OldMeet

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2006 AUDIENCE ANGEL READING with Elaine M. Grohman, CHTP, APP, ATP

As the conduit of information for others, Elaine prayed throughout the day for those who attended the readings that evening. She received and distributed a general message for the group that initiated the communication process. It was a message to the hearts of all in attendance, as well as herself. During the evening session, all 43 attendees received individual and specific messages. It was a delightfull demonstration of trust in spirit, and we all left enlightened.

“Deep within the Hearts of Mankind, there resides a reservoir of Love and Compassion that is beyond your comprehension. Yet, there is never a moment in time in which this reservoir is beyond your reach.

Through the eons of time, humans have fought for their belief in being right, in being in charge and we can promise you that this is humanities worst battle. The battle that rages within each and every one of you is an illusion. The illusion of separation, of lack, of not enough Love to go around, of not enough Time…the illusion has many facets, each one as false as the next.

You are in the midst of a Holy Season, not one confined to any religion or any particular sect of people. But rather, a Holy Season, in which mankind opens it hearts to each other. This is the most natural state for any Spirit to experience; in fact it is the only true state of Being.

Foolishly, particular times have been set-aside in your calendar of days, in the segments of time that you call a Season. It is during these times that you open your hearts and homes, you give gifts and receive gifts, but often you fail to see that each and every moment is a Season in Time, a precious opportunity to experience Love, both the giving and the receiving. Open your lives to the Season of Goodness.

This Season, dear Ones, is too limited for the reality of Love. There is No Season of Love, there is Only Love. The precious time that you set aside for family and friends to be remembered was never meant to occur only on Special Occasions. Your entire Existence, Your Every Breath, Each Beat of Your Holy Heart is a Special Occasion. Know this, and your life will begin to take on new meaning, new urgency to express kindness, love, humility, generosity, reverence, awe and wonder all of which are aspects of Love.

In this Season, open your hearts and your homes as you have done in years past, but as the adornments are tucked away, never put your Love away with the decorations. Let every moment bring Light, let every heart that knows your own, sing in unison with you. In moments of quite thought, be an ornament of Love. Let Light shine out of your blessed eyes to light the way for yourself and others, so that you will know the warmth of Love’s Eternal Flame.

Let each gift that you give be surrounded with your gift of Love, and let every gift that you receive remind your heart that each moment is a gift, each breath is a wonder, and every tear of joy and love and tenderness is a perfect diamond of human expression. You Life is Your Season of Love and Light. So at the end of your human days, you will see the moments of your human existence and you will see yourself shine like a magnificent Light of Love that you are.”

Guest Presenter WENDY OKE is the keeper of the Alma Rumball drawing legacy and ‘divinely inspired’ to take the drawings to the world. Wendy Oke is a Minister of Spiritual Peacemaking with The Beloved Community. Please visit http://www.spiritualcentre.com/page/page/1430571.htm for further information. Also, visit their new site: http://www.almamatters.ca

Alma’s automatic painting began in 1955, when she experienced a ‘vision’ of Jesus, accompanied by a panther. During this event she felt commanded by Jesus to draw and write in order to help ‘heal humanity’. From that time, her hand began to move spontaneously across pages, in swirls and detailed formations, totally unlike anything she had consciously created before. She spoke of guidance from God, particular through Jesus. Alma was both clairvoyant and clairaudient. It soon became apparent that some of the symbolism contained in the drawings are linked to Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

What is the attraction of such a diet? What are the benefits of eating living foods? Haw can you include this healthy and delicious way of preparing food into your daily regime? Renee will have samples for all to taste. Renee Trepanier is an accredited Holistic Health Counselor with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She is also the Founder and Executive Chef of NUDE FOOD, a company that specializes in healthy and delicious raw food catering, culinary teaching, events and retreats. Renee Trepanier, and a colleague, Natasha Zajmalowski ND, Started a course called ''The Foundations of Health'' at the HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTRE, which includes 5 lectures. For details contact the HWC at 519-966-7880

Monday, September 25, 2006 CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN OF LAUGHTER With Jenny Van Der Marel

Jenny's presentation will provide an opportunity to experience the sometime forgotten joy of wholesome, healthy laughter. She will touch on the differences between laughter and humor with particular emphasis on why laughter is important. Come prepared to participate in the fun.

