Vol 4, Issue 1

Beginning A Year To Remember
One of the greatest gifts we believe our courses offer is the opportunity for people from all walks of life and ways of being to gather and discover.  From the initial inspiration of Ben and Jock, the ongoing dedication of our faculty and staff, and with the support of the present-day Haven Foundation Board, The Haven is intent on preserving and growing this vision.  In 2005 we are taking new steps in this area, and we want to share some of what is on the horizon for the coming year and beyond...

Almost without exception course participants express a desire to take part in "the Phases".  Those who have participated in Phases talk about the enduring life-learnings these courses provide.  For some people, two of the challenges faced in achieving this aspiration are arranging the time and the finances.  In response we have begun to offer the Phases in shorter parts over the past few years, making it possible to attend Phases I and II in halves and New Horizons (Phase III) in thirds.  We are happy to say that we have now addressed the second challenge in two ways.  Effective immediately, we have reduced the Phase I and II tuition by $275 from our 2004 rates.  In addition some of these Phase courses will be scheduled over the next two years to coincide with our Low Season accommodation rates.  The combined result of these changes will save over $700!

And there is more good news for those of you interested, or already registered, in our Level 2: Intern Training Program.  In recognition of the hard work and valued contributions our interns make to the Come Alive and Phase courses we have made the following changes:

1. We have shortened Level 1 by moving the Body, Breath & Energy Training and Disengaging Depression courses to Level 2.  This means it is possible to begin interning sooner and enhancing that learning with the training these courses provide during Level 2.
2. Level 2 Intern tuition for Come Alive and Phase I and II has been reduced to 50% of full tuition.  The result will mean savings of almost $2500 toward completion of the required courses for students in Level 2!

One Good News Deserves Another!
The only thing better than the good news about the 2005 Come Alive and Phase courses would be more good news!  And we think that with the depth, breadth, and quality of the courses scheduled for the next two months more good news is exactly what we have!

• Beyond New Horizons (January 12-16) with Jock McKeen, Ben Wong
• Career Revisioning (January 13-16) with Marlyn Farrell
• Phase I: Self Awareness (February3-28)
• Phase I: Part A(February 3-15)
• Come Alive (February 8-13)
• Shadow Play (February 10-13) with Linda Nicholls
• Passion For Couples (February 11-14) with David Raithby, Sandey McCartney
• Phase I: Part B (February 16-28)
• Couples in Conflict (February 18-20) with Judy Sellner
• Relationship: Review & Renew (February 24-27) with Linda Nicholls
• Addictions: Choiceful Transformation (February 25-27) with Cathy & Ernie McNally, Wendy Huntington
• Primal Whisperings (February 25-28) with Marlyn Farrell
• Working With Power Struggle (March 4-6) with Cathy & Ernie McNally, Joann Peterson
• Come Alive (March 6-11)
• Embracing Personal Passion (March 10-13) with David Raithby, Sandey McCartney
• Tools For The Soul® (March 13-18) with Phil Winkelmans

Reflecting With Friends
Almost since Reflections began Peter Joyes has been an integral part of the spirit of this year-end gathering.  His ebullient smile, patient rendering of cards with each person’s word for the year, his unique piano style and clever magic tricks, and, of course, "It was a dark and stormy night!"  Every year Peter has offered his warmth and generous spirit to one and all with a quiet unassuming charm.

This year was different.  In October Peter learned he had cancer, and shortly after began a rigorous and physically demanding chemo and radiation treatment program.  Until he actually arrived New Year’s Eve morning it was not certain whether he would be part of this year’s Reflection.  After hellos and hugs from friends, Peter joined the morning circle with his wife Connie Munro.  While introducing himself he spoke openly and frankly of the events of the past 10 weeks and the impact for him, Connie, and daughter Linnea.

Ben and Jock then invited Peter into the centre of the circle.  After Jack Sproule and others offered him healing oils, Peter was lifted by the group in a loving cradle.  With Connie close by, and Linnea offering her father her own special wellness magic, this was a time for Peter to receive in kind for the endless kindnesses he has offered to so many.  He shared after that he will hold this moment close as he faces the challenges to come.

In the midst of these moments with Peter, it seemed yet again very clear what is possible when good hearts gather.  We wish Peter, and you, a 2005 filled with gathered good hearts!

Paying It Forward
One of the many benefits afforded by the establishment of Haven Foundation as a charitable organization is in the area of tax deductions for donations.  In short, people donating to Haven Foundation receive a tax credit for 41% of their donation.  This means for every $100 donated the individual pays $41 less in income taxes.  Some of the funds donated are set aside for our Financial Aid Program, to be used for student bursaries and loans.

Over the past year this program has meant real, life-touching returns for people wanting to attend our courses.  A young man facing dramatic life and work changes took part in a Phase I course and has never looked back; a family of 5 children suddenly without a mother and father have found new friends and strength in our summer kids and teens courses; a woman, already registered for Phase I, receiving last-minute news that drastically changed her financial picture was able to complete the course and find her own way to then take Phase II; an unemployed person working through fundamental life issues participated in a Come Alive with the support of a counsellor; a woman was so appreciative of receiving funding for a Come Alive she has committed to contributing funds in 2005 so others may also have the same chance.

These are just a few of the personal and positive stories made possible by donations large and small to Haven Foundation that are used for this program.  We are thrilled that the Board has allocated additional bursary and loan funds for the coming year!  To learn more about how you can contribute to, or apply for, the Financial Aid Program contact our Registrars at 1 877 247 9238 extension 234
 

We Rest Our Case
There are 10,000 lawyers in British Columbia and only 25 or so are designated Queen's Counsel (or more exactly "her Majesty's Counsel learned in the law for the Province of British Columbia") in any given year.  Derek LaCroix, Come Alive leader and member of The Haven Core Faculty, recently became one of the few to receive the honour of being designated as a Queen's Counsel.

For Derek this is a particularly significant event, given his tireless work as Executive Director of the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP) in B.C.  The LAP provides peer support and referral services to help members of the legal profession deal with personal problems – including alcohol and drug dependence, stress and anxiety, depression and other issues.

"The Queen’s Counsel is a tremendous honour," says Derek, "and also an important recognition by the highest judicial and bar authorities in British Columbia of the importance of the work of the Lawyers Assistance Program, and the seriousness with which our program is viewed.  It is recognition of the importance of recovery amongst our legal community.  There was a time when being connected with a recovery program would be an absolute bar to obtaining such an honour.  I am grateful for the change that this represents."

…maybe this is one of those times when being defensive works out well!

Just Quickly...
Don't miss our Second International Symposium, Being Alive & Well: Pathways to Successful Living with keynote speaker Joseph Chilton Pearce, coming to downtown Vancouver April 1 & 2!  For more information and registration call Morag and Renée toll free 1 877 247 9238 or visit our website http://haven.ca/institute/awayevents.html.

The Haven is also coming to Vancouver for the Wellness Show at the Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre February 4-6.  In addition to our on-floor booth, Linda Nicholls, David Raithby, Ellery Littleton, and Gwen Ewan & Wayne Dodge will all be making presentations at The Haven-sponsored workshop portion of the Show.  There is more information at www.thewellnessshow.com

We are appreciative and encouraged with the number of positive responses to our December Update.  It is exciting living in a time when so many people are committed to living and recognizing thoughtful, active kindness.  And we are heartened hearing how many people are responding to the devastation of the Indian Ocean Tsunami.  Hopefully history will record that the greatest natural disaster of our time was followed by the greatest human response of care, kindness, and action.

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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