Mini-Retreat Blossom at Covenant House
I recently facilitated a Mini-Retreat workshop as part of the staff renewal day for the Vancouver Covenant House, an organization dedicated to opening doors for homeless youth. Covenant House Vancouver is a place for young people for whom there is no one else — young people aged 16 – 24 who have either willingly fled physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse or have been forced from their homes.
The staff of the Covenant House work hard to support the homeless youth all year round. It was truly gratifying to support this dedicated, caring group of people in learning how to reduce their stress level as well as help them strengthen their self-care muscles as they care for the youth.
“By focusing on the little things, I can greatly improve how I feel.” says David McPherson, a staff member. “Thank you for helping find ways to de-stress everyday!” remarks Crystal Montecalvo, Development Officer. “A good reminder of the importance of self-care!” exclaims Jaclyn, Youth Worker.
The diverse staff of the Covenant House range in age from mid-twenties to mid-sixties. Their roles are just as diverse: youth workers, fundraisers, accountants and administrators to name just a few of the many roles involved in the staff of over ninety. All Covenant House staff connect in the common purpose that brings them to work for Covenant House: opening doors for homeless youth.
During the workshop, the staff of Covenant House were introduced to Mini-Retreats. They learned to refresh anytime, anywhere: in the office, on the street, while driving and in public transit.
Throughout the workshop staff members learned how to replenish their energy in minutes. They also learned how they might incorporate these rejuvenating Mini-Retreats into their work day. Through exploring a variety of relaxation techniques people felt inspired to try new things to care for themselves during the work day.
They identified barriers that typically stop them from recharging while at work, and how to recognize the win-win situation that using a Mini-Retreat can create. The self-care training will not only improve their work, but will also help them bring more energy and less stress to their personal lives. The Covenant House staff learned to give themselves permission to care for themselves in order to care for others.
As one of the fun, creative activities I encouraged the group to create Mini-Retreat flowers. Each staff member added their personal favourite Mini-Retreat in form of a petal and together they created twelve beautiful flowers. These flowers now decorate the walls of Covenant House facilities reminding the staff to integrate self-care and relaxation into every working day. “It (is) a good reminder of how important self-care is!” says Kristy Hayter, Covenant House staff member. “This was an excellent workshop. The skills I learned here will definitely help me alleviate stress and take time for myself.” says Tristan Klassen another staff member.
During the Mini-Retreat workshop the Covenant House staff members enjoyed connecting in a different way. Ron Strelau mentions it was a “great exercise to go through as a community.” It was great to see the Covenant House staff laugh, learn, create beautiful Mini-Retreat flowers and commit to making self-care a priority. “Refreshing – helped me re-focus my thoughts for my well-being.” says Dan Jasual.
To find out more about the Covenant House and how to support their important work, please visit: http://www.covenanthouse.org/
To book a Mini-Retreat workshop for your organization or conference, call 604-484-0389.
It is Never Too Late to Transform Your Life
Do you want to make some significant changes in your life, but somehow feel that you are too old to do that? You are not alone! When I begin working a new coaching client, we often discover a limiting belief: “I am too old to change my career, find my life partner, learn how to belly dance, travel alone, ….”
Strangely it doesn’t really matter if the new client is 23 or 56 years old, the belief seems to be able to live in our brains no matter how long we have been on this planet.
Today, I came across an inspring article about the nearly 100 year old Ria, grandma of the author. Her example shows that we have a choice every day about what we make of life. I encourage you to read Ria’s story.
If after reading Ria’s story you are still thinking “I am too old to…” think again. It is never too late to transform your life, if Ria can do it in her nineties, so can you. It is never too soon either.
Make it a great day, today!
How to Ease Back Into Work After Your Vacation
It can be a challenge to return to work after your vacation, that’s why Deena Waisberg interviewed me for her article published with Reader’s Digest on how to make the transition back to work easier. If you are feeling anxious about your return, check out Waisburg’s article “Easing Back Into Work After Vacation.”
The Joys of Summer – 3 Ways to Replenish
Summer offers an abundance of energy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy lots of fun Mini-Retreats. Whether you have the opportunity to take a vacation or not, these summer Mini-Retreats will help you replenish yourself and absorb some of the offerings of the season.
Taste Your FoodSummer is one of my favourite seasons just for its flavours alone. The abundance of fresh local fruit and vegetables is fantastic. This weekend I had my first tasting of local blueberries. It was an absolute delight!
- I took a moment to look at the beautiful berries in my bowl, admired their unique blueberry-blue colour and their little stems.
- I closed my eyes to smell the fragrance of the berries, a scent that always transports me back to a wonderful childhood memory of picking blueberries in the forest.
- Then I took the first berry in my mouth and savoured the flavour as I bit the berry open and enjoyed the delicious juice.
- I was filled with gratitude for this delicious treat.
Every day savour at least one piece of fruit or vegetable. The more you savour your food the less food you will need to feel satisfied. It’s the most effective and most joyful diet yet.
Sun on Your Back = TLCFeeling the sun on my back makes me so happy. It’s like receiving a big hug from a dear friend. Next time you are walking down the street:
- Take a moment to feel the sun on your back,
- Let your muscles relax in the warmth, and
- Completely receive this embrace. Enjoy!
Bare Feet = Happy Feet
Taking your shoes off on a warm summer day is a Mini-Retreat in itself. I feel such freedom with this simple act. Yesterday, I was visiting with a friend in the park. As soon as we sat down on the lawn, we both took our shoes off. We enjoyed the feeling of the grass, the warmth of the sun, and the sensation of the soft breeze on our feet. It feels so good to get in touch with the elements as you set your feet free. Your feet will thank you!
Enjoy these summer Mini-Retreats and please add your own favourite ways to replenish this season.
Treat Yourself to Restorative Yoga this Summer
I had the great pleasure to meet Sarah Harrison, a passionate and very talented yoga teacher. I enjoyed her yoga class so much that I feel compelled to share this incredible resource with you.
Sarah is teaching a very gentle way of yoga called restorative yoga. She says “if you don’t feel like you can stay in the pose for a day or longer, ask for help and adjust the pose so that you can truly relax.” Sarah prides herself in helping people find relaxation and meeting them exactly where they are. No matter how fit or flexible you are, you can find deep relaxation with Sarah’s kind of yoga.
Sarah’s restorative yoga class is very small (five people or less per class). This allows Sarah to take care of everyone’s needs and help people adjust their poses as needed. Another great thing about Sarah’s class is that you get to enjoy the amethyst crystal bio-mats. Just laying on these mats alone is very relaxing as the crystals help re-balance the body’s nervous system. Engaging in the gentle yoga poses on the bio- mats with Sarah’s guidance is even better.
I highly recommend you treat yourself to a restorative yoga class this summer. Bring a friend and take advantage of her two-for-one summer special. For more information, visit: http://www.innertruthyoga.org/
