“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” – Maya Angelou
What Does Diversity Mean To You?
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Therapeutic Touch™
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being part of a Therapeutic Touch™ class. Since this particular modality is one I will have to further explore through my creative harp studies, when the opportunity presented itself, I said yes. And I could not have asked for a better teacher, Mary Simpson your amazing!
Therapeutic Touch was developed by Delores Krieger, PhD., R.N., and Dora Kunz (her mentor) in the early 1970′s as a modality where the practitioner uses the hands as a focus to facilitate the healing process. This brilliant work is about energy and re-patterning energy flow, toward wholeness and health.
I was surprised to learn Therapeutic Thouch was so widely used in a variety of fields, by health professionals, holistic practitioners, therapists, councillors, clergy, even educators. After going through Level I training, I can certainly understand why.
The best nugget of information I received was learning the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario has a governing body setting standards, policies and guideline’s for teachers. To have recognized the need for and aligning a governing body, is a great achievement.
How can Therapeutic Touch help you? The benefits are being able to “elicit the Relaxation Response, reduce pain and anxiety and promote the healing of wounds and fractures”. And so much more.
For more information, workshop dates or presentations contact Mary Simpson, RN (Ret.) at (905) 825-0836.
Sound and Silence
The Sound & Silence 3-hour event last night was amazing!!!
The personalized sound healing workshop happened at the Shanti Yoga Centre in Hamilton, lead by a wonderful teacher, Stephanie Schied. Stephanie, an InnerLife Coach and Energy Practitioner, invited me to come along and play a few minutes of “harp bliss” during a series of activating healing sounds that restore balance and harmony to our energy systems. Gosh, I’m so glad to have said ‘yes’ because this evening was really special, not to mention my first ‘live’ gig with Gwendolyn.
It was fascinating to see how each participant experiences the unique soundscapes created by Stephanie, followed by guided and silent meditations
The evening ended with a powerful wisdom circle where everyone had a chance to speak from and to the heart (stone) whatever truth they felt in the moment. How precious it was for all of us to be held in such a sacred space.
What I take away from this evening is the power of love, thought and communication shared within our circle of life. And to all who so graciously welcomed myself and “Gwen” (the harp) many thanks.
Namaste
Colourful Self-Improvement Workshop
Thank you to all the ladies who visited the Women’s Centre and participated in the Colourful Self-Improvement Workshop.
Learning about individual colours, more specifically colour vibrations and how they resonate with your life can be a wonderful change of pace for some much needed inspiration.
Not only did we learn how to enhance and improve ourselves through the language of colour, we discovered their keys (life lessons) to living a healthy, balanced fulfilling life and so much more.
Until next time…
Simple Pleasures
For a change of pace and a little inspiration I decided to make my way downtown with some friends on Sunday to take in the the National Home Show. It was their 60th birthday!! To add to the excitement, this year the show co-located with Canada Blooms.
So much to see and plenty of opportunity to find something unique at the market and shopping pavilion.
While visiting the Canada Blooms section, my favourite featured garden was The Taipei City, Taiwan Featured Int’l Garden. It was so beautifully created with lush green, lavender and white coloured plants. It had such a gentle feeling as you entered the space.
This experience got me thinking about why people enjoy gardening so much. Is it for the relaxation, down-to-earth digging in the dirt, or maybe pulling weeds?
What ever the pleasure I think for some, gardening happens because they simply fall in love with a particular group of plants (orchids, roses, daylilies). Maybe gardening starts off as a hobby because it gives a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and absolute beauty created where there was none before.
Imagine a beautiful space where you feel completely at peace in the garden and forget the world for a few hours.
In all, we had an exceptional time at the show and we left feeling rejuvenated and most definitely inspired!
Creative Harping
When I’m not busy coaching and doing colour consultations, my time is spend practicing the harp and learning new songs as I go through Christina Tourin’s Creative Harp program.
Being a ‘PREP’ student requires a great deal of focused attention. Working toward certification is definitely keeping me busy but I’m really enjoying the process.
Getting through the program’s required reading list which includes several personal book choices, followed by completing book reports on each, is a challenge. And this is all before we begin real time online studies in the Fall.
Was assigned a mentor last month so I’m very excited to have some guidance along the way now.
Looking forward to getting through the first six DVD’s and handing in the book reports with recordings to gather some much needed feedback from my mentor. I actually submitted the first recording end of February and was pleasantly surprised to receive some very positive feedback. One down, nine more to go!
