Does a scene like this make you want to get out your journal or note book and start writing? Or at the very least capture it on film or with paints? Watching the ocean leaping with joy at our cabin moved me to write and write. The waves were dancing in wild abandoment inviting me to let my emotions dance along with them....and I did. Instead of moaning about yet another wet stormy day, I felt empowered by the power in the waves.
Ever had one or a series of days when you felt like a stormy ocean? When it felt like nothing was going right? That my friend is exactly the time to grab your journal and start scribbling. It's in these moments that pure honest enlightenment shines forth. Getting the chatter out of your head and onto the paper is good for the soul. I've had many "eureka" moments when I look at what I've written. It seems to clarify things.
But journaling can be great fun too! A couple weeks ago I took 4 women out to our cabin for a "Journaling Just for Fun" day of retreat. By the end of the day the floor was covered in scraps of paper from pictures we'd added to our journals, drawings were done, some life changing decisions had been reached just from talking among ourselves, and most of all we had a whale of a time! These women went home refreshed, with new friends, and new determinations to journal more often.Out of the fun and scraps came very important insights.
I provided some journaling prompts(which I'd be happy to send to you if you email me) to get us going. One of them I used at the cabin during the storm was : "What are you most afraid of?"I obviously needed to do it because everytime I started writing another thing down, my stomach tightened up.It was very enlightening to see what fears I still carry around and what they are related to.Try it....IF you dare honestly look inside your heart. How can we continue to make changes in who we are or grow if we don't have the courage to really dig deep? It can be a freeing experience.
You don't have to wait till you have friends over to experience fun and enlightenement. Making time regularly to journal will gradually free you,teach gratitude and appreciation and may even help make your dreams come true.
Hope this day finds you waltzing with life!
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Events and Products
Seaside Writing and Musical Retreat...Sept.23,24/05 at Kent's Beach Resort in Powell River.Both writers and muscians are invited to take a break from their routines and spend the weekend in a beautiful quiet setting by the sea. Write ...or not. Compose...or not. Practice..or not. Or bring your paints, but do whatever you want to in order to relax and just BE!
Both groups will have access to onsite coaches, author Barb Rees and musical guide Helena Sandler(www.saternamusic.com).
"Journaling Just For Fun" an optional course will also be offered for those who wish to take it.
The retreat starts about noon Sept.23 going till noonish Sept.24 and includes: coaching,food, catered dinner by one of Powell River's finest Saturday night,shared accomodation,handouts, and gifts.
Choose either:
Plan A: Shared accomodation with 5 or 6 others in a large cabin: $275
Plan B: Have your own cabin that could sleep one other: $295
Registrations paid in full by Sept.1/05 receive $10 discount.Payment accepted: Cheque, MasterCard, PayPal(go to www.paypal.com and put in my email: dreambg1@shaw.ca)
Or ask about special payment plans.
Call for details and registration form:
Toll Free: 1-866-373-2607
Local: 604-485-2732
Email: dreambg1@shaw.ca
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A Day With the Publishers
Powell River Festival of Writers Society will host their fall workshop "A Day With the Publishers" Oct.15/05 , 9:00-4:00pm in Powell River,location TBA. Writers...get those questions about publishing you've always wondered about answered from both a mainstream publisher and a self publisher. Listen to them in the morning and book an appointment with them in the afternoon, network with other writers, enjoy a book fair.
Watch Festival of Writers web site for details and registration form soon to be posted:
www.prmicro.com/festivalofwriters
Or call Barb: 604-485-2732 or email: dreambg1@shaw.ca
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Barb's Books:
Important Dates Calendar>>> If you ever forgot someones birthday or anniversary, this calendar is the answer.It will never be outdated but will hang on your wall for years to come with its beautiful Powell River scenes on each page. Photos taken by myself and my dad Fred Kobsted.
Special summer sale: $18 Canadian plus shipping according to your area.
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Lessons From the Potholes of Life...Dig diamonds out of your difficulties with the 26 story lessons I learned while digging out of the potholes. Each chapter has quotations and an exercise page for personal insights. This little book has encouraged many people from all walks of life.
Special summer sale: $15 Canadian plus shipping according to your area.
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Taking bookings for fall workshops and motivational speaking held in your area if there is enough demand. Let's see what we can craft just for you!
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Till next time remember that life is our dance partner, one we can get much pleasure from and one that will not tolerate wasted time or talents.
Keep dancing,
Barb
