Workshops and Presentations

Saturday, June 4

Tara Maniar: “Yoga, Ego and Healing” (9:00 a.m.)
We are all looking for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health, but are we willing to do what is necessary to achieve this harmonious state? In the Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma tradition, yoga has been taught through the ages as a means to surrender the ego and achieve optimal health. When practised with discipline and joy, yoga is the perfect system for healing all the distress and disease we encounter in our lives. Explore the role of the ego and the universality of the philosophy of yoga, their impact on our relationships with self, others and the environment, as we heal ourselves and the planet.

Tara Maniar is a local, national and international speaker, learning facilitator, consultant, Focusing practitioner and certified interpersonal wellness coach. She was trained as a yoga teacher in India and frequently travels there to study with her spiritual teacher. Tara feels that her mission in life is to guide individuals to discover and live their purpose and serve humanity with active compassion, love, respect, humility, integrity and enthusiasm.

Brian McLeod: “Medicine Wheel - Wellness, Health and Healing” (9:00 a.m.)
In this workshop traditional knowledge will be discussed through an interactive presentation of the medicine wheel, storytelling and world-view teachings. We will celebrate the continuous journey of learning through the holistic interconnection of life cycles that embrace all ways of learning. The workshop shares spirituality through the wisdom of ancestral ways of knowing called the “good way of life.” Applications to health, fulfillment and the restoration of indigenous cultures will also be presented.

Brian McLeod is a Pipe Carrier, Sweat Lodge Holder and Sun dancer. For over 20 years he has built trust between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and organizations throughout Canada, providing workshops, presentations and ceremonial gatherings on the sharing of Aboriginal perceptions and contemporary issues. Brian is the founder and CEO of Strong Heart Teaching Lodge, which works with at-risk youth in our community, and has worked for the Winnipeg School Division as an Aboriginal cultural advisor.

Beth Martens: “Spiritual Care for Caregivers” (10:30 a.m.)
In order to grow as a human society, we need to become aware of the extent to which caring for dependents in our lives, whether physically, emotionally or spiritually, takes a toll on our body and soul (isolation, energy depletion, weakened immunity). Join us for this session in which we will make this serious subject full of light, joy and the spirit of celebration, by seeing that there is a great deal of spiritual evolution, fulfillment and earthly pleasure waiting for us in a self-care context. In addition to cross-cultural practices and techniques for moving the body and soothing the nervous system (including live music, relaxation and singing), this workshop will also engage participants to connect with one another in a challenging and empowering discussion on what is our role in serving the growth of human health and spirit.

Beth Martens, also known as ‘Vijaya,’ is an accomplished musician and yoga teacher. In 1992, while travelling in India, she met her meditation teacher and was introduced to the ancient practice of Kirtan. Through the use of Kirtan, chanting and song she expresses the energy and love of the heart centre. Beth’s own life journey and personal challenges have attuned her to the importance of care giving in the healing process.

Irene Friesen: “Sacred Land, Sacred Space” (10:30 a.m.)
We will explore how to create sacred space on the land where you reside and in the home where you live. A slide presentation will feature six garden rooms that honour the world’s great spiritual traditions and a mandala home designed to honour the five elements. Participants will design a garden space that facilitates deep connection to nature and supports your sacred work. Participants who do not have access to garden space will design a sacred space inside your home. Graph paper and pencils will be provided.

Gardener Irene Friesen created Terra Mandala Meditation Garden as a place to heal, learn and reflect. Irene works with the garden’s wisdom and healing energy in her work which includes spiritual teaching, ecotherapy, shamanic counselling and art. She has studied pottery, herbalism, counselling, Focusing and Shamanic studies, and has more than 30 years experience as an educator in high schools, adult education and corporate training.

The Teachings of Eckhart Tolle (1:00 p.m.)
LIGHT presents a DVD talk, What is Meditation?, by spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle. Tolle explores the process of entering the “miraculous” state of timeless presence and awareness that is always available to us. “The primary purpose of every human being is to be fully engaged in the present moment, and aligned with the natural flow of life itself.”

John Tozeland: “Healing Through the Integration of Ancient Hawaiian Huna and Western Practices” (1:00 p.m.)
On our journey towards health it seems clear that healing requires focus on the whole being (Body, Mind and Spirit). The ancients and the indigenous medicine people around the world have recognized the healing power of Spirit in this partnership by entering inside to connect with Spirit (the Higher Self). The workshop will focus on the perspective from the ancient Hawaiian Huna traditions and how they blend with modern approaches in achieving healing. The process of forgiveness, the use of breath and the Hawaiian energy system, and chanting will be shared while exploring the Huna model of healing.

John Tozeland has been an international speaker and trainer in the fields of Hypnotherapy, Neurolinguistic Programming and personal growth since 1985. His intensive training in the ancient native Shamanic traditions of Hawaii has proven invaluable in his quest for healing. His Hawaiian spirit name is Kaukahi meaning “the One Who Rises Up to the Source of Illumination.” John believes that learning and growth happen in a relaxed, fun atmosphere and that inside each of us is a magical essence, that when tapped, has the power to transform our lives.

Aubrey Davis: “If You Have No Troubles, Buy a Goat -Teaching-Stories of Afghanistan” (2:30 p.m.)
For thousands of years, Teaching-Stories have delighted and instructed people in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Middle East. A unique genre of traditional literature, the Teaching-Story fits with and builds upon our storytelling nature, providing an enormous range of learning opportunities for people of all ages. Neither preachy nor moralistic, these tales develop thinking skills, perceptions and more. In this workshop Aubrey will tell a selection of Teaching-Stories including humorous tales and children’s versions, discuss their value, and provide strategies and opportunities to learn from them. Participants will have a rare opportunity to experience what we share with Afghan people and what we can learn from them.