I like learning something new and I like throwing a Frisbee around … even though I am not very good at it. A few years ago a friend invited me to play disc golf with a group of his disc golfing buddies. I like learning something new and I like throwing a Frisbee around in a park with friends, even though I am not very good at it. I [...]
For many people the beginning of the year is a time of New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately most New Year’s resolutions are broken within the first couple of days or months of the New Year. When we resolve to do things differently in the New Year, we focus on things that are amiss in our lives and overlook the things that are working well already. I encourage you to let go of [...]
It was a great joy to raise funds for The Power of Hope with sales of my book, The Mini-Retreat Solution from October till the last day of 2012. I exceeded my initial fundraising goal of $400 within the first month. In my excitement, I doubled my fundraising goal. I came very close to reaching my new goal of $800, supporting two teens from low-income families to participate in The Power [...]
As the year draws to a close I am reminded of the wonderful journey to South America I shared with a good friend of mine five winters ago. It was enriching to get a taste of different customs and celebrations over the holiday season on our journey. An experience that stands out in my memory is our stay in the Chilean desert in San Pedro de Atacama and a powerful ritual [...]
As the holiday season approaches, I am reminded of these four wise words: Sometimes less is more. An endearing memory from a summer vacation a few years ago comes to mind. A friend had invited me to join her for a week in her family’s cabin on Savary Island. Close to her family’s cabin lives an elderly couple who invites the beach community for tea and cookies every afternoon at 4pm. [...]
We easily get trapped in comparing ourselves to other people. Either we see them above or below ourselves. When we engage in this type of comparison, we often don’t realize that we are comparing our feelings, thoughts and beliefs, essentially our inside with the outward appearance of another person. You will never be able to see yourself from the outside. Neither will you be able to experience the other person from [...]
Earlier this month I had the great joy to facilitate the first Mini-Retreat Home Party. On a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon five girlfriends gathered in the beautiful home of the gracious hostess to learn about the power of Mini-Retreats. In an atmosphere of trust and lightness we shared three relaxing, creative, empowering hours. […]
Picture a Halloween Party; people are dressed in all kinds of costumes ranging from gory zombies to hilarious clowns to beautiful elves. Only one of the guests wears jeans and t-shirt. His ordinary attire actually stands out in the midst of all the elaborate costumes. Taking a closer look, you discover that his t-shirt has a big smiley face on the chest and reads Mr. Positive. Various quotes are printed all [...]
It’s been two years since I moved to Victoria. I am very grateful to live in such a beautiful, friendly, relaxed city! I am especially grateful for the sense of community I feel in this city and the communities I have become an active part of, namely The Gettin’ Higher Choir and Qi-Gong community. It’s been three years since I published the award-winning book, The Mini-Retreat [...]
The old saying “ignorance is bliss” stems from a poem by Thomas Gray and suggests that if you are happiest being ignorant, then just stay ignorant. Remove the prick in your shoe and enjoy a sense of relief and peace of mind. I beg to differ. There is a lot of pain and effort involved in ignoring information that might challenge our habits and behaviours. If you have ever [...]
