Jerry W. Sonkens, M.D. Is the founder and Chairman of the Board of the SHIM Institute. Through his work in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery he witnessed the importance of incorporating spirituality into the healing of his patients. He understands that healing is much more than a physical diagnosis and treatment, it is about honoring the patient’s very presence, their being, their connection with another person.

Dr. Sonkens’ relationship with George Washington University Medical School and Dr. Christina Puchalski, founder of GWish (George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health) inspired him to establish the Institute for Spirituality and Healing in Medicine (The SHIM Institute) in 2002.

His passion and dedication for educating healthcare providers to the connection of spirituality and health led Dr. Sonkens to facilitate bringing “Spirituality and Healing in Medicine: Pracitical Usage in Contemporary Healthcare” an educational conference sponsored by Harvard Medical School to Salt Lake City in 2002.  This conference was attended by 500 healthcare professionals from across the country.

Timeless Principles & Timely Methods for Healing

Timely healing methods include those that have been implemented in the last 100 years, such as surgery and pharmaceuticals. Timeless healing methods are those that have been used for many centuries, such as faith, hope and compassion. In this presentation, Dr. Sonkens will present case studies that illustrate the value and importance of integrating both timely and timeless healing methods into treatment aimed at healing the whole person. Participants will also discover four integrative healing methods to improve outcomes, as well as strategies for implementing more compassionate health care.

90-minutes  |  1.5 CNEs

Mary Sise is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Diplomate in Comprehensive Energy Psychology, with a private practice in the Albany, NY area. Former adjunct professor at Siena College and Past-president of the Board of Directors for the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, she presents at conferences internationally. Her warm, witty, and authentic approach makes her a frequently sought after speaker.

Mary provides personal counseling to guide clients to overcome trauma and blockages, as well as to shift “broken record” thinking patterns that cause repetitive negative cycles detrimental to physical and mental health. In addition to being traditionally trained, she integrates energy therapies into her work and has trained hundreds of therapists in these methods. She is especially adept at helping clients determine what beliefs are creating the reality they are experiencing. Mary also offers coaching focused on the development of a long-term professional and/or personal plan.

In 2007, Mary and colleague Sheila Bender released The Energy of Belief: Psychology’s Power Tools to Focus Intention & Release Blocking Beliefs, a self-help book designed for the general public to learn how to use the energy psychology method of “Touch And Breathe”. Mary has also produced numerous training videos, and recently began to publish and release a series of e-Books beginning with If I Create My Own Reality, Why are You Still Here?

Mary is the program director for Her Holiness Sai Maa’s transformational healers program, and teaches programs on the spiritual dimension of health and healing.   In 2004, she founded  The Center for Integrative Psychotherapy to promote psychotherapeutic methodologies that integrate mind, body and spirit and to support health practitioners in their own journey of self-integration. 

Tap and Breathe to Release the Energy of Belief

Have you ever wondered why negative beliefs, thoughts and behaviors continue as if they have a life of their own and why talking about the problem is never enough to change them? Are you sick and tired of setting intentions only to have the energy of an old belief sabotage your best efforts? Come and learn a simple acupressure technique that combines breath, meridians, eye movements and affirmations to help reduce distress, stop addictive urges (including food!) and eliminate those negative beliefs that sabotage success – especially beliefs about lack of money.

90-minutes | Open Session  |  1.5 CE/CNEs

Beyond Technique: The Sacred Role of the Healer

How does healing happen?  What is the true cause of dis-ease and what is the role of the healer?  This workshop, based on the teachings of Her Holiness Sai Maa, will discuss esoteric knowledge as it applies to healing, including helping you to understand the sacred, spiritual role of a healer and the importance of the energetic vibration of the healer. We will also discuss how to align with your own Divinity, so that you can serve others without using up your own limited personal energy.

90-minutes | Open Session  |  1.5 CE/CNEs

Dr. Jean Watson is Distinguished Professor and Dean Emerita, University of Colorado Denver, College of Nursing Anschutz Medical Center campus, where she held the nation’s first endowed Chair in Caring Science for 16 years.

As author/co-author of over 18 books on caring, her latest range from empirical measurements and international research on caring, to new postmodern philosophies of caring and healing, philosophy and science of caring, and caring science as sacred science. Her books have received Book of the Year Awards from American Journal of Nursing, and seek to bridge paradigms as well as point toward transformative models for this 21st century.

