The Power of Virtual Circles!

It is no surprise that our current worldwide Covid19 health conditions are changing the way we interact on a personal and business basis. Our monthly Women’s Wellness Circles are no exception.

As the social distancing measures rolled out the third week of March 2020, and the Newmarket/East Gwillimbury Circle was fast approaching on the fourth Thursday, a decision needed to be made.

As the host, I made the quick decision to try something different and bring March Circle online.

This experience was new to me.  However, I had a fantastic coach in Dany Spencer who led me through tutorials and thankfully the Zoom meeting platform is a very user-friendly program. Dany posted a simple reference sheet on the Facebook Circle event page, and I found a short YouTube tutorial to share.

The response for March’s topic and presenter, Chris Anne Donnelly, was strong.  I wondered if it could be as meaningful to connect through our computers or Smartphone screens as it is in our monthly, in person gatherings.

Our night arrived, and to my thrill, 35 women joined in. Not only did I have my local attendees, with the virtual venue I had women join from B.C., Toronto, Collingwood, and Bracebridge.  As well, other Women’s Wellness Circles’ hosts from other locations, joined in to support the experience.

Thankfully, Chris Anne is very comfortable communicating authentically online, after developing her numerous tarot decks with an international Hay House team.

I am continually in awe of how Spirit works to support Circle!

We had such a special evening, connecting inward with a meditation, having a beautiful conversation on how we were experiencing the unfolding of the new conditions, and finally receiving a personal card message from Chris Anne.

We all wrapped up the gathering feeling just like we do when we meet in person – reconnected, uplifted and knowing we have others supporting us during all times.

Following this, all of the Women’s Wellness Circles’ hosts gathered for an online meeting to discuss how we can move forward in each of our respective communities this way, until we can come together in person.

Our hosts are magnificent leaders, and it is exciting to watch as we continue to connect with our groups.  The power of Circle and connection has not diminished in these times.  In fact it’s become extra important in a new way as social beings, to continue to invest into support and to invest into our mental and emotional health during this self-isolation period.

As well, the gift of slowing down and tuning in, for those of us not on the front lines, provides space to make new choices and to engage in learning and opportunities that uplift and support us. These conscious actions create healing ripples and a circle of support to all, just like a warm hug.

On that note, I would like to share a special Circle poem created by our Vaughan Women’s Wellness Circle Host, Terri Klein.

Enjoy.

The Essence of Circle

A circle – an eternal bond.
A way to feel safe; to connect; to belong.

A circle of women – welcoming and inviting.
An intimate connection, both intriguing and exciting.

A women’s wellness circle –
A sacred space to gather and share.
A time for empowerment; a time for self-care.

A circle of love and support – a means of protection.
Enhancing both external and internal connection.

A shared experience – a hand to hold.
A continuous flow of positive energy. Yes, I’m sold.

For here we are valued – here we are heard,
Even if we choose not to say a word.

All can be felt – as our energies combine.
Together we grow; together we shine.

We are here for wellness – we are here to heal.
We each have permission, once again, to be real.

We invite you to join a virtual online Circle.  Reach out to the hosts and get more information.  Together we are stronger.

With much love on this re-setting journey,

Karen Armstrong

Reiki Master, Biophoton Light Therapist & Enneagram Coach
www.in-side-out.com

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A Critical Time for Renewal

Recently I completed training to become the Women’s Wellness Circle host for the Ottawa-West area and was very excited to start preparing for my launch. With the unfolding of our current global events, much has shifted and been put “on hold”, including the launch date of my new Circle.

The past two weeks have been filled with many waves of emotion, shifting from feeling positive and optimistic to sad, angry, hopeless, fearful, overwhelmed and spiritually confused.

I’ve been allowing myself to be present to these waves and to feel, trusting my body and my experience, although sometimes anxiously waiting for it to end.  Eventually I experienced a shift to a place of inner peace and tranquility that has sustained. This space has offered me some clarity that I feel called to share.

My personality is governed by the archetype of “Seeker”, and my astrological sun sign is Aquarius.  Therefore, this whole issue of pandemic has me feeling called to dig deeper, search for greater meaning, direction and purpose.

I truly believe that every experience holds a different meaning and significance for each individual and that it is up to us to explore and discover what our experiences mean for our unique selves.

