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In this September
Issue:
A little about
Gestalt Therapy
Retreat Reviews:Come As You Are; Relationship Patterns
and Behaviour; Lake Superior Personal Growth Retreat
Announcements
Meaningful Fall/Winter Vacations
Women's Wellness Fall Getaways
Workshops
Web page links
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A Little About Gestalt
Therapy
Aziza Healing Adventures implements Gestalt Therapy techniques
and principles on all Retreats, Getaways and Workshops as a means
to enable therapeutic change for individuals seeking personal growth.
On our retreats Gestalt therapist, Laila Ghattas, uses Gestalt Therapy
principles in concert with the healing properties found in creativity,
Reiki, movement and nature. Just in case you were curious what Gestalt
therapy is, here's a very brief introduction to this proven psychotherapy.
Examples of it in use can be found in the Retreat Reviews below.
Gestalt means whole in German. Gestalt therapy came about in the
1950's as part of the Human Potential Movement. It is an accessible,
practical psychotherapy that encourages self-acceptance and self-support.
At its core is an interest in how, not why, we choose to limit our
awareness. Gestalt therapy explores the interruptions that cause
someone to; not be in the moment now, not be aware of what's really
happening in the moment and not be able to respond appropriately
to that awareness in the moment. It demonstrates ways to work towards
expanding our observations of the world and ourselves, and acknowledges
the individual as connected and responsive to the immediate environment.
By exploring the emotions, feelings and perceptions of the present
moment, Gestalt therapy heightens awareness to behaviour patterns.
This is the first step in therapeutic change. Those who practice
Gestalt therapy develop an awareness of the excitement and immediacy
of being fully present in the moment, which fosters an ability to
respond authentically. This promotes an openness to previously unconsidered,
more appropriate choices rather than continuing with habitual behaviour.
The result is an evolution towards living a more meaningful and
authentic life.
For more on Gestalt Therapy please visit the link at the end of
the newsletter.
Examples of Gestalt Therapy at work are found in the retreat reviews
below.
RETREAT REVIEWS
Women's Weekend Getaway-
Come As You Are- at Thirteen Moons
proved to be a powerful and enlightening retreat. The open ended
theme invited a free forum for personal exploration and expression.
Discussion led to surprising illuminations on past and current behavior
patterns, uncovering the emotional motivation, addiction, pay off,
and price involved in unhealthy lifestyle choices.
We explored victim behaviour-
how it is perpetuated and how self-sabotage is orchestrated. The
weekend concluded with a liberating and humorous twist when the
perceived advantages for such behaviour were identified and promoted.
In Gestalt therapy, one approach to heightening awareness is to
encourage the client to fully own the unappealing behaviour she
is wanting to change; to accept the behaviour, put it on like a
favorite coat, boast about it, express convictions of its benefits
and experiment with variables. All this is done consciously so that
the pay off for participating in self-sabotaging and victim behaviour
are uncovered and clearly experienced. It is only with the awareness
of motivations and beliefs that fully informed future choices can
be made. Self-compassion can then enter into the equation. Exercising
free will with awareness of the real pros and cons of actions leads
to healthier choices. Making decisions with compassionate self-knowledge
is both empowering and an act of love.
"I discovered
the honesty and truth behind my actions and attitudes. This will
provide me with the scaffolding needed to climb toward life and
joy."
"I feel that
I have gotten so much out of this retreat. Because of Louise's generosity
I was able to focus on my issues while being fed and nurtured. I
appreciated Laila's honesty and compassion which allowed me to receive
the messages and begin to process them."
'Come As You Are' Women's
Wellness Weekends will be offered throughout 2005.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Relationship Behaviour
and Patterns: Flying Solo- A Co-ed Workshop
This two-day workshop in Toronto was a wonderful journey into the
heart of the people and life experiences which influenced past and
current decision making patterns.
With clay, water colour and collage we creatively explored; what
the texture of childhood family dynamics as modeled by parents looked
like; what significant romantic relationships held in common and
how they differed from each other; what life in this moment looks
like when all types of current relationships-family, romantic, platonic,
friendship, work- were represented.
During discussion of
the artwork, polarities and ambivalence inherent in some decision
making emerged. In Gestalt therapy, one way to explore inner conflict
is with the Two Chair technique. The client sits in one chair and
is facing the other empty one. The conflicting sides of an issue
the client is struggling with are then awarded to each chair. The
client makes a case for each side, switching back and forth, moving
physically from one point of view to the other. On this workshop,
the arguments eventually led to attitudes that could be attributed
to each parent. The process evolved and became clearer as the client
debated the issue by posing as Mother and then Father, bringing
what was previously unconscious into consciousness.
