Squamish Wellness Directory

Unconditional Love and more from Owning Your Voice

My Mom was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. This diagnosis came very soon after being told that her lung cancer was gone. What I want to share with you, is not a story about her cancer, it is a story about unconditional love and communication.

Yesterday, I visited my Mom, she wanted to speak to me in person.  I didn’t really know what she wanted to say, but I had a pretty good idea. My Mom told me how much I meant to her, how much she cared about me and asked me to not forget her. Then at one point I moved closer and held her hand. My Mom looked me directly in the eyes and said she loved me and I said that I loved her. For the first time in my life, I felt the energy of unconditional love. I felt it with my heart and all my being. I said “I Love You” to my Mom in a way that I have never said it to her or anyone before. What was amazing was how those three words could convey everything that needed to be said in that moment. It was an emotional and beautiful experience.

After leaving, I was driving and thinking. Amongst all the thoughts I was having, I realized how grateful I was to know that regardless of outcome, I feel like there will be nothing left unsaid between my Mom and I. I realized that anything that needed to be said was talked about in the past. There was a time when it would have been very difficult to say “I Love You” to my Mom and truly mean it.

My training as a Life Coach has brought me so much healing and fulfillment in all of my relationships. I never expected that the tools of coaching would have such an impact. After seeing my Mom, I realize why teaching communication and sharing the tools of coaching is so important to me. I believe that the energy of unresolved conflict and words not shared, live in our bodies and that we can begin to heal ourselves, by healing our relationships. I thank you for reading this and ask, that rather than contacting me or sending me your love & thoughts. Take a moment to connect with someone in your life. As the video I share below says “I want to see the world united....learn to live as one” This starts with our ability to communicate in all of our relationships.

I Love You Mom!

---

February Public Workshop








Owning Your Voice in Relationships

Practical Guidance for Creating Your Relationship Sandbox

This is a Two Part Workshop

Dates: February 22nd & 29th 2012

Time: 630pm - 830pm

Cost: $50.00 per person

Location: Sky High Lifestyles

The sandbox is a metaphor for a container in which we connect with friends or an intimate partner. Through conversation and action we either pollute or contribute to the well being of our relationship sandbox.

This workshop gives you practical understanding and tools which allow you to create a Relationship Sandbox where you are able to communicate consciously and effectively while creating love and understanding.

---

Laughter Yoga in Squamish








I am happy to announce that I will be offering Laughter Yoga in Squamish on a weekly basis.

Where: Alpen Loft Studio
When: Sunday evenings at 7pm
Cost: $5.00 drop in fee

My partner & I went to a introductory session last week , it was fantastic we came away feeling light and
uplifted, and were laughing on and off all day!  ~ Bev Blackett Alpen Loft Yoga Studio

More Information What is Laughter Yoga? 

or Join the Squamish Laughter Yoga Facebook Group

---

Living Proof Radio Show










On February 28th @ 5pm PST tune into Living Proof Radio on A2Zen.FM

Owning Your Voice will be interviewed by Tammra Broughton and you can call in and ask questions.

More info at A2Zen.FM

---

Playing For Change

I saw Playing For Change live in New Orleans at a Starbucks leadership conference. They continue to create collaborative and inspirational music and videos. If the video does not show up below Follow This Link

United | Playing For Change 3366 ratings 192,200 views

 

January Public Laughter Yoga Workshop

 
On Sunday January 29th 2012 I will be co-leading a session of Laughter Yoga with Sarah Tambosso at Sky High Lifestyles

11am - 1pm  Cost: $10.00 / Person (Only 12 spots available)

We will use a combination of discussion and debrief along with the experience of Laughter Yoga

From 1:30pm - 6pm we will be offering the following One on One sessions at Sky High Lifestyles:

For $20.00 you will receive a 15 min. Angel Card Reading from Sarah followed by a 15 min. coaching session from Ross. This amazing offer will provide you with Awareness that you can immediately turn into Action.