As a holistic nutritionist, my understanding of symptoms in the body is that they are simply messages… whispers or sometimes screams, drawing our attention to an imbalance. These symptoms are simply language, a way the body uses to communicate a need or an issue that needs to be addressed.

I view the Covid-19 virus as a symptom that is calling our attention to an underlying global issue, our relationship with this beautiful planet. I sense that the way humanity as a whole is interacting and inhabiting the planet is an imbalance that needs our attention.  Mama Earth has been expressing the need for our attention, consideration, care and support for some time.  Now she is speaking more clearly and directly than ever before.  The message I sense is this:

“People, Stop.  Look, Listen, Feel.  Stop the Distraction.  Open your Eyes, your Minds, your Hearts.  Connect inwardly. Dig those Heels into the Roots of the Earth.  Become one with Nature’s Pulse and Rhythm, the Home to our Collective Immunity. Unplug the devices.  Allow your nervous system to Settle, Ground and Relax.”

We have been instructed to socially isolate. I prefer to consider this a divine invitation to go inward and engage in self-care and to “cocoon” that has the capacity to naturally result in tremendous personal transformation.

This is a time to reconnect with our true selves, to investigate our personal values and what is meaningful to us, to reflect on the life we have created for ourselves and consider whether it aligns with our truth, and our heart and soul.

Choosing to trust this process means accepting that we are temporarily meant to distance from one another, knowing that we will reunite enlivened, recharged, and renewed, ready for deeper, more meaningful and productive connection.

Once we have done our work individually, we will be able to step forward as a collective and take incredible measures toward healing humanity and healing our planet.

I feel it. I believe it. Do you?

To assist us in this process of solitude, here are some practical self-care measures:

  • Eat whole, natural foods from the plant world. Plant foods not only provide nourishment but also increase our vibration, our energy and our essence.
  • Move your body in ways that feel gentle and natural. Stretching, yoga, dancing, walking.
  • Connect with nature. Walk, wander, hike, garden, explore.
  • Meditate, reflect, write, read, pray, breathe deeply.
  • Sing, listen to music, play, craft, laugh and love.
  • Choose carefully what and how much you engage online. In response to our social isolation, many online opportunities have been created. Some are wonderful ways to uplift, inspire and maintain some form of connection with one another. However, if not mindful, we can easily get lost amongst these opportunities and turn toward them as a way to deny, distract and numb.
  • Honour this time with sacred respect.  Practice letting go of attachment to outcome.  Some positive affirmations that work well for me are:  “I am willing to let go.  I release all tension, worry, fear and sorrow.  I let go, and I am at peace.  I am at peace with the process of life.  I am safe.”

Last but not least, let’s all look forward with positive anticipation to when we can all reunite in person. The celebrations, hugs and group sharing will be extra magical when the time comes!

A big thank you to Jill, for inviting me to be a part of the Women’s Wellness Circle family. I am truly honoured to be bringing this to life in Ottawa and look forward to sharing and connecting with a renewed sense of grace, insight, appreciation and gratitude once we are through this.

Much Love and respect,

Natasha

Wellness Educator and Advisor

https://www.facebook.com/natasha.g.villeneuve

naturallynatashav@gmail.com

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A Circular Solution for our Evolving World!

I can’t express the joy I feel with my unfolding adventures with the Women’s Wellness Circle!

This role as host is something that is divinely aligned with my soul. In the last year and a half I have learned so much about myself.

When I began hosting Circle, although I knew I wanted to do it, I was still a bit hesitant to step ‘fully in’ because I didn’t know what that would look like or how to do it.

Turns out, this is a continual learning that has no end.

This way of thinking has brought me full circle with the understanding that there will always be more lessons to learn, more education to acquire, more excitement to be had, and so many more friendships to make.

Just as life is an ongoing journey, so is my Circle experience.

When I think of all the amazing women I have had the opportunity to meet and share time with so far, it has truly been a gift. My world has become richer with the countless blessings shared with others who are of like-mind and want to gather in community to learn and grow as well.

You are accountable for your own personal wellness and Circle encourages this.

What a wonderful opportunity to discover new and supportive approaches to being healthy, to being your best. Our presenters specialize in such a vast spectrum of expertise; there are many options to improve your mind, body and spirit.

Of course we have homework to do and thankfully there are many gifted women ready to share a panorama of information and perspectives that we can integrate into our decision making and daily life to attain our wellness goals.

