Dear Friends,

For those of you who are in the Lethbridge area, I have two in-person events coming up soon:  A half-day of Painting as Contemplative Inquiry on March 1, and an 8 week Coming of Age Story Circle starting on March 19 on Wednesday nights. Here is more info:

The Spark:  Painting as Creative Inquiry

with Cat Charissage, Educator and Counsellor

I’d like to offer an afternoon of painting for women (daughters welcome) on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Does the idea of  painting an image of your divine spark, your inner self, or your muse pique your curiousity?

My focus is on Intentional Creativity, and on painting as a contemplative inquiry into the still, small voice within.  No previous artistic experience is needed.  I guarantee that you will go home with a completed 16″ by 20″ painting on canvas that you will be pleased with.

The afternoon will include Introduction and Discussion, Quiet Time, Writing, Painting, herbal tea and laughter.  All supplies will be here. As I can only take 4 participants at a time, there is plenty of time for individual instruction and attention.

Cost is $55 plus $15 for supplies. (Total:  $70)   If the cost is a barrier to your coming, talk to me, as I am committed to making these workshops available to those who wish to be here.  Scholarships and/or work exchanges are often available.

For Registration or Information, contact Cat at catcharissage@gmail.com

ABOUT ME:  I specialize in exploring the Depth Dimension of life, helping people to articulate their true selves and make meaning through the paradoxes and challenges that life gives us. In 2013 I added Painting as a new language for symbolic expression, and I study with Shiloh Sophia McCloud, Visionary Artist.   I am a student of the wisdom traditions of the world, and have a Master’s degree in adult Education,, plus a B.A. and 4 years of graduate study in Theology. I’ve 30+ years’ experience in working with both groups and individuals in the recovery from trauma and violence, and in creative and spiritual growth, including 6 years with the Sexual Assault Centre London (Ontario) as counsellor and Executive Director.  I also mentor others in self-directed education and the development of critical thinking. I’m passionate about writing, dreamwork, and art as creative ways to live a deep and meaningful life, and I actively engage in ongoing learning and reflection, most recently with Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes (author of Women Who Run with the Wolves) in both her Mysterium and Original Voice series of intensive courses.

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Please join me in a

Coming of Age Story Circle

An 8-week Contemplative Writing Inquiry for Young Women and their Mothers

Wednesdays, March 19 – May 14, 2014

There will be no meeting during Easter break, April 23. It is held in Lethbridge in my home study, with a maximum of 8 participants.  The format includes opening with a story or poem, then writing in response to prompts, with optional reading of our responses, and then closing with a poem or intention. Mothers would be expected to write also, and hopefully model sharing what they wrote.  Though all will be encouraged to share, no one is obligated to read aloud what they wrote, or even to write on the topic.

The focus is on opening up thinking and discussion about moving into adult womanhood, with also the purpose of creating community and/or to find other adult women as friends or mentors.

The evenings’ topics will be:  Coming of Age; Authority and the Authoring of Our Lives; Media, Comparison, and Never Feeling “Enough”; Power and Its Abuse; Friendship, Support, and Diversity; Values and Intimacy; Stewardship, Consumerism, and Getting Needs Met; and Leading Your Life, Leader of Your Life.

The cost is $160 for the young women, and mothers come at no extra charge. Young women can come on their own (with permission from a parent). If cost is a barrier, I’m committed to make it happen for those who want to be here, and scholarships and/or work exchanges are often available.

For Registration or Information, contact Cat at catcharissage@gmail.com

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As always, I so appreciate your reading my blog and your support.

Blessings to you,

Cat