The opportunity to role
play in each chair enables insight to emerge as a client experiences
the now exposed internalized beliefs of his parents, religion, society
and other influences; beliefs that may not even be agreed with,
values that have unconsciously dictated choices, attitudes that
shaped decisions and relationship patterns. This Two Chair technique
is also very effective with couples. It helps to clarify attitudes
and motivation and develops understanding in partnership. Couples
face each other in the chairs, exploring issues and concerns from
their partner's point of view, responding and becoming familiar
with what it looks like from those shoes. Revelations follow!
Finally, Two Chair work
enables closure with people no longer living, or those unavailable
for direct contact. The empty chair offers opportunity to speak
what was left unsaid, and experience the emotional completion of
unfinished business which results in the freeing up of the energy
caught up in those loose ends.
"This was a
wonderful opportunity for me to look back and reflect on how I have
gotten to this point. I will now make a more informed choice about
how I choose to move forward."
"I would return
to this workshop again and recommend it to my friends."
This weekend workshop
is of value to anyone seeking insight and awareness into how they
relate- whether male or female, solo or in a partnership, together
as a couple or individually, in opposite or same sex relationships.
The next Relationship Behaviour & Patterns workshop will
be held in Toronto, October 30-31.
See details and Web Page Link below
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lake Superior Personal
Growth Retreat
Wild, intense, moody and changing weather dictated the wonderful
rhythm of activities on this annual retreat held just outside of
Wawa, Ontario at Naturally Superior Adventures Lodge. We began as
sheets of rain tumbled out of a forbidding expanse of gray, taupe
and mauve skies onto a thrashing Superior wavefest, white caps flashing
and rolling in beside our safe cozy perch of windowed walls- perfection
in ambiance supporting creative expression and emotional reflection,
balanced by the comforts of a roaring fire and freshly baked sweets.
The personal issues which emerged from these initial discussions
were explored and insights were integrated over the rest of the
week.
On the warm sun bathed
days, when Superior was settled and inviting, after a morning of
sea kayak instruction we gently paddled along the Michipicoten River
and investigated nearby beaches on a neigbouring Superior bay. A
hike took us to beautiful waterfalls, along a river footpath of
fragrant earth and tangled roots and rock, gently passing an array
of mushrooms peeking out of the lush forest floor...then through
to a clearing laden with delicious ripe handfuls of wild blueberries
and raspberries. We built labyrinths on beaches out of shining drift
wood sticks and walked the singular path in meditation to the sound
of surf and wind. Each learned more about the truth to be found
in the moment, all the tricks used to avoid the here and now, and
the consequences of missing out on what is real. As an exercise
in body and environmental awareness, each participants focused on
one of the four elements: fire, water, air and earth. There was
a balance of time to journal, relax, stroll and chat. In the evenings
after a hearty meal we'd sip wine while gazing at the setting sun,
rising moon and changing seascape. All experiences serendipitously
enhanced the inner journey participants bravely embarked on for
six Superior days.
"In one of the
world's most beautiful places you can learn to find your truth.
Absolutely wonderful people work here. And Laila truly has a gift."
" The experience
that stands out the most is the 2nd labyrinth walk. When I thought
I was lost and 2 seconds later found my way out, it was incredible.
I realized that I wasn't as lost as I thought."
"The journey
that Aziza took me on was a life altering journey. I realized things
about myself and about my choices that I hadn't even thought about
previously. The retreat gave me strength and hope."
Please note, the 2005 Superior retreat will be a Women's Retreat
and is already filling. Indoor accommodation is limited so please
register early if you desire lodge accommodation, otherwise we'll
happily set you up in a tent on the adjacent beach. Group maximum
is 10.
Info on the next retreat
and retreat pictures can be found on the link below
ANNOUNCEMENTS
JOIN
Ongoing Evening Group Therapy Workshops: Women's and Co ed options
If you are interested in joining an affordable, ongoing co ed or
women's creative therapy group
that meets monthly in East Toronto starting Thursdays in September
7:30-9:30pm for some Expressive Art, Gestalt therapy, and discussion,
Please phone 416.696.0086 or email info@aziza.ca
Gestalt therapist, Laila
Ghattas, is also available for private Gestalt Therapy, Expressive
Art and Reiki Sessions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VEGETARIAN FOOD FAIR
Harbourfront, Toronto
September 10-12
Deluscious Wearables
and Aziza Healing Adventures
have a booth at this fabulous event
located on the West Seaboard Wall #10
Fri. Sept. 12: 4pm -
9pm
Sat. Sept. 13: 11am - 8pm
Sun. Sept. 14: 11am - 6pm
free admission
Please drop in and enjoy
discounted show prices on Wearables
and Retreat/Workshop Discount Vouchers
Great for Gifts!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FROM THE HEART
an event created and presented by Lighthouse Events, Toronto, Ontario
A full day venue celebrating
life and creativity. Vehicles such as dance, art and therapy, writing,
aromatherapy, singing, sounding, story telling and walking meditations
will creatively access what your heart is open to discover. Unique
full group inspirations unfold in the morning followed by lunch
and small group workshops in the afternoon, completing the abundant
offerings of this heart filled day. Aziza founder, Laila Ghattas,
will be facilitating an art & therapy clay workshop.
