Category: Newsletter

  • Flow Like Water. Be Like the River

    The supreme good is like water,

    which nourishes all things without trying to.

    It is content with the low places that people disdain.

    Thus it is like the Tao.

    Chapter 8, Tao Te Ching, translated by Stephen Miller

    ​

    Nothing in the world

    is as soft and yielding as water.

    Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible,

    nothing can surpass it.

    The soft overcomes the hard;

    the gentle overcomes the rigid.

    Everyone knows this is true,

    but few can put it into practice.

    Chapter 78, Tao Te Ching, translation by Stephen Miller

    Life force- made up of our ki, our blood, our heart-mind essence, our spirit- is what gives us aliveness, health, life itself. How we care for our life-force determines the quality of our lives. Our blood is mostly water. Our bodies are between 65-75% water. How we care for our inner waters determines the quality of our health. We are born out of water and when we die our spirit leaves through the water (body fluids). The waters within us flow in the same way as the waters on our Earth that nourish us.

    Wind moves and shapes the movement of surface water. The Earth’s rotation, the natural flow of gravity, the wind and the depth of the water all together shape the ultimate flow of water. The wisdom offered us in these Taoist texts is to flow/be like water, to allow ourselves to soften our body and mind well enough to be guided by the deeper currents of the Great Life that ultimately leads us to the ‘ocean’, our true destiny.

    When I travel through New York State, I love to go to Watkin’s Glen at the bottom of Seneca Lake and hike the Glen/gorge. It truly is a marvel of Nature. (The dramatic gorge was carved by receding glaciers and flowing water over roughly 10,000 years, revealing rock layers formed 400 million years ago). The Gorge is 3+km through to Seneca Lake to Seneca River, eventually flowing into Lake Ontario. From Lake Ontario, this water continues to flow into the St. Lawrence (which travels through several provinces and finally joins with the Atlantic Ocean. The math that has been done for this journey suggests that it takes this water from Watkin’s Glen to the Atlantic Ocean 25 years. A quarter of a century journey.

    On a hot summer’s day walking through the Glen, the water gently flows, creating sweet music while flowing over the rocks and glistening in the sun between the shades of trees growing out of the rock. (That’s another whole story!). I can imagine it would take a long time to reach any destination at this speed of gentle flow. And yet when the rains fall and the wind blows, the higher water flows swiftly through the Gorge and just beyond, Seneca Lake can get quite rough. I’ve travelled alongside this river and lake to Lake Ontario several times. At other times, I have travelled along the St. Lawerence and I imagine driving alongside the water that I know has come from Watkin’s Glen. Similarly, when I travelled to Perth, Western Australia, I imagined connecting with droplets of water that had come from this local Grand River watershed. The millennial journey it must have taken.

    We won’t be here for a millennial like water. But imagine the depth of love and the power of its original nature to flow and nourish everything along its path without ever forsaking its responsibility to sustain all beings here on this planet. Thus, water is like the Tao, the text affirms.

    Water never travels back from the Atlantic, back down the St Lawrence, through Lake Ontario, back through Seneca River, etc. It’s journey is forward, towards the Atlantic. The water surrenders to the deeper gravitational rotation of the Earth. It flows away from the mountain tops and peaks to the lowest valleys and places. And along the way, its yielding, soft, ever-flowing nature, rounds stones, cracks rocks, can sink boats and cause colossal damage to manmade structures.

    The invitation in this text to live in the way of water is rather challenging and yet provides a map of beingness that can help us stay hopeful, fed with faith, be full of love and generosity, and reach our destinies.

    Yield. Surrender. Stay soft when flowing.

    I once had a client who taught white water rafting. She told me that one of the first things she learned was to surrender to the water if you go overboard. When you surrender to the water (rapids), she said, it will save you. Fight water/rapids and you will drown. When you surrender, you open to the natural laws that can save you, she shared. Natural Laws such as:

    Conservation of energy: Fighting a powerful current drains your physical strength in minutes.

    The “Whitewater Float”: Staying on your back with feet pointed downstream allows you to bounce off rocks and stay buoyant.

    Working with the river: Rivers have natural exit points like eddies; yielding to the water eventually carries you to calmer areas.

    When we yield and surrender while in the flow of life, we accept life’s flow rather than resist it. We know that resistance to life’s flow creates significant suffering.

    Fighting the water is like trying to control the water while you are simultaneously expending your energy. Little good will come of this attempt to control. Releasing the illusion of control and surrender to the actual flow of water will eventually lead you beyond the eddies and rapids to calmer areas. Recognizing all the fantasies and illusions we carry and believe about our control of life’s flow, rather than surrendering to the flow can truly take 25 years of lessons to learn. When we surrender to the flow of life and trust it, we will more readily be able to navigate difficult circumstances and transitions.

