Learn what my clients have to say about working together…
Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity
During the Life Source Writing Virtual Retreat, I realized I can write creatively - and it was easier than I thought it would be. I don’t really think of myself as a writer but during the retreat my perspective on that shifted. I really enjoyed the chance to get in touch with this part of my creativity. Learning to surrender and trust, letting the writing take me where it wanted to go was key and Lynda guided that process beautifully. I loved the juicy surprises and “aha moments” that resulted from the writing exercises and discussion within the retreat. I can see how Life Source Writing can be a tool for both spiritual and personal growth.
Marcy Nelson-Garrison, MA LP, CPCC
I first became connected to Lynda when she generously shared her Life Source Writing workshop as a silent auction item at an eWomenNetwork event in Victoria. There was something about both her book and her personal presence that made we want to reach out and find out more. This summer I set aside a morning to spend with Lynda, via the telephone. There were three of us on the call, with Lynda as our leader and we all set aside a morning. Lynda encouraged us to stay away from the computer and phones and create a mini-oasis for ourselves, as though we were on a retreat external to our own space. It was a wonderful way to spend the morning, I got out all my favourite pens and a big blank book to begin my journaling journey - through guided exercises, followed by insight and feedback from the other participants, I renewed my passion for writing. Lynda is an excellent facilitator, showing professionalism combined with personal warmth - a great combination!
Carolyne Taylor
I attended Lynda Monk’s 3 hour on-line journaling workshop and really enjoyed it. The opportunity to share experiences with other professionals in the caring and coaching field about how we approach self-care was handled safely and respectfully. After years of caring for elderly parents while developing my coaching business, I enjoyed the 3 hour mini-break to take time for me, to journal, reflect and listen deeply to my own heart and needs. The structure of the questions in the Life Source Writing Workbook supports a thoughtful process of restorative self-reflection. I was impressed with how easily Lynda’s format allowed us to move back and forth between the on-line learning and sharing, and quiet, reflective journaling time with ourselves. When we are in a field where giving to others can be all-consuming, a chance to take a break for self-reflection is essential to maintaining our ability to serve our clients well. I highly recommend the workshop.
Sharon Hall, CEC
As a Business Coach I have often encouraged my clients to journal as a way to process ideas, issues, challenges in their business and personal lives, however I must confess that while I absolutely believed in the power of journaling, I never engaged in the process myself. Much of my reluctance was not knowing the how and what to journal. Lynda's retreat was just what I needed. It provided the structure to get out of my head and start writing in a safe environment. While I am still not regularly going to the page to write I absolutely do when I feel the need to process and issue, idea or emotion.
I highly recommend taking Lynda's retreat!
Kerry Brown, Business Coach
Success Biz Coach & Executive Mananaging Director eWomenNetwork
"I have journalled in one way or another throughout my life, embracing it as a therapeutic journey toward self-discovery and vitality. Before I read the LSW book, I wondered what journalling techniques could there possibly be that I haven’t already discovered?"
Immersing myself in the Life Source Writing book has brought the wonder-full surprise of connecting with your experience in order to re-connect with my own. I felt like I was drawn through a portal into my own soul and experience, gently encouraging me to open myself to my journey. Transformational!
What a gift to have been taken into places of such warmth and depth, feeling so encouraged and energized by the beautiful energy with which you’ve infused the book. Thank you again for the amazing experience.
Renee Deakin
Creative Wellness Guided Meditations
During the course of my busy life, one of the best ways to take care of myself is to recognize when to just stop and take the time to rejuvenate by not feeling as though I will be letting someone else down! I found the overall tone of the Creative Wellness Guided Meditations CD to be very soothing, the music was a lovely compliment to the messages being shared. I particularly found myself drawn to the self care track. As a busy caregiver with a bit of a superwoman complex, it was a very powerful reminder that in order to be effect and caring to other I must first care for myself properly. Listening to this meditation was like receiving a permission slip to take some time off to do what fulfills me most… and I accepted it (which never comes easily to me)- so thank you!
Lisa Bleskie, Early Childhood Educator
I used your CD in my group therapy session on Monday night, with overwhelmingly positive responses from my clients who are all working people with a variety of stressors and life struggles. We used #6, Progressive relaxation. This is particularly good for a number of reasons; Peter’s voice is very soothing, the rhythm and cadence of his speech not rushed nor excessively slow. This length of the exercise is perfect in that working people can easily wrap their minds around taking 10 minutes out of their day to practice the relaxation response. Well done! We may be ordering a box of these wonderful CD’s!
Julie Chambers, RN, Group Therapy Program
Langley Memorial Hospital
I highly recommend Creative Wellness Guided Meditations for anyone seeking to become more mindful, self-aware and relaxed. There is a wonderful selection of meditations to choose from – all of which will enhance your feeling of well-being, peace and internal harmony. The more often you listen, the deeper they will take you.
