Vol 3, Issue 8

Engaging in Life—The Haven Experience in Victoria
Sometimes the simplest questions can lead to the most unexpected insights.  A short time ago we were asked if The Haven was a retreat centre.  The automatic "yes" was just about to come, and then in a pause to consider the essence of "retreat" the answer became "no".  Why?  Because it seems to us that The Haven is an Engagement Centre.  The very core of our values is relating, and a belief that we learn about others and ourselves through the "Five C’s" curiosity, contact, conversation, connection, and caring.  It’s about discovering through being with others, whether it is discussing today’s forecast or the tender opening of soul to soul.  There is much we can learn from each other about ways to enhance the quality of life.

This belief is at the root of the series of gatherings we began last November with our symposium "Being Alive and Well".  The weekend was alive with energy and interest from the opening keynote with Norm Shealy to the final wrap with Ben and Jock.  This spirit is set to continue in Victoria September 17 & 18 as we take The Haven on the road with "Innovative Approaches for Effective Living".  The event, being held in the Holiday Inn on Blanshard, begins with a Friday evening keynote presentation by Ben & Jock followed by a series of Saturday sessions intended to offer audience and presenters alike opportunities to speak, listen, consider and explore innovations and variations on a host of issues and ideas.

Here is the scoop on topics, times, and presenters.

Friday September 17
7:00 – 9:30pm
Health, Happiness and Wholeness with Ben Wong & Jock McKeen
In their first keynote address Ben and Jock will present new ideas from medicine and biology that enhance our understanding of practical living.

An individual's development depends on a complex variety of biological, psychological and environmental factors that are often unpredictable.  Yet, every person is capable of greater freedom, pleasure, learning and fulfillment through life experiences.

Our lives can be a trial to be endured, or a constantly unfolding growth opportunity.  It all depends upon our perspective and attitude.  The human system is an elegant design. By understanding how it works, we can make choices that are healthy and fulfilling for body, mind, spirit and emotions.

Saturday, September 18
9:15 – 10:45am
Removing Blocks to Resonance: Some Practical Tips with Ben Wong & Jock McKeen
Their second keynote session will be an examination of the means by which we hinder our ability to resonate with the experience of others and the world.  Ben and Jock will propose practical approaches to enhancing resonance. Then, we can truly experience that "no man is an island unto himself.

11:00am-12:30pm
Silence and The Birth of Being with Dr. James Sacamano
All experience begins and ends in being present in the great silence.  Meditation on awareness of mind uncovers our generative power to create experience in the freedom of original awareness.  We will study
and practice meditation on the inner silence of the present.

The Relationship Dynamic with Cathy & Ernie McNally
In this presentation Cathy and Ernie expose the vibrant layers of relating—the challenge of struggling for power, the nuances of trembling isolation, and resonating connection—and take a look at what is possible when we are open to being caring, clear, curious, and compassionate in relationship.

1:30-3:00pm
Self Compassion: Making Friends with Oneself with Gwen Ewan
Gwen identifies the tension between compassionate joy and humour and harsh self-criticism to advance growth and maturity, and offers ways this can be used to promote being who you are rather than who you think you should be.

Body, Breath and Energy: What Else is Possible with David Raithby
David addresses crucial elements that are often missing from many physical and energetic approaches to health that have the potential to be truly enlivening, and offers experiences and suggestions for working with self and other.

3:15-4:45pm
Energizing Your Emotional Intelligence with CrisMarie Campbell & Susan Clarke
CrisMarie and Susan introduce the core concepts and practice of Emotional Intelligence intended to enhance your personal and professional relationships in the face of change and differences at home and work.

Embracing Passion: Desire and Containment with David Raithby

In David's second presentation you will learn about the much sought after, little understood, and often elusive nature of passion and explore possibilities for bringing more of this essential human capacity into your life.

The day will wrap up with an informal wine and cheese gathering offering an opportunity for conversation amongst presenters, participants and volunteers.

We would love to have you join us for what promises to be an "engaging" weekend.  For more information and registration visit the website or call our registrars, Morag and Renée, toll free at 1 877 247 9238, and discover how you can use your Saturday registration fee as payment toward a course!

The Art of Giving
If you have ever taken part in preparing for something like the coming Victoria event you will likely have a pretty good idea how much work is involved.  This is no exception!  Karen Stephens, Randy Wong, Mark Collins, Lynn Gray, Gwen Ewan, Rose Hunter, Sharon Kobrinsky, Laurie Kelley, Scott Poole, Judy Ellingson, Gill Roach, Sue Donaldson, and David Raithby have done yeoman service, with countless hours of volunteer effort to ensure the Victoria Experience will be an event to remember!  There are no words that describe our thanks for their heart, spirit and dedication.

