The 4,000-year-old tradition of walking across red-hot coals is being adopted by Western spiritual groups and corporate cultures in demonstration that anything is possible. In the midst of life’s fiery trials, “these modern firewalkers are breaking through fears to feel the limitless possibilities of their own power,” says Nancy Chernoff, founder of Fearless Flame empowerment workshops.

Chernoff claims the experience of fire alerts us to the strength of our beliefs and shows how dropping limiting thoughts can lead to a life-affirming shift in perception. From personal experience, she knows how walking through fire unharmed transforms us. “It can change a life forever,” says Chernoff, who will conduct a workshop in Charlotte on June 30.

As a certified firewalking instructor, Chernoff has performed the feat 108 times. She joins a tradition begun by young Bali girls and taken up by people of all ages joyfully dancing and walking devotionally across fire in India, Tibet, Sri Lanka and China. She notes that many cultures use flames to purify, uplift and strengthen their physical and spiritual atmosphere.

“Firewalking now brings a new venue for healing, inspiration and life-altering change formerly unavailable to the West,” says Chernoff.

Fearless Flame will be held at Munay Spirit Center, 20 miles north of Charlotte on June 30. Directions/info: 704-263-5323 or MunaySpirit.com. For insight visit FearlessFlame.com. World Fair Trade Day Celebrate at Ten Thousand Villages

On Saturday May 12, Ten Thousand Villages at Cotswold Village Shops will join their international trading partners in recognizing World Fair Trade Day. Established by the International Fair Trade Association, the event promotes global awareness of fair trade. Fair trade is based on equitable trade relationships that involve fair wages and safe working conditions for producers in developing countries.

Purchases made at Ten Thousand Villages make a difference in the lives of artisans in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Charlotte store is one of more than 100 stores across North America. A leader in the fair trade movement, Ten Thousand Villages has provided fair prices, working capital and a market for artisans around the world for 60 years.

Join the Charlotte store to celebrate World Trade Fair Day with samples of fair trade chocolate, coffee, tea and a free gift with each purchase.

World Trade Fair Day will be held at Ten Thousand Villages, 300 S. Sharon Amity Road on May 12 from 10am-6pm. Info: 704-365-0010.

Carolinas Clean Air Coalition 5th Anniversary Celebration Silent Auction, Buffet & Guest Speakers

The Carolinas Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) is celebrating five years of work to restore clean and healthy air to the Charlotte region on May 17.  The public is invited to attend the celebration that includes an Eco-friendly Sustainable Silent Auction, buffet reception and special guest speakers.

“CCAC is the citizen’s voice for clean air and welcomes individuals, organizations and businesses to join their current campaign to clean up diesel school bus pollution and promote no-idle policies for cars and buses.  Other initiatives include advocating for a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency standard for North Carolina to reduce pollution from coal plants which cause global warming,” says executive director, June Blotnick.

This celebration will be held from 6-9pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, 234 S. Sharon Amity Road. For info on CCAC’s 5th Anniversary Celebration or to get a copy of a clean air calendar of events, visit clean-air-coalition.org or contact June Blotnick at [email protected] or (704) 342-9161.

Customer Appreciation Day at Home Economist Market

The Home Economist Market will host a "Customer Appreciation Day" on May 19th. The public is invited to all three locations for education, food and entertainment. The day will showcase a wide variety of vendors and health care professionals, providing customers with information that covers emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of health. Events may include food and wine tasting, free chair massage, blood pressure screening and spinal screenings. Enter to win door prizes.

Customer Appreciation Day will be held from 12 - 4pm at 261 Griffith Street in Davidson: 704-892-6191, 5410 E. Independence Blvd: 704-536-4663 and 2707 South Blvd: 704-522-8123. Visit hemarket.com for a list of events at each store.

Joy and Abundance – Your Birthright Workshop Helps Fulfill Your Visions

On May 6th and 7th Terry McBride will facilitate a workshop that will help you to take charge of the creative process of your life. McBride is an internationally recognized speaker and author of the critically acclaimed book “The Hell I Can’t.” He is certified as a master practitioner of Time Line Therapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming.

An inspiring teacher, McBride’s own story of creating health in the face of seemingly impossible odds has moved thousands of people to step up and begin making their life all they have dreamed it could be.

The workshop will explore how you can use choice to create your life the way you want it to be. Learn to be free of the negative baggage of anger, fear and unworthiness and approach life as an adventure you are choosing to play.

Joy and Abundance – Your Birthright will be held May 6 and 7 from 7-10pm at Unity of Charlotte, 401 Arrowood Rd. Cost: $25 one session/$40 both. Info: 704-523-0062 or unityofcharlotte.org.

 “A Calling of Angels With Sacred Gongs”    I’m Picking Up Good Vibrations

Experience the power and sacredness of healing Tibetan gongs during a two-hour concert. Richard Hite, a modern master of the gongs, has been instrumental in bringing this ancient experience to the world.

Research indicates that the sound of the gongs engage the brain in Theta waves - the brain waves that are the strongest during internal focus, meditation and prayer. Biofeedback research shows that the music of these gongs has a powerful, beneficial effect on the brain and heart.

Bring pillows, mats and/or bedrolls to lie on, close your eyes and take an extraordinary inward journey of healing and enlightenment during this unique musical, spiritual and physical experience.

“A Calling of Angels With Sacred Gongs” will be held May 11 at 7pm, cost is $15. The Center for Positive Living is located at 6101 Idlewild Rd., Ste. 332. Info: cplcharlotte.com or RSVP at 704-531-7993.

Gateway Wellspring Opens Self-Empowerment Through Energy Work

Gateway Wellspring, a personal development facility, recently opened to offer various programs that enhance personal power and spiritual development. Developed by Mike Love, former owner of Phoenix Rising, and Judy Johnston, the center focuses on energy work.

Judy and Mike became Quantum-Touch instructors and practitioners in 2005 and co-facilitate a Quantum-Touch healing circle. “Through our experiences, we began to understand that lasting healing required, in many cases, something more. It often requires the release of self-limiting ideas about who we are and what we deserve,” states Judy.

The “Let Your Light Shine” program guides participants along their journey to self-empowerment through self-awareness. Each workshop asks participants to question who they are and what they wish to create in this life experience. 

As PSYCH-K facilitators, Mike and Judy introduce the three levels of consciousness: the higher self, the conscious self and the subconscious self.  PSYCH-K is a safe, non-invasive and effective way to change outdated perceptions and beliefs at the subconscious level of the mind.     Gateway Wellspring is located at 5109 Monroe Road, Suite D. For info on workshops or individual sessions, contact Mike Love at 704-661-9372.

Visionary Vocalist David Ault Offers Concert & Workshop

Rev. David Ault - vocalist, minister, author and spiritual teacher - will share his gifts during a weekend in Charlotte.

On May 6, Ault will deliver the meditation, music and message during the Sunday service at The Center for Positive Living and will offer an empowering concert in the afternoon. An experienced professional actor and singer who has worked extensively in Broadway tour shows, film and television, Ault will share his gift of visionary vocal music.

On May 7, Ault will offer his spiritual workshop “Lather, Rinse, Repeat.” for the purpose of energizing our commitment to living mindfully while embracing and empowering our authentic self. He teaches that through the power of choice, positive intention and a deepening for self-compassion, we can each experience the shifts in our consciousness that bring about transformation. 

Sunday meditation at 10am and service at 11am are free. Sunday concert at 1pm - $15. Monday workshop at 7pm - $25. The Center for Positive Living is located at 6101 Idlewild Rd. Ste. 332. Info: cplcharlotte.com or 704-531-7993.