Workshop Descriptions for October-December, 2001

Advanced Relationship Skills

Public school never taught us how to create a truly happy relationship. In this workshop, participants discover and practice the tools that transform difficult interactions and painful arguments into loving, mutually-supportive teamwork. Presented by Robert McGarey, M.A. $75 (or $45 for Annual or Premium members). Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 11/10)

Baking Cookies At The Center

Baked goods are a tasty and indispensible part of the holiday tradition. Bring your favorite ingredients and we'll have a cooking extravaganza! And heck, if you want to bake something festive other than cookies, feel free! Space is limited, so please RSVP. Members only. (Date: 12/6)

Birthday Bash

We celebrate members' birthdays with a delectable potluck followed by birthday cake and games that are perfect triggers for unbridled group creativity! If you enjoy sparkling wit, an easygoing atmosphere and delightful food, don't miss this one! Members only. Free. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/5, 12/14)

Building Your Self-Esteem

How we feel about ourselves impacts every part of our lives: our romantic relationships, our career, our finances, our family life. It determines our satisfaction with life and our psychological health and resiliency. This four-week workshop teaches participants how to cope with difficult situations, enjoy life and improve relationships through boosting their self-confidence and building sound self-esteem. Presented by Robert McGarey, M.A. $95 (or $50 for Annual or Premium members). Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/17, 10/24, 11/7, 11/14)

Chitchat & Chow

Tackle a personal growth topic with a lively group of thinkers while savoring a new cuisine at one of Austin's many fascinating restaurants. Topics range from Money to Creativity to Careers to Spiritual Growth. Free (except for cost of meal). (Dates: 10/9, 11/13, 12/11)

Christmas Crafts

What better time to use your creativity than at Christmas? Bring those projects you've been wanting to finish and we'll work on them together. Then you can give those you love presents handcrafted specifically for them, and save money at the same time! Members only. Free. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/8, 11/9, 12/21)

Christmas Dinner

Celebrate with us one of the most lively and festive meals of the year. Bask in the "fa la la la la" spirit all the way through dessert! Bring your favorite yuletide dish. Members only. (Date: 12/25)

Christmas Eve Service

If we let it, Christmas can symbolize a renewal and rebirth of the best within each of us. Bring your favorite inspirational selections from your spiritual tradition of choice, and we'll share them with each other during this non-denominational service. Use this time to get prepared and set the stage, emotionally and spiritually, for tomorrow's celebrations. Members only. (Date: 12/24)

Christmas Morning Fun

For those of us who really get into ripping open Christmas presents this is it! Bring any presents you want to give other members and recreate some of the excitement that Christmas morning held for you as a child. All ages are welcome, particularly adults who want to act like kids for the day! Members only. (Date: 12/25)

Chuckle Your Way To Enlightenment

A good belly laugh doesn't just feel good, it actually boosts our immune systems and improves our health. So we encourage laughter each month with an event designed for just plain fun. We watch humorous flicks, visit comedy clubs or attend other events that promise a hilarious time for all. Free. Members only. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 11/28, 12/5)

Dream Shop

Dreams tantalize us with intriguing images every night. In this workshop you'll use those images to start resolving emotional conflicts in your life. You'll leave feeling clearer, more self-confident and more empowered. Presented by Robert McGarey, M.A. $20 (or $10 for Annual and Premium members). Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 12/19)

Dream Space

Invite your dreams into the rest of your life in a safe, friendly, supportive environment for talking about and exploring dream experiences. Our emphasis is on integrating dream life with waking life and becoming more connected with ourselves and others. Led by Victoria Vlach, who has been working with dreams for over 20 years. Free. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 12/13)

Dream Space Field Trip

Examine, explore and learn to evaluate the many dream books that are available at the downtown library and a local bookstore. Led by Victoria Vlach, who has been working with dreams for over 20 years. Free. Meet at the downtown library lobby. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 10/14)