The reality is that many of the steps we are taking to spread awareness of The Haven would not be possible without volunteer contributions.  We thank those of you that have given assistance, and appreciate the good heart you bring with you.  And one of the more apt clichés, "many hands make light work", is spot-on.  We have several coming events that are in need of a hand.  There are many, many ways you can help, and your help can be a few minutes from your home or a few hours at a Show.  The Health Show in Vancouver October 17 & 18, the Vancouver Wellness Show next February, and the second Haven Symposium beginning with special presentations by Joseph Chilton Pearce in Vancouver March 31 and Nanaimo April 1, followed by two days of sessions at The Haven April 2 and 3.

Needless to say, there is also an art to bringing together people and tasks, and we are thrilled that Cathy Wilder has taken on the role of Volunteer Coordinator for The Haven!  If you are interested in lending a hand when you can, please email Cathy at volunteer@haven.caand let her know.  If you have specific ways, times, and/or talents that suit you include that information.  Thanks!

Pause...
Each month when we write out the list of coming courses we wish we could speak to all of you one-by-one and share the passion and care we experience from the people that create and lead these courses.  Each is its own stand-alone gem, with opportunities for discovery and exploration that continue to show up in life long after the end of the course.  Take a moment, and take a look.  Read what others have to say in testimonials about their experiences; read the bios of these exceptional members of our faculty.  Email or call us if you have a question or want more information.  Yes, we are definitely biased, and we think it is for good reason!

• Teens Alive I (August 19-22) with Linda Nicholls, David Raithby
• Anger, Boundaries & Safety (August 19-22) with Joann Peterson
• Teens Alive II (August 22-25) with Linda Nicholls, David Raithby
• Caring For Your Self (August 26-29) with Mary Holdgrafer & Gary Holdgrafer
• Addictions: Choiceful Transformation (August 27-29) with Cathy McNally, Ernie McNally, Wendy Huntington
• Couples in Conflict(August 27-29) with Judy Sellner
• Come Alive(August 29-September 3)
• Come Alive II(August 29-September 3) with Linda Nicholls, David Raithby
• Dancing Our Stories, Moving Our Spirits (September 10-12) with Catherine Fallis
• Come Alive(September 18-23)
• Practicum Level I (September 23-26) with Joann Peterson
• Creative Writing(September 24-26) with Ellery Littleton
• Worth Your Weight(September 24-27) with Cathy Wilder, Leslie Whyte, Dianne Anderson
• Practicum Level I: Music in Group Work (September 26-27) with Ernie McNally, Cathy McNally
• Phase I: Self Awareness (September 27-October 22)
• Phase I, Part A (September 27-October 9)
• Embracing Personal Passion (September 30-October 3) with David Raithby, Sandey McCartney
• A Good Beginning(October 1-3) with Judy Sellner
• Tools For The Soul® (October 3-8) with Phil Winkelmans
• Shadow Play(October 4-7) with Linda Nicholls
• Nia-Life in Motion (October 8-10) with Carole Ames, Judy Cashmore
• Phase I, Part B (October 10-22)
• Journey to the Well (October 14-17) with Trish Grainge
• Come Alive(October 17-22)
• Pro-D for the Self (October 22-23) with Ellery Littleton, Mary Helen Littleton
• Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Successful Leadership in Work & Life (October 22-25) with CrisMarie Campbell, Susan Clarke
• Phase II: Self & Other (October 23-November 17)
• Phase II, Part A (October 23-November 4)

Garry Davey has another feather in his already feather-filled cap!  He has been appointed Artistic Director for the Nanaimo based theatre production company, Theatre One.  Garry has been an internationally recognized actor and director for many years, and as one newspaper writer put it, "Garry Davey is a dynamic leader with a strong sense of community, a deep passion for theatre, and a commitment to creative excellence."  Well said!

We are aware of a woman who has come to The Haven on several occasions and whose kidneys are functioning at less than 10% of normal.  This has resulted in end stage renal disease requiring dialysis and a transplant.  For various reasons, no one in her immediate family is a suitable donor.  She has asked us to make her situation known in the event there is someone with type O blood who may consider donating a kidney.  We believe this is a sensitive situation for this person and you, the reader.  Our intention is simply to make this information known, and if you wish to learn more please be in touch with us at: manager @ haven.ca.

There is always something up at The Haven, to stay informed visit our website www.haven.ca, email us at info@haven.ca or call us at 250 247-9211 and toll-free 1-877 247-9238.

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

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