Born in the Netherlands, Jenny immigrated to Canada as a child. She practiced nursing overseas and has traveled extensively. In 1994, she found herself at the beginning of a new life that ran the gamut from radio broadcasting, to acting in live theatre, to professional speaking. Today, Jenny is a Certified Laughter Leader. Helen Keller's ''Life is either a daring adventure or nothing'' is a favorite quote.

Meditation is defined as the conscious practice of contemplation on subjects of a deep nature, including, but not restricted to matters of spirituality, religion and philosophy. Although many meditation techniques have come to us from Eastern practices – from India, China, and Japan - meditation is practiced in cultures all over the world. Once considered primarily for its religious significance, meditation is now recognized for its proven benefits as an effective method of stress management, the cultivation of wellness and the fostering of altruistic and compassionate behavior. The following were the panelist during the WIN meeting in June:

Dr. Hudec presented an illustrated talk that explained the events of the past, and gave a glimpse of the future. Climate change is the hot topic of the day. Hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts and floods are in the news almost daily. Is this something new the Earth is going through? Is there an increase in natural disasters, and is Man responsible? In the past, the earth was both much cooler and much warmer. Greenland, now an ice-covered waste, was once indeed green land when Norsmen first settled it. Little Ice age gripped Europe and North America for almost 300 years, starting in the 16th century. Tropical sea fossils are found in the rocks of both the Arctic and the Antarctic. Parts of India and South America were once covered by glaciers. We learned about the fascinating climatic changes that the earth has experienced through the eons, and now appreciate better the climate changes taking place now.

Dr. Hudec retired from the Department of Earth Sciences, where he taught and conducted research for 30 years. He is an accomplished lecturer, speaker, and author, with over 100 scientific publications.

our speaker was Ruth Ann Wilhelm Ruth shared how she uses the teachings of the International Pathwork Foundation http://www.pathwork.org/ and Great Lakes Pathwork http://greatlakespathwork.org/ in her everyday experiences. The 258 spirit guide lectures that are the foundation of this work were channeled by Eva Pierrakos from 1957 to her death in 1979. The ''Path'' leads home: to the reconnection with the higher self, God within. The lectures help us to recognize the obstacles that stand between our outer self and our inner truth. Finding the causes for the experiences we have in our human nature, understanding ourselves in the light of truth, love, and wisdom, makes self-transformation possible and releases the power of positive creation. Revolutionary concepts that were brough forward with Pathworks, continue to flow from Spirit in a steady stream. All we need to be aware of is that for every question to Spirit, we receive an answer. Simply be aware of it.

Windsor Inspirational Network was honoured to host Margaret England as the guest speaker at our dinner. She gave a most professional and informative talk on the facts and beliefs related to hearing voices. Margaret provided a historical account of people who had the ability to hear voices as well as the general and common acceptance by society, to the phenomenon. It was also interesting to hear from Margaret, information concerning examples from her clinical studies and cases that she was familiar with. This included people who heard voices due to circumstances and conditions which may have provided the stimulus for voice messages. All those who were present received a print out of concepts associated with Auditory Sense Experiences and a bibliography of authors for further study. Also http://www.hearing-voices.org

''CINEMA THERAPY: Using Movies for Healing and Growth". guest speaker Pat MacCaubrey

Pioneers of ''movie therapy'' claim that discussing characters and plot lines from an appropriate film can help people to understand their feelings better and allow them to confront psychological issues that are troubling them. Both Freud and Jung said that images are the language of the unconscious. What do we make of the images of lightening as depicting energy that heals? An image that intrigued me in the current "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire'' was the wand that extracted electrical current from the brain and then converted it to a scene for further clarification. There are breathtaking scenes of English countryside in ''Pride and Prejudice'' and very industrial scenes in ''Syriana''. Movies have the ability to transport us and our imagination from books we have read into action on the screen. Click for Movie & Book List

We did not weave the web of life, we are merely strands in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. Chief Seattle, 1790-1866

Decades of research confirm that many so-called metaphysical concepts are indeed based in fact. This research, however, is largely ignored or dismissed by mainstream science and continues to elude the attention of the public.

