Our Sixth Meeting

(From our August Circle. The summary is provided by Marti. Thanks Marti!)

The August Manifest Circle was held by Stacy and Carolyn at Stacy’s house

Facilitator: Carolyn
Time Keepers: Jo Anne and Elizabeth
Note Taker: Marti
Tech. Prep: Scott

We attempted to follow the new meeting structure that was suggested in the previous meeting so we could use our time efficiently while getting as much circle needs met as possible. We did well. There are still a few things to work out around time keeping and holding to the structure, but I think we are definitely on the right track. 

Stacy prepared a beautiful dinner. We sat around the table laughing, talking, and having a great time. Elinor, who lives in Marin County, joined us via internet video conferencing which Scott and a friend of Elinor’s set up prior to the meeting. Magically, Elilnor sat at the head of the table talking through the laptop monitor. It was as if we were at a 1953 dinner party getting thrown straight into the future. Very fun. 

Elinor had prepared a ritual. Prior to the meeting she had sent a hand painted scarf to be placed on the table and a huge onion. After dinner she read a wonderful piece of her writing talking of transition, layers, seasons, process, and connection. We then adjourned to the back yard where we sat around the fire pit for discussion. Each group member spoke briefly of what she thought are her strengths and weaknesses in a group setting.

Follow up from last meeting:

· Still trying to find a non profit agency that will be able to be able to help us receive money from donors that need tax deductible status for contributions. 
· Janet and Nancy have been consistent in supporting Stacy’s in her swim class.
· Jo Anne talked to a reporter at the New Press who may be interested in writing an article about Stacy and the Manifest Circle.

At the last meeting we discussed the idea of identifying “GROUP LEADERS” categories such as:  “Healing & Spiritual Leaders”, “Fundraising Leaders”, “Physical Fitness Leaders”, “Administrative Leaders” as well as rotating “note takers,” and “hosts.” We asked people respond to what area each is  interested in participating.

We still need someone to go thorough the non-profit support center data base to see if there is a local agency that may be able to help us. This isn’t as hard as it sounds. Stacy has done the preliminary work it would more than likely take about an hour once you figure out what you are looking for. Any volunteers?

New Business:
·  Determined that we are in a bit of a push. If Stacy is to get this operation this year, $25,000 to cover the required insurance premium is needed before October 17th. Something has to be done right now.
·  Marti, with Beth’s assistance, is going to write an email to each circle member in order to determine how to meet our fundraising goal for Phase II.
·  Marti will also find out from circle members what area they feel most comfortable in participating in Stacy’s support. 

 Jaclyn and Delia will host the next meeting.

Facillator: Carolyn
Timekeeper: Jo Anne
Note Taker: Nancy

Add a comment September 1, 2008

Our Fifth Meeting

(From our July Circle. We have decided to rotate note takers at each meeting so the following summary was compiled by Janet. Thanks Janet!)

Joanne welcomed us with a lovely dinner of salads, bread, deli meats and wine. We caught up with each other’s busy goings on.

COMMITMENT REQUEST
The group asks everyone to RSVP and then to keep your commitment. A group is fed and we wait for those who say they will come. Of course things happen but let us know if your plans change. We all understand that everybody cannot come every time. If you volunteer for a task, follow through. We are ALL part of the vision.

STACY’S PERSONAL PROGRESS
A.) She saw Dr. Daniels & lost 20 lbs. since Feb.!
B.) She is setting up mo. Meetings w/ Dr. D for 6 mo. of documented medically supervised dieting
C.) She got blood work done
D.) She set appointment with cardiologist and for psych evaluation (all required for  surgery)
E.) She has a consult with the surgical team at USC scheduled for October 20th. The Surgeon’s Administrator has told Stacy that if all evaluations are done shortly after the consult, it is likely that surgery can be scheduled right away (within the following month)

UPDATE ON UMBRELLA AGENCY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
What is an umbrella anyway? Well, in order to do business, a non-profit agency is required to have 5013c status. It is quite an involved process to go through. This status is established when the agency first starts to operate. The 5013c status is what allows people to donate money and be able to deduct it from their taxes as a charitable contribution.

We have been talking about finding a non-profit agency (one who has an established 5013c status) that could sponsor our group so people would be able to donate money to Stacy and be able to deduct it on their taxes.

