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Every experience in life gives us the gift of knowing ourSelves at a deeper level.  And reaching out to others in our vulnerability gives us the gift of knowing we are not alone on the journey to Self as we Decloak to ourselves and to others.

Jean Winter

I’ve been taking singing lessons for a long time – almost as long as I took piano lessons.  Longer if I put together all the time I’ve had with the five different teachers I’ve had over my life.  And sometimes the lessons are great and sometimes they aren’t.

The greatest gift one teacher gave me was to get me to an Otolaryngologist.  And that led to surgery to remove nodes from my vocal folds.  My first teacher and I had fun and singing was fun and I remember that I felt like I could sing anything.  My third teacher said something to me that pretty much took that confidence from me.  She told me that I had an ugly voice and I believed her.  Self-doubt is insidious.  My fourth teacher – well the first four years of working with her were great and the last two were not.  I didn’t trust that she could help me deal with a vocal issue which I had.  And my current teacher, my fifth – well things aren’t working now after so many years.

I know that I have a powerful voice and that I know how to sing well.  And my current teacher said has said some things to me lately that he has never said before.  What he said and what I’ve been thinking about is that I don’t have a tentative presence or speaking voice or laugh.  But I do have a tentative singing voice – an unsure presence which comes through in how I sing.  When I sing, I seem to be insecure.

That made me realize why I love listening to Gerald Finley and Tomas Quastoff – there is such honesty in the singing and total commitment of self to the words.  It may not always be pretty but it has such total surety.  I need to sing like the Emperor – as if I am on stage naked and don’t give a damn about that.

And my teacher has continued to point out to me that when I sing, my voice needs to be connected to my body so that my vocal folds are together.  And I’ve told him that the more that he says that to me, the worse it gets.  I start to manage how I sing rather than just sing.  And then I’m not in the song – I’m singing from my head and not my heart.

And, just this week, he told me that after I sang my last exam that I should not have gone forward to work on the next grade’s listed songs but that I should have gone back.  “After all, Jean, these are not easy songs.”  I know that AND I chose songs that I liked – melody and word.  And I had looked at songs from the next grade at his suggestion – not my own.  I trusted his judgement over my own.  [ ... ]

To read this post in its entirety, click here.

If you are interested in more from Jean, visit her blog  Authentic Vibrations

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For the last month, I have been steeped in truly compelling, provocative and profoundly interesting explorations about accelerated evolution. The April retreat at the Chateau Montebello (Sekhmet Rising: Daring to Awaken) was for me, in many ways, a game-changer. The quality of that interaction made its way into the most recent CMC Certification Intensive and has opened the doors to a much more expansive expression of potential that we carry.

One of the more compelling distinctions that I came away from these conversations with, is that of the distinction between ‘potential’ and ‘capacity’.  We – all human beings – have potential. And I do not believe that all human beings have capacity. Potential may be innate to our essential nature; and capacity is the byproduct and expression of a mindfully formed intent. For that, sweat equity is required! For that, you have to show up…. and engage yourSelf in your own LIFE!

Through these times, I am mindful of the acceleration that is taking place – and with that acceleration comes the need for expansion. Expansion of intention and expansion of the Space, that I AM, within which this intention can take shape. Such is the platform that the 5-day Decloaking and Living Authentically can become.

‘Decloaking‘  is one of, if not the most compelling opportunity for women (and those few men who can see it) to profoundly alter their lives! This is not a course or a training or a program. It is the dawning of a new day… and a far more powerful way; and one that transforms lives. From the beginning, this experience has under-promised and over-delivered… consistently, time after time.  And in that,  women get their lives back.

‘Decloaking and Living Authentically‘ is the start point; the place at which all that has been called ‘real’ and ‘true’ is significantly challenged and replaced with an alternative; with a far more potent and Self-awakening process that can be claimed and relied upon to BE that Space when we are least able to create it, for ourselves. It is the place where “Educate! Educate! Educate” – as an essential aspect for the acceleration that we all deserve –  lays the foundation for all that can follow.   It is the place where moments of catharsis are used as the markers to redirect attention to BioBaby™; and the constant reminder that Quantum TLC™ can become the new normal! It is the place where massive distinctions are made on so many fronts:

* that how I got to be who I am need not determine or limit who I can become!