The purpose of this synopsis was to 1) provide information that is generally beyond the paradigm of conventional science, yet is considered plausible or true by many, and 2) to show how this information can be used to improve both human and environment.

The wind whispers secrets through the trees, felt first, then remembered by those who see.

It does not happen very often that a speaker will pull in the attention of her or his audience to the topic at hand so effectively that you do not want the talk to end. Rosalind did not give us a moment to lose our thoughts on anything other than what is possible if we truly apply ourselves to what ''A Course In Miracles'' offers. To begin with, she cautioned against making an ''idol'' of the course. It is up to each and every one of us to glean what is applicable in any course, encounter or book we study. Ros gave personal examples of how she works with the contents of ''A Course in Miracles'' and the humor she interjected in her delivery did not make the task formidable, even if it were to take years.

Dr. Craig Schisler, M.S., D.C. entitled his talk ''Neurobics: How to Keep Yourself from Losing Your Mind''

What are NEUROBICS? Neurobics are literal, aerobic workouts for the brain. According to the Dept of Neurobiology in the Duke University Medical Center, Neurobics are comprised of simple exercises that help stimulate the brain's acitivity. In other words, neurobics help the brain to produce neurotrophins (natural growth factors) which assist the brain's ability to combat the effects of the mental aging process. Specifically geared to assisting the brain's manufacturing process of nutrients, neurobics seemingly not only save brain cells, but help to grow new ones as well. By utilizing all five physical senses in addition to ones' emotional sense, neurobics can be performed anywhere and anytime.

The sharing that took place this evening was full of honesty and integrity. Gregory Scratch outlined his vision about his store "Scratching the Surface" from it's inception to the present moment. He also talked about his dreams and their manifestation as to the property he purchased with the hopes of developing it into a retreat centre. In the process the abundance and lack of money flow was discussed. What are the issues of balance in this for all of us? All those who attended the dinner participated in a close look on conscious and unconscious limitations we place in our lives. At the close of the evening there was a profound feeling of community to share and support each other. Congraturations to everyone!

Lori Wilson B.A., M.S.W.,is a social worker, author, radio show host, trainer and is the Founder and CEO of Inner Access 101. Lori has been providing channeling, regression, medical intuition and traditional counseling for over 20 years. She currently has 12 Trainers who teach her work through Inner Access 101. This Training & Resources Network brings the exciting tools of medical intuition, channeling and regression to an ever expanding market. In her talk, Lori used channeling and medical intuition as examples of inner trust. She explained intuition and how to trust the inner knower. A visionary and self professed ''mother bear'', Lori's passion to spread inner trust is evident in all she does. She balances her busy career with family and lives with her husband and four sons in Guelph, ON, Canada

As a result of our thoughts, beliefs, self-chatter, responses to life's experiences and set patterns of coping, communications are created within our energetic body than can have an unhealthy effect on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. Feeling overwhelmed in your everyday life will deplete your energy. Roxanne will discuss the underlying foundations of the whole concept of working with and doing energy healing. Wonder where to turn? This was Roxanne's practical day to day advice on how to flow your energies.

By mutual consent, we sat in a darkened room as Sue Oneschuk stepped upon the podium. By lighting a candle she demonstrated how one flame of light can make darkness retreat. Since all of us are like a ‘lighthouse’, the room metaphorically converted into light.

When and how do we come to the realization that being on the spiritual path means to be conscious moment by moment to the truth that I AM, the love that I AM, acknowledging that I am a Spiritual being having a human experience? The how of this is what Sue works on day to day to manifest this level of consciousness which also can be stated as being in the NOW moment. What has lead Sue to this awareness and awakening? Well, it seems that it was learning to say ''no'' to a situation in her life that was not loving. There simply needed to be an alternative. She said, ''I had to be awake to my feelings and to be awake to make conscious choices from my Truth and to distinguish my Truth from my Ego (edging out GOD). Being on the path is being willing to own that human side that has and does get in the way of being the Truth that I AM which I experience to be the LOVE that I am, the GOD within me. In my willingness I commit to being my highest and best and in that to chose GOD in all that I Do and BE. I chose to acknowledge the servant in me in a loving and grateful manner and do that which generates a life of peace, love, joy and harmony.'' In her quest for her own Truth, Sue has traveled to Malaysia and to Sai Baba's Whitefield ashram near Bangalore, India. Loving people inspire us and I would like to leave you with a couple insights from Sue's talk. "DISCERNMENT is where you FEEL you wish to be. And, JUDGEMENT is what you THINK".

