Hoffman UK Newsletter
Silence is Golden
September News 2009
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Dear Nikki,
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Many of us have spent
the summer with our children and are now waving them off to the next
phase of their education - or maybe you are taking a step into the
unknown yourself. These moments deserve to be marked as a rite of
passage.
So often in the busy-ness of our lives we forget how
important it is to pause to reflect on changes in our lives. This
month why not make undisturbed time to spend with your loved ones where
you can reflect and deepen your connection. An evening without TV or
the Internet could be a revelation!
'One
of the things I gained from the Hoffman Process was to experience
silence as a comfortable place to be, rather than an awkward vacuum to
be filled.' Suzy, Film Producer
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Silence is Golden
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 Why is 'peace and quiet' so elusive and why do we try to avoid it?
We've been approached by Tiger Aspect Productions who are making a documentary series for BBC2 about Silence. You may have seen their other critically acclaimed programmes, 'The Monastery' and 'The Convent'. They're looking for 4 volunteers who are willing to work with a spiritual mentor and embark on a journey to try to put silence into their busy everyday lives, and learn what to do with it when it's there.
They are looking for candidates who are open to explore their feelings, and those who are at some kind of crossroads, seeking change in their lives in this case through a Christian framework. Filming will be over a 5 week period in October, including 10 days of retreat. The whole project will be handled with the highest sensitivity.
If you're interested, email: silence@tigeraspect.co.uk and they will send you an application form and more information about the project. You don't need to have done the Hoffman Process to apply.
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| Appreciating the Dying Process
- A weekend workshop for family and friends |
Death is an emotive subject. In our modern culture many of us have
little direct  experience of death or dying. As a result, we can be
ignorant and afraid. Rather than accepting it, we often avoid it, deny it or feel embarassed by it. Knowing
what to expect can lessen the dread of what we may experience,
and can help us play a positive, compassionate role in
supporting a loved one as they approach the end of their life.
Hoffman Graduates Mark and Sue Brayne are psychotherapists who offer support, expertise, training and inspiration in all aspects of trauma and bereavement. Sue has just finished a book called The D-Word about death and dying. Sue is running a weekend workshop starting at 6pm on Friday 30th October in Stroud to help anyone who wants to better support someone - spiritually and emotionally - who is dying..
"The Hoffman fits naturally into the process of continuing therapy,
either short or long term, and without exception, those who've been on
the Process find that the growth and the gains they've made there are
maintained and consolidated in the months and years that follow." Mark
Brayne
Click to read more about 'The D Word'
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Info Phone In October 6th
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Is the Hoffman Process for you?
Many of you tell us that Information Evenings are really helpful in deciding whether the Process is for you; yet London or Dublin may not be convenient. So we now offer monthly information phone-ins. They are really lively with callers questions and interesting input from previous Process participants.
Call from wherever you are in the world and join UK Hoffman Director and Serena Laurence, pictured here, from 7.30 - 8.30pm BST for our October Information phone-in. You can just listen in or, if you have a question Serena, together with Hoffman Teachers and previous Process participants will be delighted to help.
They will cover topics such as:
- How can you tell if the Process is right for you?
- What changes can you expect following the course?
- How do you continue the benefits of the Process once it's over?
- What are the long-term benefits?
Click for more details and call instructions
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the call.
Can't make this date? Next call is Tuesday November 3rd 7.30 - 8.30pm
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Kew Gardens - Let's Get Together - Sunday 4th October
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 Continuing our theme of tranquillity in nature, Hoffman Teacher Mathew Pruen has organised a get together at Kew Gardens for Hoffman graduates and their friends and families. You can enjoy the fresh air and great company whilst you admire the fabulous autumnal colours of the trees and share a picnic at the lakeside. With plenty of cafes and indoor spaces such as the Palm House in case of rain and a tree-top walkway, this will be a really fun day out. We're meeting at 11am and will be finishing our picnics around 2pm. Entrance is free for children under 17. An adult ticket is £13. There are concessions and a few free tickets available courtesy of Hoffman Graduate Halina Kessler.
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Irish Process September 18th - 25th
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This month Hoffman Teacher Donna Lancaster will be coming to the Chrysalis Centre for the first time. She will be joining Ireland veteran Tom Laughton to inspire and support another group through the Process in the beautiful surroundings of County Wicklow. There are a few places left on this course which runs from 18th-25th September, so if you think one of them has your name on it, just call Jeremy on 01 820 44 22 to talk it over.
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Info Evenings
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Would you like to find out more about the
Process?
Information Evenings provide a great
opportunity to meet Hoffman Teachers as well
as Hoffman
Graduates, ask questions, hear
people's
experiences and decide if the
Process is right for you now, or in the future.
They're free and there's no need to book.
Evenings start at 7.30pm and
finish around 9.30pm.
Next Information Evening Dates
include:
September 29th
Regents College, London
September 29th
Dublin, IrelandOctober 20th
Regents College, London
Click here for more information evening dates
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| Reconnection Day in Little Venice, London |
Our next Reconnection Day on Saturday September 12th has one place left at time of writing, so if that's got your name on it, just call the Hoffman office on 01903 88 99 90 to check availability. Reconnection Days offer a chance to reconnect with other Hoffman Graduates, with the Hoffman techniques and with those aspects of yourself that might be in need of nurture and attention. Our last Reconnection Day this year is on Saturday November 14th at Beauchamp Lodge, Little Venice, London W2. "It was like being back at the Process, the same intimacy, confidentiality and bonding yet on top of that learning practical skills to keep the Process alive. Thank you!" Christine Mason Click to book online for the November Reconnection Day |
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Support Call September 9th |
Relationships - Wednesday September 9th
This is the first in a series of three stand-alone calls on relationships. These are both for those who are currently in a relationship and for those who aren't. We'll be exploring our patterns in relationships, why we pick the partners we do and what gets in the way of growing together in relationship. This first call focuses on discovering more about how we function in relationship and creating more choice about the ways we act and react.
