A Woman's Workshop

Hello my friends, hope you all have had happy and productive days. We are having a beautiful evening and sunset is absolutely gorgeous.

Several weeks ago I was invited to attend a workshop for women near Red Deer. It was for 2 days and 2 nights and I wanted to attend but the cost was $1000. I knew I was flying home for 2 weeks in July so felt I couldn't afford to do both within 2 weeks but as it happened one of the girls in the group who was going couldn't go, so for half the money I took her place, this included the cost of the hotel, 2 breakfast, and 1 dinner. We were responsible for our own transportation and other meals. ......I was so pleased and excited to go.

The workshop was hosted by Debbie an RN from Calgary AB, the main speakers were Dr. Joan Borysenko from Colorado, (Barb you may have heard of her as she lives in the Denver area with her husband Gordon)...He has a different last name, and a native Indian lady, Esther, from Phoenix, AZ who was amazing at weaving a story of every day life that taught each of us valuable lessons.

We shared sunsets, sunrises and took part in workshops that reinforced the true beauty of this world and the people in it. Dr. Joan shared many stories which included many of her patients and family members. They included histories of an HIV patient, a terminal Cancer patient, her mother and her uncle. She was convinced that by using the story method, would help us to remember what she was sharing with us.
The theme of her speeches was "The Power of the Mind to Heal". She was warm, funny and to me fascinating. Her stories, her words will be with me for the rest of my life. She also did a form of exercise with us in a dance like motion and together we greeted the mornings and gave our thanks as the sun set. She also did deep breathing and stretches showing us how to slow down, unwind and relax. I had the best 2 nights sleep ever and awoke each morning feeling energized and refreshed. Her stories about her patients and how she as well as them dealt with illness, stress anything that we all experience during every day life taught me so much and also gave me ideas on how to help our patients when our course resumes in the Fall.

Now Esther was a joy. The stories she told us were magical and she showed us how two people hearing the same exact words can understand them as something totally different from each other. Neither of these two woman were right or wrong but depending on their attitudes one would always manage an easier way to deal with their issue. She was so funny and could change the meaning of a sentence with one word showing how one should never quote anyone unless we were totally accurate, even then to represent someones words we would have to use the same expressions, the same mannerisms. Her presence was so wonderful and I have no words to express what an influence she had on me. Even at my age, I was the student, she was the teacher.

On Sunday all faiths were celebrated, we had a choice to participate or not and I attended and absolutely loved it. Women there were young, old, fat, thin, and of many different cultures and faith. I shared with the Jewish ladies, the native ladies, East Indian ladies and of course Christians which is what I am. Everyone respected each other's faith. This ceremony was absolutely wonderful, they wore the clothes of their cultures and they looked like beautiful flowers. Oh, I loved this and their prayers.

This morning we were up at 4:45 to be ready and outside to see the sun come up. We greeted the day and all four corners of the earth. We then had breakfast before we headed into the hall to take part in our final workshop. We all sat in a circle and whoever held the rock had to share a part of their life. Some shared of problems with their mothers, their children, their employer just about every problem out there was put on the floor. There were times of great laughter and times where tears poured down our cheeks. What an experience!

Driving home we were all so calm and happy. Happy that we had attended this workshop and happy that we were together sharing our friendship. If ever any of you have the opportunity to go to a workshop with Dr. Joan Borysenko as the main guest speaker I can assure you that her classes alone are well worth the fee. As we chatted on the the long drive home we all felt the same way, at least once a year all women should attend one of these workshops. It shares what being a woman is all about and shows us ways to nurture ourselves and reinforces how women can heal herself, her family and her life which will cause a ripple effect to reach so many others.

This past weekend was special and a blessing to me. It has filled my heart and soothed my spirit. It was where I was suppose to be.

I am blissfully exhausted tonight and am going to sleep soon. It will take me a couple of days to catch up on all your postings and comments, but I will.

Good Night my friends and God Bless.........:-) Hugs