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Inspired Momentum Newsletter
October 2004

In this issue:

• Out of a passion for Courage and Authenticity.
• Words of Inspiration on the theme of education.
• Announcements of upcoming events.
• Recommended reading and links.

Out of a Passion for Courage and Authenticity.

Greetings,

On the occasion of my website launch, I invite you to browse through my site and let the surge of Inspired Momentum move you and speak to your heart. My company name was chosen as an acknowledgement of the continuous unfolding and evolution of the collective human heart and consciousness towards the manifestation of a better world.

Autumn is often associated with increasing busyness and hectic schedules. Thus, the challenge of cultivating balance between our inner life and outer life comes to the fore. This time of year is also conducive to introspection and as we reach within, we may harvest new ideas and insights that can lead to new directions and actions.

The direction I am committed to is that of helping others to live more authentically and courageously in their professional and personal lives. An expression of this engagement is that I recently presented a break-out session in Toronto at a conference about re-kindling spirit and values in the workplace. My session was called "Truth sets you free; Working at the Heart of your Authenticity". While hearing the participants speak, I once again became aware that many of us are holding some wounds about past secrets and experiences in which we felt we could not be true to ourselves. I also witnessed the intensity of yearning in the participants to be free from whatever they perceived is inwardly holding them back.

The word authenticity has itself gathered a momentum and it seems to beckon us to inhabit that way of being. But why is it a good idea to strive for authenticity? Because it demands that we bring forth the best in ourselves. Being authentic implies that we are honest, truthful, courageous, and congruent, most of the time. It's about returning to the source of who we are and letting our beingness emanate from there. In short, it's about allowing ourselves to be real in a world that is increasingly valuing status, materialism, physical appearance and being "nice".

There is so much more I'd like to write here but I know that you may perceive your time as scare as many people do these days. However, I invite you to join me in the journey of authenticity. To reflect on that way of being and what it could mean to you. You may ponder these questions and write the response for yourself:

If you could release what you think is holding you back from being really true to yourself what would that be?

And how would your life be different after that? And more specifically:

• What do you perceive are the risks of embracing all of who you are?
• What do you risk by not attempting to live your most authentic life?
• As you unravel some answers to these questions you may get useful insights about the next step to take or a little shift in a way of thinking or being that could grant you more spaciousness, more inner freedom.

With the increasing pace of this time of year, if you get caught in the perception of scarcity of time, remember that there is no shortage of now-ness, no shortage of present moments.

I welcome your feedback on the newsletter and or website.

Until next time, be well, be whole and be true to yourself.

Isabelle St-Jean

October : Words of Inspiration on the theme of education

"Education is an admirable thing. But it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught". - Oscar Wilde

"The job of an educator is to teach students to see vitality in themselves" - Joseph Campbell.

“The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards” Anatole France.

Announcement of Upcoming Events:

Workshop for parents by Isabelle:

Values-Enriched Parenting for a Changing World . False Creek Community Centre, Sat. October 23 rd , 2004. 10:00 to 3:45 , $45.00. 604 257-8195.  The workshop is about:

• Ways to help children and teens become more self-aware, confident, and develop their own inner moral compass.
• Fostering the development of the four dimensions of intelligence: cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual.
• Emotional nurturing and essential aspects of engaging the children's co-operation and sense of responsibility.
• Guiding from a flexible structure in a positive, life-affirming family culture.

- Diamond Heart Foundation of Canada presents: Soothe the Soul , Benefit Concert on the theme of Children and Spirituality, October 15, 2004, Vancouver. Tickets are available through Ticket Master. The evening includes a presentation by David Whyte an extraordinary poet and inspiring speaker.

Recommended Reading and Links: