Virtues Project Intensives - Register 3 and the 4th's on me!

What a post from Kate? Is she going to write a 'weekly' newsletter? Well, I have been considering that (feedback would be welcome -- do you think it would be valuable? -- are you willing to email stories and ideas? -- thoughts?)

This post though is an 'advert' for some upcoming intensives here on Vancouver Island. If you love the project and feel okay about it -- feel free to post a link on your social networking sites, refer a friend to the blog, or?

I hope that wherever you are you are gleaning peace and joy from the last days of summer and your transition into fall is smooth.

Namaste,

~ Kate

************

These are tough times and it's hard to know where to put our energies (and resources) Stress and pressures abound.

Can it be better ... ?

Yes, it can.
You can make it better -- for yourself, for those around you, for your world.
Just by doing things you already do.

The Virtues Project is a simple but revolutionary way to look at yourself ... and others ...
to identify and encourage our strengths ...
to use them to support growth in our weak areas ...
to create communities of safety and creativity.

For more than 20 years now, the Virtues Project has been inspiring people around the world.
It is being used in more than 90 countries -- by individuals, governments, corporations, social service agencies, community organizations and schools -- to develop individuals and communities of strength, hopefulness and resilience.

On October 22 & 23rd, Virtues Project Master Facilitator Kate Marsh will be leading a small group of people
in an intensive exploration of how nurturing our inner qualities can change our lives ...
and the world around us.

It's happening in the quietly glorious seaside village of Chemainus, on Canada's majestic Vancouver Island.
And there are still openings available ...

This two day introduction will be followed by The Virtues Project Facilitator Intensive October 25th through 27th. Spend time planning how to seemlessly incorporate the five strategies into your lives, communities and workplaces.

I'm so convinced that the Virtues Project is one of the best ways to address the issues you face as 'spiritual beings having a human experience' (and the issues the planet faces at 'The Great Turning') I'm offering an extra incentive to come. Register 3 people and the 4th is on me.

For more details click on the dates above.

Volume 23 - Generosity

Has it been a month already? Unbelievable!

I've just spent almost a week in the home of two of my dearest friends with some of the people I love the most in the world. As I write this blog, the rest of the folks are vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms, packing the cars and readying for the trip home. (so this will be short)

*************Due to technical difficulties, before I could send this blog out to cyber space, we had to hit the road.... so here we are today, 24 hours later in the Visitor's Center in the Western Washington town of Aberdeen -- the birthplace of Kurt Cobain -- after a chilly night camping on the west coast, (where poor Holly's inflatable mattress, neglected to stay inflated and the light summer blanket we brought did not keep us warm.....remember those camping stories folks?

We have had a wonderful time thanks to the generosity of two dear, dear friends.

Mark and I had planned a visit to the area where his family lives -- to reconnect and share our plans with them.

My dear friends the Grovers immediately offered their home, even though they were going to be away at their own family reunion. (we missed you guys!)

We have known each other for almost 18 years now, and though we haven't lived in the same area for at least ten of them, our hearts still remain connected. They are the kind of friends we think of as 'family'.

They generously offered to open their two bedroom home to a potential 8 people.

We had originally hoped to number 8 staying in their beautiful home, but only six were able to gather. We met here, for many meals and wonderful times with seven others, ranging in age from 6 to 65.

We played and listened to live music, laughed and shared stories and grew to love and know each other more deeply.

Many happy memories were made and recounted.

"The gift which is given without thought of recompense, in the belief that it ought to be made, in a fit place, at an opportune time and to a deserving person -- such a gift is pure." Bhagavad-Gita 17:20

Linda Kavelin Popov reminds us that 'generosity is giving and sharing. It is giving freely because you want to, not with the idea of receiving a reward or a gift in return. Generosity is a quality of the spirit. It is an awareness that there is plenty for everyone. It is seeing an opportunity to share what you have and then giving just for the joy of giving. Generosity is one of the best ways to show love."

Dick and Jane certainly gave our clan the gift of generosity.

Someone once said, "The heart is happiest when it beats for others."

I hope their gift made them even half as happy as it made us.

I hope you are getting plenty of time to spend with your loved ones and having a safe and happy summer.

As the song goes, see you in September.

Namaste

~ Kate

The Practice of Generosity

I am thoughtful about the needs of others.

I notice when someone needs help.

I give freely without hope of return.

I give fully without holding back.

I am willing to make sacrifices for others.

I use wisdom about sharing treasured belongings.

I am generous. I look for opportunities to give and to share. There is plenty of time for thoughtfulness. I give freely, fully and cheerfully.

Reflection Questions

What does generosity call me to today?

Who would I like to give to, without holding back?

Who in my community could use my help, even in a small way?

What will I do to assist them?