This is the print-friendly version of the December 2002 Newsletter - Online Issue # 2

December 2002 Newsletter
Online Issue # 2

In this Issue:

• The Front Page
• Good Books
• Profile of Colleen P.
• Upcoming Calendar
• About the Newsletter / To Subscribe

See also, the print-friendly version of this newsletter (all the articles are on one web page).

Look for the next issue in April.

The Front Page

Those Deep-Swimming Longings

Like many of you my thoughts in late November turn to the past year while anticipating the one to come. I mentally click through the highlights noting what I’ve accomplished, what I haven’t and what STILL needs to be done. Even while performing this brisk mental ritual, I’m aware of a less accessible process that also calls for my attention. But what is it? How do I go there? And do I dare? Other thoughts swimming within my being wait to be called up and recognized in a deserving, reverent, loving way. Will I notice? Will I find a way? Will I take the time?

There is a quality of sadness surrounding these other thoughts. They seem to come from deep within me, a place I know but easily forget. They seem so pure, so true, so powerful. And although they desire my attention, they do not demand. It’s my choice. I can stop and pay attention to this presence within, or I can busy myself in dozens of things, hundreds of things, that shout at me with dramatic urgency. Or I can choose to stop.

When I do stop, finally, there is nothing to say. There are no questions to ask or answer. No lists to generate or evaluate. No projects to envision, organize or review. Candles help; they create a soft, gentle darkness where I feel less exposed. I settle in awkwardly, like a friend who has been too long absent. But here I am, and what was this about? Oh yes; you just wanted to be with me, have me sit here and stop all else. I feel estranged, and yet I melt.

The thoughts and images swimming within grow calm, encircling me once they realize what has happened. I’ve heard their whispered calling and I’ve come. It dawns on me they don’t want to talk, scold, praise or say anything. They just want to be with me again, be one with me. And so I sit alone, in the light of the candles, silent without and within. I stop resisting. I sit with my own true self, absorbing her divine presence and her infinite, caring knowing for who I am and who I am yet becoming. In this moment, I feel the love for me, and from me; it is enough. I am finally enough.

This is a busy time of year and there are things to do. Lots of things! But this is also the season of long nights and candles.

So when you hear the voice of your own inner longings whispering to you, wanting to be with you, give yourself their gift. Stop. Turn down the noise and the bright lights; find a candle. Sit and wait with yourself, for yourself. Then in the quiet that surrounds you, remember this - - you are enough. It’s not about what you do or don’t do. It’s about you.

And when you, too soon, return to your everyday activities, let those deep-swimming longings of your own heart lead the way. Keep them close. Listen to their whispered prompting and their wisdom. Trust them like you would your finest, truest self.

I offer you this affirming thought for your New Year:

I am finally willing to believe I am enough.
In all my choices
I honor the Amazing Creation I have always been.
I dare to live - -
Guided by my inner wisdom,
True to my own knowing.
I am enough and I always will be.

With gratitude,

Laurie Mattila

Good Books

Utne
December 2002 issue - displayed until 12/23/02
magazine, $4.99

Utne is the new abbreviated name for the magazine formerly known as Utne Reader. The December 2002 issue features an excellent cover section: “What’s Your True Calling? How to find it - and peace of mind until you do” on pages 58-70. Don’t miss it.

Creative Visualization
25th Anniversary Edition
by Shakti Gawain
New World Library, 2002
paperback, $12.95

Shakti Gawain presents clear, simple, timeless instruction on using the power of your imagination to create what you desire. This self-help classic deserves 25th anniversary recognition.

Stand Up For Your Life: Develop the Courage, Confidence and Character to Fulfill your Greatest Potential
by Cheryl Richardson
Free Press, 2002
hardcover, $24.00

Cheryl Richardson, author of “Take Time For Your Life,” returns with more of her values-centered program for creating the life you long to be living. This new book offers readers an opportunity to examine key issues related to hiding power and fulfilling potential. Richardson focuses on the necessity of turning inward to strengthen your relationship with yourself: knowing who you are, trusting your self and arranging the support you need. The book includes traditional fill-in-the-blank exercises and steps to follow; but there are also higher invitations, to consider yet other possibilities, that go well beyond.

“When you learn to stop hiding your power and use [your] fear to your advantage, you’ll become less attached to what others want for you and more attached to what you want for yourself. As this shift occurs, you’ll naturally begin to lead a more authentic and passionate life.”

