Greetings to all of you!

It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of 2015 already – but the snow this week made it more real that winter is on its way. As the holiday season approaches, I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have in one way or another been part of the Feathers, Rainbows and Roses story this past year – whether as a client, student, colleague, Facebook friend or blog reader – you have walked this year-long journey with me.

I am excited about what lies ahead for me (and you) in the coming months. As you surely know if you follow my writing this past year, Peace has been a central theme and is a core value for me. So it feels natural, as well as deeply satisfying, to be able to follow my heart and finally offer Peace Circles to you. The response has been exciting – our first event is already sold out, confirming that Peace is important to you as well. If you missed the first one, there are more to come.

I am equally excited about the Reiki community that has blossomed over the years. The depth of our discussions and practices is inspirational. Even as people move in and out of our Reiki community, the openness, generosity and caring that is expressed each and every time we meet makes our times together sacred and powerful. I am eagerly anticipating our first ever weekend retreat in February which will be an expanded version of our monthly practice nights (except no one has to drive home after!). The next class of Reiki Masters is due to begin in March 2016 – I look forward to walking with them on this next part of their Reiki journey.

I love what happens when a group of engaged individuals comes together around a single purpose or theme – we so often emerge at a place we could not have anticipated, and yet is so perfect.

I invite you to take part in any upcoming events that resonate with you. I have highlighted them here for you. There are more details on my website – just follow the links – and as always, please feel free to contact me for more information.

Peace and Namaste,

Shirley Lynn

Peace Circle: A Celebration of Peace and Light

Peace Circle creates a space where the mind and heart meet and where the soul story of our lives is revealed. When committed and heart-centred people share real stories … within circle, a synergistic transformation effect is created for all members. – Shirley Lynn

Peace Circle may be right for you if

• You have a vision and inner calling of peace on earth that requires your attention, awareness, passion and courage.
• You are looking for a sacred, safe and confidential space to share your vision and nurture the inner wisdom you have as a visionary of real and concrete peace on earth.
• You are looking for others who will hold the power of stillness, practise the path of inner stillness in body, mind and heart with you and claim your inner wisdom to manifest the peace you are called to create in our world.

Find what you are looking for in Peace Circle. Come into stillness and experience the blessing of your own truth and wisdom. You will be blessed with sacred qualities that become the way you engage and lead through your vision of peace on earth.

Co-facilitators: Shirley Lynn Martin and Karen McCarthy

December 16^th Peace Circle is SOLD OUT.

Additional Peace Circles coming in 2016 …

• Wednesday, January 20^th 7-9:30 pm
• Wednesday, February 17^th 7-9:30 pm
• Expect to find Peace Circle in the Toronto area early in 2016. Stay tuned for details …

Weekend Reiki Retreat

Open to all Reiki students and practitioners – Mark your calendars for our first Weekend Reiki Retreat. Join our Reiki community for a full weekend of Reiki meditation, renewal, good food, conversation, and so much more …

The Reiki Way: Your Future with Reiki

February 19-21^st, 2016 (Friday evening – Sunday afternoon)

Lotus Heart Centre, Brighton, Ontario

Cost: $265.00 (plus HST) includes lodging, meals and retreat program.

Space is limited to 20 participants.

Reiki Master and Soul Coaching Program

Prospective students have demonstrated commitment to their personal Reiki practice, have experienced consistently the effects of Reiki in daily life, have reached a certain level of character refinement and understanding, have developed a certain level of sensitivity in their energy healing practice, and are ready to commit to a deeper spiritual practice for the purpose of further psycho-spiritual integration.

For more details see the Reiki Master/Teacher program description. Please contact Shirley Lynn as soon as possible to indicate your interest and readiness. Non-refundable $200.00 deposit is due January 1^st, 2016.

• All Saturday classes must be attended
• March 5^th, April 2^nd, April 30^th, May 28^th, June 25^th, July 23^rd
• Final gathering and celebration day (date to be determined)

If you are joining this program, your Reiki Level 2 case studies must be in by January 30^th, 2016.