As you broaden your view, you can make better choices that best suit you…this is genuine empowerment!

Along with gaining valuable information and education, we enjoy the story-telling, and we are touched by real life examples of healing and change.

Whether we’ve uncovered another question, made a decision, reached a conclusion or been filled with inspiration, it always serves us for the better, in one way or another.

Most of all, we gather together to experience a sense of belonging, community spirit and social interaction.

The connections made during time spent in Circle are special because you have the opportunity to develop more personal relationships thanks to the warm and inclusive atmosphere.

In this space of open hearts and open minds, I have seen some incredible changes in many of my Circle mates. They have become less reserved and are learning to ask more questions and speak their truth, without judgment.

I too, have changed…my life has become richer thanks to Circle. I see every day as being filled with great possibilities.

It’s has also taught me that you never know who will enter your world. Whether it was the day I met Jill and she shared the concept of Circle with me, or the many ladies that are drawn to gather each month, or someone you click with and you feel you have known them forever, or the presenters who provide timely information or life changing ah-ha moments.

When you glance across the faces present in Circle and see the smiles and gleams in their eyes, there is a sweeping feeling of AWE that rises up.

This is the energy that unifies us together without question or condition.

Here we find that in the busy and sometimes chaotic or stressful periods of life, the Universe is once again is in sync as we embrace a small glimpse of our own world fitting within the larger world picture.

Since our lives will always continue to move and shift, it is us who needs to adjust and remodel what we know to be true. But we don’t need to do it alone. Great minds and spirits of women from all directions come together and those bonds become real, and we take that knowing into every area of our lives.

I am filled with gratitude that I chose to be part of Women’s Wellness Circles and to provide such a special and important space in our ever changing world.

 

Come, join us in Circle!

Debbie Armstrong

https://www.facebook.com/WWCbarrieinnisfil/

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The Couple Bubble

Love is a beautiful and yet confusing subject, one that has been explored, defined, and redefined throughout history. Like with so many other complex concepts, guidebooks are offered, and theories and models are tested, in order to discover how to build successful relationships.

While books on this topic are endless, the one that my husband and I have found to be truly transformative is called Wired for Love by Stan Tatkin. This book reinforces “a new marital narrative…a conscious partnership.”

Tatkin explains in this new story about marriage, the commitment shifts from the needs of self to the needs of a relationship. To make this shift, he offers 10 principles.  I would like to address one of them, my favorite by far, “The Couple Bubble.”

As human beings we are naturally predisposed to the need to feel safe and secure. We all seek our very own comfort or safety zone. For this reason, we seek out a partner and/or a family and friend group.

According to Tatkin, if you’re in a marriage that feels compromised, what both partners can ask themselves is: Do you see yourselves as individuals first and as a couple second, or vice versa?

The “couple bubble” is a term Tatkin used to describe “the mutually constructed membrane, cocoon, or womb that holds a couple together and protects each partner from outside elements. It is an agreement to put the relationship before anything and everything else.

It means putting your partner’s well-being, self-esteem, and distress relief first. As well, it means your partner does the same for you. Essentially, what it boils down to is that “WE come first!”

In order for a “couple bubble” agreement to work, both partners have to create it, buy into it, own it, and prioritize it. The tasks of devotion and caring for the other’s safety, security, and well-being needs to be honored with sincerity.

What’s important to note is that devoting yourself to your partner’s sense of safety is according to what makes them feel safe by their definition, not by your understanding of what that should be.

It’s one thing to talk about the “couple bubble” in theory, but quite another to use it well. If you buy into the concept, then you will consider it to be your “primary means of support and protection.” You and your partner each get to use it at any time, in any place, and given any circumstance to ask each other for help and expect that help in return.

My husband, who attended a workshop with Stan Tatkin and delved deeply into this book, now supports and understands the “couple bubble”. He believes that “If we don’t support each other unconditionally, then we cannot possibly realize the full potential of our marriage and see how amazing it really can be.”

It wasn’t always this way for us. Like so many other couples, my husband and I have had our share of struggles. Thankfully, this past summer my husband agreed to attend a wellness conference with me: and this is where he met Stan, learned the concept, and introduced it to me. Ultimately, this idea resonated with both of us.

