Vol 4, Issue 10

World-Wide Recognition
As you may be aware, people from all over the world have been making The Haven a part of their lives for almost 25 years.  Over this time, people from all walks of life and ways of being have gathered to add purpose and meaning to the quality of life.

Chances are, you can remember moments shared with a seemingly unlikely collection of people that have become enduring warm memories.  These are the spirit that collectively creates the living history of The Haven.  And as a living and vivid testimony to you, and the thousands of others who have contributed to this spirit, two different people received recognition of their common commitment to a thoughtful and caring life within a day of each other.

In September, Sean Feng received his Diploma in Counselling and Isabelle Favreau received her Certificate in Counselling.  What makes their recognition even more special is that their respective events happened half the world apart; Sean in Shenzhen China and Isabelle on Gabriola Island!

Sometimes, the event says more than a picture, or a thousand words, could ever say.

It Just Keeps Getting Better!
The Haven Experience in Victoria this past weekend was truly a treat!  From the overflowing crowd that gathered Friday evening for Gabor Maté’s keynote (pictured here), to a Saturday of thought and feeling provoking presentations, to the hum of animated conversations at the wine & cheese finale, this was an “event” in every sense of the word.

Months of hard work and preparation by the volunteer committee (Randy Wong, Mark Collins, Gwen Ewan, Rose Hunter, Laurie Kelley, Sharon Kobrinsky, Scott Poole, Karen Stephens) plus many event volunteers resulted in yet another successful Symposium.  This year’s event brought together an engaging mix of people looking at a host of perspectives on the topic of Relationships: Living, Loving, and Learning.  It seemed apt that The Haven Experience theme be relationships, with the gathering serving to remind what is possible when we create opportunities for our collective spirits of curiosity and connection to thrive!

Next up is The Haven Symposium 2006 in Vancouver, April 7 & 8.  Featuring keynote speaker Margaret Wheatley (to learn more about “Meg” visit her website at http://margaretwheatley.com), next year’s theme is ‘C-ing the Future: Caring, Chaos, Connection’.  So make plans now to join us next April, and stay tuned for more details on speakers, events, and opportunities to be involved!

Faculty Faces
This month’s Faculty Face is written by Linda Nicholls, offering her widely-shared appreciation of David Raithby:

"It is easy for me to take for granted the privilege and abundance that I live within, that merely by right of birth I, and those around me, have the opportunity to enjoy.

It is also all too easy to take people close to us for granted, to carry as expectations qualities and accomplishments that, were they to be exhibited by a stranger, would stand out as remarkable.

To those of you who have attended our courses at The Haven, you are aware that David Raithby and I have been co-leaders, collaborators and long-time supporters of The Haven.  No surprise that I think highly of him!

Out of appreciation for The Haven and dedication to the continuation of the fine work that has made such a difference in so many people’s lives, we, and numerous other dedicated people, have offered heart-felt support over the years.  David’s wife Sandey, and their daughters Annika and Tess are high on this extensive list.

David is one remarkable person working amongst many remarkable people connected with The Haven Institute.  While the array of talents is appreciated, most people would also expect nothing less of themselves or others they are associated with.  Once in a while, it is nourishment for the soul to look at those people we know and value from a fresh perspective.

Although his contributions are measurable on a daily basis, there are two particular areas of significant momentum at The Haven that I would like to acknowledge David for.

Through his personal conviction and energy he initiated the creation and establishment of The Haven Symposium.  For the inaugural Symposium, with the keynote speaker, Norm Shealy in place, David drove the organization of The Haven faculty presenters and followed through with details right down to the brochure level.  Others have since picked up the ball and carried it with very positive results for The Haven.

More recently David stepped forward to take the bull by the horns in coordinating the exciting next steps for the continuing development of The Haven’s China connection.

Those of you who know David realize that there is no risk of lolling about in self-congratulation; the tendency is more toward David’s contributions fading into the background.

Therefore, by way of sharing these few words with our Board, our Faculty, our Staff and our Students, I would like to recognize David for his contributions.  And now, on with the next exciting momentum."

As Linda notes, David is one of "many remarkable people connected with The Haven Institute".  We invite you to take a look at the upcoming courses being led by some of these remarkable people, and come experience their energy, passion and commitment for yourself!

• Boundaries in the Workplace (Oct 28-30) with Paul Robillard, Rick Jackson
• Phase I: Part B(Nov 3-15)
• The Biology of Empowerment(Nov 4-6) with Lee Pulos
• Working with Power Struggle (Nov 4-6) with Joann Peterson, Cathy & Ernie McNally
• Sensational Contact(Nov 4-7) with Jane Olynyk, Gillian Enright
• Anger, Boundaries & Safety (Nov 10-13) with Joann Peterson
• Basic Ericksonian Hypnotherapy (Nov 11-15) with Dr Harvey Plouffe
• Come Alive (Nov 13-18) with Rick Jackson, Susa Holt
• Spiritual Intelligence (Nov.18-20) with Rick Jackson, Lynette Jackson
• Writing for Life (Nov.18-20) with Mary Hellen Littleton, Ellery  Littleton
• Transforming Fear and Anxiety (Nov.18-21) with Sandey McCartney, David Raithby
• Couples in Conflict (Dec 2-4) with Judy Sellner
• Stirring the Cauldron (Dec 2-4) with Elfi Dillon-Shaw
• Come Alive (Dec 3-8) with Wayne Dodge, Gwen Ewan
• Self-Compassion(Dec 8-11) with Wayne Dodge, Gwen Ewan
• Reflections (Dec 28-Jan 1) with Jock McKeen, Ben Wong, Cathy & Ernie McNally
• Come Alive (Jan 1-6) with Jock McKeen, Ben Wong, Joann Peterson
• Come Alive II (Jan 1-6) with Linda Nicholls, David Raithby

Vancouver Book Launch October 28!
Joann and Eric Byers were two of the many who attended the Nanaimo launch of Ben and Jock’s new Book About ‘Health & Happiness’.  The evening was a relaxed and informal opportunity to hear first-hand what went into this first in a new series of “Book About’s”.

In addition to chatting with Ben and Jock and having them sign your copy of ‘Health & Happiness’, the Vancouver Launch (6:30 pm - 9 pm October 28 at the Vancouver Central Library 350 West Georgia Street, in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye Meeting Rooms just below the main concourse) will include two added features.  Norm Foote, known for his original songs that range from tongue-in-cheek to belly-laugh pokes at human nature, will be part of the evening festivities (for more on Norm visit www.normanfoote.com) AND we expect to have the first copies on hand of the newest addition to the Book About Series ‘Living With Passion’ by David Raithby and Sandey McCartney!  Mark your calendar and be there next Friday evening!

Just Quickly...
In addition to bringing her engaging spirit to courses at The Haven, Hilary Leighton has been instrumental in organizing and promoting courses with The Haven faculty in the Prince George area.  We are happy for her, and even happier for Royal Roads University in Victoria, to hear that Hilary is their new Continuing Studies Manager.  Congratulations Hilary, and well done Royal Roads!

This is the time of year when charitable donation payroll deductions are being established for 2006.  BC Government Employees can include Haven Foundation in the charities they support through the Provincial Employees Community Services Fund.  You can look for Haven Foundation in the on-line drop-down menu of Other Charities or call PECSF at 250 387-7933 for more information.  For BC Government Employees and others wanting to include The Haven in a regular payroll deduction plan, here is the information you will need:

Haven Foundation
Charity Number: 892806407RR0001
Registered Address: 1500 West Georgia Street, Suite 790, Vancouver, BC, V6G 2Z6
Telephone:  (250) 247-9211 ext.238

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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