Insightful, nurturing, sacred.- the value of reflecting and questioning the information gained is invaluable.
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.
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.
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!
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?
Inspiring, authentic, fulfilling.
Powerful, tender, empowering.
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.
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.
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.
