Soul Sanctuary: Lilies and Roses

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Lilies and Roses

How generous you are, Earth,

and how strong is your yearning for your children

lost between that which they have attained and that which they could not obtain.

We clamor and you smile; we flit but you stay!

We extract your elements to make cannons and bombs,

but out of our elements you create lilies and roses.

Kahlil Gibran

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BIO

Vivian Carter, BFA, M. DIV., Dip. Th., is a meditative writer, artist, spiritual guide and family coach.

Her academic training and professional experience have uniquely equipped her to lead and guide those who are seeking a deeper and richer experience of life.

Vivian is a well-loved guide and presenter, whose practical ideas, wealth of experience and ability to dramatize her topic make her presentations both valuable and enjoyable. Vivian has discovered a broad interest in her group study presentations, retreats and facilitated encounters focusing on personal growth, as well as spirituality and the arts.

The SOUL SANCTUARY Seminar Series is a response to requests for her presentations in a more informal setting.

To complement her seminars Vivian publishes “SmoKe and SaLt: lyrical art and dappled shadows” a literary art journal exploring the mystical sacred expressed through the fine arts. “SmoKe and SaLt” features an international collaboration of fine artists, photographers and writers.

While Vivian continues to paint she is currently writing a reflective memoir (of sorts) entitled, “The Middle Distance”.

Vivian and her husband Kevin Shin have been happily married for 27 years and have two daughters Olivia and Cailea.

Vivian encourages you to:

Experience awe.
Find your voice.
Take risks.

Bring love,
Be brave,
Ask questions,
Be you.

What people are saying

My gratitude is heart-felt. I uber-enjoyed our day. You were/are a wonderful facilitator. I loved all of the activities we did—thank you for a bit of calm in my busy life. LN

I heard Maya Angelou say that she has more than her one (biological) child. She said that she has children all over the world because she is a teacher. You have naturally made this your role and you are very good at it. Your encouragement and support means everything to me. RM

At a time when I thought that no words could comfort me, you were there. I can't begin to express how thankful I am. You have a wonderful gift that you shared with us. JS

Vivian, you are a blessing! Thank you so much for being there.

PL and RZ

Heartfelt thanks for your creativity, wit and wisdom... RVC

Thank you so much to you for a beautiful day yesterday. The two of you built such a warm, accepting environment for a truly replenishing day of relaxation and contemplation. All in all a fabulous day! AN

Amazing workshop. Just wish we had more time. LIT

I feel happy for the first time in my life. N L

I make references in my mind, every day, to the lessons and beliefs you gave to me. You definitely have a gift, Vivian. And I am so happy to be one of the people you share that with. Lots of Love, S C

You are a truly gifted woman. I admire your creativity, warmth, intelligence, ability and courage. You are a woman who will be remembered by all who who meet you. You have the ability to leave an impression. Keep being who you are. You are a blessing to me and all who know you. Blessings and Shalom, M M

To Vivian

A lady of stature, a lady with style. A lady whose wisdom stretches for miles.

A remarkable lady with so many layers. She truly has been an answer to prayers.

There are no words to express the immense gratitude I feel. Your spiritual wisdom was beyond surreal.

A simple 'Thank you' just doesn't seem to fit. You are sincerely one of God's greatest gifts.

With my love and friendship,

O I

Vivian, I have learned:

~ the importance of valuing my individuality

~ that all our answers are inside our souls

~ that by allowing ourselves the time to create our own sacred space, we come closer to knowing who we are

~to look for God in the small spaces and that on those days of distress She is even closer

~I was struck by the incredible strength of the Female Soul throughout history. We have maintained an interconnected wisdom and strength.

~to be still and listen.

Vivian was always enthusiastic which helped to create a beautiful, positive energy. Vivian has the ability to create the feeling of being 'wrapped in a bllanket'. Vivian, you are special because of the way you make people feel. My prayer is that she is able to know how wonderful she is and the difference that her insight has made in my life. R O

We both felt that you were the person to talk to, as we had both been touched by your presence. After coming to see you she felt so much lighter; less confused, less weighed down and she felt confident to put things back on track. And so did I. I, too, received so much guidance and light from being with you. Vivian, the world is so blessed to have you a part of it. And doing the work that you do is so healing. As you help people to heal they then, in turn, can help others. In gratitude and light, your friend, N P M

