Gift to Give

COURSE INTRODUCTION

What is your gift to give?

Do you need some inspiration and support to give your gift?

The latest research into happiness indicates that when we give to others, the positive feelings come straight back. Happiness comes through giving your gift!

What does compassionate ecology mean?

Compassionate ecology is the term I use to describe a collection of philosophical, psychological and spiritual paradigms, which include:

• Buddhist emphasis on leading a compassionate life - one of service to reduce the suffering of others.
   
• Positive psychology - with it's focus on strength and health, and higher values that we can aspire to direct our every day activities.
   
• Experiential learning and the use of creative art processes as modes of communication and personal development.
   

I use the term "ecology" because we are intricately connected to our environment/Nature - we collectively influence and are influenced by each other and nature.

You can give attention to the positive qualities and content of the mind, allowing for surprises and mysteries: the nature of the mind is definitely a dynamic process and one that you, as a participant of the courses, are encouraged to share, discuss, test out in reality, and come back and share and discuss ad infinitum (this refers to maintaining an ongoing connection with group participants and Simonette through email correspondence and arranged mentoring and social gatherings.)

What is your gift to give?

The Gift to Give courses are based on the wisdom that true lasting spiritual happiness comes from being connected and contributing to others and the environment.

Your gift might be helping your neighbour on a regular basis; or getting people together to plant a vegetable garden, becoming a foster parent, starting up your own social action group, becoming a facilitator, directing a stage show, making a movie, writing a novel, caring for the elderly, becoming a leader in your own right.

COURSE CONTENT

The "Gift to Give" course empowers you to access your inner gifts through creativity processes, and offers you ongoing support from your group peers. Once your gift has been identified in course 1, you can proceed to course 2 in which you move into the action phase - developing a plan for how you will contribute your gift and putting it into practice.

Gift to Give Course - Part 1: Discover your gift

This course is made up of 6 facilitated workshop sessions (each 3 hours long) held over a number of weeks. In this course we will focus on gaining true clarity around the nature of the gifts which you possess.

Unwrapping the present

You will explore your guiding narratives: truth stories about your-self, how you communicate with others, and your relationship with Nature

Gift inside you

Through creative and meditative processes you will be able to identify and articulate your particular gift to give. When you connect with your gift there will be no doubt, as it will ring true on all levels of your being. Knowing your gift is a powerful emotional inspiration.

Gift to Give Course - Part 2: Give your gift

This course is made up of 6 facilitated workshop sessions (each 3 hours long) held over a number of weeks. In this course we will focus on how you can receive the benefits that flow from sharing your inner gift more freely. ( Part 1 and Part 2 are separate courses but you must have completed part 1 before you can proceed to part 2.)

Presence & Compassion

You will develop the practice of empathic listening and responding. Sharing with people in your group and you can choose two important people in your life to practice with. Compassion is an embodied experience and you will learn how to read the signs, or feel the compassion, to direct you to where or with whom your particular gift needs to be given.

Conscious giving

You will be encouraged to meditate on a regular basis and practice giving your gift. Experiencing regular support and encouragement you can refine your action plan.

Each part of the course builds on your personal experience and moves you toward connecting with others and applying the gifts you have to give.

COURSE SCHEDULE

The course will commence in February 2011
Classes will be held on a weekday between 10am - 1pm. ( We haven't yet determined which day of the week so please call us and let us know which day you would prefer. )

I look forward to sharing these experiences with you.

Loving Life!
Simonette