Workshop Schedule Winter and Spring 2010
Living with Courage and Creativity
An Introduction to Circles of Trust®
With Cindy Johnson and Donna Bearden
March 12 - 14
Participants may arrive after 3 PM on the 12th and remain on the grounds until 3 PM on the 14th. All personal items must be removed from the guest rooms by Noon on Sunday.
Workshop Description
An invitation to do "inner work" comes to each of us in individual and unique ways. The creative process can be that opening. While we are all born creative, many of us have allowed an internal critic to thrive while our souls long to “play” (to dance, to sing, to write, to paint, to create.) Our internalized self-judgments, and the noise of busyness all around us, often prevent us from hearing our true inner voice. Using the methods of Parker Palmer, Cindy Johnson and Donna Bearden will lead you through a series of exercises designed to help you listen to your positive, life-giving, creative voice. Through words, clay, collage, movement, quiet spaces, and the practice of safe circles for reflection and questions, you will learn ways to honor the inner spirit that longs for expression. You will leave this retreat renewed and with a better understanding of your own natural creative processes.
About the Presenters
This retreat is based upon the Circles of Trust® model of personal and professional renewal developed by Parker J. Palmer, noted sociologist, author and teacher (author of Let your Life Speak and A Hidden Wholeness). Parker Palmer is the founder of the Center for Courage and Renewal in Washington State and Cindy Johnson was in the first group of people trained to facilitate Palmer’s work by the national office. She now is the Executive Director of Courage and Renewal - North Texas and Donna Bearden is a North Texas Partner Facilitator at the Texas Center who brings her creative and educational gifts to the circle.
This retreat will serve as an introduction to the Circles of Trust® model in preparation for The Mandala Center possibly offering the four-part seasonal program Courage to Lead® during 2010-2011. If you would be interested in seeing this program here at The Mandala Center, please contact us and let us know.
Cindy Johnson
In addition to her work with Parker Palmer and her position at Courage and Renewal – North Texas, is a licensed social worker. She has executive experience with various other non-profit groups. Cindy has had a lifelong love/hate relationship with art – constantly drawn to it and intimidated by her need to “get it right.” As a result, she is deeply curious about how the creative process and blocks to creativity relate to the inner and spiritual life of individuals.
Donna Bearden
Donna's first career was as a public information officer. With an undergraduate degree in journalism, she spent time working in the fields of aging and health. She earned a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. After several years of studying effective schools, teachers and learning communities, Donna is now following her passion of combining photography with inspirational writing. She co-facilitates for Courage and Renewal – North Texas on the topic of creativity and art as personal exploration. Donna creates “Mandala” art, and her motto in life is “Unleash Potential.”
For more information visit:
www.couragerenewal.org
www.couragenorthtexas.org
FEE: $250 plus lodging and meals
Movement as Medicine
The Body as Sacred Messenger
with Carol LaRue
March 18th - 21st
Thursday arrivals after 3 PM with Dinner at 6 PM through Brunch on Sunday. Participants may remain on the grounds until 3PM on Sunday but must have personal items removed from guest rooms by noon.
Workshop Description
MOVEMENT AS MEDICINE
Our bodies speak to us - informing us of our dis-ease and letting us know when "all is well". We can approach our bodies as allies and use the gifts of movement, sensation and expression as pathways to healing and wellness. This workshop is for men and women seeking more balance and self-understanding in life and anyone wishing to reconnect with what matters the most in their own life.
Using mindful movement, sound, imagery and conversation we will awaken the wisdom and creativity of our bodies as we learn to move our "whole self" in transformative and empowering ways. We will also explore the seven chakras, as an ancient healing system to tap into the deeper energy system of the body and create a "medicine bag" to contain our "self-health" intentions. Together, let us explore the body as our most sacred messenger.
Note: Class participants should be able to get down and up for the floor independently or with the assist of a chair.
In a safe and non-threatening environment participants will be nurtured and encouraged to:
- gain in understanding and respect of their own body as their most sacred messenger
- move and express themselves in new and empowering ways to enhance healing
- use movement, imagery, and journaling to foster the creative fire within
- discover the power of self-love and self-acceptance
- explore the seven energy centers in the body and understand their relationship to the seven dimensions of well-being
- create a personal “medicine bag” with the intention of Self-Health, from the inside out.
About our Presenter
Carol LaRue has been a presenter at The Mandala Center in the past, co-facilitating workshops titled “Nourishment for a Woman’s Body and Soul” and “Celebrating the Fullness of a Woman’s Power.” She has traveled through her own journey in relationship to her body – through illness to times of reawakening. Carol is a licensed Occupational Therapist and she is certified in various movement and body methods including the Nia Technique and Yoga Therapy. She is the owner of LifeCentrics: The Art of Self-Health which supports living consciously and living well through simple and practical choices we make everyday.
Carol has been leading transformational movement workshops and retreats for the past decade. Her passion is her everyday life…finding balance and meaning while teaching and helping others find ways of doing the same in their unique lives. Her life’s tapestry has been rich with opportunities to “walk her talk” with more joy and purpose.
Learn more about Carol in our interview with her on our blog or visit her website at www.lifecentrics.net.