Dr. Watson has earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing and psychiatric-mental health nursing, and holds her PhD in educational psychology and counseling. She is a widely published author and recipient of many awards and honors, including: The Fetzer Institute Norman Cousins Award, in recognition of her commitment to developing, maintaining and exemplifying relationship-centered care practices; an international Kellogg Fellowship in Australia; a Fulbright Research Award in Sweden.

She holds ten (10) Honorary Doctoral Degrees, including 7 International Honorary Doctorates (Sweden, United Kingdom, Spain, British Colombia and Quebec, Canada, Japan).
Clinical nurses and academic programs throughout the world use her published works on the philosophy and theory of human caring and the art and science of caring in nursing.

Dr. Watson’s caring philosophy is used to guide transformative models of caring and healing practices for hospitals, nurses and patients alike, in diverse settings worldwide
At the University of Colorado, Dr. Watson held the title of Distinguished Professor of Nursing; the highest honor accorded its faculty for scholarly work.

In 1999 she assumed the Murchinson-Scoville Chair in Caring Science, the nation’s first endowed chair in Caring Science, based at the University of Colorado Denver & Anschutz Medical Center.

Founder of the original Center for Human Caring in Colorado, she is also is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing; past President of the National League for Nursing; founding member of International Association in Human Caring and International Caritas Consortium. Her latest activities include Founder and Director of the non-profit Watson Caring Science Institute.

Meet Kim Richards, R.N

Integrative Nurse Health Coach
Founder/Owner, Self-Care Academy™

As a nurse and an executive recruiter, Kim became increasingly aware of the “revolving door” of nurses in acute care facilities. After interviewing hundreds of nurses, Kim noticed a common theme was emerging. Nurses were expressing signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue, a debilitating phenomenon that is caused by years of built up emotional residue.

By combining her passion for nursing, fitness and coaching, as well as her extensive research on the science of self-care, Kim created the components of Self-Care Academy, LLC, a comprehensive program that is dedicated to improving employee engagement, relationships with peers and creating an optimum healing environment for patients.

Kim is also a certified fitness instructor with the American Council of Exercise (ACE) and serves on the leadership faculty of the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence. Through coaching sessions, active participation and learning various modalities of self-care and stress reduction, the SCA program creates a lasting behavioral shift that is documented by measurable metrics.

In addition to offering workshops, Kim is an inspirational keynote speaker for hospitals, nursing organizations and national & international conferences, such as this cruise!

Kim lives in Colorado with her two Golden Retrievers, Valentino and Sammy. Kim enjoys a very active lifestyle of hiking, biking and skiing in the Rocky Mountains. She teaches aerobics, spinning, kickboxing and yoga. She enjoys traveling, volunteering, reading and encouraging others to create their best life without limitation.

For more information visit: Self-Care Academy, LLC.

Self-Care; Antidote for “Compassion Fatigue”

Compassion fatigue is a physical and emotional exhaustion that causes a decline in a person’s ability to feel compassion when taking care of others.  The cumulative result of internalizing the emotions of patients, co-workers, family and friends, Compassion Fatigue is an often-debilitating phenomenon commonly suffered by caregivers. Described as a “build up of emotional sludge” that can result in a calloused approach to care-giving, research has directly linked the incidence of Compassion Fatigue with poor self-care practices.

In this seminar, we will explore the signs and symptoms of CF, and how it can creep into a your life before you know it. Leave the session with proactive ideas and steps you can take to prevent, recognize and overcome it. Primarily geared toward nurses and mental health professionals, anyone caring for loved-ones on a regular basis will also benefit from this workshop.

1 CE Available | 1-hour

Creating a Personal Self-Care Toolbox

Expanding upon the previous seminar, we will now dig deeper into the “nuts and bolts” of what it takes to build a uniquely personal self-care toolbox that addresses your specific needs and tendencies. Learn how the art of self-mothering can breathe more life into your life!

