Welcome to the Spring issue of Shen. As I write, a large group of participants, interns and leaders has been filling the Wong and McKeen Phoenix Auditorium for Phase II: Self and Other. The revised Phase II, led by Cathy and Ernie McNally, is proving a huge success. The Haven is busy, and experiencing the vibrant growth energy of Spring.

In Chinese medicine philosophy, the element associated with Spring is Wood, and in this issue Jane Olynyk discusses this element and the part Chinese medicine philosophy plays in the work we do at The Haven. Jane will be leading her new course,
5 Elements Practicum, in May.

In the March issue of The Haven News Update, we explored the theme of The Haven's 'China connection'. Over the years many faculty members and interns have led courses in China and at The Haven especially for Mandarin speakers. In this issue of Shen, we have a recorded interview with Jock McKeen and Ben Wong, the founders of The Haven. In Part A, they discuss their first contacts with China through Jock's qualification as an acupuncturist and their synthesis of this energy medicine with other forms of body work and their emphasis on the power of relationship. In Part B they talk about their most recent work in China and many other countries in South America, Africa and Europe, teaching large workshops in multicultural, corporate settings, through their connection with Hua Wei, a world leader in global telecommunications. There's also a slideshow of photos from China and Brazil.

Last month we made available on this page versions of the three principle models taught in Come Alive and Phase courses at The Haven – the Communication Model, The Selves Model, and the Resonance model – plus a piece about breathing. This document is now given to all participants at the end of Come Alive, and has been warmly welcomed. In this issue there's an article by Rick Jackson and Susa Holt about the practical value of the models in their own lives and especially in their relationship as friends and co-leaders of Come Alives.

We also have an article from the Shen archives by Joann Peterson, who was The Haven's Director of Education until her passing in early 2007. In this article, Joann advocates the power of direct mirroring through the use of the Communication Model. She taught this concept consistently and passionately in Come Alive and the Phase courses, and also developed a course specifically devoted to mirroring. This course is now The Power of Direct Mirroring, taught by Wendy Huntington and Cathy McNally, which is returning to The Haven schedule in June this year.

Finally, Morris Lamrock, an environmental educator currently participating in Phase II: Self and Other, suggests that the distinction between Self and Other may not be as clear as we sometimes think. His fascinating and personal article is titled Baby Knees and Aspen Trees.

NEW! Click here to download The Haven Models.

Toby Macklin, Editor