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.
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.
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.
Freeing, creative, beautiful – thank you for the opportunity to be myself, to find myself again and to allow me the time and inclination to make a commitment to myself.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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’.