* that catharsis is the domain of a human being and Quantum TLC is the playground of a godforce!

* that emoting will release the pressure and Quantum TLC will redesign a life!

“Decloaking and Living Authentically‘ is the safe and inviting place… the Sacred Space… within which a small, committed and curious group can discover the power of an awakened collective, as each discovers within herself the invitation that every other is, to reclaim that much more massive Self. It is the place where participants dare to know the power of who they are;  dare to consider the possibility that awaits; and dare to speak out loud, that deep inner truth that has always been there and has been without a safe Space/place to reveal itself.

In my world, ‘Decloaking‘ is the greatest gift I can offer another. As I engage with women and speak to their innermost, unspoken and far-too-often unclaimed truth, I am mindful of the immensity that sits, just below the surface. I speak to that immensity; to that untapped ideal that longs for freedom. And into that intention, I invite consideration of ‘Decloaking‘. It is not about Decloaking – it is about the unique, intimate and deeply personal journey that Decloaking can allow someone to discover and engage.

Decloaking to self, of Self.

Decloaking of Self, to another.

And then, the potential that beckons to feed the hunger for the never-ending evolution of Self, for its own sake.

‘Decloaking‘ is not a ‘sell’ – it is an incredibly intimate and generous gift from one godforce to another. It is the platform that allows us to discover that we can be our own inspiration! It is the invitation to a higher calling of Self, expressed. It is the undeniable evidential trail that hiding from ourselves will ensure that we stay hidden from others; and that hiding from others will ensure that we live a small life, steeped in resentment and despair.

Grief + Powerlessness = Despair.

‘Decloaking‘ is the antidote to despair.

Contact a WSI Affiliate to discuss ways to engage your evolution.

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I am very happy to share with you an event that combines two of my  passions:  scotch & art, with a scotch tasting event as the opening night celebration for the Reality vs. Illusion art exhibit.

The art exhibit offers the opportunity to explore ideas of reality and to discover how individual perceptions and filters influence how we interpret images and view the world.  The exhibit will include work by Melissa Owoc, Lydia Panart, Amanda Baron and Luc Belanger, all within the theme of Reality vs. Illusion and yet expressed so uniquely.

Melissa

The opening night event on Friday, June 14th Blending Creations:  Scotch & Art will feature scotch from each of the whisky regions in Scotland, along with scotch paired canapés by Chef Christopher Matthews, such as Green apple tartlette with brie, almonds and dried cranberry Sumac seared lamb loin on crostini with honey Smoked trout brandade on taro taco with radish & amarynth. Each guest will receive a Glencairn glass to keep, sample great single malt scotches, and have the    opportunity to meet the artists, all within the Norman Felix Gallery hosting the Reality vs. Illusion art exhibit.

Advance ticket purchase is required to attend the exhibit opening night & scotch tasting event.  The ticket price is $100 and includes all taxes and fees.

To purchase tickets please visit www.blendingcreations.eventbrite.ca

Date:	Friday, June 14, 20136:30pm – 10:00pm
Location:	Norman Felix Gallery
	627 Queen Street West
	Toronto, ON

For more details, please visit www.melissaowoc.com

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I am very happy to share with you an event that combines two of my passions:  scotch & art.

The Reality vs. Illusion exhibit an extension of conversations and explorations into the notions of reality.  I am often curious about how we each experience and define our realities, knowing that as our individual perceptions and filters influence how we interpret images and view the world, our realities hold elements of uniqueness intersecting with points of commonality.  What do each of us hold as ‘real’?  What do we see or not see?  How do our beliefs and perceptions of reality affect what we define as possible or not possible?