Marlena Field, PCC
When I started listening to Creative Wellness Mini-Retreats I thought I would enjoy the experience. One hour later I was thirsting for more, as one “retreat” beckoned me to the next, and the next. It’s as if Lynda Monk can see into your soul and deliver exactly the right words to inspire your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Soulful, calming, affirming and inspiring – a spectacular coaching experience on CD available when I need it! Thank you Lynda!
Linda Dobson Sayer, Master Coach, Trainer, Consultant
Dobson Sayer & Associates
Benefits of Coaching
When I first came for coaching I did not know what to expect. I am surprised at how quickly things went from feeling very confused and muddy to a place of greater joy and clarity. I would recommend coaching with Lynda to anyone going through life changes. This coaching exceeded my expectations – it had a lot of substance to it. I feel like a veil has been pulled aside and I am feeling ready to live my life more fully.
Colleen Bowen
Working with Lynda Monk feels like stepping into a fantastical dream. In that dream are the play-tools of a new life, a life full of possibility, charm, deep warmth and insight. The gift of working with Lynda as a coach helped me to complete important projects and opened the door to my life’s next steps. I am very grateful for her skills, intuition and heartfilled cheerleading!
Robert Birch, M.A.
As helping professionals we focus our energy on advocating for others, often forgetting about ourselves. Lynda understands the importance of nurturing the nurturer and offers an invaluable service. My coaching with Lynda is an investment in my own wellness. As a result of my coaching with Lynda I am finding that I am able to create space for ‘being’ in the midst of all of the ‘doing’.
Cristine Urquhart, MSW, RSW Registered Social Worker
Lynda’s gift is her energy, her clarity, her generosity, her wisdom, her Presence. Willing to sit and open; to truly hear what is, and to guide you gently back to the loving Presence you are. I feel connected and renewed with a sense of energy and contentment, ready to step forward toward my highest possible Self.
Patricia Galaczy, Educator, Consultant and Founder
Lynda reminded me how powerful I am. Somewhere along the way I forgot. I was faced with some challenging interactions with doctors as well as difficult surgical options on my health and healing journey. Lynda used visualizations, a kind of art therapy (drawing), combined with writing, movement, touch and vocalizations to help me move the negative energy. This dramatically reduced my stress levels!!!
She reminded me through this process that:
I know what is best for me.
I can make decisions for myself in the face of multiple opinions and perspectives.
I can work through the emotions of any situation, coming to a neutral place, where I can then clearly ask people to help me in the ways that I need and want.
I found the sessions worked well when they were scheduled regularly and consistently. This continuity helped to change patterns that no longer served my best interests. Lynda continues to be an integral part of my healing team. Her open-hearted acceptance and willingness to move through whatever is up at the moment is priceless!!! I feel HUGE GRATITUDE to and for this woman and the piece coaching holds in my life!!! Thank you Lynda!!!
Jeannie Vasilakos, B.Ed., R.M.T.
Working with Lynda as a coach was an extremely positive, productive and enjoyable experience. She is perceptive and insightful, and very quickly saw into the heart of the issues I was grappling with. I felt a personal connection right from the start of our coaching relationship, and found her to be warm, supportive and encouraging. Her understanding of the process of decision-making was illuminating and she provided creative and useful tools to guide me toward a place of authenticity and clarity. Lynda’s dynamic and flexible approach was a joy to engage with and was integral in my achieving the goal of making a fully explored, grounded and conscious decision to help me create the kind of life I want.
Maneesha Madan, Registered Massage Therapist
The benefits I experienced from participating in the Spirited Self-Care group coaching program are that I feel like I have permission to be where I am at instead of beating myself up for where or who I “should” be. I have some skills that I can put into play to gradually work toward my goals in an environment of gentleness and nurturing self. I can embrace the positive and not focus on the aspects that are “missing” right now for me. This experience was mind-opening, affirming, and gentle.
Shawna Gray, Social Worker
Although my coaching with Lynda began because I was looking for help in dealing with difficult situation in my professional life, it ended up becoming one of the most enriching experiences of both my professional AND personal lives!
Lynda has a calm, caring and honest approach that encouraged me to acknowledge and embrace who I am and what I believe. She gave me the pep talk I needed to make some changes in my life and was my best cheerleader on that journey, as I went on the ups and downs that come with taking risks and trying new things.
I didn’t know what to expect when I started coaching, but it was such a positive, enlightening and healing experience….and Lynda was the biggest reason why
Christine Raffa
Lynda helped change my life with her coaching session. She made me see that I put myself last on a long list of projects and priorities. It took awhile but I eventually understood that if I was well; happy and healthy, that everything and everyone benefited. Looking after myself was not selfish, in fact it was the gateway toward a more effective life.
