and Gifts of the Heart. Cathy's articles have appeared in The South Carroll News and Health Magazine"
She's bragging about articles in the local paper?
"Some of her favorite books are:
Anatomy of the Spirit by Carolyn Myss, PhD
Fools Crow, Wisdom and Power by Thomas E. Mails
The Four Agreements, a Toltec Wisdom Book by Don Miguel Ruiz
Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh
Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christiane Northrup, MD"
If she falls for Thomas Mails, she couldn't know too much about NDN traditions. Even more so if she fell for an obvious fraud like Ruiz.
But some things she's doing are a bit more disturbing.
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http://www.spiritdancehealingcenter.com/CouncilDrumMakingWorkshop.htmlWhen a group builds a drum together, each person has the opportunity to participate in the ceremony of life. This workshop honors the traditions associated with making and dedicating your drum, and it is a great team building experience! Everyone participates in the meditation, music, fun, storytelling and drum making. As everyone is personally involved in the drum's construction, it is the official drum of the group and can be used in any way the group desires. It can be used for prayer, ceremony, meditation, celebration and decor. A great drum table when not in use, the drum and stand may be used as a glass-topped table in the home, corporate meeting room or activities center, and it makes a great conversation piece! Making a council drum encourages teamwork, problem solving and communication and it builds community and interpersonal relationships. Both corporate or small groups benefit from the team building experience!
.....Deposit for family council drum making workshop at SpiritDance Center:
$850.00 (non-refundable)*
(The remaining $850.00 is due at beginning of workshop.)
Price includes 2 days' materials preparation BEFORE the workshop.
Deposit for corporate team-building event here or at your group's location:
$2,500.00 (non-refundable)*
(The remaining $2,500.00 is due at beginning of event.)
Price includes 2 days' materials preparation BEFORE the workshop.
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Such a casual attitude towards making a drum. "Yeah, it can be sacred, or you can just use it for a conversation piece. You can just use it for a table to put your feet up on if you fell like it."
And she is selling herself as a Native spiritual leader.
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http://www.spiritdancehealingcenter.com/Services.htmlNative American Awareness Ministries
...Cathy will plan the message and the time with the children, and prepare a basic worship order including the prelude and postlude, prayers and songs. She will meet with the pastor to finalize the worship order to fit your church's needs and is happy to work with the choir director regarding the music. Cathy works with all churches, denominations and faiths. Call for references.
....She will provide storytelling for your classroom or Girl or Boy Scout Troop....Cathy will travel to your school, church or organization and lead your group in a meditative drum circle....What groups can benefit from drum circles? Class rooms, youth groups, confirmation classes, corporate groups, seminar participants, teachers, health care providers, retreat groups, campers, Girl & Boy Scouts, activities & senior centers, meditation groups, Montessori & charter schools, and liturgical dance ensembles.