    Our inner waters often carries our feelings. When we allow our feelings to flow with our inner waters, our feelings move through us. When we hold in, fight with, hold onto, block the flow of our feelings, we block the inner flow of our waters. Over time, stagnation of our inner waters becomes a breeding ground for health imbalances and eventually disease. Staying aligned with the Earth’s rotational gravity, staying grounded to Earth that is, helps us to calm and steady our inner waters (our emotions). Stories that we tell ourselves about our feelings (ie. I can’t handle my grief and sadness) is like the surface wind that can add to rough waters. What happens in Nature, happens inside our bodies, our being. We are feeling beings. The way we soften and surrender to the flow of life and the feelings that arise determines the quality of our lives and relationships. When we allow our inner waters to flow and carry our emotions in a calm and steady way, we discover what really matters to us, what we truly value and how we therefore choose to move in the world.

    Next month I will offer you a working example of “be like water” and what I learned from 8 years helping and walking in the Grand River Water Walk ceremony led by Ojibwe, Anishinaabe, bear Clan Elder Mary Anne Caibaoisai.

    For this month’s reflection:

    1. What do you love about water?
    2. What do you need to attend to so your inner waters can flow?
    3. If you have been allowing your emotions to flow in an organic way through your body, what is changing?
    4. What keeps you from yielding and softening like water where you need to do so? What’s the impact of hardening against the flow?
    5. What joy are you keeping from yourself in blocking your emotions and the inner waters that carry them?

    Peace to your inner waters,

    ©️Shirley Lynn Martin, August 2026.

  • Welcome Newsletter: Intention, Attention and Vital Life Force…Reclaiming our Sovereign Powers

    Welcome to my newsletter!

    Heartfelt greetings to new and old Feathers, Rainbows & Roses readers. Welcome to this newly re-birthed journey through life in writing form. May it be a place to pause, to reflect with tea, to come home to yourself and journey the path to your truth, beauty and wisdom. May you find support, shared commitments to reclaiming joy and inner peace on this path where we walk together. I say ‘we’ because in our conversations, our shared remembering and exploring new ways is something that happens ‘in the field beyond right doing and wrong doing. I will meet you there. (Rumi)

    ​

    Intention, Attention and Our Vital Life Force (Energy)

    Parable

    Ruth woke up in the morning feeling tired in body and already exhausted in mind. Though she had promised herself she wouldn’t go down the rabbit hole of scrolling last night, it happened again and she went to bed late and her sleep was disrupted. The meetings scheduled today at work would demand her compliance to projects she didn’t care about and systems of communication that felt disconnected from anything real and heart felt. She was looking forward to the weekend when she could unwind and let her nervous system relax. As she was getting ready for work, she remembered she had agreed to attend and volunteer at a local fundraising event on Friday night. It wasn’t that she was against the organization and the fundraiser. Rather, she could feel the inner pull to move on and look into a new opportunity that had come her way through a trusted colleague. But she felt like she shouldn’t move on. She would let others down. She couldn’t leave work either. She knew she was only staying at the job for financial reasons. Everything else about work had long ago dimmed and the stressors were mounting daily. Her body ached and she couldn’t remember the last time she took time for herself to meditate, walk in Nature, listen to cello that she loved or even do the art she promised herself she would get back to this year. She hasn’t even got close to that room in her home. In fact, it finally occurred to her that she was living on autopilot, a default state of reacting to life and the social demands she perceived controlled her. Every night, to cope with either the stress and emptiness, she turned to scrolling, allowing her attention and focus to be manipulated and stolen. As the days turned to weeks, she realized how depleted in her body and spirit she felt half way through the year. She couldn’t find the vitality she had 3 years earlier. Something in Ruth stirred. She sent an email looking for some signal that someone could help her. It was Ruth’s first intentional decision in a very long time. This intention to do different started a journey of change.

    INTENTION

    Intentions help us focus on conscious qualities, values or ways of being that clarify how we show up to the moment, regardless of outcome. Intentions can help us orient towards practices of kindness, gratefulness, mindfulness, compassion, love—practices that come from the heart. Goals differ in that we focus on achieving specific results that are meaningful to us and often enrich our lives in some way. Goals are about the ‘what’ we seek to make happen. Intentions are about the ‘how’ we meet life as life meets us and the actions we therefore take. Intention sets our direction in life.

    ATTENTION

    Giving something our attention means that we allow that ‘something’ to occupy our mind, our senses and even potentially our heart. It means I am directing my awareness to a ‘specific something.’ Our attention answers the question, ‘what am I noticing or focusing on right now?’ Ii is where I place my awareness moment to moment and thus fundamentally creates relationship between ourselves and the ‘something’ we noticing. Our attention/awareness acknowledges the existence of ‘something’ and in our noticing we allow its influence on us. Our attention (awareness) is one of the most important and sovereign powers we have. Where we place our attention, mindfully and consciously, is what grows in significance and where we allocate more resources. Simone Weil described attention as a form of generosity, writing, “attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” Practicing right attention/right awareness over time deepens and strengthens our wisdom and discernment, she states.