Margery Moore, Founder
Positive Impact of Training Workshops
I have attended several Creative Wellness workshops. What has always struck me about Lynda is her knowledge and understanding child protection/maltreatment and the issues faced by social workers. She is kind, compassionate, humorous and she helps you to look at the issue from a more insightful perspective. Lynda is very enthusiastic and committed to the professional self care needs of social workers.
Darlene Thoen, Casework Supervisor
Usma Nuu-chah-nulth Family and Child Services
In 2000, Lynda Monk came to my office and we talked on bringing her in on a trial basis to offer training courses related to how stress affected not only fire fighters but their families. Having sat through these presentations before and at first going in with a pre-conceived notion that it wouldn’t be of any use to me, I knew that it might be a hard sell to the fire fighters. That first session we had 25 fire fighters present. Three hours later, they were all sold on her approach to the issue and looked forward to her next sessions. We now run at least one session per year utilizing Creative Wellness and they are one of the highest attended training courses. Lynda Monk is very approachable, likeable and down-to-earth. She can communicate readily at any level, thus my fire fighters really appreciate her sessions.
Dave Enfield, Fire Chief/Emergency Program Coordinator
Saltspring Fire/Rescue
While I was working as a training manager for a First Nations organization in B.C. I worked with Lynda Monk on a number of occasions. She worked with us in the capacity of trainer and curriculum developer. I always found Lynda to be professional, knowledgeable, skilled and caring communicator. I always received excellent feedback on her training from training participants who commented on her energetic training style and her comprehensive knowledge of content. I highly recommend Lynda for any task associated with training and/or curriculum development in her area of expertise.
Maggie Kovach, Training Manager
Lynda presents very difficult and challenging material in a very kind and gentle way that provides participants with the safety required to learn while they explore personal trauma. Lynda’s committment to ensuring that professionals take time to address their own trauma or vicarious trauma needs – enables participants to engage in those courageous conversations necessary to maintaining professional humility.
Grace Atkinson, Manager of Training Services
Caring For First Nations Children’s Society (CFNCS)
It is always a joy to collaborate with Lynda Monk on any project. Whether training, curriculum development or a myriad of wellness activities, Lynda is flawless in her facilitation and will custom design a training session that meets your needs in a timely, flexible and sensitive manner. Lynda’s sessions consistently result in glowing feedback and always leave the participants stronger and wiser for having spent the time with her.
Kim Dooling Regional Child Welfare Consultant Field Education Coordinator
We had the pleasure of Lynda’s inspirational participation in our bi-annual Health and Safety Advocates’ Conference. The theme was “Building A Culture of Safety”. Lynda actively involved us in the preparation of her keynote, to ensure our needs were addressed and that she could tailor comments, and literature references to our demographic. She also worked as a leader in our small break out sessions and related well with our members, who come from varied geographical areas and varied technologies. We would use Lynda’s services again in any similar endeavor
Marty Lovick
Health Sciences Association
Workshop Evaluation Question
What will you do differently as a result of what your learned in this workshop?
“try to have better work-life balance and maintain it as a student and as a midwife”
“more mindfulness of self-care”
“try to do more self-care”
“prioritize self-care”
“be gentle with myself, exercise more, remember the things I do”
“reflect on trauma in my practice, exercise”
“love myself more and take care of myself because I deserve it”
“make more of an effort to honour my need for self-care”
“take self care more seriously in my life”
“remember myself”
Written responses from midwifery students at an April 2008 Creative Wellness Workshop: taking care of yourself while being in service to others.
Written responses from midwifery students
Consulting Results
Lynda has that rare gift of being able to write in a way that is both theoretically sound as well as personally engaging. She uses her experience as a front-line practitioner, educator, and consultant to great effect, consistently writing in a voice that is compelling and thoughtful. Her written work reveals her concern for quality and attention to detail. Lynda writes with authority, compassion, and integrity
Jennifer White, Ed.D, Assistant Professor
School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria
Three words come to mind when reflecting on the work provided by Lynda Monk.Passion, Commitment and Innovation. Lynda leaves a trail of legacy, our ministry has certainly benefited from our partnership with her in the areas of training and organizational health.
John Campos, RSW
Ministry of Children and Family Development
I recently participated in a unique experience that allowed me to build more work life balance awareness and emphasized the value of my own self-care. Where burnout costs our mental health systems a great deal in terms of financial costs not to mention the human costs, these costs are often not addressed or poorly addressed. This workshop uses a unique approach to address self-care and our attitudes towards it. This coaching is provided via 5 one-hour telephone conference calls. There are no travel costs or time involved for travel. The entire costs per participant are far less than the costs of a single sick day. This is not therapy; this is an opportunity for growth and healing. I was one of the few who burned out and was able to return to work with greater joy and enthusiasm then ever through support and timely intervention. I reflect now and wonder if I had this opportunity years earlier, would I have had to take any time off at all?
Julie Chambers, Registered Nurse