As an evolving collective, it is important to recognize the beliefs, values and attitudes through which we define our world in order to explore the boundaries of reality.  How might we choose to live if anything is possible?

The exhibit will include work by Melissa Owoc, Lydia Panart, Amanda Baron and Luc Belanger, all within the theme of Reality vs. Illusion and yet expressed so uniquely.

Melissa

Exhibit Dates:	June 14, 2013 – June 28, 2013
Location:	Norman Felix Gallery
	627 Queen Street West
	Toronto, ON
	(416) 366-6676
Opening Night:	Blending Creations – Scotch & Art
	Friday, June 14, 2013
	6:30pm – 10:00pm

For more information, please visit www.melissaowoc.com

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We can choose to slowly fade away until the truth of who we are has disappeared or we can choose ourSelves.  What do you want to create in the world?  Who do you know yourSelf to be?

Jean Winter

One of the things that I truly enjoy about every WEL-Systems® programme that I have ever chosen to step into is that we check in every day.  The question is always “Where are we?  What are we bringing into the room today? What’s coming up for us?”   Or as Louise would say, “Over to you. Over.” It is just the best feeling to know that I can speak up and say what I need to say in the way that I need to say it and that no one will tell me that now is not the right to talk about what is moving in me or that I’ve got it wrong [whatever ‘it’ is] or that I’ve misunderstood or that I just need to ‘suck it up Buttercup’ or that I can only talk for a finite period of time.

The gift of being able to say ‘my piece’ in the way I need to is immense.  And I know that it did take me some time to trust that I am always safe to say what I need to say.  I had had very long experience of being silenced and of learning to edit and silence myself.  So it’s not only the gift which others give to me to listen – really listen – without judging but also the gift which I give myself to trust that I can take the time I need to say what is moving in me and that I need not worry about being ‘appropriate’.

I bring this up because last week at the CODE Model Coaching™ Intensive training, I said something that I had never said before.  I didn’t even know that it was there.  [ ... ]

To read this post in its entirety, click here.

If you are interested in more from Jean, visit her blog  Authentic Vibrations

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Reclaiming Your Self ~ Episode 76 ~ Parenting: The Roots of Community

How do all the pieces fit together?  How is ‘culture’ shaped; and how can we reshape culture in a more potent and meaningful way?  What is the connection between who we have been and who we can become?  Consider that the forces that shape culture begin in utero and follow us throughout our lives!  What will it take for us to become more present and mindful to the power of parenting: the underlying process that shapes it all.

In conversation with: Ella Schatzmann - WEL-Systems Institute Affiliate and Certified CODE Model Coach™ – knows well the power of the process of parenting!  Mother of two young children, Ella is the first to declare that her children are among her greatest teachers.  Not a day goes by that she does not notice – and embrace! – the constant invitation that her children are, to her own evolution.

With a background in social work and a deep commitment to owning the truth of her own experience, Ella’s willingness and ability to open herself to discovery – as a mother, as a woman and as a living expression of godforce in tissue – guide her through the maze of the dogma around parenting.

In her own words:  “As the ferociously caring person that I AM, I have made a commitment to mySelf to create a meaningful and substantial impact on my world.   I believe it is only through my authentic presence and courage to speak the truth of my experience, moving beyond habit and cultural conditioning, that I will have the capacity to transform my life and become the invitation for others to transform their own.”

<< available until May 29th >>    Listen to Episode 76
<< after that date, the full episode is only available to Community Members >>

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There has been lots rattling shaking and moving for me so I hope there might be some women out there for me to have some conversations with!!!!! Basically, it’s for speaking  about what’s moving inside us at that moment coming from a place aligned with Spirit, Self and Breath. They are called Women Gatherings and open to anyone curious about Self Discovery in a WEL-Systems context for Living.

Dates:

May 15th 2013 7:00pm- Holly Irons place

Come explore a conversation about the belief systems we carry, that can limit potential, health, creativity, and abundance. Email me to confirm your spot (hollykayak@gmail.com). Max 10 women.