Have you noticed that the sun is warmer and the days are longer? It has been a LONG winter but Spring IS on its way! Sure it’s still cold outside and if you haven’t gone on a tropical vacation (or even if you have), you are probably ‘sick and tired’ of it all. You might be feeling short-tempered and saying or doing things that you regret. You might be feeling sluggish and out of sorts. It’s a challenge to stay positive and motivated through a long drawn-out winter and it is easy to take it out on ourselves and on those closest to us.

Fortunately, a healthier approach will soon be available! How about a relationship detox? Clear out what isn’t working for you and rejuvenate your health and vitality. Join me this Spring for two full days and move out of your ‘winter’ and into your new joy-filled life.

During my upcoming workshop Cultivating Joyful Living: Balancing Self Care Within Relationships you will begin to clarify who you truly are and how you want to re-design your life. You will also benefit from peer support and accountability as you step out into your ‘real’ world and live the change. You will leave this workshop with a clear understanding about the mind/body/spirit connection – to empower you beyond this course with useful skills for your life and relationships.

Get acquainted with your own body-mind connection to clarify what will make you happier and more joy-filled. Learn to listen to your body – what makes you happy and what makes you sick. Find your own inner strength and courage to move out of ‘the drama’ and into a more secure and empowered sense of purpose. Discover and practise the skills essential to choosing the relationships, family bonds and career which reflect this more joyful you.

All this and so much more in two full days of learning, self-reflection, interactive exercises and group  dialogue. You will never be the same again (and you only have yourself to thank!).

CULTIVATING JOYFUL LIVING: BALANCING SELF CARE WITHIN RELATIONSHIPS

Friday & Saturday, May 23-24, 2014

9:00am – 5:00pm

Cost: $285.00 plus HST

What past participants have said about this workshop:

• “This course has brought me the understanding and courage to look after myself in all aspects of my life. Knowing that I not only need to look after “me”, but that I am capable of doing so brings me peace, strength, love and joy. One of the most intimate relationships I am learning is with myself. I am also gaining a deeper and loving spiritual relationship with the Divine. I am grateful for this, as I have spent many years in conflict with my Higher Power.” Lynda
• “Since taking the course I take more time to get quiet and ask my “inner-self” what it needs. I am learning to respect my own needs more, even if nobody else needs the same thing or understands why I need it.” Barb

More details about this transformative two-day workshop are available at Cultivating Joyful Living: Balancing Self Care Within Relationships. Or contact Shirley Lynn to discuss how this workshop would benefit you.

Dearest Clients, Colleagues and Students, As many of you are aware, I am in the process of moving my business to a new location. As of October 31st, my current location is no longer available because my landlord is expanding his business and needs additional office space. I am looking at this unexpected change as an opportunity for growth and revitalization – for me personally as well as for my business. Following a rapid search for a new office space, I am happy to announce that Feathers, Rainbows & Roses is moving to the Elmira Wellness Centre [69 Arthur Street South, Elmira] which is right downtown (in a not very big town!).  I love the ‘feel’ of this revitalized building as well as the enthusiasm of my fellow practitioners – I am very excited to join this vibrant wellness community. You can find out more about the transformation this building has undergone at Elmira Wellness Centre.

As of Monday, November 18th, 2013 I will be meeting with clients in my new Elmira location. I am really excited to show off my new space with you, so for the first three weeks (Monday 18th through Thursday December 5th), I am offering a 15% discount for all in-person sessions.

You will be happy to know that Elmira is easily accessible via Line 86 from Guelph (about 20 minutes from Hwy 7) as well as from the KW area (Hwy 85 expressway goes directly into Elmira – less than 15 minutes from King St exit).

So don’t wait. Call or email today to book your next session. I look forward to seeing you!

Get out your calendars and mark these dates down!

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 International Peace Day Celebration

Saturday, September 21st 2013 – Join us anytime between 12 – 3 pm

Location: Feathers, Rainbows & Roses office

(865 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale, ON)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!! Invite your friends, family, neighbours, etc.

We will celebrate in the ways we know best – Food, free mini Reiki sessions, community.