Millions and millions of granules of blue, green, yellow and red sand all come together in the most exquisite manifestation of thought and act in the creation of the Sacred Art of Mandala Sand Painting, known in Tibet as dul-tson-kyil-khor. The mandala pictured here is the completed Mandala, just before the sweeping ceremony, in Windsor February 19, 2005.

The process of creation is lengthy. The traditional metal funnels called chakpur hold the coloured sands. Monks hold a chakpur in one hand, while running a metal rod on a grated surface; the vibration causes the sand to flow like water. When the Mandala is finished there is a consecration ceremony. Then the Mandala is dismantled by a simple sweep, symbolizing the impermanence of all that exists. During this ceremony, some of the sand was given to individuals as a blessing or healing. The rest of the sand was taken by procession and thrown into the Detroit river, carrying the intentions for healing throughout the planet.

Saturday, February 19th, was a blustery and cloudy day, in Windsor. When the procession came to the river the clouds dispersed and the sun shone through. Out of this clearing an eagle swept over the group. It was a blessed sight for all who were there. The colourful memories will stay, not so quickly swept away.

For more than 1,000 years, pilgrims from all over the world have walked Spain’s fabled Camino de Santiago de Compostela, a physically and spiritually intense 800 km journey. Jane shared her stories and epiphanies about a trip of a lifetime that began in southwest France and ended in the western edge of northern Spain.

What does it take to come to the realization that we need to make changes to have the life we want? In Jane's case the change came about because of a near fatal car accident. Jane Christmas describes this very well in her book "One Woman's Escape from Urban Madness". With her business and family life in a balanced state, Jane challanged herself to hike The Camino. The hardships encountered were many and varied. It takes physical and spiritual stamina to come home with an official proof that you have completed the pilgrimage. We had a very lively discussion with our guest before she left Windsor for her home in Hamilton. Look forward to her next book about her trip in Spain. Jane is currently writing the finishing touches to that. Life certainly can be rich and full of rewarding adventures when we set out to make it so.

December 6, 2004 Michele Angelo Giocondo Ciotoli His ideas and vision in Art, Poetry and Inspiration

As Michael told us, at age 26 he had a transformational experience. To dive into a swimming pool and find yourself in hospital with quadriplegia is one thing. That can be explained. What could not be explained was the fact that he experienced numinosity. This is a direct and immediate awareness that we are dealing with something that has a divine nature and is radically different from our ordinary perception of the everyday world. The experience is sacred and holy. The modern term for the direct experience of spiritual realities is ''transpersonal'', meaning transcending the usual way of perceiving and interpreting the world from the position of a separate individual or body-ego. - Taoism recognizes two forms of knowing. Conventional knowledge and natural knowledge, that is, knowledge of the universe as it is conventionally named and defined as opposed to a knowledge of the way (tao) the universe is in its actuality. This is where West meets East and cultures meet to enable each other to comprehend the whole, or holistic knowing. Look to our recommended books for further study.

On November 8th Natasha Zajmalowski BSc. N.D. spoke about Naturopathic Medicine. First of all, Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that uses natural methods and substances to support and stimulate the body's inherent self-healing process. Good health is maintained by love of life and taking steps to be creative in your physical and recreational activities. Natasha went into great length about the foods that keep us healthy. She gave us 10 tips for healthier living. Some of them are: starting the day with positive thoughts; moving eg. walking and stretching; good nutritional diet; keeping a health journal and ending your day with gratitude. - Natasha will prepare the delectables for our upcoming December 6th ''Light Touch''

Susan Jeannette was instructor ''par excellence'' on October the 18th. ''The Power of Harmony'' incorporated physical participation on the power of focus and how it plays out in our body. We also learned how to pivot out of confrontation so that everyone finds themselves in a win/win scenario. Then there were the illustrations that went with her talk. Just as you can see on the accompanying photo. This was a truly enriching evening that ended with very heartworming discussion with all those who were present.