    VITAL LIFE FORCE

    In Eastern philosophy, ‘chi’ (in Japanese-‘Ki”, in India -‘Prana”) is the vital life force that animates life. Ki is not something we manufacture. Ki is something we cultivate, nourish, receive. Vital Life Force is sometimes described as the phenomenon of ki (energy), blood (essence), spirit (kokoro), and Jing (DNA, ancestral). This “Energy” is something we allow to flow, hopefully with the least amount of obstructions and restrictions. In our everyday expressions, we refer to ‘our energy’ as representing our experience of our physical vitality, emotional state, mental clarity, presence, attitude, or way of relating to others. We know the impact when ‘our energy’ is depleted. Sometimes chronic depletion of vital life force is confused with depression. The symptoms can leave us lifeless as our purpose is inaccessible to us. With ‘energy’, we experience the vitality of living and taking action towards what we value and care about.

    In Eastern philosophy, where we focus our intention and attention, energy (Life Force) flows. And where our life force flows —through meridians chakras and other systems and centres), blood (our essence) follows (a means to health). Intention, attention (or awareness) and life-force are foundations for happiness and health. Without intentions and awareness, we cannot experience spiritual, relational and personal growth and fulfillment. Our lives are rendered largely meaningless. Without vitality and healthy life force, we are incapable of taking action and achieving goals and aspirations that bring meaning and joy to our lives and relationships.

    3 SOVEREIGN POWERS

    In my life, these foundations are sovereign powers to me. It may seem obvious why these are our raw powers when we pause and absorb their purpose and function. “Of course my energy and resources flow where my intention and attention goes. Of course my blood follows my flow of ki.” When air (wind) moves, water (and its currents) moves. The water follows the river bed. Nature is always in motion because its’ life force is always in motion. The seasons, the cycles, the reciprocal relationships between all things reveal Her intention for sustainability, harmony and balance through the nourishment of love. We see that She is always seeking balance and harmony, regeneration, through cause and effect, growth and death, like attracts like and repels the opposite (examples of Natural Law).

    Giving space here to identify and clarify the foundations, to recognize the power they give us, helps us with choosing and creating the meaningful and peaceful life we want to live. When we bring our choices, decisions, or actions to these foundations and core powers, we will find an honesty in what is needed, what is ours to do and not do. If, for example, our intention is do be kind in how we show up to our relations, and then make a thoughtless decision out of greed or jealousy, we will lose power in our vital life force. We also create an inner conflict between intention, awareness and energy flow. We create a blockage or restriction to the flow of our life force and the actions that arise from it.

    ​

    I like a simple life. A simple life paradoxically includes incredible challenges and is equally harmonious with complexity. A simple life for me means my intentions are conscious and clear. My attention towards my intentions is daily, steady and focused. My life force follows in the direction of my spirit-mind’s intentions (kokomo-heart-mind, as we say in Reiki practice). At the end of each day, I can trust that I have taken steps, flowed my energy in the path of my intentions for joyful living. I personally don’t like the feeling that I gave away my energy (raw power) towards what didn’t nourish me, didn’t fulfill me. In living with conscious intentions and attention, influencing the flow of my life force, much like water flows, I reclaim my sovereignty from the colonization, the corporatization, or the violent expressions of hegemony from military to pharma to political to religious to AI technology who want me to betray and acquiesce my sovereignty.

    BOUNDARIES AND PRACTICES

    I create boundaries that support my intentions. I give permission for my attention and awareness to be sustained in the direction of my intentions as a boundary. I harness my energy towards these intentions (and goals) and attention as boundary work. This kind of boundary creating is the work of my soul. When we are conscious and mindful with these foundational powers, creating and maintaining boundaries is soul work. When our boundaries align with our core powers, they help to sustain our core power. Most simply, to return to a place of our power is to say NO to what misaligns us with our intentions, steals our attention and drains our energy. It equally calls us to say YES to what uplifts our energy, what positively guides our attention and what manifests our intentions for a meaningful, happy and healthy life.

    ​
    Spiritual practices that cultivate mindful (awakened) intentions, build sustained attention or awareness of our senses, feelings and experiences and restores flow and balance to our life-force will light up our inner knowing (intuition) of the choices, decisions and actions needed in the moment. It will awaken us to love, beauty and possibilities.

    Mental rehearsals or multi-sensory anchoring (visualization techniques) can trigger the Reticular Activating System (RAS), the gatekeeper system in the brain. Among other functions, it helps your brain look for resources and opportunities that align with your pictured and clear intentions and goals. This system helps you notice the book, the song, the item that previously was irrelevant and suddenly becomes valuable for your intention (and goals). And simultaneously, it prioritizes attention to your survival.