-Cheryl Richardson

Walking in This World: The Practical Art of Creativity
by Julia Cameron
Tarcher Putnam, 2002
hardcover, $24.95

Julia Cameron’s bestselling book “The Artist’s Way” has sold over two million copies while offering support to millions of appreciative reader-creators for ten years now. This is the sequel for everyone interested in exploring the next level or wanting more of “The Artist’s Way”
approach. Once again Cameron provides a twelve-week program that includes both Morning Pages and Artist Dates, and something new - - Weekly Walks. Don’t expect anything radically different in this book; it looks, feels and reads a lot like “The Artist’s Way.” Expect more of Cameron’s maturing genius AND many more opportunities to pay attention to your own life and what you’re creating. For every reader of “The Artist’s Way” who didn’t want that book to end, this should be good news. And if you’re interested, “The Artist’s Way” is now available in a 10th anniversary paperback edition.

Prosperity Pie: How to Relax About Money and Everything Else
by SARK
Fireside, 2002
paperback, $16.00

The title of SARK’s latest book might lead you into thinking this is mainly a book about Money, but it isn’t. It explores a broader range of topics that influence our perception and experience of prosperity: love, work, time, teachers, inspiration, adventures and more. If you preview “Prosperity Pie” you’ll immediately see SARK: her handwritten text, quirky line drawings,
occasional splashes of color, bits of whimsy and personal musings - - all the things her fans adore! The book continues her shared journal-like journey with spaces for readers to interact. If you’re new to SARK you might enjoy checking out a few earlier titles, too: Succulent Wild Woman, Eat Mangoes Naked, Creative Companion, and The Bodacious Book of Succulence.

“You Are enough - You Have enough - You Do enough - it’s True”

-SARK

The Louise L. Hay Gift Book Collection
by Louise Hay
Hay House, 2002
paperback, $34.95

This set of three Louise Hay gift edition books, exquisitely illustrated by Joan Perrin Falquet, includes: You Can Heal Your Life (1999), You Can Heal Your Life: Companion Book (2002), and Meditations To Heal Your Life (2002). If you’re open to choosing new thought patterns that affirm and attract your heart’s desires, these books will teach you how and you will change. Don’t expect each book to feel distinctly different; the content does overlap. Purchased individually the books sell for $17.95, so buying the gift set collection is a savings.

“...no matter what their problem seems to be, there is only one thing I ever work on with anyone, and this is Loving the Self. Love is the miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.”

-Louise Hay

Profile of Colleen P.:

Following my HeART

My story begins two years ago when I was laid off from my job as a project manager for a manufacturing company. I had been working in that capacity for fifteen years at several companies. It was a job I knew I excelled at, and it paid my bills and more; but it offered little satisfaction. Although the layoff made me feel anxious (I had just bought a house), I also knew it was my opportunity to make a change.

I took odd jobs for about a year as I reread “What Color Is Your Parachute?” to find focus for what I might like to do. I visited bookstores to buy books and magazines on topics that interested me. I soon discovered I was interested in a broad (but specific) idea that centered around healing and the creative arts.

In some ways this was no surprise to me. I had volunteered my time leading creative art classes at a resource center in Minneapolis, MN for adults diagnosed with chronic and life threatening illnesses. I knew I loved doing this work.

One day I picked up a book titled “Art and Healing” by Barbara Ganim. As I read it and savored the artwork throughout, I heard a resounding YES from my heart. I wanted to be a part of this movement. I wanted to bring the arts to people who were in a health crisis. And I wanted to incorporate this more fully into my own life. I turned to the back of the book where it listed resources including graduate schools. There was a program called Expressive Therapy that integrated the creative arts with a counseling program; my undergraduate degree had been in psychology. This program intrigued me, so I sent for information from a few schools on the East and West coasts. I found the possibility of moving across country and going back to school exciting and scary. I would soon be turning forty and that added an extra push for me to make a big change.

I also received a phone call from an artist friend of mine who told me about the organization SAH (Society for Arts in Healthcare). She was a member and wanted to attend an upcoming conference, but family commitments kept her from going. I asked where the conference was taking place and she said it was in Providence, RI. I got quiet and a little anxious. I realized Providence was a couple hours drive from two schools I was interested in. I took a big breath and said, “Can you send me your information about the conference?” I knew, when I hung up the phone, that I was going on a trip.

