Resources for Conscious Relationships and Living

Body/Mind/Spirit Integration
a Haven Workshop
August 14-17, 2006

Building upon the insights contained in Wayne C. Allen's popular book, This Endless Moment, this workshop is a hands-on experience of true integration. During the workshop, we'll explore east-west technologies and techniques for self-knowing and acceptance.

Our goal is to help you to truly step into your own skin and stay there, in a peaceful, clear, non-judgmental, and focused way.

The workshop takes advantage of the understandings of the Human Potential Movement, Existentialist and Transpersonal Psychotherapies; Zen based meditation and communication, and Bodywork of several stripes and flavours. Participants will thus have practical experiences of grounded, centered meditation, body movement therapies (Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and dancing meditation), Body and Breathwork techniques, and Zen-based approaches to living life fully and deeply.

Body Techniques

We will explore the traditional Eastern approaches of Acupressure / Acupuncture theory, Chakra theory, as well practicing several approaches to Breathwork.

Eastern

We will be taking an in-depth, hands-on look at the movement of energy in the Chakra system. We will explore each chakra, for its meaning, for what it can tell us about emotional and physical illnesses and issues, and for its “feel”. Using both meditation and Bodywork, we'll find and eliminate blocks to the free flow of qi through the chakras.

Since "all energy is the same energy," we'll talk about being comfortable with the flow of energy in our bodies. We will use visualization, stretches, and Bodywork to explore the safe movement and release of this life-giving force through the body, and especially up the spine. In a comfortable environment, we'll "unblock the blocks" to the full release of this flavour of qi.

We will discuss and continually work with proper breathing techniques. With focused, relaxed, deep breathing participants will become more relaxed, energized and clear headed.

Western

We will discuss “character armour” – the holding patterns in the body, exploring their meaning and outcome. We will use our "patented" Zen Bodywork Psychotherapy technology, "The Grid," to photograph and truly see the blocks.

Using “The Grid,” we’ve come up with the answer to a thorny issue:

How does each participant get a sense of their own body?

Our answer is to use technology to capture digital views - front, back and side, and imposing upon them a grid. Now, one can easily see body tilt, imbalances and curls.

We will also spend time looking at, developing, and strengthening each participant’s perception of and use of Qi, as a healing, calming and meditative force.

Mind Techniques

Using lessons from This Endless Moment, we will explore how one "lets go" of patterned behaviours and thinking. Using dialog, practice, and simple presence, participants will learn to sit with themselves and others in a clear, non-judgmental way, truly seeing and hearing others and themselves.

This work will help participants “simply be” in the present moment. All too often, our minds lead us away from the day-to-day business of “simply living” to the “non-presence” of past traumas and future dilemmas. These “non-present” events are quite distracting - even overwhelming.

• Participants will learn to hear “the voices in their heads” in a gentle and non-judgmental way.
• “Letting go” exercises and dialogs heal past events through forgiveness, meditation and focus.
• Participants will experience differences between the present moment and living in the past and/or future.
• Using ritual, we will propose and implement a strategy for marking, acknowledging, and completing the letting go process.

Spirit Techniques

Participants will learn powerful Zen Meditation and relaxation techniques, geared toward finding inner peace and tranquility. We will practice Osho's dancing meditation, as well.

We will explore the ancient discipline of Tai Chi, and also the Chinese energy healing system of Qi Gong. Both approaches lead to increased flexibility, greater strength and more endurance. Participants will learn gentle focus techniques for moving, building and healing with Qi.

Workshop Leader
Wayne C. Allen

Wayne will be ably assisted at the workshop by his partner and best friend, Darbella MacNaughton

Wayne was born in Buffalo , New York in January of 1951. An only child, he quickly discovered a love of acting and public speaking. His sparkling personality and engaging delivery won him major roles in local theatre.

His interest in psychology and religion led him to Elmhurst Illinois , where he completed a B. A. in both areas (1973). He immigrated to Ontario , Canada in 1975.

In 1981, Wayne received a Masters of Divinity (M.Div) from the University of Toronto ( Knox College .) He immediately enrolled in a Counselling Masters Degree, graduating with a Master in Pastoral Counselling (M.Th) in 1983.

Since 1983, Wayne has been in Private Practice in Ontario . His interest in Zen, coupled with his fervent belief in self-responsibility, has led him to develop a style of counselling he calls "Zen Bodywork Psychotherapy." Combining Body and Breathwork, dialog and teaching, Wayne 's approach allows his clients the optimum opportunity for personal growth and insight.

Wayne has worked with executives and whole departments of major Canadian corporations. His aptitude for teaching conflict resolution, clear communication, and personal self-responsibility has won him kudos from all involved.

Wayne has devoted much time and effort to helping non-profit organizations. From delivering keynote addresses to conducting training for volunteers working in Women's Shelters, Wayne is known for being able to quickly and effortlessly cut to the heart of the matter, bringing both encouragement and challenge to his audience.

Wayne 's expertise in Bodywork and Breathwork has led to public teaching events and media attention. Wayne was recently featured on "Body + Health," teaching breathing techniques for stress reduction.

Wayne is the author of three books, the latest (2005) being This Endless Moment, a book rooted in Zen-based approaches to self-responsibility.

Wayne is a gifted and multi-faceted speaker, teacher and presenter. He regularly receives consistently high marks for his insight, knowledge, and compassion.

We use FeedBlitz to keep you informed. Every time I write a blog post, you get it by e-mail. Or Skype. Or by IM. Your choice.

Our blog is written with our mission in mind. Our goal is to help you to find meaning, purpose and depth. Our blog is always direct, always alive, and always committed to helping you find a rich and meaning-full life.

Your information is safe with us, and you can unsubscribe at any time.