THE MOMENT [NEWS] Temple of ECK Open House CHANHASSEN, Minn. -- The Temple of ECK, a Chanhassen landmark, is hosting an open house celebration from 1 to 6 p.m. October 12-14. The open house will feature tours, music, artwork, videos, and tea. "The Temple of ECK is a spiritual place for all who love God, no matter your religious beliefs," says Peter Skelskey, Eckankar's president. "We're hosting this open house to let all our friends and neighbors in the Twin Cities community know our doors are open to them. Visitors are also welcome to explore the contemplation trails surrounding the Temple. They're a wonderful, calming experience in themselves." The Temple of ECK is located at 7450 Powers Blvd. (County Road 17, north of Highway 5), Chanhassen. For more information, call (952) 380-2300. The Temple of ECK, built in the tradition of historic temples, is the spiritual center for Eckankar, Religion of the Light and Sound of God. Men's health symposium MINNEAPOLIS -- Men's Health is a critical social issue; on average, men have a life expectancy seven to nine years shorter than women. The Twin Cities Men's Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary by producing the Men's Health and Well-Being Symposium from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 20, at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College, 1501 Hennepin Ave. The symposium will take a comprehensive, holistic approach to this issue, looking at ways to help men integrate body, mind and spirit; self, relationships and community. Sessions cover mid-life passage, spiritual well-being, listening to the body, sexual health and vitality, relaxation and stress management, healthy nutrition, homeopathic and Eastern approaches, dealing with depression, depression, meditation, yoga for men, living and loving in the prime of life, from shame and control to healthy masculinity, maximizing energy, keeping love alive and many other topics. Admission is $50 by Sept. 15; $60 after. Many sessions are open to women. For more information, call (612) 822-5892 or go to www.tcmc.org. Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms™ MINNEAPOLIS -- When was the last time you felt ecstatic? WAVES, a weekend workshop that explores the dynamic practice of ecstatic dance developed by Gabrielle Roth, will come to Minneapolis October 26-28 at Old Arizona Studio, 2821 Nicolett Ave., Minneapolis. It will be presented by Roth's son, Jonathon Horan. Gabrielle Roth's 5Rhythms™ is a cathartic form of ecstatic dance that is a workout for body and soul, a moving meditation, a spiritual practice where we "sweat our prayers." Roth developed the practice over a lifetime of study in dance, theatre and the healing arts. She says that by dancing the Rhythms, we embark on a pilgrimage of self-revelation rooted in action and movement. When we free the body, the heart begins to open. When the body and heart taste freedom, the mind won't be far behind. And when you put the psyche in motion, it will start to heal itself. "Jonathon is an extraordinary teacher of depth, integrity, passion and playfulness," Roth says. "It honors me that my son has embodied the spirit of my work and teaches it in the originality of his own vision." This practice is for elders and young people, passionate dancers and reserved toe-tappers, people who like to show off and those who can barely show up, survivors of bad backs, bum knees and broken hearts. The only goals are to move until we are moved, finding the stillpoint within and becoming free spirits once again. The event will be from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Friday night only is $25. The full weekend is $225. Pay in full 30 days in advance and receive a 15 percent discount. Advance registration required. Space is limited. Contact Jami Shoemaker at (651) 645-1137 or e-mail jamis@mac.com. Congressman urges creation of Department of Peace Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) recently introduced legislation to create a cabinet level agency dedicated to peacemaking and the study of conditions that are conducive to peace. "The time for peace is now," Congressman Kucinich said. "At the dawn of a new millennium, there is no better time to review age old challenges with new thinking that peace is not only the absence of violence, but the presence of a higher evolution of human awareness with respect, trust and integrity toward humankind. Our founding fathers recognized that peace was one of the highest duties of the newly organized free and independent states. But too often, we have overlooked the long-term solution of peace for instant gratification of war. This continued downward spiral of violence must stop to ensure that future generations will live in peace and harmony." Kucinich's legislation to create a Department of Peace focuses on individual, group and national responsibilities of holding peace as an organizing principle. The Department of Peace will focus on nonmilitary peaceful conflict resolutions, prevent violence and promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights. A Peace Academy, similar to the five military service academies, would be created; its graduates dispatched to troubled areas around the globe to promote nonviolent dispute resolutions. "The challenges inherent in creating a Department of Peace are massive," said Congressman Kucinich. "But the alternatives are worse. Violence at home, in the schools, in the media, and between nations has dragged down humanity. It's time to recognize that traditional, militant objectives for peace are not working, and the only solution is to make peace the goal of a cabinet level agency." For more information on the Department of Peace, go to www.house.gov/kucinich/action A weekend to create new perspectives SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The SAGE Hill Institute provides a forum for the emergence, development, and practical application of new perspectives in the service of humanity. Each of us has a vision for a brighter future, a better world. Sometimes we know more of what it isn't than what it is, but we know what feels right and we recognize when someone, sometimes even ourselves, takes a bold action that moves us closer to that vision. In the moment that we take such action, we become agents of change. The SAGE Hill Institute, a not-for-profit Missouri corporation, presents an evening with three visionary agents of change -- Thea Alexander, Bettine Clemen and Neale Donald Walsch -- on Thursday, Sept. 27. This is an opportunity to go behind the scenes. What inspires them? What are they doing in their lives? What can you learn from them that will empower your own vision? They will share with you and then answer questions taken from the audience. Following this magical evening, we will move locations out to the beautiful, rural, Ozark setting of the Sarvis Point Community, 35 miles east of Seymour, Mo., off of Highway 60. For three days, we will celebrate and explore visions of a better future, the beliefs and actions that will create an enlightened planetary civilization. Friday, Sept. 28, will include live musical entertainment, community tours, good food and conversation. Thea Alexander will join us and be available for some private sessions. Saturday, Sept. 29, will be a day of active, participatory sessions, called Thoughtstorms®, on a wide range of topics including the environment, family life, personal empowerment, social change and creativity. What do we have in common? What can we agree on? Sunday, Sept. 30, will feature the dedication of the SAGE Hill Institute and continue the celebration, with more opportunities to engage in exploring and energizing your vision. Cost for the Thursday evening forum is $25. Tickets are available at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Mo., at (888) 4SMS-TIX. Cost for the three-day SAGE Hill event is $50, or $20 per day. Tickets are available through SAGE Hill Institute at (417) 935-9385. For additional information or information about local lodging and camping, visit www.sagehillinstitute.org or call (417) 935-9385. Thoughtstorm is a registered trademark of Star's Edge International.