Workshops
MORNING WORKSHOPS
Telling powerful stories: Rediscovering the ancient route to meaning and connection, Ron Goldman, EdD
Human beings are storytelling creatures, said the great psychologist Erik Erickson. We love to hear stories read or spoken aloud. Story-telling is an effective way to convey important lessons about meaning, values and about essential truths necessary to living the good life. No better tool has been invented to help build connections among people. In an age dominated by visual media we need to rediscover the intimate form of oral storytelling. This experiential workshop will encourage participants to express themselves passionately using voice, body and powerful language. Participants will draw story ideas from their life experience and learn how to tell them briefly and powerfully using the key teaching points implicit in them.
Using humor, optimism and creativity for wellness, Lynn Durham, RN
In thinking solutions, how many do you see? This session will present some creative mind/body/ spirit ideas using humor and optimism. A smorgasbord of ideas will be presented (at least 27), and a selection will be chosen for experiential exercises to help “spiritual-eyes” our lives and tap our funny bones.
HOPE groups and SoulCircling: Exploring how spirit manifests itself uniquely in every on of us and why,
Kenneth H. Hamilton, MD, CM
According to a French proverb, "Hope is the dream of a soul awake." Today, hope is the most important attitude that a physician can nurture in a patient. Its spiritual quality calls us to explore and discover the deepest, richest meaning and purpose in our lives. This workshop will explore the healing effects of:
1. coming together over time to safely share experience without expectation of it working for others (HOPE Groups) and
2. coming together in small groups to explore how and why spirit manifests itself uniquely in every one of us (SoulCircling).
Traditional Chinese medicine as a path to wellness, Rick Hobbs, MD
A very brief introduction to the intellectual framework and the elements of traditional Chinese medicine will be presented. The workshop will focus on easy-to-learn techniques for achieving and maintaining spiritual, mental and physical balance. Participants will use a combination of acupressure points and qi gong to replenish, purify, direct and project qi (vital energy). These methods apply for self-care as well as for the benefit of patients and clients, in both controlling symptoms and promoting a sense of inner harmony and well-being.
Helping people to enrich partnership relationships with evidence-based tools, The Rev. Jim Gill and Robin T. Neal
Many of us find ourselves supporting people who are considering or taking part in committed relationships. This workshop will offer a series of presentations, assessment tools, video clips and dialogue focused on concrete approaches to helping people assess present or potential relationship problems and to respond effectively to differences where neither is right or wrong. We will explore ways to help couples enrich existing relationships, in particular by shifting from "Protect" to "Connect" modes.
We also will consider some fascinating findings at the intersection of brain research, relationship studies and spirituality.
Talking about what matters: Conversational approaches to help people move toward transcendence and valued, directions, Frederic C. Craigie, PhD
“Real change,” says organizational consultant Margaret Wheatley, "begins with the simple act of people talking about what they care about." This workshop will explore practical conversational approaches to supporting people's spirituality by helping them express what matters to them, focusing on the complementary processes of transcendence (mindfulness, letting go, serenity, forgiveness, etc.) and pursuing valued directions.
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Moving from within: Creative movement and expression as a vehicle for connecting body, mind and spirit,
Katenia Keller
Creative movement allows us to explore and cultivate the connections of body, mind and spirit. In this workshop, we will progress together through several exercises of movement and expression. Beginning by becoming present through the breath and gentle stretching, we will then become aware and connected to the body as we explore gesture, movement and shape. We will write about the experience, create a guided personal movement phrase and connect our phrases into a larger work as we become a single community of movement and expression.
Connecting with the spiritual through journal-keeping and personal writing, Marj Burgess, LPC
The process of writing can help us to filter out the “noise” of life and quiet our selves in order to create pathways to our own spirituality. In this workshop we will use journal-keeping and/or personal essaying to help us locate in our inner landscape the places where truth and trust meet, thereby enhancing our resilience. A writing prompt and creative list making will guide us in this process. Participants can share, if they wish, their writing in small groups.
Resilience for caregivers, Barbara Moss, DO, MPH
All of us who are in caring relationships with other people experience times, or accumulations of times, that are emotionally and spiritually challenging. It is vitally important, therefore, for us to develop and cultivate approaches that foster personal balance and centeredness. Drawing upon the presenter's significant experience with medical trainees and physicians (but applicable to all who provide health care), this interactive workshop explores strategies that promote personal resilience.
Simplicity as a spiritual practice, Susan MacKenzie, PhD
For many, the pace and pulse of a consumer-saturated society detract from living deeply into the values and relationships that give our lives meaning. How can we reclaim a values-centered life of passion and purpose? In this workshop we will begin to: explore the meaning of simplicity; examine our relationship with time and money; and identify specific steps toward a life that is inwardly rich and rewarding.
Grief in the workplace: Finding hope and gratitude as caregivers, Pam Brown, RN and Mark Jose, LCSW
Finding hope and gratitude as caregivers when working with terminally ill patients and families is a process of concurrently providing compassionate care and support and learning to let go. The key to success is finding a way to let go without losing heart. To find hope and gratitude as a caregiver, it's important to understand the process of grief. This workshop will define grief and what influences a grief response. We will explore the process of effectively coping with personal and professional loss and offer suggestions for self care.
Finding peace within yourself: A practice in yoga, Katje Musgrave, DO and Nidhi Jain, MD, MPH
“Open your heart and quiet your mind,” is a frequent encouragement of a California-based yogi, and is a statement worth repetition. Amidst the chaotic environment in which we often find ourselves, finding a way back to peace and tranquility can be quite difficult, if not impossible! Through yoga, a calm environment can be created, providing an opportunity to center yourself. In addition, a connection can also be made with your spiritual beliefs and/or faith. This workshop will explore the connection between the practice of yoga and your own spiritual health.
Comfortable, loose clothing and a mat are recommended but definitely not required!