Nicole Daignault was our presenter on October 4th. Many of us knew Nicole as our yoga instructor before she left for Thailand and India. We eagerly awaited her discourse on ''Living Your Passion'', and we were not disappointed. These days, Nicole simply radiates with enthusiasm, fun and joy. She told us of her inner journey and what it takes to stay ''the course''. She spoke of the encouragement her family gave her as she was growing up. Her family was present this evening as well. They all exuded enthusiasm and support as Nicole went on to tell us of her project with the Elkanah Children's Orphanage in India. She will be doing a FUN-draiser, here in Windsor, for the orphanage on November 26th and appropriately highlighting it as ''One Tribe - A Celebration of Community and Unity''.

Giridev, Maharani and Maruta Devi from the Ontario Ascension Center for the Ishayas, London, Ont. graced our August 19th ''Light Touch'' evening. In a gentle manner, Maharani told us how to go past the chatter of thoughts to the source of love and our True Nature. Once experienced and sustained, one has returned to eternal peace and freedom. The Ishayas' Ascension techniques are presented in ''sphere'' weekends. Within the spheres are contained three attitudes and one cognition. The Praise attitude, the Gratitude attitude and the Love attitude. The cognition technique unites the first three attitudes, forming a perfect sphere for Ascending beyond all limitations. It heals our relationship with the rest of humanity and cultivates True Compassion - a by-product of experiencing your True Nature. Spheres and attitudes can be taken at your own pace at the center in London. Contact Ontario@ishaya.org or phone No. 519-649-4771.

Edyth Harris, Matt Toth, Gwen Baker, Doris Baker, ''Michaelangelo"/Michele Ciotoli, Terri McPherson, Alice McBlane, Joy MacArthur and Laura Vitti.

The evening was charged with excitement. Inner words of heart and soul, spoken with eloquence, left the audience thirsting for more. Many in attendance said, "We must do more of this."

The prize for the evening was Dr. Di Brandt's new book of poetry "NOW You Care". She teaches at the University of Windsor. Many of our presenters had their own publications for sale. Windsor has such great talent. It speaks softly and with conviction. Thank you all for your presence.

WIN Dinner Meeting - June 14, 2004 PRANIC PSYCHOTHERAPY With Antjie Halim

Antjie Halim is the creator and director of The Centre for Pranic Healing, located in Elora, Ontario . She has a Masters Degree in Social Sciences, and is a Certified Yoga teacher, a Certified Pranic Healer and the Authorized Representative for Pranic Healing in Southern Ontario. The energy healing technique she spoke about deals with psychological disorders, depression, addictions, old patterns of feeling, behaviours and thinking, obsessive/compulsive disorders and also sources behind illnesses and many more. A lively question and answer session followed her presentation.

It was wonderful to have Susan Meretsky and Doris Clark give their heart warming stories. It turned out that both ladies have long hystories in Windsor and their husbands knew each other well. There was a great deal of reminiscing going on at our little gathering. Susan (pictured on Left) suffered her stroke thirteen years ago and regained her ability to walk, read, speak and write during a three month stay in a Toronto hospital. It was her positive attitude and love of family that enabled her to make such a remarkable recovery. Doris recounted her ordeals of flood, fire and cancer that happened at ten year intervals. Again, it was a positive attitude and love of family that enabled her to embrace life for the gifts and lessons that it brings. It was evident that positive thinking and a cheerful disposition are inner strengths that keep on giving. Giving life to oneself, our family and our community. I certainly was inspired and enriched by the sharing of Susan's and Doris' experiences.

I can wholeheartedly say that Mary Lou is ''inspiration'' itself. Right from age six, her life has been filled with inspiration and a following through on those inner directives. Mary Lou has worn many hats in her life, always mindful to inspiration in the quiet recesses of her soul. Her sojourn as a nun has instilled in her the appreciation of stillness. She knows how to listen. Her advice to us was to have a mentor. Within WIN we have them. We are most fulfilled in life when we do not deny ourselves the changes that happen spontaneously as we follow our bliss. With her Total Recall project as example, we can easily see the outpouring of ideas and networking. When we gather to inspire and be inspired we form a Tribe. With our attention focused on ''inspiration'' a type of group quantum ''superradiance'' occurred. It is these intense moments of like-mindedness that enable us to spiral out of chaos into that feeling of community and Tribe.