I was thinking it would be quite interesting to do the ESM (Experiential Speciality Module) at the San Deigo Hospice, in San Diego CA next year.
Well, there is plenty to look forward to, but for now, I’ll keep practicing.
Change Your Colours Change Your Life
If
you don’t know which colours suit your personal style, then it’s time to find out.
Your colour choices say everything about you. The right colours can visually erase years off your age and unwanted pounds in a second. However, poor colour choices can have dreadful results!
I’m a professionally trained Colortime® Image Consultant and with my help you will discover which colours naturally complement you and so much more.
The colour analysis is done using the easy to follow “Color Clock” system created by Leatrice Eiseman. This system uses colour as seen in nature identifying three major Colortime® pallets. Why not find your signature colour?
The sad truth is most women use 20% of their wardrobes 80% of the time. How often are poor colour choices to blame?
Imagine all your clothing mixed and matched seamlessly to perfection because your absolutely certain the look you have put together is spot on. Shopping for clothing, makeup and accessories is suppose to be fun. Your suppose to wear what you buy not hide great clothes and accessories in your closet. The most important aspect of your consultation is to learn which colours bring out the best in you.
If your thinking about a career change, just received a promotion, lost or gained weight, if your a new mom (including step moms), wedding, anniversary, or any other significant life transition, then now is the time to get your colours done.
Change your colours, change your life! Look slimmer, healthier and create a positive impression with everyone you meet.
What are you waiting for, contact me today and let’s get colour happy!
Colourfully Yours,
Francesca
The Gift
Imagine my surprise when I received this beautiful gift from my friend in Australia. If you’re familiar with her work, you’ll know it’s artist Lindy Longhurst. Well known for her Mandala art, it’s my understanding a few weeks ago Lindy decided to give back and give away (instead of selling) some of her paintings to make room for some of her new work.
I was, and still am, in awe of Lindy’s generosity. I had no idea the gift was coming and couldn’t be happier to be one of the recipients. Included in the package was a book called, “A Little Bird Told Me.” Lindy created the book’s illustrations and they are stunning! Thank you Lindy for sharing your gifts and talents.
Visit Lindy’s website http://www.serpentmandalas.com and remember to check out her blog because it’s full of amazing detail featuring her current work.
P.S. Look closely at the banner on my website…do you recognize the artist?
Giving Back
It was absolutely wonderful to MC Sunday’s Acclaim Health, 7th annual Chocolate Brunch Extravaganza!!! The event is put on to raise awareness and money for their vital Senior’s programs. The services include Friendly visiting, where I initially started volunteering 10 years ago, Special Steps, Tele-Touch, Hospice/Bereavement and Alzheimer Services. Standing at the podium and looking out into the audience was a moment to behold. I was really taken by the energy of the room.
“Francesca Durham was a wonderful host for our 7th Annual Chocolate Brunch Extravaganza held in February 2012. Francesca was professional and had done her homework before the event. On the day of the event she arrived early, met with everyone and put them at ease. She was able to capture the attention of the 200+ audience and present all information as needed. Her genuine interest in Acclaim Health was evident to everyone who attended. Francesca was a definite asset to our day.” Angela Brewer CEO, Acclaim Health
The commitment and dedication of everyone involved on this day and all those who came out to support the worthy cause, made it worth while. It just goes to show we really can make a different in the world, especially when we come together. Taking care of our Senior’s, doing our part to make sure we can support thousands of individuals every year faced with life threatening illness or isolation in our community, is a sure step in the right direction. The Chocolate Brunch Extravaganza definitely makes a difference in the lives of so many! Why not consider making a donation next year? Get involved, be part of your community.
A New Year and New Beginnings
So much to do…and as we settle into 2012 these are just a few projects keeping me engaged and all of us connected.
My biggest challenge at the moment is working through the Creative Harp Program in anticipation of starting classes this September. In March however, I will be paired up with a mentor which is really exciting news!!!
In February, I have agreed to present the 7th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza for Acclaim Health, at Rattle Snake Point. Now that’s going to be fun.
And in March I will present another colourful seminar, 7 Keys to a Happier, Healthier, Wealthier, You ~ at The Halton’s Women’s Centre.
- Update, Life Coaching Through Colour program, available online soon.
- Colortime® Image Consultations, by appointment starting March 1st.
New beginnings and hope for new possibilities The sky’s the limit!