 BEYOND THE NINE DOTS:
Let There Be Peace On Earth, and Let It Begin With Me. Would you be willing to own this affirmation for the holiday season and for the New Year? Can you believe it, and live it?
Troubled times for our nation holds many possibilities to practice what we believe. The media tends to sensationalize everything by adding heavy doses of fear factor and the "what ifs" that focus on horror. Knowing that we are at total choice as to what we focus our minds on empowers us to truly experience inner peace. I have often thought that the unrest inside of humanity coupled with the belief in scarcity is the basis for most wars.
Our most powerful internal point of control is our minds, and the only point of power is the present moment. So, perhaps moment to moment we can use what we know to bring love and peace to ourselves and to all those who touch our lives. Let's bless everyone from the welcome family members and the family who provides "growth," to the overwhelmed sales clerks and the person in the car in front of you. When we externalize our power to lists, social events, money worries, etc., STOP, and take your power back quickly. Stress is a telltale sign for a mental 911--KIV tools.
In our quieter moments, let's hold the most powerful image for world peace that we can conjure up. Can we revisit this image each time we hear a news report or read a new account of strife in Aftganistan or other hot spots? We are powerful enough to create a positive momentum. With the guidance of our higher power, we do make a difference!
This writing was in a gift of Waterford Crystal "Peace" goblets. It touched me; I share it with you. "Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring in the thousand years of Peace." Tennyson. What is this peace that the poet so prized? And how can we wrap our minds around a wonder that some say, "Surpasses all understanding." In every age and culture, it has been spoken as a greeting: Peace! Shalom! Pax Tecum! The first thing to be said by one human being to another has been the most vital: "I come in peace." And as it has been the first word, so it is the last, "Rest in peace." Our own era is dated from one called The Prince of Peace, and yet it is the bloodiest era of human history. Peace is both a dream and an enigma. Perhaps, Peace is too often defined by absence-of war, strife, turbulence, or clamor. Having learned what it is not, the heart is left to wonder what it is. The great ones have been known for a peace that is far more than absence, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King. A Peace Prize honors the dynamic ones who make the world safe for growth and compassion. The peace that is prized is far more than absence. It is a deep longing of the soul. The end of war and the beginning of wisdom.
May Peace take root in your heart and give wind to your dreams. May it begin as hope in your soul and radiate to every corner of your world.
Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Phyllis R. AntonelliWhat Else Is Possible? Beyond The Rocks Creativity Abounds in Grand Forks, NDIt may be cold in Grand Forks, but the brain cells are hot from working overtime there. Sandi Geddes, Master Facilitator, has created a regional newsletter, Keys 4 Thought. It is a vehicle for communicating with her Facilitators, Probation Staff, and the Core Planning Team. Sections are "Random Thoughts," "I Love Being Me," and the "Idea Bank." Sandi is always open to trying something new. With the guidance of Dennis Herbeck, Director of Juvenile Services, the Grand Forks KIV implementation continues to be a dynamic force for change. Crookston Minnesota - A Commitment to Empowered FamiliesFor the last few years, Northwest Mental Health Center, Polk County, has funded an innovative program for families using KIV and Possibility Parenting. Entitled Family-Based Life Management Skill Services, the program combines adolescents with their parents to create empowered communication, decision-making, and problem solving skills. Classes are varied—sometimes held with all participants, sometimes parents and youth are in separate groups. Scheduled on Friday evenings and Saturdays, the classes are interactive, concentrate on "So What?" application, and involve lots of "Catch" strategies. Attendance and response has been very positive. Cheri Langei, Master Facilitator, designed and delivers this creative approach for Keys to Excellence, Inc. We thank Brenda Anderson, MSW, and Dan Wilson, Executive Director, for their vision and willingness to make it a reality.
West Virginia Kanawha
School System Implements KIV In August and September, Master Facilitators, Cheryl Belcher and Shauna Jones did a two-tiered Facilitator Training for teachers in the Kanawha School District. This training was a result of Cheryl's tenacity, the collaboration of the school district, Superintendent Ron Duerring, and Keys, Inc. Last March, Cheryl became a Master Facilitator, and the plan for the district took form. We welcome the schools to our extensive network in West Virginia. We appreciate the commitment from many sources that made it possible for the students and staff to become empowered with KIV.
An Innovative Approach
One of Cheryl's KIV classes involves students in a new program called "middle college." These students are gifted underachievers who have failed in high school. They attend a local private college and earn dual credit for high school and college classes. KIV gives them a solid foundation to pursue their goals.
A Special Request
As many of you may remember December 29th is the one-year anniversary of the passing of Ronald G. Kuhn, my life partner, and best friend. As founder of Keys to Excellence, Inc., author of many curricula, conductor of adult and teen choirs, and teacher in elementary through college levels, he dedicated his life to helping others. In his memory, I am asking each of you to "pay it forward." Between now and December 29th, would you share a KIV tool or concept with someone who is not a participant in a KIV class? By sharing the power and the gift of choosing to think differently, you create an opening for change. I appreciate your ongoing commitment to carrying on our work, and I believe Ron is always there to support you!  Mary Richer
Recipient of the Ronald G. Kuhn
Memorial Award For ExcellenceIn our fall issue, we announced that Master Facilitator, Mary Richer, New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission, had received the Award for Excellence created in memory of Ron. We printed a picture of Ron and Mary at her initial training in 1991. Here is Mary with her award in 2001. Celebrating ten years of excellence and ten years of change, we extend our gratitude for Mary's extensive work and her commitment to "walk the talk." Plan Ahead!!! UPCOMING MASTER FACILITATOR TRAININGDuring the week of February 5-9, 2002, we are holding our annual Master Facilitator Training in sunny Scottsdale, AZ. This trainer of trainer's program enables communities and agencies to have certified trainers deliver the three day Facilitator Training. In addition, Master Facilitators are able to train other staff in the foundation units to create an Empowerment Team, to provide supervision of KIV, to provide leadership to the Core Planning Team, and to act as a liaison to Keys, Inc. It is both a cost effective and quality assurance measure. Candidates must have experience in facilitating the curriculum and be willing to participate in an exciting and intensive five day training process. Now is the time for agencies to secure funding for tuition and for candidates to acquire experience in delivering all units to clients and an 8 hour staff Empowerment Team Training. Class size is limited to 10 participants. For further information, contact Keys, Inc.
Has your Master Facilitation Certification Expired?? We are also opening this training process to any previously trained Master Facilitator who wants to be recertified and/or renew certification that has expired. Certification is valid for two years. Recertification candidates must attend Monday and Tuesday of the training and are welcome to attend all five days. There is no fee for this opportunity. In our last training, not only did Master Facilitators enhance their skills, they also expressed delight in mentoring the new Master Facilitators. |