Cast your vote for the best fall recipe (Submit your best or favourite fall recipe by Sunday, September 15th to Lucy at lmartin1612@gmail.com). Each recipe will be made (by Lucy) for our Peace Day Celebration for a light-hearted way of deciding on the Best Fall Recipe of 2013.

*Recipe with the most votes entitles submitter to a Gift Certificate for a 10% discount on any one session or workshop with Feathers, Rainbows & Roses).

Donations will be accepted in honour of Peace Day for Mary’s Place and Project Ploughshares, both reputable and local charities.

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4-Part Peace Circle Series!

Opening to Grace: Connection, Acceptance and Wealth of Love

• What if your ‘girl-child’ heard stories and poems of Goddess when growing up?
• What if the collective stories and metaphors of women from history, religion or even modern culture included images of a God/Divine/Creator that looked liked women?
• What if we re-birthed your ‘girl-child’ into your own true divinity, into the Goddess who looks like you?

4 Tuesdays  7:00 – 9:30 pm (Sept 10th, Oct 8th, Nov 12th, Dec 10th)

$275 (+HST)

Join Karen McCarthy & Shirley Lynn in exploring these and other important questions within the safety and care of a Peace Circle process.

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Cultivating a Joyful Life:

Balancing Self Care within Relationships

 Friday & Saturday, November 1st & 2nd,  9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Previous participants invariably find that their relationships improve after taking this workshop. Yours can too!

During this dynamic two-day workshop you will:

• Learn the personal steps and boundaries to live a happier and healthier you!
• Be more aware of your personal body-mind connection that makes your choices to happiness clearer;
• Develop positive strategies that move you out of “the drama” to a more secure and empowered belief about what you can do next;
• Learn how your body says yes to what makes you happy and no to what makes you sick;
• Choose relationships, family bonds, and career that awaken the more joyful you;
• Create an action plan to achieve your joyful life.

$285 (+HST)

Note: This workshop is an updated version of my “Fortify your Boundaries” course.

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Reiki Level One Training (Shoden)

Friday – Saturday, September 27th & 28th & Saturday, October 5th, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm [3 Days]

Wondering how learning Reiki will benefit you?

• Increase your joy & well-being
• Choose more constructive forms of self-expression
• Develop strategies to deal with anxiety & stress
• Establish stronger concentration & memory skills
• Become more able to look within for answers

You will learn Level One Reiki meditations, Reiki Ryoho history and core spiritual teachings, the Five Principles and how to apply them in your everyday life and the hand positions used to give treatments.

If you wish to speak with previous students, there are students who are happy to share their experiences, insights and what value they received and continue to receive. In addition to the course, I offer on-going support, monthly Reiki Practice nights as well as a free on-line yahoo group for students.

$350 (+HST)

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Animal Reiki: Enhancing your Gift of Healing and Connection with Animals

 Saturday, November 23rd, 12:30 – 4:30 pm

This half-day workshop will give you new skills, awareness and confidence in offering Reiki to our companion animals. We will share tips and examples to enhance your animal Reiki practice, improve your connection and understanding of animal communication. Follow up consults specific to course content will be offered for one month afterward.

Reiki Level One is a pre-requisite.

This workshop is led by Shirley Lynn Martin and Lucy Martin.  Shirley Lynn has been a certified Reiki Master for 15 years and has been blessed with working both with her own animals as well as clients. Lucy is a certified Reiki Level II practitioner, certified small animal acupressure and canine massage practitioner and has also trained in animal communication, as well as been offering dog care and socialization for 5 years.

$75 (+HST)

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Reiki Practice Nights:

Spiritual & Reiki Community Development

First Tuesday of the month 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm – September 3rd

A time to be with like-spirited Reiki practitioners to receive and offer treatments. Improve yourself as a Reiki channel and be supported in a community of healing and empowerment. Our focus will be on Spiritual & Reiki Community Development with time for connecting, meditation, Reiju, and Reiki exchanges.

These evenings are open and appropriate for all levels of training.

 $20 (+HST)

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Healing Techniques & Application

Third Tuesday of the month – September 17th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

This Reiki Practice Night builds on the techniques, concepts, hand positions, etc we first learned in the Levels trainings. We will be studying Usui’s manual for various illnesses and diseases, as well as Levels I & II resource materials. Focus is on developing skills and understanding concepts related to Reiki – exchanges are not part of this program.