The Power of Support & Collaboration with Owning Your Voice

I would like to share with you my excitement as we enter 2012. Way back in May of 2011 a friend of mine posted a photo of me on Facebook and when I saw it I was really shocked. I thought to myself who is that guy. Over the last 10 years I have struggled with weight issues with varying levels of success. Deep down, I always new that when the time was right I would lose the weight easily and effortlessly. I am happy to share that I am currently in that process. I still have a way to go to reach my goals but I can honestly say that I have never felt better. Along with doing my own inner work, I have had the amazing gift of external support that has been unbelievably helpful. My primary support has been working with an Energy Healer ~ Tara Alain www.divinematrix.ca and a Personal Trainer ~ Heidi Stokes from www.garibaldifitness.com and Sarah Tambosso www.ohmsweethome.ca who provided me with much Intuitive Guidance over the last year.  I am truly grateful for their help and support on this journey. A picture is worth a thousand words so in the photos below you can begin to see the results of all the work.
  
My friend Lynda Austin is a channel and I remember her source "Essence" saying "You don't get extra points for doing it alone" The support and guidance I have received on this journey have been critical on my path towards success. I noticed that I really need to surround myself with support that is energetically walking with me on that path. I also noticed that this is what I do for my coaching clients. What emerges in both cases is a space of trust, non-judgement and most importantly an energy of LOVE. So thank you to Tara, Heidi & Sarah for your providing me with your continued support! I would also like to Thank all my friends who have witnessed, cheered me on, listened and been there for me constantly over the last year. It's so much fun and easier when you don't have to do it alone. 2012 is already shaping up to be an amazing and exciting year. Below you will find information for some exciting things that I will be offering this month & next as well of a link to an amazing example of collaboration and sharing "Our Voice" ~ Happy New Year

www.owningyourvoice.com

"Poor Me" - By Owning Your Voice

When I think of "Poor Me" I think of "Eeyore" from Winnie the Pooh. I can think of many times when I was the embodiment of that energy. Literally stuck in the mud unable to move forward, unable to see where to take my next step and unwilling to take that step. I think of all the wonderful friends that I had who tried so hard to support me and help me get out of the mud. Yet in retrospect, I would say that my biggest struggle was often avoiding fully being present to where I was. It was a tension between where I was and wanting to move forward, rather than really experiencing where I was. I also remember the tension that was created by living in a society where it isn't fully acceptable to "be" broken and embrace the deep, dark emotions. I felt like I didn't always share where I was at in order to protect those around me as I felt it was difficult for those people that cared about me to witness where I was at. I judged myself for even being at such a dark and dreary place in my life. It was in this energy that I discovered the depth and darkness of The Voice of the Saboteur (The Inner Critic / Ego). The Saboteur loves these deep dark places as it feeds its very existence.

Below you will find some tips and suggestions for "Being With" the energy of "Poor Me" ~ 

Ask yourself, Am I at choice? ~ Are you able to see a glimmer of light in the situation? ~ If you feel completely overwhelmed, you may need to reach out for external help and support. Asking for help is a strength and not a weakness.

Be with your emotions ~ If you are at choice, allow yourself to completely "be with" the emotions that are coming up and connect to them. Giving in to the situation and your emotions is a powerful step.I remember at times deciding to stay in bed with the covers over my head, which created a kind of pressure cooker.

Notice your journey ~ As you experience this situation, notice and observe the journey. Notice your body and where the tension lives. Is it anxiety in your chest? Is it a blocking energy? Is it tension in your throat? Does it have a colour? Is there a memory or experience connected to what you are experiencing. Try to breathe into the block or feeling. Ask yourself if this experience is a pattern? Have I been here before with different people / situations? 

Connect to the Glimmer of Light ~ Allow the natural arc to happen. I always found that if I stayed under the covers a door of awareness would always open. This was always a throw the covers off, realization for me. It was a connection to strength and courage.

Acknowledge ~ Great peace and learning can come from "being with" a situation and the emotion that comes up. Take a moment to acknowledge yourself and your choices. Acknowledge those around you that care for you and support you. 

Remember that this is not a destination and that you may not get through all the suggestions and steps above. This is very much a process. Enjoy the "Eeyore" video below.