$85 includes lunch
Saturday October 23
Momiji Centre, Toronto
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information
or to register please email Gail Ross at gailross@on.aibn.com
web link below
MEANINGFUL Fall/Winter
VACATIONS
NOVA SCOTIA Creative Wellness Women's Retreat
September 27 – October 1
Our exceptional Atlantic location is found at the Fairview Inn,
75 min. south of Halifax. Our week together offers the rich combination
of creativity, relaxation, reflection, coastal walks, an introductory
sea kayak excursion, local seafood feasts and starlit strolls. The
town of Bridgewater offers the very best of Nova Scotia inviting
historic and natural exploration with nearby LaHave Island offering
sandy beach labyrinth meditation and exciting insights to ponder.
WEB PAGE LINK below
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REDISCOVER YOUR SELF
IN MEXICO
Co-ed Creative Yoga Retreat
Dec. 4 - 10, 2004.
Just south of Tulum
nestled on the Caribbean Sea, our creative wellness retreat offers
a perfect environment for those seeking reintegration. We start
each day with an hour of refreshing Pranayama yoga. Our personal
growth activities are complemented with snorkeling, beach labyrinth
meditations, scenic tour and stargazing. Come, leave your busy life
for a while and imagine...7 luxurious days rediscovering all the
parts that make up the whole of you.
For retreat details
see links below
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REDISCOVER YOUR SELF
IN BALI
a creative/yoga/wellness retreat
Co-ed: January 26-
February 4, 2005.
This unforgettable
Creative /Yoga/Wellness retreat offers diverse activities for a
delicious taste of this paradise island. Imagine ten days in the
healing embrace of Bali walking along rice paddies, through weaving
villages, past Hindu temples and other sacred sites; Time to be
creative, to reflect, meditate, feast on local culinary delights,
unwind with massage, refresh with yoga, surrender to a labyrinth
path and doze off on your own verandah.
Register by September 30 and save $200US !!
For retreat details
see links below
Women's Wellness
Retreats
A monthly offering of 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.
~~~~~~~
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.
~~~
Flying Solo October
15 - 17
On this women's retreat
we 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 or involved, with this awareness
you'll have a clearer understanding of what you expect and want
from a relationship
WEB PAGE LINK below
WORKSHOPS
Truly Madly Deeply
Art & Therapy
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 facilitator, Laila Ghattas, will guide
the class in art-making projects that are fun and 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, a journal and art making
attire.
Toronto, Wednesdays
Sept. 22
Oct. 20
Nov. 17
7-9 pm, $45
for locations see WEB PAGE LINK below
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Relationship Patterns & Insights : A Co-ed 2-Day Workshop
Toronto, October 30-31
“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.
If you live outside
Toronto, have a ready group and want this workshop to be held in
your city, please email us at info@aziza.ca
WEB PAGE LINK below
WEB PAGE LINKS
Retreat
Calendar www.aziza.ca/calendarRetreats
Women's Wellness Getaways www.aziza.ca/13moons
Lake Superior Personal Growth Retreat
http://www.aziza.ca/superior
Nova Scotia Creative Wellness Retreat
www.aziza.ca/novascotia
Truly Madly Deeply Art & Therapy
Workshops www.aziza.ca/workshops
Relationship Patterns Co ed Workshop
www.aziza.ca/relationships
Rediscover Your Self in Bali www.aziza.ca/bali
Rediscover Your Self in Mexico www.aziza.ca/mexico
Photos of Lake Superior Personal Growth
Retreat www.aziza.ca/photogalLS
Lighthouse Events
www.lighthouseevents.ca
More on Gestalt Therapy
www.gestalt.org/yontef.htm
Have a corporate or
private group with a special focus?
Aziza Healing Adventures will design a retreat to meet your specific
needs and facilitate it at any international or local destination
your heart desires.
Please visit www.aziza.ca/group
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.
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