Experiencing this “couple bubble” together over time shifted the dynamic of our marriage and helped us to carve out a new kind of partnership. It doesn’t transform relationships overnight, as it is a process that takes ongoing energy and commitment, which is what it takes to build every new habit.

Anything we understand intellectually still has to be felt emotionally and lived experientially. This becomes an ongoing learning process and commitment.

Each of us has our own ways of feeling supported.  However, we ALL need to feel safe and secure—connected, protected, and cared for. For some it’s a “couple bubble” that is required and for others it’s a friendship circle that can act as a means of support and connection.

Women’s Wellness Circles are offered monthly and do that as well. They create an inclusive and intimate environment and safe space for women to gather and grow. In essence, a Women’s Wellness Circle can also be seen as a “bubble” – mutually constructed by like-minded individuals who are seeking support, empowerment, friendship, and community.

When people feel seen, heard, understood, and cared for, they feel happier, worthy and more fulfilled. The kinship of the Women’s Wellness Circle is available monthly and can serve women seeking comfort and safety in a complementary capacity.

I encourage couples, as well as those who are seeking a partner, to read this book, or to find other supportive means that resonate with you.

Conscious partnerships and connections ultimately build healthier and more sustainable relationships, marriages, families and communities.

 

Terri Klein

Author, Speaker, Coach

 www.newlife-chapterone.com

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Daily Practises Create a Decade of Growth

Do you have a regular daily routine that you implement to set the standard and the course of your day ahead?

If you hit the ground running the moment your alarm sounds and your feet touch the floor, you are likely going to miss the opportunity to be grounded, centered, and focused from the inside-out.   Instead, you are going to wind up chasing after to-do lists, kids, and schedules in a stressed out and incoherent manner.

While it doesn’t need to take a lot of time, performing a simple daily routine to be grounded will make a huge difference in your current physical, mental, and emotional state and will impact the attitude, energy, and power you bring to your roles, responsibilities, and activities over the course of your day.

All of the Women’s Wellness Circles that gather monthly in communities across southern Ontario (and soon across Canada) begin with the ritual of an opening intentional activity so that the attendees have a chance to fully arrive, settle in, relax, and be present to the evening ahead.

There are many simple and effective ways to do this: quiet reflection, one minute mediation, deep breathing, visualization, prayer, gratitude, and gentle integrative movement like Brain Fitness activities.

Some of our Circle locations begin with a poem, either written by the host, an attendee, or another source. This, too, is a wonderful way to become present, ready, focused, and energized for the evening ahead.

It may be winter from the place I write this. However, it is the start of a new year, and a new decade. In this event it is appropriate to consider the words of Mary Oliver’s poem, ‘The Summer Day’, that are inspiring and that ask the most important of all questions: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Each day contributes cumulatively to the creation of our lives. Each day we have an opportunity to show up more, less, differently, or the same as we always have.  It’s up to us!

A small daily practise can play a significant role in the quality of how we do it.

 

The Summer Day

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

 

Copyright 1992 by Mary Oliver.
All rights reserved.

 

To your New Year and New Decade,

Jill

Founder & Mentor of Women’s Wellness Circles

www.jillhewlett.com

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Embracing Winter Woman

Winter woman walking, deep within her soul

Winter woman talking, to the dark and the snow

Winter woman waiting for the wisdom to arrive

Winter woman learning, it was always inside

Winter woman resting while to this truth she adjusts

Winter woman remembering, in her she can always trust.

The seasons are about to shift once again as they always do, giving us beautiful comfort in a higher order that holds us all. In a world with so many variables, and no matter how you feel about snow ;), we can always count on the seasons to lead us back home to our natural rhythms.

As we sit on the precipice of Winter, the ground is beginning to harden to protect what lies underneath from the elements, the animals have built up their supplies and are getting ready to hibernate, and we are starting to slow our pace as the light fades.

While a season like Summer is widely received, Winter can often be resisted or even a dreaded time for many. While I can’t and wouldn’t want to miraculously make Winter disappear, perhaps I can offer you a miracle in another way, through a perspective shift.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The hard soil and four months of snow make the inhabitants of the northern temperate zone wiser and more able than those who only enjoy the fixed smile of the tropics.”

Here in Canada we are blessed to experience a Winter that touches all our senses. The feel of snow and cold, the view of the darkness mixed with bright white, the smell of fire and crispness in the air, and the sound of ice singing as it cracks and repairs!