I had the privilege of Vivian’s counsel for three years. In that time I learned courage and came to understand the power of love to heal and to redeem. Vivian taught me some practical relational tools and changed the way I saw my life. Our family was hanging together by a few fine threads. The truths and practical help that Vivian provided me have led to a revolution in our family – I enjoy them and embrace our lives together – I am no longer afraid. Attending the retreat with Vivian was a privilege; there, I learned to look slowly and deeply at life and therein found the divine, I learned a powerful truth: that the world is drenched in beauty and every being in it is of inestimable value. I learned to love recklessly and without fear. Vivian, I can never thank you enough for the beautiful change in our family. A B

Thank you so much for your wise words. I promise myself that each day I will do something for me that helps to increase my ability to listen and discern. R V C

SOUL SANCTUARY Seminars

What would it be like to be yourself, unfettered and real? Rest from the drivenness? Like yourself? Find courage? Joy? Discover that you are a living miracle? Would you like to rediscover your authentic self? Then Soul Sanctuary is for you!

Soul Sanctuary Seminars are a great way for small groups to explore the deeper meaning of life without religious doctrine or dogma.

Participants have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of their purpose and place in the world and a glimpse into the universe of their own souls.

Chose between day-long workshops or extended overnight retreats..

Choose from a ready-made six-part program or have one custom-made for you.

Soul Sanctuary Seminars are here to offer you and your community a safe and sacred space to reflect and contemplate on all that matters in life.

Reclaim your Soul and give it Sanctuary.

CHOSE FROM THESE SEMINARS

Each of these Seminar Topics can be experienced as a Day-Long Workshop or a Weekend Retreat.

"Spring Detox", this is a fun seminar to revive the soul and enliven the spirit! After a long, hard winter why not shake off the cobwebs and breathe in the new, fresh clean air? Using haiku (poetry), movement, written and creative exercises, journalling and meditation participants can begin the season refreshed and alive.

"ANAM CARA", this literally means 'soul friend'. In a safe and careful sacred space, this seminar reflects upon the many ways in which we can offer 'soul' friendship in the world. Participants will explore ancient texts, poetry, art and music allowing an opportunity to nurture our individual spiritual journeys.

"Bee You", using multi-media, written and creative exercises, meditation and reflection, participants reflect upon the metaphor of 'bees' while exploring the concepts of community, female images of the Sacred, and the sweetness of living.

"Coming to Our Senses", using each of our five senses participants explore intentional mindfulness, stillness and appreciation through written and creative exercises, multi-media, visual arts and journaling in order to centre ourselves from day to day. Seminar includes wordbook and visual references.

"Reclaiming Your Soul", in a safe and careful environment using written and creative exercises, through music, visual arts, meditation, refection and journaling, participants experience simple and practical ways of reclaiming a sense of Self.

"Permission to BE Your Creative Self", using written and creative exercises, group exercises, movement, through music, visual arts, meditation, refection and journaling, participants can learn to let go and revive and reanimate the Soul.

"A Matter of Time", how do we experience time in this crazy, busy world? In this seminar participants have the opportunity to reflect on personal time - how we use it and what it means to us. Using multi-media, written and creative exercises, music, visual arts, meditation, refection and journaling, participants will begin to learn how to meditate, set personal boundaries around time, explore memory and intentional mindfulness.

"Movies and Meditation", using documentaries, series and motion pictures, participants will watch then discuss and reflect upon the challenges posed and insights drawn.

Ask me about creating a one-of-a-kind seminar for your group.

A minimum of 5 participants is needed.

The group provides the venue.

Offering a sliding scale.

Prices available upon request.

With love and light,

Vivian Carter

thevicar@rogers.com

BEING YOU

“One of the most important things

That any religion can teach us

Is what it is to be human.”

Harold S. Kushner

“Each of us has some kind of vocation…

For each one of us,

There is only one thing necessary:

To fulfill our own destiny,

According to God’s will,

To be what God wants us to be.”

Thomas Merton

“What you are is God’s gift to you;

And what you make of it is your gift to God.”

Anthony Dalla Villa

“Spiritual life is a matter of becoming who you TRULY are.

It’s not becoming Catherine of Siena, or some other saint,

But who YOU are.

It sounds easy enough,

But being who you truly are is work, courage and faith.”

Richard Rohr

We are life-long learners.

“Back to School” is something we embrace everyday.

Sometimes the one thing we neglect to study is our being in this world.

Who are we?

Why are we here?

What have we been given?

What will we leave our loved ones?

Whom will we love?

What do we struggle with?

Why is it so hard to be authentic?

You are a beautiful child of God.

You have been given your OWN way.

Learn to follow your own unique soul’s song.

Humming quietly…

Vivian

Soul Sanctuary

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Lilies and Roses

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Chapel, Hart House, University of Toronto