ALMAPATH ADVENTURES
and all other
Creative Endeavours
have a "new home" at
www.TheTerraStudios.com

The website is on its way....
Slowly, slowly...awhhh

NEW TALK/DISCUSSION

"Light and Shadow in Life…, As in Art"

a Spontaneous and Natural Duality.

Borrowing words and drawing parallels with Art in one of the riches metaphors: Art as Life – Life as Art… Harnessed, Propelled, Screeching, Subdued, Birthed, Choked, Straightened, Comforted, Contorted, Twisted, Explosive, Generous, Balanced, Retracted, Restrained, Flooded, Disturbed, Unpredictable, Soothed, Angular, Lavish, Fluent, Heightened, Feral, Intellectual, Emotional, Complaisant, Harmonious, Controversial, Dazzling, Vibrant, Still, Chaotic

Assessing and addressing today’s trends of our lives unpredictable, chaotic, spontaneous, natural and naturally transforming/evolving duality. A choice at every breath: Light or shadow? Light and Shadow?

Or, in much simpler, more practical terms… When “Nice” becomes a goal, does Integrity fall by the wayside?

I am looking forward to a lively discussion afterwards!

=

~ MY WORKSHOPS ~

~ Self-Healing ~ Basic Instincts ~

The Ripple Effect ~ The Independent Mind

~ Holidays for "One" ~

“Basic Instincts” ©2005

Workshop Overview: “Basic Instincts” are the fundamental elements that permeate our lives with power and strength. This packed-full of information and ideas workshop/seminar brings a number of vital and fresh perspectives for your consideration and individual/personalized application. Whether comfortable or not with where you are at or, with what you do or got, it will bring unique options and opportunities to your insight. This workshop has something substantial for everyone! Whether experiencing or having experienced setbacks and/or loss or, as part of ongoing personal development or even, for the simply curios. The gathering of information is only the great beginning of "the process"...

Learning Outcomes: Personal balance and evolution depend on the full awareness and mindful use of our instincts or inner wisdom. This unique approach opens us to: * "The process” notion and its unfolding. * Gentle, but deep self- evaluatioon. * Connecting with our short and long term needs. * Be aware of “influences” and “distracters”. * The full recognition of our basic instincts. * Mindfully engage our instincts or inner wisdom. * “Harnessing” our intent * Co-creation...

Benefits of Attending: The awareness of all we are and all we can do - at all times - is like the possibility of reaching for flowers into an ever luscious and infinite garden. In more "practical words", a solid and continued source of inner peace and strength!!! Knowledge is Power. Self - Knowledge is Self - Empowerment

Workshop, one day session, approximately 8 hrs. in length. (Maybe tailored to suit each profit or non-profit organization’s individual needs) Talk, 30 to 45 minutes.

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“Self – Healing” ©2003 formerly: How to drive your own car instead of..., Basic Instincts...

Workshop Overview: Simply because each and everyone of us matters! This one day workshop illustrates how we can control the outcome… the knowledge and the power are already within us. Self-Healing is a reality that we are free to embrace and make our own. For those currently experiencing a “rough patch” on the journey due to major loss, life crisis and /or trauma, depression or a history of mood disorders. Strictly from personal (tested and re-tested and finally...) successful experience/management mode!

Learning Outcomes: *Awareness of the immense power our mind and heart has over our well being. *Concrete steps for recovery from major loss, life crisis and /or trauma. *Management of depression and mood disorders in general. *Recognition that “there is a light at the end of the tunnel”. *Freedom from binding and outdated concepts.

Benefits of Attending: To readily recognize and access recovery steps and strategies in order to manage life as it unfolds and aim to achieve and maintain happiness and balance listening to our "basic instincts" of survival, and applying our new-found knowledge in "mindful and deliberate" actions. Shared in a safe and caring environment with a definitely positive focus.