Imagine for a moment you never knew that existed— that you weren’t in on this silent snowy secret that you can only know by experiencing it.  Would you feel the loss of the season and the gifts it brings?

The seasons of our lives are unavoidable, as are the seasons of the Earth. For each of us, there is an opportunity to learn and grow from all of these meaningful seasons.

Believe it or not, by experiencing Winter each year, you are learning lessons intuitively that are serving you deeply on your journey.

Our perspective is everything. So if you can shift your perspective to one of gratitude before the season arrives, then gratitude is what you will feel!

Here are lessons to consider so we can be grateful for Winter and what it teaches us:

  • You can’t bypass the dark:
    Oh, we try, desperately sometimes, to avoid this place. However, eventually we must go in, and when we do the rewards are great. Winter shows us just how beautiful this place can be! Embrace the absence of light in the season and watch how this translates into your life.
  • We are Intuitive, every single one of us:
    Watching the earth and her inhabitants prepare really gifts us with a knowing of just how intuitively smart we are. Your body calls you to sleep more, you may put on a little extra weight to keep you warm, and you reserve your energy for the things you really want to do! Don’t resist your intuition here, and watch how you learn to trust it everywhere!
  • After Winter always comes Spring
    By stepping fully into Winter you have already begun to move towards Spring! Step into the seasons of your life just as powerfully, and watch how           you navigate the more challenging time, knowing that leads you back to the flow.

Now I invite you all to look at Winter from your perspective. Find your own lessons, embrace them in gratitude, and watch how this beautiful season unfolds for you!

 

Amanda Perrone
Moon Mother
https://risewithamanda.com

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CELEBRATING: 15 YEARS OF WWC!

An exciting announcement everyone: this month marks the 15th year anniversary since I first launched the Women’s Wellness Circles!

I can hardly believe I’ve been sitting in Circle almost every month since. What a beautiful honour.  If I’ve done the math correctly, that would amount to 180 Circle experiences.  No wonder a Circle is my favourite shape.  (I consider a heart, a Circle too!)

At one point many years ago, I was actually hosting two Circles each month. This is because I had moved and started another Circle in my new community, while I continued to co-run our flagship location with my dear friend and wellness colleague, Karen Armstrong, until she fully took it over.

Very soon my new Circle was blossoming. As well, the original location continued to flourish, where it’s not uncommon to gather a powerful 50 plus Women on a particular month.

Back then I remember saying to Karen, “Now that we have two Circle locations, I envision more developing: when the time is right and the hosts appear.”

A few years after making that comment, I had a series of women contact me, asking if I would be willing to mentor them in the process of starting Women’s Circles in their respective communities.  I was touched, and ready!

What is especially neat about this occurrence is that those women didn’t know each other. They contacted me individually, all within a few weeks of each other.

Due to the uncanny synchronicity, I knew this cluster of inquiry was my official sign that the Women’s Wellness Circles were ready to expand further.

So I sat down and began to write the WWC hosting manual. I thought it would be a very simple guideline. However, it soon became robust with insights and wisdom.

The practical details of running a Circle are straightforward, however the deeper meaning of Circle: its essence, why it’s important, and what it provides, is almost hard to put into words.

Additionally, there is an ‘inner calling’ for those who choose to host and nurture Circle on a regular monthly basis. Along with it, the heartfelt desire to create connections and community.

Once the venue is established, each month the host decides on topics, locates presenters who are the right fit, and actively spreads the good word to all who may feel inclined to join in.

This requires a deep commitment and genuine passion.

Of course, every Host will readily say that Circle has become a beautiful part of who they are, and it’s priceless for the gifts it provides in return:  such as community building, friendships, networking, learning and leadership.

From a participant standpoint, although each person’s reason to attend a Women’s Wellness Circle is unique to the individual, there are common themes.

Here are a few examples:

  • New Learning – each month carries a different wellness topic and each presenter shares useful empowering information and strategies that participants can apply in their daily life, for themselves and their families.
  • Fun and Light-Heartedness – while some topics are more contemplative in nature than others, every gathering evokes smiles, laughter, and a sense of fun and playfulness that is so essential to our state of wellbeing.
  • Self-Care and Replenishment – the root of the word “wellness”, is “well”, and this reminds us of the importance of ‘filling our own well on a regular basis, so it doesn’t run dry. Circle is an opportunity to recharge our batteries and fill our own cups, so we become more balanced, vital and whole. In turn, this allows us to more genuinely give to others.
  • Community Spirit – daily life can sometimes make us feel isolated and that we are carrying too many burdens or responsibilities on our own. Circle lightens our load, as we are surrounded by others who relate and care. This connection brings a sense of inner strength and fortification to our lives that equates to greater health and vitality.
  • Personal Insights –when life is busy, we can merely skim along the surface and not have the time, energy or understanding of how to connect deeper within ourselves. In Circle, it’s common to have special ‘a-ha’ moments and to get to know yourself better. This leads to greater clarity, confidence and decision-making in life.

As the founder and mentor of the Women’s Wellness Circles, I can whole-heartedly say that I have experienced all of the above benefits firsthand on countless occasions.

It’s truly an honour to be part of this ancient tradition, provided in a modern day format that meets the needs of such a wide array of women: from those in their 20s to those in their 80s, single, married, with and without children, working, retired or in school, in a growing number of communities.

If you are interested in joining our ‘Women’s Wellness Circles’, as a host, attendee or presenter, please be sure to contact me.  I’d love to chat.

 

Circles of Gratitude,

Jill

Founder & Mentor of Women’s Wellness Circles

www.jillhewlett.com

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Say Yes to Life

After being part of Women’s Wellness Circles for over 13 years, it is indisputable that one of the strong bonds that bring us all together is a will to “say YES to life”.

From my initial curiosity to come out to a Circle experience all those years ago, there was born a magnetic pull to keep coming out.

Yes, I had all kinds of excuses when the week would come around due to my busy schedule, unexpected issues arising, feeling tired and just wanting to stay home— but I didn’t.

I said “yes” anyway, and I always came to the end of the night feeling so happy that I participated. There was an uplifting energy in the room, kind and friendly faces, a warm hug, and typically a fantastic presenter who shared their journey of life and the gifts that resulted from their challenges.

By going to a Women’s Wellness Circle, we gain a different perspective, a new skill for our tool belt, or simply a chance to fill up our cup with positive energy. This, in turn, enriches our life and ripples outwards to all those that we touch. Over time, these beautiful moments create the special memories that make up the story of our life.

We seem to be in a huge energetic shift on this planet, one that makes it difficult to manage the constant “To Do List” in our head. It is affecting us to the core of our being, stirring up all the old patterns that have kept us living smaller than that of which we are capable.

Let’s face it— living on the edge is scary! It takes determination, focus, physical and emotional energy, and the biggest challenge— putting ourselves first!!

What does that look like?

It takes courage to go against the expectations of society and to tune into what is important to us.

It often takes a burnout of some kind to give us permission to stop and re-evaluate, asking ourselves some of those tough questions: Why am I here? What do I value?  What unique gifts am I here to share?

No one else can do this work for us. No one knows our inner soul being like we do. No one is us, but us ourselves!

The women, and sometimes men, that come to share their gifts at a Women’s Wellness Circle, have typically gone through a life challenge that put them back on track to live a more authentic and rewarding life.

They share their story with us, and in doing so, inspire each of us to stop and listen differently to our own inner stirring.

Last night at my Newmarket/East Gwillimbury Circle, it was a young 29-year-old woman who had a near death experience when she was 25.

At a very specific moment, she decided to say “YES to LIFE”.  Her story is powerful, emotional, and represents the real life struggles that each of us deal with in our own way. I encourage you to check out her link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPshXEI3On0

The women that come to Circle are also drawn, because they choose to say “Yes to Life”. They make space in their schedules to put themselves first, to fill their cup so they can be there for others. They rise above all the reasons that life is too busy and there are too many other things to do.

Some come out monthly, some only a few times a year, some once a year. We come when we need the medicine that Circle offers based on our own life commitments. I am forever grateful for the inspiration that called Women’s Wellness Circle into existence through Jill Hewlett.

I am forever grateful for saying YES to hosting and forever grateful for all the presenters and attendees who continue to say YES.

I would like to close with one of my favourite poems; may it ring true for each of you. Here’s to saying YES to life!

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

 

By Karen Armstrong

https://in-side-out.com/

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Hopi Prayer

A decade and a half ago, just before I launched the first Women’s Wellness Circle, I invited a group of holistic practitioners to come together at our local library to share ideas, resources and mutual support.