When I think of "Poor Me" I think of "Eeyore" from Winnie the Pooh. I can think of many times when I was the embodiment of that energy. Literally stuck in the mud unable to move forward, unable to see where to take my next step and unwilling to take that step. I think of all the wonderful friends that I had who tried so hard to support me and help me get out of the mud. Yet in retrospect, I would say that my biggest struggle was often avoiding fully being present to where I was. It was a tension between where I was and wanting to move forward, rather than really experiencing where I was. I also remember the tension that was created by living in a society where it isn't fully acceptable to "be" broken and embrace the deep, dark emotions. I felt like I didn't always share where I was at in order to protect those around me as I felt it was difficult for those people that cared about me to witness where I was at. I judged myself for even being at such a dark and dreary place in my life. It was in this energy that I discovered the depth and darkness of The Voice of the Saboteur (The Inner Critic / Ego). The Saboteur loves these deep dark places as it feeds its very existence. 

 

Picture Step Into the Flow of Your Hearts Desires with Owning Your Voice

---

When was the last time you "Stopped" and took some time to connect with "You"?

Have you ever experienced:

thoughts that lead to worry or fear?
ways of being that disrupt your everyday life?
feeling disconnected from your values or purpose?
communication that results in conflict with friends, family, or co-workers?
a belief that nobody will listen or understand?
a struggle to give or receive feedback?
an inability to ask for what you want or need or reach your goals?

Explore / Connect / Share / Learn / Grow

During this two part workshop you will explore your thoughts, fears, worries and beliefs and begin to connect to your intuition. You will connect with others by witnessing and sharing your internal wisdom and experiences. You will learn practical tools that can impact your everyday life. You will begin to grow as you expand your awareness and connect to your purpose and values.

After the workshop you will:

Begin to take control of your thoughts
Have identified your top 3 values
Be connected to your future goals & purpose

Ongoing benefits include:

Strengthened Relationship with Self •  Connection to Purpose

Empowerment • Creativity • Increased Energy • Self Awareness

---

This is a two part workshop

Dates: September 19th & 26th 2011

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Location: Squamish Details emailed after Sign Up

Cost: $60.00

Owning Your Voice in Conflict

 

I recently had a situation at work in which I got into a conflict with a customer. The source of the situation was extremely trivial and early on in the conversation I offered to buy the customer a coffee to bring resolve. The problem was that the customers agenda was to be "right" and the conversation became very one sided. After listening and repeatedly acknowledging that I understood his perspective etc. etc. I had enough and directed him to my manager. After speaking to the manager, the customer stormed off, returning a couple hours later. While I was on a break, the customer called me over as he wanted to speak further about what had happened. At this point I had decided that no matter what, I would do everything I could to avoid further conflict . It was simply not worth it and the stakes were very low as there was no need to preserve the relationship with the customer. During the conversation the customer strongly stated the ground rules for the conversation. I was to remain silent, he was not going to apologize and that there would be a "but" that he would explain later. The end result was that I listened to him and walked away with a sick feeling in my stomach. The conversation that took place was completely opposite to everything I teach about communication and conflict. Essentially this customer created a situation in which I was unable to "Own My Voice" and I made a conscious choice to just get through the conversation.

I have been so lucky to gain some invaluable resources during my coach training which I also use as communication tools. The coaching training that I took is co-active. Simply stated, it means that both participants are actively involved and each contribute to the conversation and are listening at a high level.  Co-activity is like a great volly during a tennis game. The opposite would be playing tennis against a wall. In order for conflict to be co-active each person needs to design this upfront together. In my situation above there was no volly or return or opportunity to create that reality and the stakes were low.  When co-active conversations happen, space is created for listening, acknowledgement, understanding and creative solutions to emerge. It is the equivalent of walking the path together vs. walking in opposite directions. Which energy do you choose? Co-active or Reactive?

---

Upcoming Events








 

Owning Your Voice
Stepping Into the Flow of Your Hearts Desires

This is a 2 part workshop. September 19th & 26th 6pm - 9pm

Cost: $60.00 per person



September Bookclub ~ Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
This bookclub is made possible by the support of the Squamish Public Library

---

 

Personal Growth Book Club - The Outliers

 

The Squamish Public Library is running a Book Club that will focus on books with a theme of Personal Growth.