    ​

    THE WORKING EXAMPLE

    Intention: to love and be loved

    Attention: to notice what love feels like in my body (senses),

    to notice what love does (ie be kind, forgives, be generous,)

    to pay attention to love’s true nature (it’s honest, warm, light-shines like the sun everywhere)

    to notice the way love expands my heart (and mind)

    to pay attention to the way love opens, includes, flows

    to be present to love, know love as presence

    to notice what nourishes love (and what dims its light)

    Energy (life force) flow: to give hugs and affection as a living expression of my love appropriate to the relationship

    to sit in awe and wonder in the beauty and miracle of Nature

    to speak honestly, kindly and from the heart

    to release my judgements and negative prejudices

    to move my body in the movements of sharing love

    to move my body in the movements of receiving love

    to listen with heart and mind (kokoro), with ears, with intention

    to release what dims and restricts the flow of love (giving and receiving)

    to breathe in and receive love in all its expressions

    to breathe out and let go of the resentments that block the flow of love

    Boundaries: breathe in love, breathe out judgements

    say YES to expressions of love that honour my relationship with myself, the environment and the other

    Say YES to loving myself

    Say NO LONGER to beliefs that I’m not worthy, nor deserving of love

    Say No to what dims my love (light)

    Say No to what distracts my attention from loving and being loved

    Say No to what depletes me, or steals my energy away from my intention (and attention )

    Say YES to beauty (beauty invites our attention, opens the heart and awakens love)

    Say YES to where love invites me to participate,

    Say YES where love affirms my belonging

    Say YES where love manifests my sovereignty

    ​

    FOR YOUR REFLECTION and CONVERSATIONS:

    1). Write out and clarify two core intentions deeply important to you

    2) What attention/awareness do these core intentions require of you? What are you being called to notice as you declare your two intentions

    3) When you think about, feel, speak these intentions, what happens to your life energy as you begin to express your intentions and attention in this way?

    4) What boundaries do you need to communicate to yourself and others to protect, give life to and sustain your intentions and the energy needed to express and live these intentions?

    5). I said that your intentions, your attention and your life force are your sovereign powers. Why does having sovereignty over the core powers matter to you?

    ©️Shirley Lynn Martin

    July 2026

  • Finding Your Path for Passion and Healing

    New!! Online webinar course

    Find a New Path for Your Passion in Life, Rooted in Self Compassion

    In this NEW on-line course, we will embrace the practice of Peace Circle (using the Zoom platform). Traditionally, Circles are gatherings in which all participants sit in a circle facing each other to facilitate open, direct communication. Circles provide a safe, supportive space where all group members can talk about sensitive topics, work through differences, and build consensus.

    Self compassion, research shows, helps grow our self esteem, our self regard and as such, encourages us to reach towards our passions in life. And it has been shown to be effective in neutralizing shame. Spiritual traditions teach that compassion arises out of loving-kindness; and practising compassion for self and others makes us real human beings.

    Topics of this course (as backdrops to the stories we share):
    • What Self Compassion is (and isn’t) and why it is important both as a psychological benefit and as a spiritual practice
    • Exploring the 3 Faces of Compassion (tender, fierce, mischievous) and how these faces are equal expressions in Self Compassion
    • Embodying these 3 Faces of Self Compassion to expand both our sense of safety and courage to love in our life and relationships
    • Examine where self compassion enhances/enriches and creates resilience to live passionately in this chaotic age
    • and more…
    What you can expect in this course:
    • Meet monthly (see dates posted) in an on-line format, so you can join from the sacredness of your own home
    • Join a community of spiritually grounded people who want an honest and good way to grow, share and make a difference in their lives
    • Be guided with readings from modern research as well as ancient spiritual texts to stimulate our collective conversation and your personal journey
    • and more…

    As the course facilitator, Shirley Lynn Martin brings more than 20 years of experience as a Soul and Life Development Coach, Reiki Master/Teacher, whole life therapist and ordained Reverend. She has a very diverse formal (as well as informal) education and has trained in the field of ‘Circle work’ with some of the best trainers in the field. This NEW online course is a culmination of her many years of training, passion, purpose and wisdom.

    Online Meeting Dates: Tuesdays: March 17th, April 14th, May 12th, and June 9th, 7:00-8:30pm EST

    Course Fee: $200.00 plus HST ($226.00 if paid with e-transfer, cash or check). On-line payment will have an additional surcharge.

    Course size will be limited to 10 participants. REGISTER NOW to secure your spot. Email Shirley Lynn  to register. Pre-course preparation materials will be sent early in March. ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT! 

    Upcoming: Reiki Level One (3 days)

    Is it time to awaken to something more true in you, and in life? Is it time return to a happiness and health you know is yours to attain? Spring is about to give birth to new life. Join us in this Reiki course and give birth to your spirit’s radiance and empowerment for a happier life!

    Take this golden opportunity to begin your path to self-healing and spiritual development with Reiki. Awaken to its power and mystery. Deepen your journey by joining an active community of supportive and like-minded fellow seekers and Reiki practitioners.

    Friday & Saturday March 27 & 28th and Saturday April 4th, 2020 [9:30am-4:30pm]

    Connect with Shirley Lynn for more information and to register.

  • January 2020 Newsletter

    New!! Online webinar course

    Find a New Path for Your Passion in Life, Rooted in Self Compassion

    In this NEW on-line course, we will embrace the practice of Peace Circle (using the Zoom platform). Traditionally, Circles are gatherings in which all participants sit in a circle facing each other to facilitate open, direct communication. Circles provide a safe, supportive space where all group members can talk about sensitive topics, work through differences, and build consensus.

    Self compassion, research shows, helps grow our self esteem, our self regard and as such, encourages us to reach towards our passions in life. And it has been shown to be effective in neutralizing shame. Spiritual traditions teach that compassion arises out of loving-kindness; and practising compassion for self and others makes us real human beings.

