Vol 2, Issue 11

Symply Amazing!
The Haven Symposium, Being Alive & Well in Stressful Times, was an unqualified success!  Attendance for the event was close to 100, with participants from Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Pacific Northwest.  Needless to say, we are thrilled with the response.

Dr. Norm Shealy's keynote addresses set the tone with a thought-provoking look at alternative medicine in the past 30 years and the next 70 years, while Ben & Jock's day-ending reflections provided ample grist for conversations to come.  The plethora of one-hour presentations sandwiched between the talks of Dr Shealy and Ben & Jock touched on a range of topics, issues, and skills that are integrated into our courses.  The range of backgrounds and interests of presenters and participants created ample opportunities for lively sessions and animated conversations.  Feedback from attendees indicates it was a fruitful and useful two days.

We want to take a moment to recognize the efforts and spirit of the 70-plus volunteers that helped make this remarkable and memorable event a reality.  Through their yeoman contributions the groundwork is in place for the one-day "Road-Symposiums" we are planning for Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle in 2004.  Our next two-day event will be at The Haven in early 2005.

Live and Learn
We are genuinely excited about the coming year.  While staying true to the roots of The Haven, we are learning and growing, and discovering new ways to make the experience of being here and participating in courses a rich and rewarding time.  In the next few months we will be introducing new ways to make coming to The Haven more choiceful, along with improvements to facilities and services we think you will enjoy.

One of the significant changes being put into place is a new software system designed specifically for the "institute" side of The Haven.  While still maintaining our personal touch, this new method will offer a whole range of helpful information for students, participants, faculty and staff.

Our Systems Manager, Bill Leuze, spent many hours researching several possibilities before proposing this software.  He then worked closely with the software developers to ensure the changeover is as seamless as possible.  This was all in preparation for a week of orientation for our Registrars, Morag and Renée, and Finance Supervisor Lorena Lauzon.  With the training now completed all are busily preparing for the transition.

The January Shen and our next Updates will offer more insights and information about changes to come, so stay tuned!

A Fruitful Gift
When Ron and Jeanette Adkins decided to marry each other during their participation in Phase One last summer, they wanted to mark the occasion with a gift for everyone that comes here.

From a conversation with Don Mattson, our gifted gardener, came the plans for a grape arbour.  Don chose the perfect spot; a mix of sun, afternoon shade, protection from the wind, and within full view from several vantage points.  Next came the selection and preparation of materials by Xanon Jensen and his maintenance team.  And it seemed somehow fitting that participants of the fall Phase program joined in the construction of this structure.

Today, and for years to come, visitors to The Haven can see and enjoy, or settle and relax at the arbour.  And in a few years, at just the right time of year, you will be able to reach up and pluck a bit of grape delight!  Thank you Jeanette and Ron.
 

Reflections of What's to Come
In many ways our new year begins December 28 with Reflections as we look at the learnings of this year, and imagine the discoveries of the year to come.  We invite you to pause and consider the courses that will open 2004.  There may be a gift here for you, or someone you care for.

• Reflections(Dec 28-Jan 1)
• Come Alive(Jan 1-6)
• Transitions(Jan 1-6) with Maria Gomori, Linda Nicholls
• Father Jack Sproule Celebration and Dinner (Jan 6)
• Beyond The New Horizons (Jan 7-11) with Ben Wong, Jock McKeen
• Creative Pause (Jan 9-11) with Elfi Dillon Shaw
• The Cosmic Dance (Jan 10-12) with Catherine Fallis
• Come Alive II(Jan 11-16) with David Raithby, Linda Nicholls
• Come Alive (Feb 11-16)
• Mirroring: Reflecting, Reacting, Relating (Feb 12-15) with Joann Peterson
• Passion For Couples (Feb 13-16) with David Raithby, Sandey McCartney
• Effective Boundaries (Feb 15-18) with Joann Peterson
• Journey to the Well (Feb 19-22) with Trish Grainge
• Addictions: Choiceful Transformation(Feb 20-22) with Cathy & Ernie McNally, Wendy Huntington
• Simply Touching (Feb 20-22) with Elfi Dillon Shaw
• Disengaging Depression (Feb 22-27) with Judy Lemon, Joann Peterson
• Tools For The Soul (Feb 22-27) with Phil Winkelmans
• Couples In Conflict (Feb 27-29) with Judy Sellner
• Quietly...(Feb 27-29) with Cathy & Ernie McNally, Joann Peterson
• Body Breath Energy Training (Feb 27-Mar 3) with David Raithby, Linda Nicholls

Just Quickly...
Members of our faculty continue to strengthen the connection between The Haven and the community at large.  Carole Ames was contracted recently, through the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) of Strathcona to present an Entrepreneurism workshop in Courtenay BC.  The CFCD's mission includes "foster[ing] a spirit of entrepreneurship in our region by providing both financial and technical support to new and existing small businesses."  The 3-hour workshop on Nov 13/03, attended by over 30 clients, focused on the cultivation of inspiration, motivation and confidence as they continue their shift in mind-set from working for someone for wages, to creating their own lives, and livelihoods, as entrepreneurs.  "The group's curiosity, sense of adventure, and spirit of cooperation was exciting to witness" says Carole, "and plans are already underway for additional workshops in the new year."

However you choose to spend the Christmas and New Year season, we wish you a warm, close, and caring time, filled with moments you will remember and cherish.

That's a wrap for this Update.  We'll be in touch again next year with more news and information about the courses, events and people that are The Haven.  If you want to be in touch with us, visit our website www.haven.ca, email us at info@haven.ca or call us at 250 247-9211.

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

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