$20 (+HST)     [$25+ HST for non-FRR students]

* Open to Reiki students who have studied with other teachers but are seeking additional information, practise and community. So please pass this along to other Reiki practitioners who are not currently in the Feathers, Rainbows & Roses community.

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 What a line-up! Hope to see you at some of these events. Please follow the links for more detailed information. As always, please remember to register as soon as possible to make planning more effective. Thanks!

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This is a REMINDER INVITATION to join us in celebrating the arrival of summer with a random draw for our one-of-a-kind Beat the Heat of Summer Gift Basket. In less than a week it will be here!! It’s time to pack away your jackets, sweatshirts and wooly socks and get out your sandals, shorts and sunblock.

As we mentioned earlier in the month, we are looking for your Best Summer Holiday Memory that had an impact on who you are today. Where were you (at the farm, beach, cottage, road trip, camping, etc) and who were you with? The entries we have already received are great and we look forward to sharing what everyone contributed next weekend. – Everyone who enters will automatically be entered into our draw for the Gift Basket.

This gift basket has a Patio theme – it features a beautiful pitcher with glasses, great drink recipes (love that Sangria!), soem ingredients to get you started, fabulous snack foods to enjoy while you relax and revel in the sun (or maybe shade) with someone or something you love.  Of course there will be other little surprises to fill every cranny of the basket.

Entries will be accepted until noon EDT on Friday, June 21st,, the first day of summer! Please send your responses to Shirley@shirleylynnmartin.com. The winner will be randomly chosen and notified by email later that day along with all the Summer Holiday stories that were submitted.

*Please note that delivery is not included. Pick up can be arranged through Shirley Lynn.

The summer of 1981 was a memorable one for me. I just finished high school and was looking for adventure. I found it in the form of biking across Canada with 21 others from various parts of Canada and the US. We started in the Pacific Ocean and ended 2 months later in the Atlantic.

I learned a lot that summer and I won’t bore you with the long version about all our trials and tribulations, joys and triumphs – can you say character-building? What stands out for me even today is the value of community in supporting each other through the highs and lows of our life journey – each of us could probably still recall a time on that trip when we didn’t think we could go on but someone said or did something that gave us the necessary support to keep moving forward. A simple squirt of water did the trip soometimes. Other times an imaginary tow line pulled someone up yet another mountain.

I like to believe that I have carried this lesson forward in my life. I want to remember and act on the knowledge that reaching out and offering help and support to someone (whether in big or small ways) can have a positive impact on that person, and maybe me too. As Red Green used to say, “…we’re all in this together”.

Some of you who know me may think – “I didn’t know she liked to bike”. And you’re right. I don’t. Never really did. I’ve rarely been on a bike since. But it still was the ride of a lifetime. Kind of a coming-of-age adventure that will stay with me forever.  I look forward to your stories too.  ~ Lucy

 

The true power and blessing of this season is about celebrating the hope of new life that Light represents. Whether you are Christian celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus, or a spiritual eclectic celebrating the Winter Solstice or a Jew celebrating Hanukkah, this season is about celebrating the Light that is our Hope in the dead of winter or in the middle of the night. We have heard of many stories over the past weeks of deep darkness and fear and senseless unconscious acts of violence. While we can experience shock and grief and even feel horror and anger at what has been done to the vulnerable and innocent, we must never lose sight of the Universal Light that offers us the HOPE of NEW LIFE.

This season, wherever, whenever, however, whatever moment is available for you to share and shine your great inner light, do so! It is vital to all the world. No matter how small or how big, no matter how radiant or how warm your inner light is, I call you out from fear and into the power of LIGHT so that all together our LIGHT and LOVE and HOPE can bring NEW LIFE to this world. What a miracle we hold in our hearts to manifest such a gift for all who live and breathe on this planet. Namaste.