Growth Report

Personal growth is not a one-person job. At the Center, we believe that the support of a community of like-minded people is a potent ingredient for exploring and understanding ourselves. That's why we offer you (as a member) a chance every year or so to share where you are right now on your personal growth journey. Many of our members say that having a small group of eight or ten people validating and supporting them for around two hours was one of the most powerful experiences they've had in a long time. We have a bunch of questions you can use as a starting point in your description, and you can improvise and embellish from there. (Like everything else here at the Center, the Growth Report is optional. However, we recommend it highly!) Free. Members only. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 12/9)

Guided Imagery & Music

Music can lead us on an inner journey into our own consciousness. In the powerful process of Guided Imagery & Music, appropriately-selected musical compositions take participants wherever they need to go for personal growth and fullfillment. At the end of their musical journey, group members share their experiences and then create a visual image depicting their voyage. Led by Amy Blair, a Fellow of the Association of Music and Imagery. $20 (or $10 for Annual and Premium members). Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/18, 11/15, 12/20)

How To Be Assertive & Loving Too

Being nice is not the same as being a doormat. We can be helpful and caring without getting run over by someone else's aggressiveness. This four-week workshop teaches participants how to give without being taken and how to be assertive without being obnoxious. Presented by Robert McGarey, M.A. Continuing Education Units are available for certain professionals. $95 (or $50 for Annual and Premium members). Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/4, 10/11)

Hug A Tree Campout

Twice a year, we take a break from our often technologically-oriented lives to revel in the simple joys of nature at one of Texas' delightful state parks. These retreats provide ample time for soaking in the natural beauty as well as for connecting with the other members who attend. We spend time singing, cooking, hiking, and playing specially-crafted personal growth games. Members only. $50, or $30 for official helpers. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 11/2, 11/3, 11/4)

Interfaith Messages Of Peace

Peace is one of the common threads that weaves together all the world's religions. Spiritual leaders remind us how important it is to cultivate kindness and tolerance through inner peace that "passes understanding," and through outward peace between individuals, groups and nations. Sharon Sarles, M.Div., has explored the shared concept of peace in varied religions, and presents her findings in an inspirational evening designed to motivate, uplift and encourage. $10 (or $5 for Annual or Premium members). Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 12/13)

Me Tarzan, You Jane: Effective Communication Between Men & Women

Find out what Tarzan would say to Jane if he could speak better English. This discussion group/workshop provides a chance to learn whether men really are from Mars, and how men and women can communicate anyway. Free. (Date: 10/29)

New Year's Eve Potluck Party

The ending of a year means something to us emotionally. It symbolizes reviewing our accomplishments, letting go of our past mistakes, and looking forward to possibilities for the future. Join us as we celebrate this movement from olde to new by playing games, snacking & meditating the New Year in. Members only. Free, but don't forget to bring your favorite dish so we can share our culinary creativity with each other! (Date: 12/31)

Peace Skills 101: Nonviolent Communication

Conflicts between people can result in mutual respect and a deeper understanding of each other's needs when the conflicts are approached in a win-win way. In this workshop, Sharon Sarles, M.Div., presents the fundamental personal and interpersonal tools that are necessary to transform conflicts into peaceful interchanges, regardless of whether those conflicts are between individuals or nations. $20, or $15 for Annual or Premium members. Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 11/8)

Peace Skills 102: How to Undo a Conflict

In a single evening, it's possible to learn how to undo conflicts and allow both parties to move ahead. Sharon Sarles presents one of the best-kept secrets for promoting peace through indispensible personal and interpersonal skills. $20, or $15 for Annual or Premium members. Continuing Education Units are available for certain professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 10/25)

Poetry As A Therapeutic Change Agent

A good poem helps people access inner resources, recognize truths they didn't even know they knew, heal on a deep level and reclaim lost aspects of themselves. In this workshop, participants learn to trigger the therapeutic trance that poetry provides and thus begin to live life less from their heads and more fully from their hearts and souls. Friday, October 26 from 7 ­ 9 pm. $20 (or $10 for Annual/Premium members). Presented by Suzi McCoy, LPC, a psychotherapist who specializes in helping individuals step into life with meaning, passion and purpose. Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 10/26)

Power of Fables and Myths

According to the mythologist Joseph Campbell, fables and fairy tales represent some of the most profound insights humankind has to offer. Only problem is, those insights aren't obvious at first glance. In this workshop, we use exhilarating role-plays and discussions to discover the in-depth meanings behind their plots. Free. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/1, 11/5, 12/3)