Workshop Options: one day session, approximately 8 hrs. in lengthor or Four Parts (2 hrs. per day or week) sessions. Talk, 30 to 45 minutes

“The Ripple Effect” ©2005

Workshop Overview: One “part of the process”… is to effectively focus, execute and follow-up mindfully on our actions. Because we know that: “Every action has an equal and proportionate reaction” But, what does that exactly mean? We shall find out as we examine and set the course or, “cast the pebble” to affect and effect motion in your lives, which in turn will create a variety of experiences and choices we did not access before.

Learning Outcomes: Exploration of the reality and magic a slight shift in thought and/or action or a different choice bring about. During this one evening workshop we will learn to: *Deliberately focus our attention on a particular desire or need. *Move forward with a richer, stronger vision. *Build the foundation for new experiences. *Allow and even welcome a “different outcome”. *To keep a “flexible” mind, heart and soul. *To further appreciate the unfolding of life events.

Benefits of Attending: Creating new experiences and embracing the beauty (and sometimes, the beast too?) of the many possible future ramifications those actions or different attitudes bring to us. The importance of being constantly aware that by changing our thoughts/actions/reactions - ourselves - that around us will also change...it is inevitable!

Workshop, one session, approximately two hours in length.Talk, 30 to 45 minutes.

“The Independent Mind” ©2005

Workshop Overview: This one evening workshop is another component or “part of the process” where we specifically attend to “the soft whispers of our heart…”That elusive calling… that dusty dream… or, even that old shelved or interrupted daydream we have not quiet forgotten yet, will be finally named and recognized!

Learning Outcomes: *To tease out the eventualities of following our dreams. *Clear our heads of “outside input”. *To follow our dreams and, yes *To pay very close attention to our "daydreams" (what I call "Spontaneous Visualization" ©2004). *Full acknowledgement of “the process”. *Effective and result yielding affirmations. * "Moving from intent to commitment". ©2005

Benefits of Attending: Acceptance of ones own power and responsibility in following our heart, desires... and, the playfulness and ease it can be done with. Above all, the understanding and acceptance that to follow ones heart is to find true happiness and fulfilment... and be on our way to live the authentic life we were meant to live . (Or... just how sweet can our future be?)

Workshop, approximately three hours in length. Talk, 30 to 45 minutes.

" Holidays for “One" ©2005

Workshop Overview: For those alone. Experiencing a life passage alone during Vacations, Christmas, Hannukah, New Years Eve or any other "significant" time/event.

Learning Outcomes: *To easy ourselves into "a comfortable reality of one" and experience vacations, the holiday season and/or other important or significant events with graceful confidence and in good spirits. Perhaps, even genuine joy!

Benefits of Attending: A "delicious" shift to the positive, opening ourselves to alternative possibilities and preparing to create and/or accept new experiences to come... we can truly surprise ourselves!

Interactive Talk, approximately 2 to 21/2hrs in length

As topics are of human interest in the areas of personal (and professional) development and complementary with family, community and possibly even individual spiritual connections, they are easily suitable for a variety of groups and organizations.


Available Also in Spanish

IT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME

FOR A NEW PERSPECTIVE,

A DIFFERENT CHOICE,

A TRUTHFUL HEART,

A CLEAR VOICE...

TRANSFORM! ©2006

~ ENDORSMENTS ~

"I was particularly impressed with the quality and planning of your "Basic Instincts Workshop", self-improvement talks. It is readily apparent you are a real helping professional. Your service and consideration to both my Clubhouse membership and social service staff was most gratifying.In a modern world that increases our interpersonal isolation, your "Basic Instincts Workshop", self-improvement talk provided us with needed knowledge for maintaining personal optimism. You may be assured, I will be writing you during the next several months to set up another workshop; more specifically, because of both your professionalism and your integrity, we are going to ask you for more workshops."(Recovery - Life Skills Workshop)

"Alicia was well organized, funny and perceptive of the audience’s mood. The response and feedback from the women was very positive and uplifting. She did a wonderful presentation and we hope to have her back. I highly recommend Alicia for her professionalism, humour and ability to relate to the audience."(Wellness Day @ Health Unit - Keynote Speaker)"

