In this July Issue:
Retreat Reviews: Flying Solo Women's Retreat
Announcements
Summer Personal Growth Vacation Sampler
Women's Wellness Weekend Retreats
Workshops & Classes
Web page links

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RETREAT REVIEWS
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Flying Solo Women's Retreat at Thirteen Moons

Our retreat focused on relationship patterns and behaviour. In fine Aziza tradition the mystery of synchronicity enabled the people who gathered together for this occasion to teach each other with the gifts of life experience they each brought and generously shared.

With poignant courage, the women ventured into their childhood and teenage years, exploring what was learned from their first relationship model as demonstrated by their parents. Through Expressive Art activities and journaling, unexpected insights and awareness emerged as they honestly reflected on their adult relationship behaviour and dynamics. Single and involved participants found the source of and connections between the repeating patterns that have left them unhappy and dissatisfied with their experiences and choices in intimate partnership. As a result they were able to take ownership of their own contributions to the less than ideal state of affairs. Each found a new sense of entitlement and empowerment in her life that comes from taking responsibility for more appropriate choices, decisions now made that include meeting needs of the self in addition to the needs of others.

The intensity of the emotions explored this weekend were delightfully balanced with the constancy of humour and laughter punctuating the therapeutic exercises, inspiring a buoyancy throughout this brave hearted inner journey. Sunny, breezy, beautiful days made exploring the nearby cedar groves, walking trails and songbird home of marshland, a welcome break for body and mind. Drumming by the flicker of the crackling firelight in the teepee redefined the creativity and exhilaration of dancing to the beat of your own drum!

Louise Racine, our divine Thirteen Moons host, delighted all with delectable offerings like eggs benedict and homefries crowned with hollandaise sauce served up in a martini glass, smoked mushroom, creamy cheese and roasted asparagus wraps, lemon chiffon mousse and fresh from the garden chocolate mint tea.

Here are some of the things that were said about Flying Solo Women's Retreat:

"Flying Solo has offered more than I expected in terms of self growth. It's been life changing and life affirming."

"Laila's intuition is amazing. You don't realize what you are really looking for until you find it and she makes that possible."

"My expectations to learn new things about myself, to be challenged and to find some peace were met!"

"Thank you , I can't wait to come back."

By popular demand, this Women's retreat will be offered again in the fall and as a co-ed 2-day Workshop in August.

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Thirteen Moons Women's Retreat is the Ontario home for Aziza's Women's Retreat weekends. It is a tranquil, beautiful, nurturing haven easily accessible from Toronto and Ottawa. Recent renovations created 3 separate bedrooms with private entrances, so accommodations are no longer dorm style. Other, less visible, equally important improvements have been made to ensure your stay is even more comfortable.

Wisdom Gatherers' Women'sWeekend
was the first annual fundraising event created to generate interest and funds for the new wing which will allow retreat groups at Thirteen Moons of up to 14 rather than the current 7. The event showcased facilitators offering a variety of workshops highlighting their expertise for all participants to sample and enjoy.
It was a wonderful magical time of manifesting community amongst strangers, a time which included drumming, dancing, singing, explorations of sacred sexuality, creativity and feelings. We created delicious meals together through an easy voluntary collaboration which ensured all tasks were completed. The gathering was a joyful celebration of Louise Racine and her generous vision for a women's community on this blessed piece of earth called Thirteen Moons.

Thirteen Moons has also launched a brand new web site with link found below.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Enjoy wonderful savings and complimentary Reiki treatment
by registering this summer for our unforgettable
Creative /Wellness/ Yoga Retreats
offered this winter:

Rediscover Your Self in Mexico/ Dec. 4-10

Rediscover Your Self in Bali/ Jan. 26- Feb. 4, 2005

For details and retreat descriptions see links below

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By popular demand
from men seeking insight on their relationship issues
Aziza Healing Adventures is happy to present
A new Co-ed Weekend Workshop

Flying Solo Co-ed Workshop
August 14-15

“Someone told me once that in this life, you get who you are, not what you want. If that’s true, and I believe it is, becoming everything you want to see in someone else acts as a kind of beacon, drawing toward you someone who is or will be the perfect mate for you.” Sandra Shamas

On this weekend workshop we creatively explore how you are in intimate relationships- How your past relationships repeat certain patterns, how your family influenced your idea of what intimacy and relating look like; what you really believe to be true; what's appropriate to keep and what you're ready to leave behind. Whether you are solo, involved or come as a couple, with this awareness you'll have a clearer understanding of what you expect and want in a relationship.

Held in Toronto
Sat. Aug 14 10am - 5pm
Sun. Aug. 15 10am - 4pm

Register by July 20
and enjoy 2-day workshop cost of $250
(includes Expressive Art exercises, materials, Gestalt Therapy process & lunch)

After July 20 cost is $250 plus $25 for lunch and materials.

Space is limited, please register early!

WEB PAGE LINK below
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Please check out the
updated Women's Retreat pages
with new text and photos for your viewing pleasure. Link below.

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Women Can Do Anything is a wonderful resource directory and online community for women. Aziza founder, Laila Ghattas, has an interview now published with a special page featuring a colourful line up of AHA 2004 retreats. You can enjoy a monthly feast of helpful tips by signing up to receive this informative newsletter. If you'd like to read the interview, please go to the link found under WEB SITE LINKS below.
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Thanks to the formidable Search Engine Optimizing skills of A.C. Riley,
Aziza Healing Adventures is now prominently listed on most pertinent web searches for those seeking our personal growth and art product offerings.
More on the talented Ms. Riley next month!

