Vol 3, Issue 3

Fare Thee Well
The passing of friends is never easy.  And when it is friends with whom we have shared close moments it seems even harder.  The end of February was particularly difficult with the news that Larry Janyk and Tone Paterson had both died after many years facing the challenge of cancer.  That both of these men, who barely knew each other, would pass within a day of each other seemed to bring home the impact of loss even more.

We have learned much from each of them in different, and similar, ways.  They each responded to the news of cancer in their bodies with a decision to live fully, explore many options for health, and leave nothing to chance while they had the opportunity.  Each of them passed away with dignity and gentle completion, in close contact with those they loved.  Each of them is remembered by many who have been with them here at The Haven.

And each of them had a few words that spoke volumes about their vibrant passion for life and connection.  Larry will be remembered for ending each check-in with "I'm in", and Tone's enthusiasm for motorcycles and life was expressed with a simple "ride on".

Take care dear friends, see you next time around.

The Haven Shows!
Our participation in the February Wellness Show in Vancouver was a treat in many ways.  We received invaluable help from volunteers (thank you Doug Ellis, Paul Fodchuk, Greg Gurel, Tom Woodward, Denise Goldbeck, Kamaja Phaneuf, Dave Paquet, Cathy Wilder, Mike Gobbi) who pitched in to set up our display, speak with interested attendees throughout the three days, and tear down at the end of the show.

And the hi-light for us was the standing-room-only crowd that squeezed in to hear Susan Clarke and CrisMarie Campbell speak about their unique take on the topic of Emotional Intelligence.  The audience seemed to listen attentively and stayed long afterward to ask Susan and CrisMarie more about their presentation and get information about related courses at The Haven.

Following on the heels of the Wellness Show was the Westcoast Women's Show in Nanaimo, March 6&7.  Again the volunteer support was a significant contributor to the success (thanks to Gerry and Terry Owen, Andrew Bing, Carole Ames, Tom Woodward, Elfi Dillon-Shaw, Gary Dillon, Sandey McCartney).  Elfi Dillon-Shaw's presentation on "Living a Sensuous Relationship" attracted an interested audience that left with a host of take-home ideas on the subject.
We are encouraged with the response at these shows, and the interest generated by faculty presentations.  It is a treat to see so many friendly faces, and to meet new ones alon the way.  Our experience is consistent with what we think is the essence of The Haven, people in touch with each other, saying, listening, and learning.  It reinforces our belief that nothing quite replaces one-on-one!

The Sum Of The Parts
We hear from many of you that it can be difficult to set aside 25 days to participate in a Phase program.  A few years ago we experimented with splitting Phase I: Self Awareness into two 12-day parts, making it possible for participants to come for the first two weeks, and return in the future for Part B.  This has worked out very well.  The majority of participants still choose to attend for the 25 days, and those who choose the Part A&B option have added a new dynamic to Phase I.  In short, it seems to be working!

Continuing on with this idea, we are now offering the coming Phase II: Self & Other, and Phase III: New Horizons in components as well.  For more information on dates and prices, contact our Registrars, Morag and/or Renée.

Spring to Life
As we write there is the sound of animated conversations in the lodge, people gathered in casual conversation on the lawn, crows in chatter-conversation with eagles overhead, and a seabreeze in quiet conversation with the trees...  Take a look at the coming courses, we imagine you will find something that strikes your fancy.  We invite you to bring along your "struck-fancy" and join in the Spring-talk at The Haven.

• Writing For Life (Mar 19-21) with Ellery Littleton
• Shadow Play(Mar 21-24) with Linda Nicholls
• Relationship Review & Renew (Mar 25-28) with Linda Nicholls
• Phase I: Self Awareness Part B (Mar 27-Apr 8)
• Igniting Creativity(Mar 28-Apr 2) with Mary Holdgrafer, Wendy Huntington
• Come Alive II(Apr 2-7) with Linda Nicholls, David Raithby
• Writing For Life: Intensive (Apr 8-12) with Ellery Littleton
• Dancing The Body's Wisdom (Apr 9-12) with Catherine Fallis
• Come Alive(Apr 9-14)
• Anger, Boundaries, & Safety (April 15-18) with Joann Peterson
• Body Alive(April 15-18) with David Raithby
• A Good Beginning(April 16-18) with Judy Sellner
• The Fluid Body(April 23-25) with Mary Jo Fulmer
• Trusting The Stone (April 23-25) with Arthur Weinfeld
• Creativity: Phase IV (April 28-May 23)
• Act Natural!(April 30-May 2) with Jane Geesman, Sarah Lucht
• Separation & Loss (April 30-May 2) with Joann Peterson, Linda Nicholls
• Come Alive (May 2-7)
• Creative Writing(May 7-9) with Ellery Littleton
• Personal Empowerment(May 7-9) with Lee Pulos
• Embracing Personal Passion (May 7-10) with David Raithby, Sandey McCartney
• Crucial Conversations(May 13-15) with Rick Jackson, Paul Robillard
• Couples in Conflict(May 14-16) with Judy Sellner
• Primal Nudgings(May 14-16) with Marlyn Farrell

In addition to co-leading Act Natural at The Haven with Jane Geesman, Sarah Lucht is an accomplished actor and director in her own right.  She is currently Assistant Director (Beth Harper is Director) of a Canadian play, The Drawer Boy, which opens March 19th at the "A.R.T." theatre in Portland,  The play stars William Hurt (yes, that William Hurt) and promises to be another feather in Sarah's theatre-cap!

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.  In the meantime, visit our website www.haven.ca, email us at info@haven.ca or call us at 250 247-9211 and 877 247-9238.

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

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