This workshop session will identify the Six Pathways of Self-Care and how you can use them to enhance resilience, reduce stress and improve life satisfaction…

1. Physically: What, how, and why certain foods boost productivity and immunity
2. Mentally: Practical ways to literally reshape and retrain your brain
3. Emotionally: How to harvest, cultivate and nourish positive emotions
4. Spiritually: Harness the power of the inner and outer worlds, becoming mindful of the invisible layer of profound meaning in everyday life.
5. Relationships: How shedding toxic relationships will welcome supportive ones
6. Choice: Seemingly-small everyday choices that can add up to a healthier, sustainable sense of well-being.

Please bring one item, picture, word, or image that represents your idea of self-care. Together, we’ll explore practical ideas and “tools” that support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

1.5 CEs Available  |  90-minutes

A nationally recognized leader among lifestyle entrepreneurs, Jane has built a thriving enterprise as an artist, author, certified coach, and professional speaker who comes alongside aspiring and established entrepreneurs in their own journey toward uncommon success.

Entrepreneurs across the country look to Jane for the inspiration, ideas, tools and techniques they need to launch, streamline, and enhance their businesses. With over 30 years of business experience, Jane’s sage advice, experience as a sole proprietor, keen business acumen, and compassionate coaching style help entrepreneurs create rewarding businesses.

Whether sharing her life lessons with thousands at a speaking event, with hundreds through her webinars, or one-on one over coffee, Jane’s experience and insight always proves to be fruitful. Jane, and the “Remarkable Women” she coaches, are living proof that you, too, can turn a passion into a thriving business and create the life you’ve always dreamed. www.janepollak.com

Testimonials:

“Your style is utterly relatable and down-to-earth, which makes your suggestions feel so attainable…  I believe that’s a large part of why the afterglow of the conference stayed with me all year! I’ve just sent off a press release – see, it’s working already! Thanks so much, Jane, for helping me set and achieve my goals!”
~Beth Frede, Interior Designer, Owner of Beth Frede Interiors

“Our [private] session was so fruitful, and is bringing the passion back into my creativity. You were 100% right, my energy has been amazing, AND my productivity crazy. I have been accomplishing things in one day that in the past might have taken weeks to do. My ideas and desires are not just pipe dreams, they are becoming my reality. I am doing the work, not just wishing them into existence. I take action, not just think them into the ground! What a phenomenal way to launch the second half of my life!”
~Laurie Klein, Photographer

Read about Jane’s cruise offerings just below this video…

 Put Your Passion to Work;
Strategies and Inspiration from a Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Whether you are—or want to be—living your dream as an independent business owner, don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with expert Jane Pollak as she offers an insider’s view on how to sustain a soul-satisfying business.

Mining nuggets of gold from the breadth and depth of her 30+ years of experience operating her own business, Jane offers a wealth of hard-won wisdom. With relatable candor and a spirit of generosity, Jane invites participants into the story of her inspiring career journey. Revealing the essential strategies she has developed along the way, she shares key business concepts, practical tips, and takeaways relevant to every entrepreneur.

This 60-minute interactive seminar will:

• Guide you in how to set meaningful goals, find a supportive network, and create a stellar image.
• Encourage you in how to adapt to change, navigate disappointments, and make the most of unexpected learning experiences.
• Motivate you to be persistent, seek out new avenues for growth, and take time to enjoy your successes.

Whether you are just starting out or already running a profitable business, Jane’s invaluable insights will promote you to a whole new level.

You Are the Boss You’ve Been Waiting For;
How to Create a Life You Can’t Resist

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.
Now put the foundations under them.”
~Henry David Thoreau

Are you still wondering what you really want to be when you grow up? What inspires, excites, and fuels you? What would you do if you knew you could not fail? If you’re looking for more than a job—if you want to invest in life-giving work that naturally fits who you are and leaves room for a balanced personal life—this workshop is tailor-made for you.

Begin shaping a new vision for your life. Give your own interests, desires, and budding ideas a chance to take center stage. This 90-minute interactive “Inside Track” workshop will help you to identify your unique values, desires, and gifts.  With life/business coach Jane Pollak’s guidance and support, you’ll explore how to move through your fears and live boldly. You will be encouraged to dream big, stake your claim, define reachable goals, and take the next step to transform your future.

Join Jane for an experience that will stay with you for years to come. Leave this workshop with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility, empowered to pursue your aspirations with confidence. You will be equipped with the tools you need to build a solid foundation that supports your dreams. All you need to bring with you is a notepad and pen, a 2014 calendar, and the dreams you cherish most.

