Presenters
Ami Bowen
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Devotion
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Bruce Davis
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Ami & Mike Bowen |
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Mike and Ami Bowen are visionary artists, communicators and drummers on a mission to bring their art and spirituality together in all things and in all ways for the greatest good. Together for almost ten years, their once separate dreams became part of a larger whole when they realized how uniquely intertwined those dreams were with the other. Ami began learning photography at 14, when she began working for a commercial photographer who taught her the business and art of taking pictures. While working with her mentor, she learned complex styles of lighting, true attention to detail in darkroom printing as well as how to communicate with those in front of the camera. During those four years she also had experience handling full commercial jobs alone, such as photographing Chicago Bulls games and week long business conventions at Tampa Bay Convention Center – all before the age of 16. After working for two years at the local Glamour Shots after high school, Ami went on to graduate from the Art Institute of Colorado with a degree in photography before moving to St. Petersburg, FL in 2001. After a few years Ami felt guided to take a spiritual path and accepted a full time job as Communication & Design Director at First Unity Church. This path guided Ami to take her photography to a new level of creation. Moving from commercial work to a more personal work she, along with her husband Mike, created a new style and new direction that is spiritually grounded, with an intention of showing the viewer the magnificent mystery of nature through their photographic creations. The nature of photography is in a way very metaphysical, and with Ami as your photographic guide you will learn not only the basics of camera, lighting, composition and intent, but also how the camera teaches us about true “reality.” |
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Mike is a self-taught artist with a degree in graphic design, and a natural drummer at heart. Creating art from a very early age, Mike learned how his true Self came through each stroke, line and color. In his early days, several pieces stood out that gave him the identity to pursue the arts. Later he pursued a degree in graphic design from the Art Institute in Colorado. Fresh from college, Mike found a job at a local ad agency where he moved up the ranks quickly and became a Senior Designer and Art Director. His success here motivated him to reach out beyond his comfort and make a move on his own. Bowen Imagery then came into full manifestation, and along with his wife Ami, became the company that encompasses their many creative endeavors, including their online Creative Shop. Mike’s experience with the drum dates back to his childhood days when his mother constantly told him to "stop tapping!" This addiction to rhythm eventually brought Mike to join the band at First Unity Church where he is now the lead drummer. As he continued to learn from this "live" experience, Mike and Ami once again stepped out and created the church’s drumming ensemble, Soulfire. They now perform regularly at Sunday services and also host a monthly drum circle rooted in spirituality and healing.
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Devotion |
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Devotion is a dynamic vocal duo from Colorado whose transcendent voices lift our hearts, affirm our spirits and capture our imagination. Sharing themselves with the world through powerful original lyrics, they are peacemakers, creating connections between communities.
Lori Sandstrom is an International Peacemaker Institute graduate, vocalist, speaker and facilitator. Lori teaches peacemaking practices and leads women’s gatherings all over North America. Singer, producer and arranger Robert Anderson is a Billboard #1 hit songwriter and he is a 3-time winner at the national songwriters “POSI” awards. Devotion has shared their heart-opening music and positive message with many brilliant speakers and influential leaders – including Michael Beckwith, Mary Manin Morrissey , Alan Cohen, Neale Donald Walsh and Maryanne Williamson. Together as Devotion, they have been sharing their refreshingly original songs about relationship, peace and personal transformation at spiritual centers, retreats and conferences nationally and internationally for over 14 years. Their beautiful recordings have been acclaimed as ‘Conscious Music At It’s Finest.’ |
Bruce & Ruth Davis |
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Bruce Davis, Ph.D. has led spiritual retreats in America, Europe and Asia since 1983 and currently leads up to 27 spiritual retreats every year. Bruce Davis is a spiritual psychologist. A retreat includes spiritual teachings and psychological, tools which enable us to find an authentic, true and joy filled life. It is an opportunity to explore our own spirituality and be with others who are also pilgrims of the heart. He is the author of The Magical Child Within You, The Heart of Healing, Monastery Without Walls, and Simple Peace-The Spiritual Life of St. Francis of Assisi. He taught East-West Spirituality at J.F.K. University near San Francisco, California. For many years, Bruce was actively taking teenagers into the streets of the poorest part of San Francisco to feed homeless people. Today, he lives and directs the Assisi East West Retreat Center in Assisi Italy, which he founded in 2001. Bruce’s work has inspired many people in many countries to live more for their souls. |
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Ruth Davis leads people in Sacred Movement Ritual during the retreats. Meditation in movement is centering and relaxing. Ruth has been teaching movement as a spiritual practice since 1985. Her Sacred Movement Ritual™ is a culmination of 47 years of dance, meditation and a love for many of the Eastern cultures meditative movement practices. Since a young child Ruth’s dance has been an expression of devotion. For over 38 years she has been traveling to Europe and Asia to study and teach. Ruth founded and designed the Assisi East West Retreat Center in 2000 in Assisi, Italy. She created an Interfaith Contemplative Community, Sisters & Brothers of the Little Flowers, for people of all religions. |
Lore Raymond |
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Dynamic Speaker Lore Raymond is affectionately known as the “Vision Queen” with a passionate and compelling presentation style. For 15 years she has successfully delivered inspiring keynotes, Sunday lessons, and workshops for groups of 20-700…and now into the virtual world of webinars and teleclasses. Her audiences and clients have included dozens of organizations and individuals including the Patel Foundation for Global Understanding, the St. Peterbsurg Times, Tampa Bay Business Journal, Raymond James Financial, One Here…One There: Educating Children in Africa, the Small Business Development Centers of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce Executives Association, the City of St. Petersburg, FL, along with numerous banks, non-profits, schools, and churches. Inspired Teacher |
Are you ready for Assisi?
Visit the Payment Schedule page to begin the registration process, or call Lore Raymond at 727-254-0342 to answer any questions. Ciáo!
