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The newly emerging field of energy psychology provides a holistic focus on the relationship of our bodies’ energy systems to high levels of psychological wellness. Predominant energy system models include biofields, energy centers (chakras), and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) energy channels (meridian system). Powerful tools based upon these models are emerging for assessment and treatment of a wide range of both psychological and physical problems. The integration of these tools into our western-style of talk therapy is an evolving and exciting development.
We will explore experientially several energy-based tools and reflect upon the relationship between these experiences and elements of Jungian psychology. The promise of these tools is that they facilitate shifts in what Jung refers to as psychic energy. They serve to develop our spiritual selves and our consciousness. They seek to open our hearts and create states of “creative lovingness.” Energy psychology provides a measure of hope for our embattled culture.
Carole McNamee, PhD is a marriage and family therapist with special interests in the healing power of both the creative arts and energy therapies. She has been using energy therapies and art therapies for the past five years. More recently she has been leading practice groups in Qigong, an ancient Chinese healing practice designed to facilitate the flow of energy in the body. She believes that real change requires engagement of body, mind, and spirit, and that the tools emerging from energy psychology do just that.
Carole received a PhD from Virginia Tech in marriage and family therapy in 2004 following a career as a professor of computer science at California State University, Sacramento. She holds a BS degree from Simmons College, an MS degree from Stanford University, and a PhD in computer science from UC Davis.
| Group 1 | Dreams | Joanne Passmore |
Jung believed dreams to be essential to achieving psychological wellness and reconciling parts of the psyche. By incorporating the ideas and concepts of the plenary and carefully listening to the sound of our inner voices, we will look to our dreams to bring forth our unique personal wisdom. We will examine the message of the dream along with its symbols and emotional tone expressed and consider how it might speak to our current life situation.
Joanne Passmore was a corporate manager and business consultant. She has had a long history of working with dreams individually and in groups. For many years she has been a member of The Round Table Associates in Media, PA.
| Group 2 | Poetry | David Mook |
“Poetry can reveal what the heart is ready to recognize.”—Joseph Campbell
Reading and writing poems, and breathing life into the language of poems simply by speaking them out loud, can be both transforming and healing. Poems are not only the embodiment of the breath, but are also the embodiment of our “psychic energy.” They represent a potential means of integrating the tools of this conference into our daily lives. We will do some writing and have opportunities to share what comes up in these rough drafts of our poems. Please bring a favorite poem or two by another poet to share with the group.
David Mook began writing poetry only after the sudden death of his 8 year-old daughter Sarah, who began writing poems in kindergarten. Inspired by Sarah’s poems, David earned a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Vermont College and has taught writing at Castleton State College in Vermont. His first book of poems, Each Leaf, includes poems written by Sarah. The Sarah Mook Poetry Awards is an annual contest open to students in grades K-12.
| Group 3 | Mandalas | Stephen McDonnell |
Mandalas, identified by Carl Jung as spontaneous creations or responses, are now created as visual expressions intentionally to understand our unconscious, and to facilitate growth, transformation, integration. No art experience necessary! We will create mandalas, and reflect together on their meaning for ourselves, using writing and projective responses from other participants. We will also gather in silent worship.
Stephen McDonnell is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice as a psychotherapist in Washington, DC. Three years ago at WFCRP Stephen participated in a mandala group led by Carole McNamee, followed by a project suggested by Carole to make 100 mandalas in 100 days. This project has produced a major transformation in his life, including his becoming a convinced Friend. Stephen is a member of Friends Meeting of Washington.
| Group 4 | Simple QiGong Exercises | Jean Wilson |
QiGong is an ancient Oriental method of building and balancing life energy through exercise. QiGong is the general name for many different sets of exercises (including Tai Chi) that emphasize the role of movement, proper breathing and concentration. We will learn the Eight Silk Brocades and some other simple movements.
Jean Wilson studied Tai Chi 25 years ago with Robert Smith, who was a student of Cheng Man-ch’ing. More recently, as a self-taught practitioner of QiGong, she has offered weekly classes in Tai Chi and QiGong at Broadmead, a Quaker retirement community. Several years ago she led a small group at Annville FCRP. In her earlier years she was the wife of a Foreign Service officer, and also a financial economist working for the Federal Office of Management and Budget.
The conference begins at 7:30 pm Friday, February 20, 2009, and ends after lunch Sunday. There are three Plenary and three Small Group sessions, 1 ½ hours each.
Please arrive 5:00–7:30 pm on Friday to receive your conference information. A buffet supper will be available during this period.
We all share in meal-time responsibilities and find it an enjoyable community experience. Please sign up for one or two chores upon arrival.
Each room sleeps three persons—one single and one bunk bed. We will assign two-to-a-room as far as space permits. If you are registering for overnight, please indicate on the registration form whether you will accept three to a room.
As an option to overnight attendance, there are several motels within a short distance of Wellspring.
Wellspring will provide vegetarian meals. Each cottage has a refrigerator where you may keep your own snacks or special foods if you wish. No liquor or pets permitted.
Bring a cup or mug for drinks, warm clothes, a flashlight, journal writing or note-taking materials, and a percussion instrument (if you have one) for group drumming. The lodge tends to be drafty so you may wish to wear a sweater or jacket at the plenary sessions.
For emergencies only: incoming phone number at Wellspring 301-428-3373.
From Washington: Germantown Road Exit 15A right off I-270 to MD 118. Merge right onto MD 118. Approximately one-half mile on MD 118 to MD 355. Left onto MD 355. First right onto Neelsville Church Road. Approximately one-half mile on Neelsville Church Road to Wellspring entrance on left.
From Baltimore: I-70 West to MD 27. South on MD 27 to MD 355. South on MD 355 to Neelsville Church Road. Left onto Neelsville Church Road.
Fee is for the weekend and includes meals.
| Overnight: | $225 | |
| Day: | $160 |
| Registrations are closed. There may be room on a stand-by basis. Please contact the Registrar. |