Wednesday 1 February 2012

February 2012 Newsletter

In this issue:

Reflections on the first Daring to Blossom workshop 

Inspiring events and links

Reflections:

The first Daring to Blossom workshop took place on 21 January, with the title 'A time for insights, planning and preparation.' A group of six people joined me for the day at the wonderful Pine Lodge Gardens.

One of the highlights of the day was a walk in the gardens at lunchtime, and the future events will incorporate the wonderful environment even more into the format of the programme.

As the workshops are intended to be a place for reflection and personal development, sometimes uncomfortable feelings arise for people. The group are encouraged to 'hold the space' for each other, witnessing without judgement. At the same time, it is each person's responsibility to honour the group agreement that we make at the beginning of the day, which always includes giving each other time to speak and not taking too much time for ourselves.

It often falls to me as the facilitator of the group, to draw people back to the coaching ethos of moving forward from where we are, acknowledging the past but not dwelling on it. One of the lessons I have learned - over a long period of time, and sometimes needing to re-learn it - is that 'You are not your story'. The true essence of each person is not - that cancer experience, the abuse that may have been suffered, nor the triumphs either - but rather our response to them in the highest sense. The things we have learned and used to bring more of our true selves into the world.

By the end of the day people left with some actions to take them forward, and I went away with lots of ideas for the next event, including feedback from those present. One of the suggestions made by more than one person was longer meditations, which I will bring in next time. That caused me some reflection and I realised that I don't feel very confident at leading meditations. So that is my 'growing point' challenge - to step out of my comfort zone and do this. Several people have offered to share resources and ideas - thank you.


Another big "thank you" goes to Maria, who took an active part in the workshop, sharing her thoughts and experiences and helping others reflect. At the same time she played a key role in being my support person, making sure everyone was welcomed and looked after. Maria, you are an angel and it was so good to know that you were there doing those almost invisible things that are only noticed when they are absent.

At risk of sounding like a gushing movie star accepting an award (there's a thought!) - more thanks go to Tracey, Richard and George (I hope those names are correct) and all the team at Pine Lodge Gardens who made us so welcome.


And thank you so much to everyone who came along, faced their challenges and shared insights with us to help us all begin daring to blossom.

Here is some of the feedback that people have given me permission to share with you: 

"Thank you Mary for another wonderful workshop. It was fun, enlightening, thought-provoking, and also very relaxing."

“The time & length of the workshop was perfect. I felt relaxed throughout the day and that was from the moment I walked through the door, greeted by Maria until the end of the day. If I had a slight moment of personal irritation, it was soon defused as a skilful Mary held the space respectfully for all of us. The natural flexibility and flow of the day was easy. I particularly enjoyed the walk in nature & revisiting that experience (clever touch!) during the stillness/meditation moments at the end of the day.”  Fran Partridge, Ayurveda Practitioner

"Thank you, Mary for a very enjoyable day. Good to take some time out for me, acknowledge some of my positive achievements and make some plans for 2012." Tina

If you missed the day, Amanda Jones has offered to host a repeat event at her home in St Columb Major. The date is Saturday 18 February, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, and the fee is £40. If you are interested please contact me as soon as possible as that date is not far away.

The next workshop at the Pine Lodge Gardens is on Saturday 21 April, and you can take up the half price early booking offer by online
here, or by contacting me. The theme is "A Time for Action", moving us forward into the life-affirming life and energy of spring time in Cornwall. I hope to welcome you to this event or a future workshop.

Finally, as always, here are some suggestions for your journal or meditation reflections. The Daring to Blossom theme for January was "Insights, planning and preparation". As we end of the first month of 2012, this may be a good point for you to review your "wheel of life": the balance between all the aspects that make up your life and how satisfied you are with them.

If you are not familiar with this exercise, I have posted a file on the Daring to Blossom website for you to download with the instructions.


  • What insights does your current wheel of life reveal?
  • Which aspects of your life are out of balance?
  • Choose one or two and decide on some actions - achievable but perhaps slightly challenging.
  • Why are they a challenge?
  • What support can you put in place to help you?
  • Can you 'feel the fear' and do them anyway?
  • If not, review again - is this really your own goal or aim? Or someone else's that you think you 'should' achieve?
  • If you still want to take it on, break down what needs to be done into smaller stepping stones - and do something, however small! 

Inspiring events and links:
Here is a selection of interesting events and links to investigate if they intrigue you!

Visionary Entrepreneurs are holding an event in London on 24 February, more info here: 
http://www.visionaryentrepreneurs.net/february-event.html

My friend Fiona Crump recently started a food-related blog with the wonderful name of Bun Scuffle - intrigued? Take a look: http://bunscuffle.co.uk/

I receive the Zen Habits newsletter/blog postings, and although I do not always have time to read them, whenever I do dip in there are wonderful nuggets within them, for example, a recent piece on "Creating Silence from Chaos". You can sign up or read online here: http://zenhabits.net/

Sam Chittenden ran a workshop at the Euro Coach List conference last November on the use of poetry in coaching, and I recently had an interesting Skype conversation with her about this and her work on leadership. You can read Sam's blog here: http://differentdevelopment.blogspot.com/

Tina McNaughton has an event on 26 February: "Introduction to Psychic Art", visit her website for more information.http://www.angelenergies.net/Events.html


Please do leave any comments or feedback if you feel inspired!

all best wishes

Mary

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