Stacy has been researching possibilities and will  contact a tax attorney to find out what the process is to be covered under an umbrella of non-profit

STRUCTURE  FOR MEETINGS
Idea of “GROUP LEADERS” was discussed with categories being “Healing and Spiritual Leaders”, “Fundraising Leaders”, “Physical Fitness Leaders”, “Administrative Leaders” as well as rotating “note takers” and “hosts.”

AGENDA STRUCTURE was discussed. Carolyn, who has led staff meetings for the past three years, talked about their strong commitment to, and belief in, bonding, spiritual, creative process and how they’ve learned to incorporate those aspects into their structure as a way to connect the group and honor each individual as well as their purpose. The group decided on a structure for those reasons, in addition to:
Give members a clear idea of time and format; Help caretake group members, with the belief that when gatherings are clearly defined, group members actually end up feeling more comfortable and know what is needed and make decision regarding their participation with clarity; Allow the creative, magic, spiritual component of the group to be stronger and have more presence; Allows those hosting the ease of following a familiar “template.”

The Circle decided on a 3-hour gathering that goes from 6:30 – 9:30 and follows the format below, with notation that flexibility is a welcomed and important part of the structure:
1. Meeting over dinner (45 min.)
2. Creative Group Time – movement or creative project/process focused on our creative vision (hostess will lead, 45 min.)
3. Group check-in (2 min. or less each person)
4. Review of previous meeting’s notes (5 min.)
5. Discussion of status of previous meeting’s decisions and assigned tasks (10 – 15 min.)
6. Discussion of new ideas (15 – 30 min.)
7. Clarify roles for next meeting (hostess, note-taker, etc., 5 – 10 min.)
8. Closure: Group check-out and closing mediation (10 – 20 min.)
a. Carolyn agreed to model & moderate the structure at the next meeting

Thank you for your loving & generous participation. See you all next month! (Gatherings are the first Friday of each month unless conflicting with a holiday.)

Add a comment September 1, 2008

Our Fourth Meeting

(From our June Manifest Circle . . . )

I have been so incredibly busy this past month, I’ve hardly had a chance to breathe. Okay, I just heard myself say that. Here’s the irony.  I’ve been pretty sick these past 10 days—got another case of pneumonia. When I heard my self write “I’ve hardly had a chance to breathe,” I got it. Wow. So the message here is I need to make sure to make time for myself, eh? Okay, enough of this digression . . . I’m afraid you’ve caught me typing out loud.

Our gathering was at Ashley’s this time. It was fun to see Ash’s new digs. She had her photo equipment set up and ready for all of us. We each got to spend a few minutes with her taking portraits. She has such a talent for making people feel comfortable. Lorenda was there too and continued documenting our process. It’s really nice to have her personal input as well.

So, the good news. One fun thing,  our friend Elinor (who is in our circle in a satellite way) has a fairly large home in Marin and has offered to have all of us (or all that want to) come and have a retreat of sorts at her house. The other thing is about a magazine in Ventura, called “Ventura Life & Style.” They are interested in do an article on me, and specifically how our group came together. It is for their December issue, which has the theme of LOVE . . . perfect. I’ve called about setting up an appointment at USC, but might need to go back to one of their orientation meetings first because too much time has passed since my last orientation. This is good, though, because the field of weight loss surgery changes so often that it’s really good to know what the latest info is. After the orientation I should be able to set up my consult.

Add a comment September 1, 2008

Our Third Meeting

(I have been a little behing on posting updates of our past few Manifesting Circles. I am getting caught up today . . . This update is from our February 2nd gathering.)

I thouroughly enjoyed our circle Saturday and have felt invigorated ever since. I talked with Beth’s bookkeeper today as planned and will be working on setting up a special account to receive donations.  

I continue to feel so appreciatieve of the kernels of advice that are floating in. I’m very much taking them to heart and am finding strength from them.

I’ve been calling our group a Manifest Circle . . . but wondering if that sounds too generic . . . maybe it’s just the writer in me. Do we need a more creative name?

Below is Marti’s summary of our second meeting:

Add a comment September 1, 2008

Our Second Meeting

For our second meeting, we met at Joanne’s house and enjoyed a light supper of various salads. After eating we gathered in the big and comfortable living room, it was a beautiful place to meet. In addition to me, 10 others were present.