"We appreciate your willingness to share your experiences with the women in our community. Your commitment and dedication to improving women’s lives is inspiring."(Monthly Event Talk)

"Of the critiques collected at the end of the event, Alicia received "excellent" for her Talk from everyone who evaluated. I would recommend her as a fine Speaker that she is. Her story of healing was both humorous and explicit, while her incisive overview of needs of the mental health community at large were extremely inspiring. Alicia’s remarks were complete with references on self-help materials as well as results of personal investigative research"(Retreat Speaker)

"The workshops, which were held at the Ravensong Health Centre on March 6th and 13th of this year, were not only a benefit to the participants but also to our organization which enhanced its reputation for staging meaningful events in the community for mental health consumer/survivors. I have nothing but praise and admiration for Alicia and her work. Collaborating with her in holding her workshops, she demonstrated commitment, organization and attention to detail in every aspect of her work. She is also a very wonderful person and I do not hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking interesting and beneficial workshops for their organization’s members and clients."(Recovery/Life Skills Workshop)

"Alicia has a very warm and personable approach and we would not hesitate to recommend her to any organization specializing in mental health and recovery". (Self-healing Talk)

Thu, 2006-01-26 19:05. I was amazed at the amount of knowledge you shared with us. The clarity of mind and focus was great. Realizing how important it is to trust in who and what we are. Again, thank you.Shirley P. - Workshop Participanton

Sun, 2006-01-22 17:19. Thank you very much Alicia for sharing your wisdom with such candor and compassion. After your stimulating Basic Instincts workshop, I began thinking about, and speaking with friends about, their experience of daydreaming. Its universality speaks to its human import and so I am now practising - daydreaming - a tool which is proving to be relaxing, creative, and serves to enhance my self awareness. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with such spirit - you know what you speak of!
im I. - Workshop Participant

Thu, 2006-01-19 17:15. Great! Great! Great! “Basic Instincts” was the first workshop I have ever attended. To be honest, I was a bit apprehensive since I didn’t know what to expect, but decided to go and see what happened. The way in which it evolved got me completely engaged, after 20 minutes I was completely involved and willing to participate and share. Alicia, you are great, you know the material very well but also have enough experience to let the workshop develop according to the participants needs and experiences but always following the plan.We laughed and had fun, but on the other hand, we touched on subjects that made me think and re-evaluate many issues that I have unresolved. I walked out with a lot of energy and with a great understanding in the areas of my personal as well as business life that need extra work: In addition to understanding why some of my actions and reactions are the way the are. Understanding is the only way to true change. And the changes have already began… Great! Thank you Alicia for allowing me to participate and benefit from all you wisdom.
Carolina Barreneche, Workshop Participant President, White Rock Office Services

~ SUPPORTING WORDS ~

"She is intelligent, articulate and persistent. Alicia would be a formidable ally or an equally formidable opponent for any cause, organization or movement." - Andrew Hannon, Magazine Editor -

"I have always found her to be a very articulate spokesperson for the group she works with, usually the disadvantaged and less powerful in our community. She is a dedicated hard worker that leaves no stone unturned when she builds her case" - Nick Taylor, Senator

"Alicia has shown me she is concerned, compassionate, (and) knowledgeable of current events, persistent and forthright." - Dave Rutherford, News Director / Talk Show Host -