I spent six days on the East coast: three days at the conference and three days visiting the schools in Boston, MA and Newport, RI. It was a great trip. I made many contacts at the conference with medical professionals, art therapists and artists who work in hospitals, and a few students from one of the schools I was interested in. I knew I was on my path.

I returned to Minneapolis and enrolled in a couple of counseling classes at Saint Mary’s University to see if I could manage school again. At first I was overwhelmed with papers and studying, but I also felt this tremendous excitement within me. I had forgotten how much I loved learning and being in an academic community.

So with two counseling classes under my belt, I applied to a graduate program on the East coast in Expressive Therapy. I was accepted and quickly decided to sell my house and most of my things to help pay for school and living expenses. I packed up my little Corolla with computer, clothes and art materials and headed east for my big adventure.

I am now in Cambridge, MA attending graduate school at Lesley University. The experience has been filled with surprises and detours. I fully expected to be interning in my area of interest, but am currently working at a day treatment center for adults with mental illness. This wasn’t part of the initial plan, but I’m finding the experience deeply rewarding and valuable for my training and education. I had no idea I would be where I am today, but my heart and the work I am passionate about continue to unfold and blossom and take me to places unimagined.

I know that art and healing can benefit us all. I believe the arts help to bring us home to ourselves. They allow us to connect with each other and create community so we don’t have to feel so alone in the world.

Editor's Note: If you wish to contact Colleen after reading her profile, please contact me and I'll be happy to forward your message to her.

Upcoming Calendar:

Discovery Writing: Creating A Future^SM

For NEW Students:

Discovery Writing: Creating A Future
This six-session class uses process writing as a way to explore what you truly desire; it is also a path to follow in creating your future.

Winter Schedule 2003

Saturday mornings ( 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. )
January 11, 25 February 8, 22 March 8, 22

Monday evenings ( 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. )
January 13, 27 February 10, 24 March 10, 24

Wednesday mornings ( 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. )
January 15, 29 February 12, 26 March 12, 26

Spring Schedule 2003

Saturday mornings ( 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. )
April 19, 26 May 10, 17, 31 June 7

Wednesday evenings ( 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. )
April 23, 30 May 7, 21, 28 June 4

More about Discovery Writing: Creating A Future

For FORMER Students:

Discovery Writing Year-long Groups
In January I’ll begin the 2003 year-long groups for former Discovery Writing students. As before, the groups will meet monthly from January through December. Each section will be limited to eight members who will be asked to make a year-long commitment. All former Discovery Writing students are welcome to participate. Invitations will be mailed in late November. This year I will offer two new groups: one on the 2nd Wednesday evening of each month and the other on the 3rd Tuesday morning of each month.

Intentional Living: Meaningful Work^SM

For New Students:

Intentional Living - Meaningful Work
In 2003 this four-session class will meet every other Tuesday evening from February 4 to March 18. It is being offered again through the Compleat Scholar Program at the University of Minnesota. You can view the course description for Intentional Living - Meaningful Work (# CSch 0652 found in the Career Development category) in the 2003 spring course listings of the Compleat Scholar Program.

Registration for this class only is handled by the Compleat Scholar Program at
612-625-7777 or online at their website.

For Current and Former Students:

Intentional Living Ongoing Group
After the 2003 Intentional Living - Meaningful Work class ends in March, this small group will meet monthly from April through December. Current and former students are welcome to join this group which will be limited to eight members. Contact Laurie Mattila at 651-644-7766 for additional information or to register for the Intentional Living ongoing group.

A New Women’s Retreat

Voicing Inner Wisdom: Cultivating Spiritual Luck
This retreat is now scheduled for the winter weekend of January 31 - February 2, 2003 at StoneyWoods Retreat Center. It is open to all women who are interested in hearing their own wisdom and exploring the role of luck in their lives. Please contact Laurie Mattila if you are interested in receiving detailed information with registration materials.

About the Newsletter

This newsletter is created several times a year for my clients and students, and anyone else interested in listening to and trusting their own deep knowing. It is designed to support your process of discovery and growth, and to bring you up-to-date about my practice. It offers encouragement, guidance and resources for you.

You will find new issues posted on my website in the months of August, December and April. I hope you add my website to your favorite places and check back when the next issues are scheduled.