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SUMMER PERSONAL GROWTH VACATION SAMPLER
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Lake Superior
Personal Growth Kayak Retreat

Six Day Co-ed Retreat: August 21 - 26

Lake Superior is one of the greatest sea-kayaking destinations in the world. From rocky headlands to Caribbean-like white sand beaches the sights of Superior are awe inspiring. Our 6 day personal growth retreat combines Expressive Art activities conducted at the lodge and in the outdoors with local hiking and a 2 day sea-kayak and overnight camping excursion along the spectacular Superior shoreline. There's plenty of time for relaxation, reflection and journal writing as you drink in the riches all around you. Memorable, satisfying meals enhance the whole of your Superior experience. This retreat provides a unique environment where self-awareness and balance can be explored and restored with a combination of art exercises, sea kayaking , spectacular coastal walks and Gestalt therapy.

web page link listed on WEB PAGE LINKS below
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Nova Scotia
Creative Wellness Retreat
Our exceptional Atlantic location is found at Prospect Bed & Breakfast, half an hour south of Halifax. Our week together offers the rich combination of creativity, relaxation, reflection, coastal walks, an introductory sea kayak excursion, sunset at Peggy's Cove, local seafood feasts, starlit strolls and sublime ocean gazing. Prospect Bay offers the very best of Nova Scotia. Free of tourist influence, this remote, boulder studded coastline invites exploration, meditation, ritual and much insight to ponder as sun, mist and fog move over the endless expanse of Atlantic magic.

Five-day Co-ed Retreat
September 27 – October 1

WEB PAGE LINK below
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Women's Wellness Retreats
A monthly offering of themed retreats geared to women and held at the
tranquil Thirteen Moons Women's Retreat Centre, Norwood, near Peterborough, Ontario.
Please plan to register early to avoid disappointment.
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Fear, Worry and Other Nuisances
July 16 -18
Worry much? Can you imagine the worst case scenario from the smallest crumb of threat? You can't worry and be in the current moment. This weekend we explore how you avoid the often less frightening now and choose to fret about later, and over all the 'what if' scenarios.


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Women's Five-Day Retreat

I Gotta be ME

August 2 - 6

This retreat affords a week long creative and fun exploration of aspects of yourself through mask making and drama. During this 5 day journey you get to rediscover and know and play with some of the bits and pieces that make up the whole you that got lost along the way to the forum. Held at Thirteen Moons Women's Retreat, Norwood, Ontario
WEB PAGE LINK below

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Food Glorious Food!

Sept 18-19

Is food your friend or foe? Is eating something you look forward to doing, or something you avoid, feel guilty about, or turn to for stress relief? This two day retreat gives you a chance to creatively explore your relationship to food, and enjoy participating in an organic vegetarian cooking class designed to inspire an appropriate focus on the loving act of true self nourishment.

WEB PAGE LINK below

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WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
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Truly Madly Deeply Art & Therapy Workshops

Express and discover yourself! Come to one of our Art & Therapy workshops and explore materials such as paint, clay, collage and found objects. Aziza’s instructor, Laila Ghattas, will guide the class in art-making projects that are not just fun but will also unveil new ways of looking at yourself and your way of being. Small group discussions, using Gestalt therapy principles, enhance the therapeutic aspect of each Expressive Art activity.

No previous art experience is necessary. Just bring an open mind and art making attire.

Evenings at SuperSprouts
720 Bathurst St. South of Bloor, Toronto, Ontario
July 14
7-9 pm
$40

WEB PAGE LINK below
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If you have a group of 3 or more, a private workshop can be
designed for you on alternate date- day or evening.

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WEB PAGE LINKS
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Retreat Calendar www.aziza.ca/calendarRetreats
Rediscover Your Self in Bali www.aziza.ca/bali

Rediscover Your Self in Mexico www.aziza.ca/mexico
Women's Wellness Week- I Gotta Be Me www.aziza.ca/13moons
Lake Superior Personal Growth Retreat http://www.aziza.ca/spg
Nova Scotia Creative Wellness Retreat www.aziza.ca/novascta
Women's Wellness Weekends www.aziza.ca/13moons
Truly Madly Deeply Art & Therapy Workshops www.aziza.ca/workshps
Couples Workshops www.aziza.ca/couples
Deluscious Wearables www.aziza.ca/dw
Wisdom Gatherers Weekend www.aziza.ca/wgw
Flying Solo www.aziza.ca/13moons

Interview with Laila Ghattas http://www.womencandoanything.com/interviews/530_lailaghattas.htm
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Have a corporate or private group with a special focus?
Aziza Healing Adventures will design a retreat to meet your specific needs.
Please visit www.aziza.ca/group

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Laila Ghattas, B.F.A.Visual Arts, B.Ed., Certificate in Gestalt Therapy, Certificate in Expressive Arts, Usui Reiki 1st & 2nd degree, is the founder of Aziza Healing Adventures and leader of the retreats and workshops. Laila is an artist, Gestalt therapist, group facilitator, Reiki practitioner, and has worldwide outdoor adventure experience.

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For more information please email laila@aziza.ca or call 416-696-0086

If you have friends who might be interested, please forward this newsletter,
with our thanks!

sincerely yours,

Laila Ghattas
Aziza Healing Adventures
www.aziza.ca