Whether your first experience of The Haven has been a Come Alive or another course, The Haven is committed to providing you with opportunities for ongoing learning. The Staying Alive groups listed on this page are one way you can stay in touch and continue your learning experience with others. The groups are led by graduates of The Haven Diploma course, many of whom are members of The Haven faculty. We encourage you to check out the group(s) and events in your area!

In addition, our Registrars are always happy to talk to you about what courses you might take next at The Haven. A browse through the catalogue or a look at our course descriptions will give you ideas. Many participants return for one of the shorter courses –  some very soon after Come Alive, some after they have had a chance to digest and settle into what they have learned. Those who move into the 25-day Phase 1: Self-Awareness overwhelmingly describe it as a wonderful experience. So there is lots to choose from.

In the meantime, here are some pointers to help you as you return to your daily life after attending a course at The Haven:

Breathe! Breathe once a day for 8 minutes. ‘Yin Breathing’ is simple and easy. Set a timer for 8 minutes. Lie on any firm surface (your living room rug, a firm bed) with your feet flat and hip distance apart, knees slightly apart. You can have your eyes open or closed, whatever feels best for you. Open your mouth and breathe. Breathe in deeply and let the air fall out. Let the breath flow gently like a river, without holding at either the top or the bottom. If your fingers tingle or you become dizzy, you can manage that by simply slowing down your breathing. Let any feelings or thoughts come and go as they will while you breathe. When your 8 minutes are up, slow your breathing back to its ordinary pace, rest for a few beats, and then, gently, go on with your day. 

Be gentle with yourself. You are OK - you don't need to beat yourself up or hassle yourself about what you are doing or have done or have not done. Just move ahead with your plans and goals in a steady way, one foot in front of the other. Remember that kindness goes a long way - kindness to yourself as well as kindness to others.

The Communication Model. Remember that you can use the Communication Model even if the other person does not know it, or does not want to use it. The greatest value in using the model is that it can help you be clear in your own thoughts, feelings, intentions, and context. And of course, the model helps us to remember to “check it out” with other people. If you would like to teach your friends and family to use the Communication Model, use it consistently yourself  and let them pick up your habits by osmosis. 

Also look at your intention. Any tool can be used to be nasty and get your own way and be right, and the Communication Model is no exception. If your intention is to be right or to get your own way, you are not in a place to connect or be close or find intimacy (although sharing that intention might help get you there!). On the other hand, an intention towards basic kindness and curiosity goes a long way.

You can read more about The Haven Models and breathing in this PDF document . 

If you attended Come Alive you likely took part in an exercise involving messing up your hair, flapping your hands, and roaring like a lion. We call this movement meditation Joints and Glands: click here to download directions. Joints and Glands is a great energizing and grounding exercise, so if you are feeling out of sorts, that would be a really good time for it. Even better would be to make it a regular part of your routine.

If you would like more reading, we suggest The New Manual for Life or one of the books from The Haven Bookabout series. These are available from The Haven Store.

Staying Alive Groups

Contact the leaders for more details.

Duncan
Gisela Sartori (250) 247 9370
Thursday evenings 7–10
The Green Door, 126 Ingram St.

Gabriola Island
Dianne Anderson & Carole Ames
(250) 247 9265, (250) 247 7545
10-week sessions and one-off events, depending on numbers and interests. At The Haven. Enquiries welcome.

Nanaimo
Dianne Anderson & Leslie Whyte
(250) 247 9265, (250) 755 9840

Ottawa
Sylvia Edlund (613) 798 5419

Regina
Monica Milas (306) 522 3911

Seattle
Bob Owen (206) 324 3495
Tuesday evenings, 6.30 – 8.30, Montlake.

Tacoma/Olympia
Wendy Huntington (253) 588 1687

Vancouver
Cathy Wilder (604) 738 9133
Monday evenings 7 – 9.15.
Broadway and Vine
(#301 – 2245 West Broadway)

AND Linda Nicholls (604) 738 4675
lindalee(at)haven.ca

Linda has three all-day / weekend events coming up, in the Arbutus/16th neighbourhood:
Sunday March 30
Saturday & Sunday April 26 & 27
Sunday May 25
All sessions 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

North Vancouver
Betty Gene McCallum (604) 430 8400

Victoria
Ian Curtin (250) 383 4094
Thursday evenings, 7 – 9.
8-week sessions, next one beginning Jan 31. $230 for 8 evening.

AND Jane Olynyk (250) 247 7617 & Marlyn Farrell (250) 247 9651

Winnipeg
Maria Gomori
Contact John Sanger (204) 889 9640
Third Thursday of every month.

NEW! Click here
to download The Haven Models.