    Topics of this course (as backdrops to the stories we share):
    • What Self Compassion is (and isn’t) and why it is important both as a psychological benefit and as a spiritual practice
    • Exploring the 3 Faces of Compassion (tender, fierce, mischievous) and how these faces are equal expressions in Self Compassion
    • Embodying these 3 Faces of Self Compassion to expand both our sense of safety and courage to love in our life and relationships
    • Examine where self compassion enhances/enriches and creates resilience to live passionately in this chaotic age
    • and more…
    What you can expect in this course:
    • Meet monthly (see dates posted) in an on-line format, so you can join from the sacredness of your own home
    • Join a community of spiritually grounded people who want an honest and good way to grow, share and make a difference in their lives
    • Be guided with readings from modern research as well as ancient spiritual texts to stimulate our collective conversation and your personal journey
    • and more…

    As the course facilitator, Shirley Lynn Martin brings more than 20 years of experience as a Soul and Life Development Coach, Reiki Master/Teacher, whole life therapist and ordained Reverend. She has a very diverse formal (as well as informal) education and has trained in the field of ‘Circle work’ with some of the best trainers in the field. This NEW online course is a culmination of her many years of training, passion, purpose and wisdom.

    Online Meeting Dates:  Tuesdays, March 17th, April 14th, May 12th, and  June 9th, 2020   [7:00-8:30pm EST]

    Course Fee:  $200.00 plus HST  ($226.00 if paid with e-transfer, cash or check). On-line payment will have an additional surcharge.

    Course size will be limited to 10 participants. Register now to secure your spot. Email Shirley Lynn for additional information and to register.

    Upcoming Courses and Workshops

    Monthly Reiki Practice Nights

    First Tuesday of every month. All levels of Reiki practitioners are welcome.

     

    Reiki Level One (3 days)

    Are you needing a self healing practice of self calm, self care, of self balance and grounding?

    Are you needing a meditation practice that enhances true self development, that awakens a universal connection to loving-kindness and compassion, that replenishes energetic flow and vitality?

    Take this golden opportunity to begin your path to self-healing and spiritual development with Reiki. Awaken to its power and mystery. Deepen your journey by joining an active community of supportive and like-minded fellow seekers and Reiki practitioners.

    Friday & Saturday March 27 & 28th and Saturday April 4th, 2020  [9:30am-4:30pm]

     

    Reiki Level Two (3 Days)

    Similar to Level One, you will have theory time, conversation and question time, table time, learning new meditations and techniques, as well as the Level Two Attunement.

    In Level Two, you will be learning symbols to help you understand the nature and flow of different kinds of energy and what is needed to restore balance and vitality of body, mind, spirit. As well, we will be learning how to do long distance healing (across time and space). This second level includes case study work and feedback in preparation to offering it professionally.

    Friday & Saturday July 10 & 11th and Saturday July 25th [9:30am-4:30pm]

     

    Reiki Master & Soul Coaching Program

    Students qualify for this level of instruction if they 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, are ready to commit to a deeper spiritual practice for the purpose of further psycho-spiritual integration.

    This Reiki Master/Teacher (Level Three and Four) Intensive includes 30+ hours in-class time over 6-8 months plus monthly assignments, reading and practice sessions with other students each week over a 8-10 month period. Teacher guidance and support provided throughout.

    First class: Saturday February 22, 2020 [9:30am-4:30pm]

     

    The Self Kindness Response: Boundaries for Healthy & Joyful Living (2 Days)

    Are you tired of feeling misunderstood, taken advantage of, uncared for and want to learn and practise how to say yes or no in ways that feel right for you? Do you struggle with setting boundaries that are kind yet firm? Are you ready to let go of longstanding feelings of hurt and resentment and choose instead ‘inner happiness’? As a highly sensitive person, do you find yourself picking up on other people’s emotional or energetic ‘stuff’? Are you ready to exercise greater loving-kindness in your self care?

    If you can relate to any of these questions, this workshop is for you!

    Mark your calendars now…

    Friday & Saturday September 25 & 26th, 2020  [9am-4pm]

  • Check out what’s all happening this fall

    What a glorious holiday weekend we had here in Ontario. I trust you took the time to enjoy it with family and friends, or perhaps you got some much needed solitary time. It is hard to believe that we are already into August, although this is a month I look forward to every year (I always plan to get away somewhere in August – looks like it will be a short trip to New York later in the month).

    I am sharing these upcoming workshops and Reiki training opportunities with you and hopefully one or more of these will strike a chord with your soul purpose.

    The Art and Practice of Forgiving – Discover the Freedom to Live

    WHAT does the act of forgiving actually mean? HOW do I forgive in a way that is useful and liberating?
    This one-day workshop is for anyone who wants to learn an effective and simple method to let go of the resentments that bind you to your past hurts and block you from your joy. We will also examine what interferes with forgiving and how forgiving is distinct from grieving a loss or healing a trauma.

