Vol 1, Issue 11

Reflecting on Reflections
As each year draws to a close, there is often a sense of pause and reflect.  Pause to see where we are, where we have been, and where we want to be.  Reflections has been a catalyst for many to drink in this experience in an atmosphere of connection, fun and relaxation.

Morning discussions are moments to speak, listen, consider, wonder and respond.  Afternoons are a plethora of opportunities to be quietly with a few; actively preparing for the New Year's Eve show; linger in the hot tub; explore ideas, the beach and the island, or catch up on a few winks or a good book.  Reflections is a glorious chance to see old friends, make new ones, and re-kindle past acquaintances.

However you decide to spend the time, there is something very special when the clock strikes midnight at The Haven on New Year's Eve.  If you have been here for Reflections, you probably have your own memories of this experience, and if you have never been, come this year and treat yourself to a very special gift.

Creating Through Relating
Issues of the heart seem to be everywhere.  During Dianne Anderson's time in the hospital last December and January, Wally and Leslie Whyte spent many hours with her, and opened their home to Dianne in the first weeks of her transition from hospital to home.

With this in mind, it seems appropriate somehow that Leslie and Dianne's new course, being offered for the first time this month, explores Creative Mythmaking.  This intriguing new program brings the "container-expanding" possibilities of creativity to one of life's ever-present "container-limitations"  breaking out of our old stories and no-longer-useful beliefs.  In this two-day course, participants interact with each other using journaling, visualization, mask-making, exploration of dreams, and dialogue to transform outdated beliefs with awareness and choice.

Take a creative look at the stories in your life with Leslie and Dianne, November 29 to December 1.  Their friendship, and willingness to explore together has resulted in this timely and impactful weekend course.

Spend Christmas Present...
It seems like yesterday we were watching a 9:45pm evening sunset, now it's dark for the afternoon coffee break!  Our year-end courses explore a wide range of interests and ideas, each offering an opportunity to connect  within, and with each other.  And that sounds like a wonderful "Christmas present"!

• Tools For The Soul^TM (November 17-22)  In this dynamic new course, acclaimed author and presenter Phil Winkelmans will be introducing   ideas "right for the time" to those in the helping and healing professions.  His complete Tools For The Soul^TM kit is included with the course, and provides a  fascinating springboard to new approaches for rejuvenating and rekindling the spirit.  If you work with people or care for someone in need of on-going help, this  course is for you.
• Awakening to the Healer Within (November 22-24)  is a powerful way to experience the deep wisdom and healing power of Menla, the ancient  mind-body practice of the Medicine Buddha of Tibet.  Jim Sacamano introduces the principles of this practice that are universal and apply to everyone, regardless of religious or philosophical orientation.
• Primal Nudgings (November 22-24)  For this women-only course, arrive the first evening with nine objects that have emotional value for you and  represent female/ feminine.  From this gentle beginning, see yourself reflected in the strength of a circle of women.  Join Marlyn Farrell and assist in the creation  of a safe environment from which to explore and enhance your vision of feminine creativity and intuition.
• Self-Compassion (November 22-25)  Wayne Dodge and Gwen Ewan have gently opened the way to an opportunity to learn about the paths that  lead you away from yourself and explore the paths that direct you towards self-acceptance using music, guided imagery, gestalt, art, stories and other experiential  forms.
• Come Alive(November 25-30)  For many, this program is their introduction to the pleasure and challenge of self-awareness through relating.  And for many,  this program is a regular revisit to the core of ideas and experiences that enhance so much in day-to-day life.  Treat yourself, or come with a friend!
• Couples in Conflict (November 29-December 1)  Judy Sellner's approach to being with couples in the midst of tensions and struggles has been a gift for  many people seeking clarity as they come to terms with each other and their relationship.  If you are reading this and wondering, talk about it with each other, and  consider this weekend together.
• Creative Mythmaking (November 29-December 1)  Take a creative look at the stories in your life.  What works, and what doesn't, and where to go from here,  with Leslie Whyte and Dianne Anderson.
• Psychology of Birth (December 5-8)  Mary Pinniger and Duncan Fraser lead this largely experiential course that uses somatic and educational approaches to  assist participants to explore their earliest memories, and develop deeper connection, compassion, and trust for self and spirit.
• Simply Touching (December 13-15)  Massage is an ancient form of touch that is becoming more and more recognized for it's great benefits.  Learn the basics  of effective, respectful and pleasurable touch with Elfi Dillon Shaw in an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.

Just Quickly...
Jo-Ann Gordon, Tony Ollivier and Jake proudly introduce the latest member of their clan, Ruby Ann Elizabeth born at 1:40am November 4, 9lbs, 6 ounces!  They report all are surviving well, with less sleep and more moisture and noise...and what  would it be without a picture!

Thank You!  We appreciate that many of you take the time to be in touch in response to News Update articles, ideas and information.  New courses and the evolution of established courses are enhanced with your input.  You are contributing in a very real way to the shape of things as they are and to come!

What To Give?!  If there is someone in your life you think may benefit from a course, a massage, or something special from The Haven Store, a Haven Gift Certificate may be an ideal gift.  They can be purchased in any amount, and used toward anything offered at The Haven...and they are easy to wrap!

And that's a "wrap" for this Update.  We'll be in touch again next month with more news and information about the courses, events and people that are The Haven.

Take care, enjoy yourself, and each other, and be in touch soon.

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