Practice Your Personal Growth Potluck

After attending all those workshops on communication and personal growth, where do you go to practice the skills you've learned? How about a potluck? Believe me, talking about the best way to barbecue the chicken (or set the table or arrange the centerpiece) is a very different experience here at the Center--where people try to communicate with assertiveness and love--than it is in the not-so-functional families many of us grew up in. The informal atmosphere helps us get to know each other in a candid way and practice our new communication skills on people who are more likely to encourage than to criticize. Free, but don't forget to bring something yummy to share! Members only. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 10/21)

Reiki Exchange

Within each one of us there is the capacity to energetically heal the imbalances of the mind, body and spirit. Oceanna and Lia Nelson facilitate a group where novices and others can discuss, learn and practice energetic healing together. This is an experiential practice and support group, and is not designed to be an alternative to regular health care professionals. Free. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/2, 10/16, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18)

Reiki Training Intensive

Within each one of us there is the capacity to heal imbalances in the mind, body and spirit. Reiki Master Oceanna presents an in-depth learning experience with the opportunity for attunements up through Level 3. Everyone from neophytes to masters is encouraged to attend. Preliminary interview required. No charge. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 10/13)

Sacred Sexuality

An exciting evening of exploration in the realm of tantric techniques and practicing the presence of the divine in intimate relationships. Jade Beaty of Boulder, Colorado will share many perspectives and methods for bringing the divine presence into the intimate encounter. This workshop is a delightful experience for singles wanting to create a healthy and powerful relationship, and for couples looking for enhancement of their communication and lovemaking skills. $40, couples $65, Annual or Premium members $30. Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 11/16)

Thanksgiving Feast

Gratitude and thankfulness are essential components of a happy and fulfilling life, according to many personal-growth authors and a number of scientific studies. Fortunately, our nation has set aside one day a year specifically for the purpose of giving thanks. We'll indulge in the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and it's a potluck so you can add your own special touch to the meal. Let's make this a special time to remember all we've been blessed with, and to share those feelings with each other. Members only. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Date: 11/22)

Tour of Meditation Practices

Hundreds of approaches to relaxation/centering/meditation have been developed over the centuries, and each has its own charm, benefits and wisdom. We explore one new approach each meeting. This lets you work some relaxation into your life while building a repertoire of stress-management techniques for improving your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Free. (Dates: 10/2, 10/16, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/18)

Video and Discussion

Most Saturday nights, you'll find us watching a popular movie here at the Center in a fun, informal atmosphere. Then we have a discussion. We don't discuss the movie, though; we discuss personal growth issues and themes that came up in the movie. So we're not doing a "Siskel and Ebert" type of review, but rather an in-depth personal growth process that helps us get to know ourselves and each other better. During the discussion we learn and practice essential communication skills like I-Statements and Open-Ended Questions, so that we can apply them more effectively in the rest of our lives. Each month there's a different general topic for the videos, ranging from Relationships to Overcoming Obstacles to Remarkable People. Free. Come join us! (Dates: 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15)

Wild Goose Qigong

Qigong (sometimes spelled "Chi Kung") is a type of exercise developed in ancient China. It combines physical and mental techniques to increase and circulate one's "Qi" or internal energy. Wild Goose Qigong is a style of Qigong using the flowing and graceful movements of geese. Practitioners of Wild Goose Qigong often enjoy improved health and well-being, including improved balance, increased range of motion, reduced mental stress and a feeling of rejuvenation. $10 per session. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/9, 10/23, 11/13, 11/27, 12/11)

Wise Words, Foolish Words: The Language of Transformation

Our words limit what we can think and help shape how we feel. They determine our definition of and access to the state called "enlightenment." This four-week experiential workshop explores how our use of language both helps and hinders our personal growth, and provides essential guidelines for using words in the wisest way possible. Presented by Oceanna. $75 (or $40 for Annual and Premium members). Continuing Education Units (CEU's) are available for some professionals. Space is limited, so please RSVP. (Dates: 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2)





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