"I met Alicia Ballard in 1991 as an articling student at a Calgary law firm. Alicia was a good listener and provided moral support to me. Unfortunately I lost touch with Alicia as I tried to find some career direction. In February 2004 by coincidence, Alicia and I were browsing in the same store along the beach in White Rock. I recognized her immediately.
After talking to her, I was reminded of Alicia's intelligence, tact and compassion. I have told Alicia often that she would make a very good life coach. Alicia emmigrated to Canada at the age of twenty one. Prior to this, she was born and raised in Argentina, part of which was under a dictatorship military regime.
Alicia can empathisize with the cultural, financial and social struggles of immigrants, based on her own experiences of fitting into another culture. Alicia worked for several years in Calgary as a Simultaneous Interpreter and a Translator based on her expertise of 3-4 languages. Alicia seldom mentions her language versatility, which is typical of her understated approach.
Because of her well roundedness, Alicia is able to see the "big picture" in complex situations. She is a "safe harbour" for individuals who are experiencing confusion, grief and anger in their relationships.
Alicia is careful about being an impartial observer in such scenarios. She is knowledgeable about mental health issues and effective approaches to maintaining one's health and well being.
She is generous about sharing her information with others, without expecting anything in return. Alicia has a wealth of knowledge on issues such as healing, creativity and identity. She is attuned to issues like recovering one's sense of connection, strength, self protection and autonomy.
I have never attended one of Alicia's workshops unfortunately. Based on the positive feedback that I have heard about them, I sense that the audience are enthusiastic participants to Alicia's unique approach to life." - Vicky J. - Friend, Lawyer and Social Worker (Good for her!)

Angel Dust most precious, I find the name of your webpages both enchanting and uplifting."
Joy flowing back to you!" - Quasar9 -

~ MY MESSAGE ~

Knowledge and Power are already within us!

At times our lives are affected (perhaps even battered) by events and/or situations that diminish our energy, our personal power/self-esteem and slow down our progress, making it difficult to achieve our dreams, our goals... to live a full and happy life.
Through personal experience and years of reading, study and observation, I began offering Talks and Workshops in mid 2004, on matters relating to our intellectual and emotional (and as a consequence as well, our spiritual) well being.
With time and lots of practice I began to understand the mind-heart-soul and body connection. Making the connection can be trying at times. Even hit and miss! Sometimes, we can run into apparently misleading clues which take us down detour paths, perhaps to gather more information/self-knowledge along the way...
However, even when connections are made, it takes focus to get back on track and remain on "our personal path"... Certainly personal support or a supporting environment are most desirable!
As I observe the world changing around me, I find that as a community we are becoming more and more disengaged - unplugged (?) in our "electronic-whirlwind-distracting-detaching-contemporary daily life demands" not finding much time left to invest deeper into our feelings and our personal relations/communications. Possibly even becoming unaware of our "disconnection" not only from others but also from ourselves.
Even this magnificent venue, in a way, is contributing to a kind of "self-imposed" individual as well as mass isolation, detachment...
Love and Blessings, Alicia

Comments, feedback are much appreciated! Emails, Forwardings, Copies, Etc. of Material Posted in this Site May be Done with Due Acknowledgements. Thank you.

MY STORY ~

I often say that compared to many others, in general, I have lived at least three lifetimes… As a matter of fact, my life was “eventful” even before birth.Having grown up away from my parents and in strict discipline practising boarding schools until the age of thirteen has also added early on a myriad of observations and experiences to my “bag of life”.

At the age of twenty-one I emigrated from Argentina to Canada and in no time I became a very active community member, both in the political as well as the multicultural arenas.Being the first women (Province-wide) to hold the post of President of an ethno-cultural organization, one of the first three female Immigration Officers in Alberta (among the first group ever nation-wide), and usually the only or youngest female in other interest groups, along with other major timely projects, with their many participants and as many diverse needs, not only benefited me - as an aside, but also placed yet another variety of serious insights into the bag…

Life was productive and successful in many aspects for many years, while the “deep” personal remained a bit of a mystery not only to myself but, to many others throughout the years. I “ploughed on” anyhow.In 1996, after some time of physical, personal, professional and financial instability, which also became in time “social isolation”, my life took a dramatic downturn.
The comeback from that fateful, life-changing series of events that culminated in a monumental meltdown, brought on an even more profound, life-altering, enhancing, evolving growth period for which I am now very grateful for and fully understand.

Life has many passages; every passage has its process of learning/receiving information, understanding and finally living out our new found knowledge which enriches our lives and the lives of those around us..

LOS TALLERES Y LAS CHARLAS

son también ofrecidos

en Castellano

~ * ~

Una descripción completa será proveída

a corto plazo.

"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark;

the real tragedy of life is

when men are afraid of the light."

- Plato -