May 22nd 2013 7:00pm- Holly Irons place

Come sit, breathe and be aware of your body. Greater awareness in my body has led to lots of information and belief systems being processed. This has led me to greater safety, health, creativity and wonderment of the force that I AM. Email me to confirm your spot (hollykayak@gmail.com). Max 10 women.

May 29th 2013 7:00pm- Holly Irons place

Come deepen your awareness in the present moment. My power, creativity and brightness  lies in the present moment.  My body is always in the present moment. My intellect loves to live in the past or the future. Thus I do not live to my full capacity. This is why I choose to trust my impulse and body’s wisdom in the present moment. Email me to confirm your spot (hollykayak@gmail.com). Max 10 women.

To visit my website for more information please click here.

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I have felt called to express MY truth.  Who do I know mySelf to be?  What is it that I seek to create in my world for my own evolution and transformation.  As you read this, consider — who do you know yourSelf to be?  How do you choose to create the world in which you want to live?  Transformation and creation starts with each individual.

Jean Winter

The truth that I AM and the game that I choose to live are the context for my whole life.

I have always believed that it is vitally important for the world and its people to become more and realize their full potential.  I believe that without change and transformation, we will condemn ourselves to a slow, inevitable, and inexorable extinction.  What I know is that change and transformation is too important to wait for any external mandate or approval.  We must become the change we want in the world. (Ghandi) And I believe that education has a powerful role to play in the transformation and change which we each must become.

It is easy to default to kvetching about the current state of things in the world.  There is always an intelligence in that dis-ease with the state of things.  Typically, our response is to move away from that which discomforts us.  And I know that there is no possibility of change and transformation if I live only with my dis-ease about the current conditions of the world. There is no movement forward to create what I want in my world if my response is only to move away from what discomforts me.

I know that there is no possibility of me stepping into the fullness of my capacity and potential to lead if I do not see myself as a leader and if I see myself as being held helplessly captive by structures which I believe I have no force to change.  I believe that the immensity of change and transformation possible is in the size of the journey of exploration we, individually and together, are willing to have.  How daring are we willing to be to live the truth of the power we hold to be leaders, explorers, and innovators?  Leadership happens as I am willing to be authentically mySelf in the presence of others – open, clear and direct. We must dare to be the medium for the message of our greater potential.  [ ... ]

To read this post in its entirety, click here.

If you are interested in more from Jean, visit her blog  Authentic Vibrations

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Whenever work gets you down or you find yourself wondering what you are doing at yet another meeting when you know there are much better ways for you to be using your time for you, consider creating your own fun.  Even though I truly dislike the phrase, it seems appropriate here — Think outside the box.

Jean Winter

I’ve been a member of several community and professional committees in my time.  I’ve lost count of the number of staff meetings and department meetings and special committee meetings I’ve had to attend.  I rarely felt as if anything new or productive was accomplished at those meetings.  It was always “Same old, same old.”  It became interesting to watch my colleagues at these meetings find their own creative ways to deal with their ennui.  Some would make grocery lists or other lists.  Some would doodle.  Some, like me, would create their own word games.  For many teachers, staff meetings became a time to get marking done.

I will never forget my least favourite meeting experience.  The Ministry of Education had decreed that every school had to have a mission statement.  It was expected to be unique to that school and reflect the students, and needs and culture of the area.  We already had a very good one which the staff had developed, succinct and to the point and reflective of our students and our particular educational culture. Yet here we were at a command staff meeting with the sole intention of creating a ‘mission statement’.  Leading us was a principal recently retired from our system who was marketing himself to every board in the province as an ‘expert’ on how to write a mission statement while he got paid for ‘assisting’ us.

I got angry.  Why were we re-creating something which we had already created on our own and which reflected what we believed we were about?  What was the point of the exercise we were being forced to endure?  [ ... ]

To read this post in its entirety, click here.

If you are interested in more from Jean, visit her blog  Authentic Vibrations

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