    Saturday, September 14th, 2019
    9:00 am to 4:30 pm

    Find out more at Freedom to Live

    Reiki Level One

    Are you needing a self healing practice of self calm, self care, of self balance and grounding? Are you needing a meditation practice that enhances true self development, that awakens a universal connection to loving-kindness and compassion, that replenishes energetic flow and vitality? Take this golden opportunity to begin your path to self-healing and spiritual development with Reiki. Awaken to its power and mystery.

    Friday & Saturday October 4 & 5th & Saturday October 19th, 2019 (3 days)

    9:30 am to 4:30 pm

    For more details, see Reiki Level One

    Reiki Level Two

    Continue your journey… in this next level, you will be learning symbols to help you understand the nature and flow of different kinds of energy and what is needed to restore balance and vitality of body, mind, spirit. As well, we will be learning how to do long distance healing (across time and space).

    Friday & Saturday November 8 & 9th & Saturday November 16th, 2019 (3 days)

    9:30am – 4:30pm

    For much more detail, see Reiki Level Two

    Reiki Master / Teacher

    Students qualify for this level of instruction if they 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, are ready to commit to a deeper spiritual practice for the purpose of further psycho-spiritual integration.
    This Reiki Master/Teacher (Level Three and Four) Intensive includes 30+ hours in-class time over 6-8 months plus monthly assignments, reading and practice sessions with other students each week over a 8-10 month period. Teacher guidance and support provided throughout.

    First In Class Date: Saturday, February 22nd, 2019 [9:30-4:30]

    For more information about dates and requirements, see Reiki Master

    Are you interested in knowing what it requires to work as a professional Reiki practitioner? Come and join the conversation with Jennifer Godwin and myself …

    Ethical and Legal Considerations for the Reiki Practitioner

    Pre-requisite: Reiki Ryoho Level II

    This 8 hour workshop is for Reiki practitioners who wish to have those uncommon discussions about the ethics and legal considerations when providing a professional Reiki healing service. For those of you who also offer other modalities, this will still have relevance. Through case studies, reflections, discussion and presentations, participants will learn what is necessary when considering working with the public professionally.

    Saturdays September 28th and October 26th, 2019
    9:00am – 1:00pm (both days)

    Note: If you are at a distance, and would like to attend, we are going to set up a zoom option for this workshop.

    Full details are posted at Ethical & Legal Considerations

    There’s more to come but mark your calendars now so you don’t miss these special opportunities for your personal growth. As always, please contact me for more details if you can’t find it on my webpage. I look forward to sharing these events with you.

    Namaste,

    Shirley Lynn

  • This Workshop WILL Change Your Life!

    Mark Your Calendar For This One…

    Are you tired of feeling misunderstood, taken advantage of, uncared for and want to learn and practise how to say yes or no in ways that feel right for you?

    Do you struggle with setting boundaries that are kind yet firm?

    Are you ready to let go of longstanding feelings of hurt and resentment and choose instead ‘inner happiness’?

    As a highly sensitive person, do you find yourself picking up on other people’s emotional or energetic ‘stuff’?

    Are you ready to exercise greater loving-kindness in your self care?

    If you can relate to any of these questions, this workshop is for you!

    “There is a very complicated and non-negotiable relationship between boundaries and (self) compassion”.  Brene Brown

    The Self Kindness Response: Boundaries for Healthy and Joyful Living

    women-friends-1577910_640Join Shirley Lynn Martin for two full days of evaluation, imagining and insight. In the safe intimate setting of this workshop, you will have ample opportunities to discuss questions from your personal experience as well as the in-class exercises (ie “What if my husband/wife/partner does this __?” or “How do I respond when my mother/child/sibling does that?”). Out of this, you will be able to create an action plan that will guide you in your communications, your life and relationships beyond this experience.

    This workshop is very interactive with exercises designed to clarify who you truly are and how you want to re-imagine your relationships and life. You will leave the workshop with a clear understanding about the mind/body/spirit connection – to empower you beyond this course with useful skills for a self-kindness response in your daily decisions. As you step out again into the ‘real’ world and live the changes you have initiated in this workshop, you will continue to benefit from the accountability and support of fellow participants.

    PARTICIPATING IN THIS DYNAMIC TWO-DAY WORKSHOP WILL HELP YOU:

    goal-729571_640Learn specific personal steps and boundaries you need to live a kinder and healthier dance with yourself!
    Become more aware of your personal body-mind connection that make your choices to happiness clearer;
    Develop positive strategies that move you beyond ‘the drama’ to more life-giving relationships with yourself and others;
    Learn HOW your body says yes to what makes you happy and no to what makes you sick;
    Experience the real power of self- kindness, and release the self-destruction of people-pleasing; and
    Create a motivation for self care and boundaries rooted in loving-kindness.

    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

    The Self Kindness Response: Boundaries for Healthy and Joyful Living

    Friday & Saturday, May 31  & June 1, 2019

    9:00 am to 5:00 pm

    Location: Private Home just minutes from (north) Waterloo, ON

    (Super-delicious morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Please bring your own lunch or visit nearby eateries.) You are welcome to enjoy the property during break times.