For the first part of the evening we discussed more business related items (setting up fundraising account, type of account to set up, the benefits to potential donors of setting up a trust, etc.). Various friends volunteered to research aspects of setting up a trust.

I also said I’d develop a spread sheet outlining the needed funds and how/where it will be spent as well as a fact sheet of information. I’ll design them both to be used as presentation materials to accompany fund appeals. We’re also continuing our work on our letter. 
 
One of the cool things shared were slips of paper with an Aleiser Crowley quote written on the back, “Magic: The Science and Art of causing change to occur in conformity with will.” All the slips were passed to each member and we talked about our beliefs that connection is what makes magic happen. Also on each slip was the name of another circle member & corresponding email address. It was suggested we each form a special connection with the woman named on the slip of paper we chose; this connection can be about processing group information, brainstorming ideas or simply about getting to know each other better.

Ashley, a talented knitter, has talked about creating a gathering where we would knit (or learn to knit) a large square. The idea is that each of our squares would then be combined together in a shawl. Some of us don’t know how to knit, but Ashley is an excellent teacher and can lead the way.

We ended the evening with a guided visualization. Everyone imagined a beautiful path which led to a structure. Inside the structure, each was instructed to converse with a wise advisor who imparted a special word or words to help us each understand our role in this process. We spent some time sharing our visualizations and ended the evening on warm note, very welcomed after the intensive, more “business” oriented discussion of the earlier evening.

As this process evolves, I am getting to know each friend even better and am incredibly touched and grateful.

Add a comment March 11, 2008

Introducing our Circle

 

Angelica - is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor, and has more than nine years surfing experience. As a competitive surfer she traveled to El Salvador, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Oahu, Peru, Baja and mainland Mexico. She is known for her fluid style well suited to both short and long board surfing. For more than eight years she has mentored women and youth in the sport of surfing. As well, she is noted for her skills in land-based strength training and women-specific coaching. Angelica is a cancer survivor who at a very young age learned how to triumph over adversity. She has an incredibly giving heart and is committed to helping others discover their own pathways to health.

Lucy – Lucy is a talented graphic artist and fine artist known for using unique combinations of mixed media who lives part-time in Santa Barbara and Bainbridge Island. She has an incredibly peaceful way of presenting herself while remaining authentic, true and ever-grounded. As well, Lucy was a member of a very interesting experimental women’s circle for about 10 years during the 1980s and 90s that focused on arts, politics and expression (among other things). A by-product of this special group of women was many unexplainable and quite magic events. As my mom was in this same group, I was able to hear many of the stories which ended up greatly affecting my perception and created the belief in me that magical events truly occur.

Ashley – has a beautifully kind and giving spirit that transcends all her relationships. She is a true Renaissance woman whose life has been built on many sincerely fascinating adventures and has included experiences ranging from working as a bodyguard for a Diplomat to owning her own very successful knitting supplies store. Her powerful determination keeps her light flickering brightly even in the face of adversity and difficult times. Most recently, her lifelong dream to be a professional photographer has led her from Charlotte, North Carolina to Santa Barbara where she studies photography at Brooks Institute.

Laurie – Laurie is a homeopath and doctor of Oriental Medicine and has run her own practice locally for more than 25 years. She too was a member of the same magic women’s circle with Lucy, Martha, Janet and Elinor. Her natural gift and passion has always involved mixing potions and creating elixirs, whether it be homeopathic remedies, flower essences, perfumes, or as is the case with her current endeavor, the art of wine making.

Elinor – another original member of my mom’s former circle, is a journalist and writer who possesses a fabulous dry wit. A powerful brainstormer, she is your go-to girl when needing extra resources. Eternally questing for knowledge and new happenings, she has a beautiful childlikeness that eternally draws her into innovative experiences. Her fascination with cross-cultured religions has provided her a deep spiritual exploration as well as a long involvement with Buddhism and Vendantaism.

Nancy – is my aunt and is, from what I believe has been handed down through my family’s lineage, biologically gifted with psychic abilities and understanding of the paranormal. She is a keen intuitive and has naturally practiced many modalities of healing and psychic communications throughout her lifetime. Underneath her quiet exterior is a woman as strong as steel who has faced tremendous challenges and survived them all.