I was grateful and elated with the response and turnout.  Over 50 people showed up, and we had a fun, empowering and community spirited experience.

I had come to know several of these people through the wellness cable TV show I was hosting and producing as well as others through networking and personal connections.

Since that time, many of these individuals have been presenters at our Women’s Wellness Circles.  ‘Love how the connections continue to expand and strengthen!

Although the road less travelled can be very rewarding, it can also feel lonely and confusing at times, especially as an entrepreneur in the wellness field.  This was even more so years ago when I first had the inspiration to call forth this meeting.

So it made sense to come together, to recognize and to affirm that we aren’t alone.  While our wellness offerings may differ in appearance, at the core we share similar and complementary values and paths.

As I was preparing for this gathering, one of my fellow wellness colleagues shared this powerful Hopi message with me.  I knew it was perfect to share with the group, so it was part of my opening remarks.

Reading it over again now, I can see that the words are just as true, if not truer.  Therefore, I’d like to share them with you.

Take heart, feel the message, and know that while we continue to be in an incredible period of change, you are not alone.  We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

A Hopi Elder Speaks…

“You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour and there are things to consider . . .

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?

Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.”

Then he clasped his hands together, smiled, and said, “This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.  They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are torn apart and will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above water.

And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

The time for the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

Hopi elder,
Hopi Nation
Oraibi, Arizona

Perhaps this message resonates with you as well?

As we begin to shift towards a new season, you may feel drawn to create some new experiences for yourself, learn some new self care and wellness strategies, and share in a welcoming and vibrant community oriented space.

If so, Women’s Wellness Circles invite you to take part!

After all, we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

 

Jill Hewlett
Founder and Mentor of the Women’s Wellness Circles
Brain Fitness Expert and Wellness Authority|
www.jillhewlett.com

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Me Again

At some point in my twenties, I forgot who I was. I’m not saying I sustained some kind of traumatic brain injury and ended up with amnesia. I just seemed to lose touch with my true Self.

If I take the time for introspection, I can tell you almost exactly when it happened. However,  this is like our first date. I’m not going to divulge all of my deepest darkest secrets!

It doesn’t really matter why though, not for the purpose of this story. What matters is what happened next, because it’s a pattern I’ve seen over and over again in friends, colleagues, and clients.

Once I lost touch with my Self, I began to let other people’s ideas and beliefs take root about who I was “supposed” to be. I was swept up in the “shoulds” of life.

I should work towards a promotion.
I should find a boyfriend.
I should get married.
I should buy a house.
I should …

You get the drift.

There’s a progress to life that, as a society, we seem to expect of everyone. However, trying to squeeze myself into those expectations meant I was not only slowly squeezing out what remained of my Self, but I was also lying to everyone.

The lying was unintentional, of course, but it was still a lie. I was people pleasing, and people pleasers are the best liars. Unfortunately, when you’ve been lying about who you are, unintentional or not, people get hurt. I got hurt. And hurt people hurt other people.

Fast forward a little over a decade, and I found my Self again thanks to a renewed yoga practice (that led to yoga teacher training, that led to returning to school for holistic practitioner training). However, in finding my Self again, I discovered I had made decisions in the past that did not serve me well.

In 2015, I turned my entire life upside down, and you guessed it, people got hurt.

During that time, I can’t sufficiently express in words, just how important it was for me to have the support of a strong, understanding community of loved ones. There was a boat load of shame and guilt that came along with my decision to change my life, even though I knew in my heart it was the best decision for everyone.

Knowing I had a community of support, a group of people who were willing to simply hold space for me, kept me moving forward through one of the most painful times in my life. That community carried me through, and they helped me become the stronger, more resilient, truer expression of me.

Thanks to their support, I found the courage to buy my yoga studio. I found the self-care tools that work for me, and I found my higher purpose of Mindset Coaching for Joy + Abundance.

There is no one right path for everyone. We need to be able to explore, to try, and to fail or succeed, knowing we’re surrounded by a community that will offer us grace – even when we struggle to give ourselves grace.

This is one of the reasons I resonate so deeply with the Women’s Wellness Circles. Not only are we gifted with new wellness experiences each month, but the community that’s built is exactly the kind of community we all need to be surrounded by.

By Michelle Robson

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