Led by Esme Page, one of our most experienced UK
Hoffman Teachers, support calls are ideal if you've
finished your Post Process Support
Groups and want to reconnect to the
Process tools. We also welcome
Hoffman Graduates who have been
'out of the loop' and would
like to refresh their perspective. In short -
if you've done the Process, wherever
you live - this one's for you!
Frequently Asked Questions about the
Support Call
Do I have to talk? This and other common
questions are covered in our
support call factsheet.
"The call gave me a 'kickstart'
which resulted in a very revealing elevator
tool that I did later that evening which made
a lot of sense. It also helped me feel
less isolated which was brilliant." Alison
Booking is Essential
With a maximum of
12 per call please book early to ensure your
place using the link below.
Click here to find out more and to book on the call
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Business Listing
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Our listing page is a great way for Hoffman
Graduates to connect through work and leisure. From retreats and holiday lets, from homeopaths to lawyers, you should find the service you need!
If you're a Hoffman Graduate and you'd like
to list your own services, just click the
listing link below where you'll find an entry
form and online payment facility.
Click here for the Business Listing
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Closure - For Hoffman Graduates only
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 Next Closure Dates - 2009:September 10th, Florence House, Sussex Teachers: Tim, Donna and Janet September 24th Chrysalis Centre, Co Wicklow, Ireland Teachers: Tom and Donna September 24th Oxon Hoath, Kent
Teachers: Eliza, Mairi and Matthew Remember, numbers are limited and it starts at 5pm prompt. (7pm if you can only make dinner). In the UK please book in advance with the Hoffman Office on +44 (0)1903 88 99 90. or email: info@hoffmaninstitute.co.uk. Dinner is £16. The cost is payable direct to the site. In Ireland book direct with Chrysalis on 045 404 713. Dinner is 15 Euros. You can't attend Closure of a spouse or child, though we'd love to see you at their Welcome Home. 'Attending Closure is my favourite post-process activity. I reconnect with my own Process in ever different ways, and at the same time, am able to take great pleasure in knowing that my experience and even my presence plays some small part in the never-to-be-forgotten memories of the new graduates.' David, Herts Click here for Closure Dates - You'll need the password
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Support News |
Please keep in touch by checking our support
group page on the website for current support groups or contacts in
your area. Guest FacilitatorsRemember that you can book Hoffman Teachers to be guest facilitators for your groups or for one to one coaching. Click here for contact details. You'll need the password
Central London support group
The next support evening is Wednesday September 9th. There's a £5 attendance charge. To go on the local mailing list please contact
Diane.
Email:
diane-gallagher@ukgateway.net or Tel:
+44 (0)7947 068 625.
Dublin
For the next meeting of the Dublin support group and to be put
on a local mailing list contact
David
Gibson on: dbg@dna.ie or
call: 01 862 3564
Edinburgh
Lynn is the contact for a thriving group in
this area. Please email her at:
lynn.edinsupport@virgin.net
Glasgow
Margot Clayton based in Milngavie, 20 mins
from Glasgow city centre, has started a
support group and e-group. The next meeting
will be in September, after a summer break.
To be put
on a local mailing list call Margot on: 0141
956 5526 or Email:
margot.clayton@btinternet.com
Sheffield
Nicci in Sheffield would welcome contact from other Hoffies with a view to setting up a group. Tel: 07763 773953. Email: nicola.gilkes@btinternet.com
Bristol
This group has its next meeting on Thursday 24th September. Just contact Sarah to be put on
their mailing list. Email:
sarah_fechner@gmx.at and mobile: 0791 2625079
South Wales
For details of the next meeting of the
Cardiff self-support group please email
Garthine on
walkergm@cardiff.ac.uk or phone
07946 445559 (email preferred)
North West
Jo Lloyd runs a self-support group in
Liverpool and an e-board for local Hoffman
Grads. To join the eboard email:
jo1972@hotmail.com or Tel: 0151 928 3205
or 07950 536 047.
Oxford
Jon is interested in setting up a support group in the Oxford area. If you'd like to take part, please contact him at jontreanor@rocketmail.com or Tel: 01865 884188 or Mobile 01235 831777.
Reading
Beth Stanley would like to restart a Hoffman
support group in this area. Email her if
you're interested at:
beth@hannahbethcoaching.com or Telephone:
07835 016 136.
East Sussex
A social gathering in Brighton has been
suggested for Thursday 24th September at
7.30pm. If you're interested please call
Andrea on 07770 450100 or email:
loveshackmarshall@hotmail.com.
For news, join the Sussex Hoffman E-
noticeboard email:
nikki@spiritoftransformation.com
If there's no support group local to you, why
not volunteer to be the contact person in
your area? Just ring Nikki on Wednesdays or
Fridays on: 01903 88 99 90 or Email:
nikki@hoffmaninstitute.co.uk
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"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer." Mohammed Ali
Warm Wishes,
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The Hoffman Team
Hoffman Institute UK
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