The next title is: Outliers: The Story of Success
by Malcolm Gladwell

The library has several copies of this title available

September 20, 2011 7pm – 8pm

Visit http://squamish.bclibrary.ca/ for more information
Or call the library 604-892-3110

http://www.owningyourvoice.com/book-club.html

Owning Your Voice Workshops & Book Club

Workshop #1 The Art of Challenging Conversations

This workshop empowers you to break through the fear of speaking your truth during challenging conversations. You will discover tools, resources and strategies that lead to conversations that are authentic, feel effortless and allow you to ask for what you want.

Date: March 2, 2011  Location: Emailed after registration Time: 6pm - 9pm $30 per person
www.owningyourvoice.com/public-workshop-registration.html

Workshop #2
Part 1: Understanding Your Brick Wall
Part 2: Stop Pushing Against Your Brick Wall

This workshop is for individuals that are tired of feeling stuck while pushing against their brick wall. By connecting to and understanding "your bricks" you will ultimately connect to the energy that will allow you to move past what is keeping you stuck.

Date: March 9, 2011 (Part 1) March 23, 2011 (Part 2)
Location: Emailed after registration  Time: 630pm - 830pm $50 per person
www.owningyourvoice.com/public-workshop-registration.html

Workshop #3: Illuminating Your Shadow

This workshop is for individuals that are tired of being stuck in a perspective or way of seeing the world. You are ready to expand your ways of "being" and align with your "higher self" and "life purpose".

Date: March 16, 2011  Location: Emailed after registration  Time: 6pm - 9pm  $30 per person
www.owningyourvoice.com/public-workshop-registration.html

Owning Your Voice Book Club
I have really enjoyed reading many books focused on personal growth over the last 10+ years. This will be a somewhat informal book club where we can read and discuss some of the amazing titles that I love as well as others suggested by you. By creating a space to dialogue I believe we can more easily understand these topics as well as integrate the teachings into our daily lives.

First Meeting: March 28, 2011 @ 7pm  Location: TBA  Cost: FREE
www.owningyourvoice.com/book-club.html

http://www.owningyourvoice.com

Squamish Healing Event

Healing Event in Squamish

Alternative Healing

What's it all about?

Come and experience what each of these practitioners has to offer

Homeopathy    ~    Energy Healing    ~    Life Coaching ~ Craniosacral Therapy

October 20th 2010
7pm-930pm
Cost: By Donation (suggested $15.00)
Location: Cedar Valley Waldorf School
38265 Westway Ave. in Valleycliffe

Info & Registration

September Group Coaching Circle ~ Squamish

Group Coaching Circle

Group coaching is ideal for individuals, businesses, teams and work groups. Group coaching consists of individual as well as team coaching. As in paired coaching, participants can experience real breakthroughs from witnessing the experience and learning from others. Group coaching requires four participants and takes place during four weekly 90 minute sessions.

During group coaching participants will:

• Clarify individual values
• Learn to work with limiting beliefs and thoughts
• Explore their life purpose
• Create goals for the future
• Create accountability and take action

Benefits of Group Coaching:

• Safe learning environment
• Partnership and collaboration
• Increased Self Awareness
• Accountability and action
• Affordability

Structure / Format:

• Maximum of 4 participants
• Four weekly 90 minute sessions
• Includes One follow up One on One Coaching session
• Individual coaching and group activities
• Group debrief

What if it scares me to share details of my personal life / goals in a group setting?
Yes, there may be an initial fear in sharing in a group setting. My experience has been that the positive far outweighs the negative. Firstly, you will gain the insight that "you are not alone", their are others who are experiencing the same things you are. Secondly, as trust and safety is built in the group you can access the wisdom and creativity of the group. My job as facilitator / coach is to create a safe environment that allows this to be possible.

Cost:

$175.00 incl. HST (cost per hour = $25.00 compared to $100.00 per hour for one on one coaching)

Dates: September 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th (Wednesdays)

Time: 7pm - 8:30pm

Click Here to Register