Feathers:

In anticipation of the new year, I am excited to be introducing and incorporating Wisdom’s Way to Living Joy-Fully in 2013 into my soul coaching work. This simple easy to use workbook will help you discover, design, delight in and deliver the goals and self transformation you dream of manifesting in this next year. Wisdom’s Way to Living Joy-Fully in 2013 draws on the strength and innovation of David Cooperrider who formulated Appreciative Inquiry, the spiritual practice of contemplation and compassion and the influence of Appreciative Way by Dr. Rob Voyle of the Clergy Leadership Institute.

As my gift to you, I will be offering this workbook free to all those who book 1:1 sessions with me in the month of January. Contact Shirley Lynn today to get your free copy and get started on living joyfully!

Rainbows:

‘Tis the season of Light and Joy… celebrating the Light in You! Celebrate your Light this season so others may feel the joy that is possible for them too. Let your light and joy spread warmth and hope into the world. When you spread hope and joy and shine your light, Wisdom joins you in blessing the world with peace. Share in the Light of Peace and let the world around you learn to trust and heal its broken heart.

I’ve been thinking about all those who will walk an incredible road from trauma and grief and deep suffering to new light and hope because the world cares, loves and compassionately embraces them. I found this youtube from 2010 of a mob flash Xmas carol danced by young people and children in Milford CT about 20 miles from Newtown. My prayer is that as this town and its surrounding neighbours begins the path of healing, they remember to weave a more complete story of themselves and their children into their souls and history. Here is an incredible piece of that story. Watch it and help them weave in all that is good and hopeful and life-giving so the weight of their grief and horror is perhaps somewhat transmutable by the power of what is Light and Peace. Watch with loving presence: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJ5GDBc_BA

And for the children in China who were also mercilessly wounded, let us send forth our tender compassion that invites us all to remember the Buddha Light that shines on the heart and spirits of these children, their families and communities and the world. They too need to weave in all that is good and holy. Watch with open heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvdF3imjuJwv=bvdF3imjuJw

And to celebrate this Joy and Light… eat with mindful joyfulness! Exercise and dance with great enthusiasm!

Chewy Granola Cookies

• 1/3 cup. maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp brown rice syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 1 cup quinoa flakes
• 1/4 cup puffed amaranth
• 1/4 cup brown rice flour (I used almond flour)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1/3 cup dried currants
• 1/3 cup sesame seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease 2 cookie sheets or line with parchment.
3. In a small bowl whisk together maple syrup, brown rice syrup, vanilla, almond butter and tahini.
4. In a medium bowl mix together remaining dry ingredients.
5. Mix all together and spoon onto trays.
6. Bake 10-15 minutes. Cookies will firm up as they cool.

Roses

Reiki Practice Night

Tuesday, January 8th 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

A time to be with like-spirited Reiki practitioners to receive and offer treatments. Improve yourself as a Reiki channel and be supported in a community of healing and empowerment. Open to all levels of training. Cost: $23.00 (includes HST).

Peace Circle: New Love

Thursday, January 24th, 2013. 7-9:30 pm

With the beginnings of 2013, we have the possibility of stepping into our life choosing a new way or bringing forward the best of what we are living already. You are invited to join our free peace circle gathering, to share in the purpose of discovering NEW LOVE. We will be exploring the stories about the best of your love through appreciative remembering. This circle will introduce you to an upcoming 4-part series of our Peace Circle where we will celebrate, discover and inquire into the subtleties and depths of what this new love can be for us in the joyful living of our best life. (more information will be provided at the circle).

There is limited seating, so please get your registration in early. Held in west Waterloo. Contact ShirleyLynn at shirley@shirleylynnmartin.com or Karen McCarthy at karen.mccarthy@rogers.com for registration.

Reiki Level One training

3 days – Friday & Saturday, February 22-23, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm as well as Saturday, March 9, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

• For those seekers who want to be awake to their own self healing and to improve their mind/body/spirit connection for health, happiness and purpose.
• Learn and train in Reiki Ryoho, Gendai and Komyo Kai methods, which focus significantly on your spiritual growth and transformation as well as self-healing.
• Be introduced to Reiki treatments with other class members as well as a Reiki Master.

Please visit my website for additional information about this life-changing program.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful season and 2013 filled with laughter and joy, good health and many special moments.