Martha – is my mom and also biologically gifted with psychic abilities. Born a natural healer, for many years she chose a career in psychotherapy which led her to working with clients facing some of the worst scenarios of rape, violence and schizophrenia. She has an amazing ability to sit with the most devastating of situations and trust in the strength of those impacted.

Jaclyn – lives between Santa Barbara and Bodega, California and has been a practicing therapist locally for more than 30 years. Her belief in the accessibility of counseling led her to co-founding Santa Barbara’s Community Counseling Center which has offered services to thousands of local residents at an affordable cost. She has an amazing virtuosity for listening to others and trusting in their innate process, a gift that spreads itself by empowering those around her with confidence in the natural rhythm of life.

Carolyn – is currently a first-grade Waldorf teacher who has also worked with children, parents and pregnant families for more than 20 years. She is degreed in counseling psychology and is committed to the practices of natural and spontaneous healing. This is evident just being in her presence as her tender and kindhearted nature profoundly touches all those who know her.

Janet – also an original member of my mom’s women’s circle, has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and blends much native Mexican spiritualism into her own distinctive brand of mysticism. Janet imports gris gris from around the world and has a incredible eye for exceptional works of art. Because of her access to and love of these numinous treasures, she can be counted on to have just the right thing to cook up a powerful spell or two. A remarkable artist in her own right, Janet can often be found creating an impromptu beach sculpture when not kayaking or upon the ocean, surfing great waves or kicking up dirt at the softball diamond while sliding aggressively into home plate.

Elizabeth – is a gifted healer who has long been involved with Siddha Yoga, has trained with Guru Mayi the Head Master of the Siddha Yoga Foundation internationally. Elizabeth has her own consultancy called Master of the Healing Arts based on a combination of Cosmic Healing (a methodology passed down via her family lineage), Reiki, Pranic Healing and shamanistic Toltac Healing.

Beth – is an astrologer and psychic whose down-to-earth approach has helped guide people both locally and nationally. Her counsel uniquely combines pragmatism with great intuition. Her academic achievements in cultural anthropology, comparative religions, psychology, English literature and business administration all combine to give her a keen understanding of human nature along with the ability to inspire those she works with into action.

Joanne – is degreed in counseling psychology and possesses an exceptional instinctive gift for understanding human experience in a compassionate and non-judgmental way. Her thoughtfulness and gentle nature also allow her an amplified connection to animals. Dedicated to the concept of healing, Jo Anne has spent much of her adult life researching and pursuing the many available forms of healing practices available today, ranging from Western and Eastern medicines to more alternative modalities addressing psychic, spiritual and emotional interests.

Delia – lives between Santa Barbara and Bodega, California, has a doctorate in depth psychology and both produced a film and authored a dissertation titled, “At Home in the Counterculture: A Communal Memoir.” Her film and dissertation give a voice to the often silenced individuals of communal living counter-culture and is birthed from her own experience. Delia founded and lived within a Northern California commune whose existence has spanned the past 40 years and which serves as a model for the communal living experience. She beautifully establishes her life based on the fundamental hippie values of honoring group process, communication and connection.

Michaela – is a Stanford graduate and currently a masters student at the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute studying somatic psychology. As well, Michaela serves on the board for the socially progressive Fund for Santa Barbara. An accomplished pianist and lover of music, she has researched and practiced many forms of dance and movement therapy. Michaela is an admirable advocate for female sexuality, social justice, and the arts. Her exceptional openness to new thought has led her to many truly unique situations and experiences. She is a passionate believer in challenging taboo subjects, re-examining barriers and extending bridges of connection.

Karen – is a talented artist and painter who has shown and sold her work publicly for more than 18 years. Over the past several years she has been active in a group she helped found known as the Art Center Working Group, a part of the Shipyard Artists Alliance. This group of San Francisco community members are working together to create a Community Art Center as a part of the re-development of the old Hunters Point Navy Shipyard, a project likely to last another 8-10 years to reach completion. As well, she has traveled extensively both nationally and internationally, including many off-the-beaten-path destinations and is gifted at journaling and sharing her experiences. She embodies an open and thirsting mind and is always one of the first to encourage seeing a situation from a fresh perspective.

Add a comment March 11, 2008