    Cost: $297* +HST (if paid cash, check or e-transfer)

    If you know this transformative two-day workshop – The Self Kindness Response: Boundaries for Healthy and Joyful Living – is exactly what you have been looking for, register today to ensure your enrolment. Limited seating. If you need more information or want to discuss how this workshop might benefit you, contact Shirley Lynn.

    Need a sampler of this workshop? Check out my three-part podcast series In Conversation with Jen about Boundaries for Healthy & Joyful Living. Join my conversations with Jen Bodenham as we explore what boundaries are and why we need them. I hope it motivates you to join me!

  • New Year news

    Happy New Years to each and every one of you. I am excited about the growth and new opportunities that are in store for me (and I hope you as well). The first part of the year has lots to offer for anyone interested in Reiki, regardless of where you are on the Reiki path…

    I am proud to share the Diamond Degrees Reiki Training and Soul Coaching Program with you. It is a unique integration of a spiritual path that cultivates inner peace, relaxation and wellness, freedom and happiness through self-healing practices of self-purification, body/mind reunification and wholeness, meditation practices of concentration and of awakening our truest nature. Soul Coaching supports the Reiki student to translate this spiritual path and healing art into practical approaches and actions that bring transformative healing within ourselves and to all who live on and in this Earth.

    If this in-depth program appeals to you, contact Shirley Lynn to start this gentle spiritual journey of healing and discovery…

    Reiki Level One (3 days) on April 6, 7 & 14th, 2018 (9:30am – 4:30pm)

    Reiki Level Two (3 days) February 3, 9 & 10th, 2018 (9:30am – 4:30pm)

    Reiki Master & Soul Coaching Program (9months) begins February 24th, 2018 (9:30am – 4:30pm)

    Details about each level are available on my website. If this is your path (or if you’re wondering if it is), please contact me via email, in person, or by phone. I’d be honoured to walk this path with you. ~ Shirley Lynn

    Connecting with the Flow of Chi [one day workshop]

    Sunday, April 15th, 2018 (9:30am – 4:30pm)

    Join me for this Special Opportunity to spend the day “in the flow” with Junji Kanai, a Shiatsu massage therapist for more than 30 years. I have asked him to teach us more about following and understanding ‘chi’ in the body.

    I am opening this opportunity up first to Reiki students – after March 15th, any available spots will be offered to other interested persons who have not studied Reiki. Please note that you will not be a shiatsu therapist at the end of the day. Rather, our intent is to learn from someone who may provide insights into supporting how we experience ‘ki as a single flow’ in people and deepening our channelling of Reiki.

    For details about this workshop, visit Connecting with the Flow of Chi.

    The Self Kindness Response: Boundaries for Healthy & Joyful Living [two day workshop]

    Friday & Saturday, June 2 & 3rd, 2018 (9:00am – 5:00pm)

    Are you tired of feeling misunderstood, taken advantage of, uncared for and want to learn and practise how to say yes or no in ways that feel right for you? Do you struggle with setting boundaries that are kind yet firm? Are you ready to let go of longstanding feelings of hurt and resentment and choose instead ‘inner happiness’? As a highly sensitive person, do you find yourself picking up on other people’s emotional or energetic ‘stuff’? Are you ready to exercise greater loving-kindness in your self care?

    If you can relate to any of these questions, this workshop is for you!

    For many more details about this transformative workshop, please visit The Self Kindness Response: Boundaries for Healthy & Joyful Living.

    Coming Soon...

    Next week I will make available my latest podcast series called Dis-Entangling your Relationships.

    Join Shirley Lynn and Colin Hillstrom in this three-part conversation series about the healing and dis-entangling work necessary from our past relationships so that we can enjoy the best by showing up as our best self.

     

  • RE-IGNITE YOUR PRACTICE OF PEACE AT THE WINTER SOLSTICE PEACE CIRCLE

    In this season of light, come join us and re-ignite your legacy of love and peace for the ‘children’ [of all species] of tomorrow.

    This Winter Solstice, our Circle will be contemplating the legend of the Tree of Great Peace and the Peace-Maker who brought the laws of peace to the Haudenosaunee. This Great Law of Peace encourages us to take action and restore true democratic peace among nations, among families and with any who are different from ourselves, by finally letting go the weapon we use to attack the blessed humanity.

    Through sharing story, meditation and deep listening, we will bring to light the familial weapon we still carry with us, not unlike the conflicts in this legend. With loving witness to one another, we will have the opportunity to surrender and transform the ‘weapon’ we carry into its original gift so our future (ours and our children) can be healed.

    Outcomes:
    • Find inspiration and discover a new, yet ancient way to bring peace to the planet and each other
    • Inspire ourselves to be fully present to this season as a true peace-maker
    • Remember the joy and connection that is at the heart of sharing love and peace
    • Connect with a community in a meaningful way as we renew an ancient peace practice
    • Touch again the peace and calm of silence in this season of light
    • Remember our responsibility to protect the peace
    • Lay down and transform the ‘weapon’ you carry against yourself and your neighbour.

    We hope you will join us!