April 19, 2004 was our first time for a ''Light Touch'' approach to our meetings.

There was no dinner and we served light snacks. We had two speakers. ELIZABETH MACNAB of Information Windsor and GREGORY SCRATCH of Scratching The Surface, Inc. The event was held at The United Way, 300 Giles Blvd. E.

Elizabeth talked about community resources and information networks. Beyond these statistics we found the heart that is fully involved. In every corporation there are the people who care about the individuals who come in person or over the telephone. Information Windsor is such a place. The staff gives every assistance possible until they feel the services prove complete. Greg spoke of his ''process'' to live a full life of purpose and meaning. This involves overcoming the fears that we all encounter as we incorporate the beckonings of the invisible universe. Scratching The Surface is visible, and relocating in an expanded space. A few months ago that was not to be. Greg, in his humorous style, told us just how the change of mind, came to be.

Dr. Janice Huntingford’s credentials are impressive. Since her graduation from Veterinary College in Guelph (1984) and opening her own Essex Animal Clinic in 1988 she has continued to add to that knowledge base. She related to us the mysterious bond that forms between people and their pets that communicates the desires of the pet through their guardian. A client came to her clinic with a dog that was diagnosed for surgery. Twice, the guardian of this pet refused surgery for the animal. Finally, Dr. Jan recommended chiropractic. The pet recovered.

This experience compelled Dr. Jan to study at the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, Options for Animals, in Moline , Illinois . From there she continued at Colorado State University and Tufts University in Boston . She acknowledged the work of Dr. Susan Wynn, Alternative Medicine doctor from Georgia and Dr. Greg Ogilive, Oncologist from Colorado State who were the pioneers that combined traditional Western veterinary medicine with Chinese Medicine. This Eastern approach helps keep your equine as ‘healthy as a horse’. It also enticed Dr. Steve Marsdan to study Chinese in order to translate this body of knowledge with as much accuracy as possible.

Holistic medicine for felines and canines is not limited only to chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. It also brings in appropriate diet, aromatherapy and music therapy. What is good for the caregiver is good for the companion. Dr. Jan is a friend to both, when they come to her clinic. There you find professional care, food supplies and a welcoming, attentive staff.

What is NVC? Non violent communication is a process that strengthens our ability to inspire compassion from others and respond with compassion to ourselves and others. NVC uses the term non violence as Gandhi used it – to refer to our state of compassion when violence has subsided from the heart. While we may not consider the way we talk to be ‘violent’, our words often lead to hurt and pain, whether for others or ourselves.

NVC is practical and proven to improve communication in daily life around the world. It is a reliable language for being heard and for hearing others. We can use NVC to clearly and confidently express our needs and dreams and for working through conflict with compassion and success.

Terrence Wong, Financial Management Advisor, was our speaker for the January WIN dinner event. He is with Berkshire Securities Incorporated. Terrence believes that the relationship with his client is a very important aspect of financial planning. His philosophy allows the client to integrate their belief and value systems with their financial planning. Terrence coaches his clients, provides focus, and discipline and guides them in not giving in to the emotion of fear when making finanicial decisions.

“Eyes are the Window of the Soul” Iridology is a non-invasive, safe and painless system of health analysis through examination of the iris of the eye. The iris represents a communication system capable of handling an amazing quantity of information. Nature has provided us with a detailed picture of the integrity of the body, its constitutional strength, areas of congestion and toxic accumulation.

As HeartSinger , Gwyn Nagy works with many spiritual guides to effect healing on individuals as well as the planet. Over the course of the past five years, Gwyn has learned a lot about energy and how it affects the growth and potential of each human being. During her talk she will tell the story of how she discovered this ability that has been with her for many lifetimes, as well as sharing some of what she has learned that can benefit each and every one of us. She will also perform a demonstration of how her singing can aid in people reaching new meditation levels, as well as removing negative debris from the body’s energy fields and aligning chakras to help listeners heal themselves.

