Hello Alberta Mastery grads,
Well the sun has finally decided to shine out here on the wet coast. Hope it finds it way east as well.
This spring I’ve been busy planting some new seeds, watering them and now they are beginning to sprout. A couple of those concern the Mastery. During the November ‘07 Mastery I got inspired to write to Dan Fauci, the creator of the Mastery, to tell him how this work has influenced my life and the lives of so many others. That email began a correspondence out of which many ideas have been explored with a few of them now taking root. One of those is a workshop that Dan has run many times in other countries but never here in Canada. It is called The Abyss. This is a workshop that focuses on discovering our blindspots and seeing through them using drawing, poetry and communication. I think exploring these areas as a window to creativity is a great continuation of the work started at the Mastery. Dan shared with me the exercises he uses and I can tell you that the participants of this workshop will be really stretched and be given lots of opportunities to grow. I’m getting excited just thinking about it! We have not yet chosen a firm date, although it will likely run in February of next year, and it will be run in Vancouver. If you are interested in knowing more about the workshop please contact me at jillkennedy@shaw.ca.
Another exciting project that has taken root is due to the intention of John Kraemer, a graduate of the March Mastery in Calgary who came to us all the way from Ontario. John wanted to have like minded people in his own city and got the ball rolling on creating a Mastery in Kitchener-Waterloo. Kitchener-Waterloo is about 2 hrs. south-west of Toronto.
We will be running our first ever workshop there the weekend of October 17, 18 and 19th this year. Road Trip! Dave Stewart has already thrown his hat into the ring and plans to join us there. Yeah Dave! Anyone else interested in heading that way? Or, if you have any friends, relatives, etc. who live out that way that you think would be interested in doing the Mastery, please have them get in touch with Shilo Taylor who will be enrolling the workshop. What a wonderful coincidence for me as my in-laws, who do not get enough opportunities to see Olivia, happen to also reside in Waterloo. For sure we’ll all be very well fed that weekend – these would be my Greek in-laws!
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming Edmonton Mastery and many more of you when I’m in Calgary the week after next.
Hope this finds you all happy and well and welcoming everything fabulous that life has to offer.
Much love,
Jill
Why do we do it?
Personal Development can be hugely rewarding, and brutally frustrating. I have heard many a person who has started down this road wish there was a way to regain their ignorance, only half jesting.
So why do we do it? Better question why do I do it? Because the moments of insight into myself, or another are usually worth the effort.
And even when they are not enough of a reward there are those incredible spontaneous gifts from the universe that confirm the path I am on.
Case in point, this past Sunday was Father’s Day, and I am blessed with a 15 year-old son, who handed me a card with these handwritten words:
“Dad, you’re with me every part of the day, helping me, guiding me and preparing me for when I finally leave and start a life for myself.
You do more for me than I could ever ask for, and even if I don’t always show my thanks, know that I really am grateful for all that you do.
Love, with all my heart, David.”
I am clear that with out the work I have done, in the past 8 years especially, David and I would not have the special bond that we have.
David has also gained a measure of insight and awareness that is rare in 15 year-olds. In addition to that he still hugs his Dad at a time when many teens do not.
I am SOOOO grateful to the many, many mentors and guides who have helped me create a brilliant life for myself, my son and soon my beautiful bride Shilo as well. Life is soooo good.
So take a moment and observe the impact you are having on the people in your life, and the world around you.
I bet it is more profound than you realized.
So pat yourself on the back and keep moving forward. The gifts for doing the work are there –for you, your loved ones and every person who comes in contact with you. And this world truly needs more people like you who are here to make a difference.
James Downie