Tuition Supplement $30 | Limited to 24 participants

“At one point in my life, I was stuck in a crappy job and unhappy relationship. I knew what to do to change it, yet still procrastinated. Finally, I did something unexpected and unrelated… I took a vacation, on my own, to a place I’d never been. It gave me a new perspective and a stronger sense of confidence. Now, whenever I don’t know what to do next, I do something I’ve never done (from eating insects to driving NASCAR), and propel myself forward through the Exhilaration Effect!”

Once known as ‘The Traffic Goddess,’ Camille performed on stage at The Improv Comedy Club in Hollywood. Her professional career and personal life have been filled with twists and turns – a mixture of increasingly responsible work intertwined with amazing adventures.  From working with the developmentally disabled, homeless, and ex-felons, to management positions with the Los Angeles Community College District, the State of California, the League of Women Voters in L.A., and the San Clemente Ocean Festival, there has been no time to get bored.

Camille is now a published author, speaker, life/business coach and Founder/Executive Director of The Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC). As of March 2013, there are 19 live, local chapters and over 800 members throughout the U.S. In addition, The Holistic Chamber of Commerce Foundation has been established to fund research and education on alternative health options, lifestyle choices and business skills for holistic specialists.

In honor of her work with the HCC, Camille has spoken on Capitol Hill and received the 2011 Women’s International Day Outstanding Service Award from the Women’s Information Network.  She has also received awards from the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), the Alliance for Community Media and was recognized by Women In Film for her work producing Public Service Announcements.

With a degree in International Relations from the University of Redlands, Camille has worked with start-ups as well as small and large organizations and has traveled in the US and Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Co-authored with Barbara Schiffman, C.Ht., their book entitled, The Exhilaration Effect; Building the Courage to Take Your Leap of Faith, was selected as one of the top 25 books out of 2,800 originally submitted in the Next Top Spiritual Author competition. Want to know more?  Attend their program on the cruise…

The Exhilaration Effect (E2);
The Art & Science of Taking Leaps of Faith

Are you stuck? Experience a breakthrough… just for you! Whether you’re pushed by circumstance, or called by an inner drive to make big changes in your career or life, learn how to take the leap with less stress and more excitement. This workshop will expose you to the Six Stages of The Exhilaration Effect, from expecting to expanding, and provide tools and techniques so you can start the process for yourself.

The Six Stages of the E2 Coaching Process will strengthen your focus, confidence and creativity to get rewarding results!  Learn how to build your courage to overcome obstacles like fear or resistance. Since we will be on a cruise with easy access to adventurous excursions, this is the ideal time to design an adventure of your own… or join us for a group excursion we’re designing!

Either way, don’t miss this empowering and fun coaching process, which can help you consciously and courageously take big leaps… and keep on taking them.

Widely acclaimed singer, songwriter, comedian, speaker and workshop leader, Lesley Smith has toured the US and parts of Europe as a world class ventriloquist and performing artist with the New England Foundation for the Arts Touring Roster. She presents outstanding arts and education programs for children and adults on New Thought, stress management, conflict resolution, social competency skills, nutrition and environmental education.

For the past 20 years, Lesley has been studying in-depth the work of Emmet Fox, C. Emily Cady, Joel S. Goldsmith, A Course in Miracles, Charles and Myrtle Filmore, Ernest Holmes and Abraham Hicks.  Her performance of this material began in 2000 with original music, plays, performing arts programs and guest talks based on the tenets of this study. Her music CD, “Where Love is Found”,  includes six original songs that are now being performed at New Thought  churches around the country.

She has been a guest singer/song writer and keynote presenter at the New England Folk Festival, NH Public Broadcasting System Music Series, National Association of Educational Office Professionals, National Association of Middle Schools, NJ Association of Early Childhood Educators, New England Mediators Convention, and at churches across the United States.

“Just Breathe: The Quest for a Little Piece of Mind… and Chocolate”

The One Woman Show Performed by Lesley Smith

This profoundly funny one-woman show is a must see for those who believe in the power of laughter and live performance to transform an audience. It’s inspirational, laugh till it hurts “human” comedy that reaffirms our faith in goodness, and ignites in us the possibility of love and joyful “Being”. “Just Breathe” gives voice and catharsis for the “every woman/man” in their quest for peace of mind and purpose. She’s a favorite at Unity Churches, corporations and organizations.