    Peace Circle Facilitators,

    Shirley Lynn Martin & Karen McCarthy

    Wednesday, December 20th, 2017  7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

    Cost: $45.00 +HST  if paid with cash, checks or e-transfer

    (*Additional PayPal user fee of $3.00 will be applied for on-line payment)

    Location: Waterloo, ON

    To Register or for additional information, see Peace Circles or contact Shirley Lynn Martin at shirley@shirleylynnmartin.com or 519-886-6732. Space is limited so register early. Additional details will be released upon registration.

  • What’s on the Horizon? Coming up…

    It’s hard to believe summer is more than half over… with the abundance of rain we have had this year, there is still so much lushness and vibrancy. My mom’s gardens are flourishing and are popping with colour and life. Amidst all this growth and expansiveness, I too feel the urge to open my arms to the sky and drink in the warmth of the sun.

    The cooler nights remind me that the summer won’t last forever (it never does), and September will soon bring about a renewed busyness and prescribed routines to manage our time and energy.

    As you begin to prioritize your schedules and pencil in those important dates, I want to share with you the upcoming events at Feathers, Rainbows & Roses…

    Reiki with Animals workshop

    Saturday, August 12th, 2017

    I am looking forward to this new learning experience… I know those who are attending will have an amazing day!

     

    The Self Kindness Response: Boundaries for Healthy & Joyful Living Workshop

    Friday & Saturday, September 29-30th, 2017, 9am-5pm

    I have been offering this life-changing workshop for several years and every time I am awe-struck with how the participants are ready to step out and truly look at themselves with fresh eyes and a open heart.

    Over the course of a couple days, we explore, imagine, and ultimately establish individualized new action plans that will guide you in your communications, your life and relationships beyond this workshop.

    If you are tired of living your life at less than your full potential, this workshop is for you! Come and find out who you truly are and how you want to re-imagine your relationships and life…

    For many more details about this workshop, see Joyful Living.

     

    Peace Circle – Together for Peace: Respect, Safety & Dignity for All!

    Wednesday, September 20th, 2017, 7:00 – 9:30pm

    In conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Peace, Karen and Shirley Lynn invite you to join them in this global movement of “together for peace”. We will be exploring the question Who will you make peace with on this day?

    Through the practice of sitting in circle and listening to each other’s stories of peace done well, as well as sorrow for when we have fallen short of this ideal, we will be strengthening the ideals of peace in our world.

    Come, let us stand for respect, safety and dignity for all. Peace is not a distant goal. Peace is the way. For additional information, see Autumn Peace Circle.

     

    Reiki Master/teacher Intensive 

    Starting in Spring, 2018

    I am again hoping to offer the Reiki Master/Teacher intensive starting in the Spring of 2018. For those current Reiki Level Two students who are considering this next step, please work on your case studies and submit them to me by January 31, 2018.

    Students qualify for this level of instruction if they 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, are ready to commit to a deeper spiritual practice for the purpose of further psycho-spiritual integration.

    If you are interested in taking this course, please contact me to discuss your readiness…

    On Vacation…

    I will be on vacation next week (August 13-20) and will be hitting the open road (and sea) for some much-anticipated family time in New York. I look forward to connecting with you again when I return to my office and email the following week.

    Namaste,

    Shirley Lynn

  • An Open Invitation to Celebrate Our Relationship with Mother Earth

    Outdoor Peace Circle: Loving Mother Earth, Loving Self

    “Each of us carries Mother Earth inside of us. You are the Earth. You realise that your consciousness is also the consciousness of the Earth.  – Thich Nhat Hanh

    You are invited to enjoy the full sensory experience of Mother Earth’s love and beauty in this first Outdoor Peace Circle. Amidst the many sights, sounds and scents of a backyard garden, we will delve into – what’s our tipping point that moves us from being in love with Mother Earth to being out of love with ourselves (and thus with Mother Earth)?

    Co-Facilitators Shirley Lynn Martin & Karen McCarthy have put together an inspiring Peace Circle on Saturday, June 24th during which participants will have the opportunity to reflect on and draw wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh’s article ‘Falling Back in Love with Mother Earth’.

    Come. Join Us in cherishing our precious Earth. This is a matter of personal and collective happiness and survival.

    Outcomes we wish for this Circle:

    • to learn ‘to do’ self love by ‘loving Mother Earth’
    • to expand, enhance and deepen our meaning of self love as we learn to expand/deepen our meaning of loving Mother Earth
    • to create deeper connection and integrated awareness of the path to loving ourselves, to loving Mother Earth
    • to support community who chooses to love ourselves, Mother Earth, and each other
    • to experience the healing power in the Circle ceremony and stories that collectively transform our being and our relationships.

    Saturday, June 24th, 2017

    12:00pm – 4:00pm in Waterloo, ON

    this Circle will be outdoors (weather permitting)

    Cost: $60 (+HST)

    For more information about Peace Circle and to register, please email Shirley Lynn at Shirley@shirleylynnmartin.com. To register online, see Loving Mother Earth, Loving Self.

    Registration Deadline is Monday June 19th (to avoid late fee)

    Looking forward to sitting in Circle with you!

    Karen & Shirley Lynn

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