Louise Klimczak Cht. is a clinical Hypnotherapist, certified with the International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association. She is also accredited in Addictionology and Mind Body Birthing. She is a recognized Therapeutic Touch Practitioner. Louise has been involved in teaching a holistic approach to positive self image and self development since 1985. Her professional and caring approach and the use of a variety of techniques for positive results have earned her recognition in her field. She is the President and founder of the (new) Holistic Wellness Centre

EATING TO HEAL was the topic for our September speakers. Suzan Frenette and Linda Wonsel addressed the issue of food as a support for your healing process. Whether you want to retain your good health or need to make diet changes to regain health, this presentation helped you see the effect food has on the body and to understand the role food plays in supporting the body’s natural defences. Suzan and Linda had some foods available to demonstrate that eating healthy can taste good.

Todd Stockwell and Carol Bendo were our presenters and we'll let the pictures speak a thousand words. Todd Stockwell talked about the wave of Indigo Children and energy. For more on Indigo and Crystal energy Anne and Jody have additional comments in the Forum discussion pages.

Carol Bendo had participants asking for this quote:

COMMITTING TO YOUR GOALS – Sir Edmund Hillary, Everest Expedition.

“Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his/her way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: What ever you can do, or dream you can; begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”

Our speaker for June was Dr. Madeline Crnec, B.A., D.C., LL.B. She has been a chiropractor for 19 years with post-graduate training in naturopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, pain management, rehabilitation and a law degree from the University of Windsor.

Her life’s work is to bring natural therapies into main stream health care. She hopes the Ottawa Mall Healing Arts Center, where she and two other massage practitioners practice, will grow to embrace more therapies and elevate awareness within our community. She is also currently the NDP candidate for Windsor-St. Clair and has chosen this party because that’s where health care is determined for our province and where she can do the greatest good for us all. She is a woman of vision, dedication and contagious energy.

Catia Andary of The Mahadevi Yoga Studio started her journey in yoga 17 years ago. She had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and devastated to think that she could possibly be confined to a wheel chair for the rest of her life. During this time, Catia read a book about healing meditation and yoga and began to practice meditation followed by yoga. In the Summer of 2001 Catia traveled to the Sivananda Yoga Ashram in the Laurentians of Quebec where she stayed for five weeks. It was an intensive Yoga course that included asanas, pranayama, yogi diet, kriyas, meditation, mantras, Vedanta philosophy, anatomy and physiology. Catia graduated from the course with a Yoga teachers international certificate of qualification. It was at this time that Catia acquired the name Mahadevi, and thus we now have her studio available to us, under that title.

Catia demonstrates how to take charge of our lives with determination and yes, - do headstands. Just like the song from "The Sound of Music" says: "Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could. So somewhere......" She told us anything is possible.

Our inaugural evening was a room filled with seventy people who came in friendship, joy and participation. We came together to further our dreams of a community that shares knowledge, practice and experience. We create our heaven on earth.

To make our first evening "special", we had two speakers: The first speaker was Dena Peifer, who is employed by our government during the week and in the hours she can call her own she attends in the community with, Healing Touch, Reiki, Light and Sound Tuning and Vocals. Dena Peifer spoke eloquently of her journey into her healing and practice. Her spoken words became a song that echoes still. "The Time Is Now". The second speaker was Patricia Julian, the editor of "The Tranquil Planet" and organizer of "Community Enlightening Each Other". Patricia is someone who steps out and makes a difference naturally. She is a risk taker that emboldens us all. Patricia praised us all for the difference we make upon the fiber of life in our community and abroad. In the end she had all of us parade up front and introduce ourselves. This was so well received that, Dr. Madeline Crnec has offered to officiate with this process every month.

The evening sparkled with our enthusiasm. We continue to live our magnificence. Sincea picture is worth a thousand words, here are a few to keep in memory.

Valerie Sbrocca dazzled with a display table of her gem stones and Helen was busy with consultations till the doors closed. They will be back, by popular demand!

(The background artwork "Divine Mother" by John Ryan used by permission on all our flyers)