Carol will also be offering a specialized workshop in June 2010 titled “Return to Wholeness: Nourishment for Women Cancer Survivors.” Being a cancer survivor herself, Carol has been offering support to other women for many years. Through her movement techniques and wisdom she offers cancer survivors a very special experience.
Fee: $295 plus lodging and meals
The Art of the Mandala with Lily Mazurek
March 26 - 28
Arrivals after 3PM on Friday with dinner at 6 PM Departures by 3 PM Sunday but personal items must be removed from rooms by noon.
Workshop Description
In the past decade we entered the exciting Age of the Mandala. And now the Mandala Message comes to New Mexico! Mandalas are beautiful, circular designs signifying and fostering wholeness. Their amazing power and true nature is not widely known, but you will learn that it goes beyond the idea of simple drawings or decoration or the shape of a flower. They have been used in healing for centuries by cultures all over the world because of their profoundly transformative effect on mind, body, and spirit.
In this powerful workshop designed for both men and women, you will begin on Friday evening with an exploration into your own personal language of art and symbolism in preparation for the journey ahead. On Saturday you will do an open-eyed meditative art process, followed by a fascinating visual journey of mandala expressions around the world. After a brief field trip to collect natural materials for Sunday’s group project, we will do a cleansing, a guided meditation and a creative visualization with music, leading to our individual mandala making process. Lily uses an original, unique body-based process that fuses energy medicine with creative arts expression, which has been called The Mazurek Method. By changing the frequency of a problem through color and shape, remarkably, the problem itself begins to shift and heal. Finally, on Sunday, we will walk the labyrinth and then create a group mandala outdoors with our collected materials, which will be our closing ceremony. Bring your cameras as this is sure to be a picture-worthy experience!
If you are at a crossroads in your life, in need of integration or healing, or if you simply want to relax and have fun and learn something new, the Art of the Mandala will take you somewhere you’ve never been before and which you will not soon forget. If you are a teacher, social worker, or health care practitioner, learn how you can guide your students and patients in the mandala experience. No previous art experience is necessary for this workshop.
For further information see: www.themandalamessage.com
The following is a list of art materials the class will be using. You are free to bring your own sets if you wish. Supplies will be provided except for the sketch pad. Please bring a sketch pad or drawing paper. You may also bring a plastic bag to collect your natural materials, plus a pencil and notebook.
Box of colored pencils
Box of crayons
#2 Pencil
Eraser
Ruler
Tablet of drawing paper (8-1/2"x11" is large enough; slightly larger is ok too)
About Our Presenter
Lily Mazurek is the originator of Mandala Workshops in Florida. She developed them in the process of healing from breast cancer 14 years ago. She found Mandala work to be extremely effective in helping to heal emotional and physical pain and in self-transformation.
Ms. Mazurek studied art therapy with pioneer Margaret Naumberg at the New School for Social Research in New York. She holds a B.A. from Rutgers and an M.A, from New York University. She has been a student of metaphysics and spirituality throughout her life, and is a trained practitioner of Reiki, herbal medicine, EFT, and Shamanic Healing.
Ms. Mazurek has conducted Mandala Workshops for adults, teens, and children at universities, churches, oncology and AIDS conferences, metaphysical centers, libraries, museums, and privately. Given her belief in the healing power of the arts, it is no surprise that she manages a municipal performing arts center in Florida, is a published writer, pubic speaker, and artist.
FEE $275 plus lodging and meals.
Listening to the Voice Within..
Passion and Purpose
April 6 - 9
This retreat is for those who are yearning for a sense of direction, a clarity about meaning and purpose in their lives, a rekindling of true passion for life and vocation. You may be in transition between jobs or relationships. Retirement questions, forced or voluntary, may be ahead. Whether you are seeking clarity to make a courageous life choice or a need to recapture joy in your life and work, Listening to the Voice Within provides an authentic retreat experience and discernment tools to help you rediscover your passion and purpose.
About Our Presenter
Bob G. Stice, LPCC, is a counselor, communicator, facilitator, observer of human behavior, and lover of creatures, great and small, human and otherwise. For the past 30 years he has maintained a comprehensive private practice in counseling and psychotherapy in addition to filling various clinical and administrative positions in behavioral healthcare. Along with an ongoing private practice, he keeps a busy schedule as a speaker and facilitator for workshops, retreats, and conferences. A Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Bob also serves as Clinical Consultant for the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, Director of Clinical Services for Casa Esperanza in Albuquerque, Clinical Director for Outcomes, Inc., in Albuquerque, and is on the faculty of the CREDO Institute, a national comprehensive wellness program for clergy. His academic background includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in theology, education, and counseling psychology.
FEE $295 plus lodging and meals.
Interreligious Dialogue:
Living Truth with Respect
May 14 - 16
This workshop offers education for defining, understanding, and practicing interreligious dialogue and will offer skill development for participants to learn how to facilitate groups in their own places of spiritual study.
About Our Presenters
Leonard Swidler and Rebecca Mays
FEE $310 plus lodging and meals.
Exploring Your Dreams
May 21 - 23
Using group projective dream work combined with basic Jungian concepts, you will learn to decode cryptic symbols, recognize opportunities for growth, confront obstacles and access your personal power.
About Our Presenters
Irene Clurman and Michael Tappan
FEE $250 plus lodging and meals.