Lesley lustily seeks advice from therapists, coaches and spiritual gurus against the backdrop of music and message. Her hilarious ventriloquist-characters embody both the frustrations and hopefulness of our time, giving people of all ages and walks of life, a chance to be delighted by the world again.  See video below…

In addition to her one-woman-show, Lesley will collaborate with her husband, filmmaker and comedy writer Mark Abramczyk to deliver…

Hands-on Humor: A Playful Workshop

Humor, compassion and self-care, shift our perspective and allow us to embrace change. Developing a humor practice transforms lives, relationships and work environments. This playful workshop will help you understand and develop the skills that influence neuro-chemical changes in the body, influencing whether you (and your clients) get sick or stay well. Experience a hilarious balancing session with Lesley and Mark. Their unique exercises, interactive practices and concrete tools provide the portal to changed perspectives and behaviors.
90-Minutes | 1.5 CNEs

Glenda Christiaens, Ph.D., R.N., AHN-BC, is the president of the American Holistic Nurses Association and a board-certified Advanced Holistic Nurse. She is also the former Dean of Nursing at Fortis College in Salt Lake City, Utah, and former host of the Glenda the Good Nurse talk radio show.

For 10 years prior to her position at Fortis, Glenda was a tenured associate professor of nursing at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While there, she developed a holistic nursing course and taught community health nursing and health assessment.

She has a Master’s Degree in Community Health Nursing from the University of Utah and a Doctorate in Nursing from Oregon Health and Science University. Glenda embraces a truly holistic approach to health, healing, and education, with a focus on stress management, relaxation and a positive outlook on life. She lives in Utah with her husband, Steve. They are the parents of 4 and grandparents of 7.

The Magic of Metaphor;
Finding Meaning in Every Moment

The brain thinks in imagery. Metaphor brings images to words, and therefore words to life. “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” These words of wisdom spoken by sweet Forrest Gump inspired millions of movie-goers to see beauty in the delicious adventure called “life”. We all feel stuck, ill-equipped and unlucky from time to time. Despite unfortunate handicaps, Forrest led an inspired, albeit “lucky” life, largely because his mother had glued this hopeful metaphor to the tip of his tongue.

When we choose to see the metaphors available in everyday life, we stimulate the mind to work for us in creative and inspiring ways. In this workshop, we will explore the power of metaphor as a way to bring rich spiritual meaning into even the most mundane moments.

Journey to Bliss;
Yoga, Dance & Meditation

with Catherine Hill

Journey to Bliss™ is Cathy’s own creation – a joyful, fun and relaxing antidote for modern day stress that promotes wellness and deep healing. The class begins with yoga and dance, combined with a powerful blend of music. This attunes bodies and minds to a vibration that allows for deep relaxation.  The last 20 minutes of class is a guided meditation (yoga nidra).

What to bring:  A yoga mat, a blanket and bolster/cushion for under the knees and water bottle. A towel or low pillow for under the head. Wear comfortable clothing.

Cathy is passionate about assisting others in transforming their lives – body, mind and spirit. A yoga practitioner for over 25 years, she has been leading yoga, dance and meditation for 8 years. Her signature Journey to Bliss class, combines yoga, dance and yoga nidra (Divine Sleep Meditation). Cathy has received certifications in Yoga Meets Dance, Yoga Nidra , 500-hour yoga teacher training, as well as Energy Medicine Practitioner and Plant Based Nutrition.  She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.

Cathy offers weekly yoga classes at her in-home studio and Journey to Bliss classes in a variety of settings including Women’s Wilderness Weekend at University of Rhode Island’s Alton Jones Campus; Nursing Professional Day at the Community College of RI; her local library and various yoga studios. A popular event is the annual outdoor summer fundraiser, a class which takes place at her home to benefit different non-profit organizations each year.

Cathy and her husband have been gardening organically for 30 years. They grow their own food as well as running a horticulture business for seven years, selling organic seedlings and cut flowers at their local farmer’s market. They built their own post and beam frame, passive-solar home and have created numerous gardens and stone structures on their property. They host a yearly Gourmet Pizza Garden Party as a fundraising event at their home. The handmade pizzas are baked in an outdoor wood-fired fieldstone oven.