“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012
International performances at ‘Palabras The Reunion, Paradiso, Amsterdam
Performance at book launch of ‘Irki’ by Kadija George, at The Barbican. Photo: Rousha Browning / SABLE LitMag
Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that place for as much of our lives as possible. Imagine if we tapped into our innate powers and energies daily.
I wrote the above quote for International Women’s Day in March 2012. March is also renowned for celebrating International Women’s Week and International Women’s Month.
We also celebrated Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day in the UK on Sunday 11th March 2018. Additionally, two of my beautiful nieces celebrated Birthdays in March – one on International Women’s Day too, therefore lots of female energy to tap into and generate. Lots of magic and miracles to create.
Giving a lecture to ‘The Cloud’ spoken word collective, as part of the Mboka Festival 2017, Gambia. Photo: Clovis McKenley.
So as a woman, how will you choose to express yourself and your positive, female energy today, this month, in March and for the rest of the year? It is our divine gift to share with our loved ones and the world.
MANY BLESSINGS,
Patricia Foster McKenley.
Patricia will be running Poetry Workshops, Self-Esteem Workshops for Young Women and Writing/Personal Development Workshops for Women during International Women’s Month and throughout the year. She’ll also be performing at various Poetry Readings throughout March.
For bookings, contact:
+447956 476 547
Or
prfoster@hotmail.com
Please feel free to follow Patricia on Twitter @Ms_P_Foster
Message from Sable Poet-in-Residence Patricia Foster:
I am still ecstatic and floating, after receiving my award for Poetry Services, within the Art and Culture category, at the empowering awards event Together We Rise.
I had written an acceptance speech, but instead ended up speaking from the heart. I was immensely overwhelmed, as well as inspired by all the other award recipients and their amazing stories. A lot of the women, including myself, had overcome incredible obstacles, to accomplish what we have today.
“Day in, day out we work hard, in our life purpose without little or any recognition. Thank YOU MGT and GCC for the award!” ~ Patricia Foster
Photo: M. Foster
The event was organised by the MGT and GCC, based in Brixton, who do a lot of work in the community, in particular to uplift and empower young girls.
Photo: M. Foster
A most memorable night indeed. Hopefully the first of many awards. Feeling very grateful and honoured. A big thanks to ALL who provided support, my family, friends and the writers and poets who came before me, to pave the way and make it easier for me to receive this award. In particular a big thanks to the founders and ALL members of Malika’s Poetry Kitchen.
I’m very excited to share that myself, Patricia Foster will be honoured with an award for Poetry services to Art & Culture at TOGETHER WE RISE Women’s Event.
I am completely flattered and extremely humbled by this recognition. This has topped off an incredible month for me.
Also honoured on the day will be:
Abi Begho
Julietta Joseph
Kai Ouagadou-Mbandaka
Linda Graham
Melanie Hibbert
Sonia Brown
Sophia Bailey
Special guest perferomers are: the legendary Janet Kay, Oneness Sankara and Nyarai Kizzy.
The event takes place this Saturday 28th March 2015, 3pm – 8pm atTheEdutainment Palace, 1-5 Hinton Rd, Brixton, London SE24 0HJ, Brixton, LONDON UK
Welcome to ‘You Are YOU’ Holistic Coaching, Empowerment, Talks, Wellbeing & Training Services – Specialising in Life Transitions.
We provide coaching, empowerment, healthy eating and mentoring services to individuals and groups, as well as facilitate workshops at conferences, seminars, events and within community organisations and libraries.
This month, I thought it would be a great idea for us as individuals, to ‘Celebrate Power Within’; to acknowledge and celebrate how we tap into our inner resources to overcome life’s many obstacles. I would love you to share your stories of powerful moments in the face of adversity. Tell me how you displayed your inner power – the Powerful You, who you perhaps didn’t know existed – to overcome a difficult situation.
How did it make you feel? Share your story of a powerful moment, whilst facing a major setback. What obstacles or fears did you have to overcome to feel enlightened or Powerful Within? What did you conquer to feel like Superman or Wonder Woman?
Send me a Tweet at @Ms_P_Foster with #CelebratePowerWithin + your story of triumph over adversity.
I’ll share your tweets/messages of ‘inner power’ below on my blog! Feel free to leave your messages or responses. Let’s celebrate!
‘Celebrate Power Within’! Seven Ways to Activate the Power Within YOU!
Life sometimes has a way of dampening our spirits; creating obstacles and challenges that can block our path to happiness and success. We all have the innate power within, to flourish and live life to our highest potential. How can you access this innate power? Click HERE to find Seven possible ways to activate the power within YOU!
Read messages in response to the original post May 2012: @estherpoyer: 6/8wks ago I started taking raw juices. Life transformed! #Adversity to happiness at the speed of light. #CelebratePowerWithin
@Ms_P_Foster: Today was an incredible day. As my thoughts become more positive, many amazing outcomes are #manifesting. #CelebratePowerWithin
@Ms_P_Foster: #CelebratePowerWithin I chose 2 see the higher self of some1 who had spoken negatively 2 me; positively shifted our relationship
This entry was originally posted on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 3:01 am at http://patriciafoster.blog.com/2012/05/12/celebrate-power-within/ and is filed under #CelebratePowerWithin, Celebration, Coaching, consultancy, Creativity, Energy, Female, Healing, Health, Holistic, poetry, Power, Reiki, Spiritual, Triumph, Wellbeing, Woman, Women.
I am delighted to share with you about my next poetry reading.
Tomorrow evening, I will be reading my poetry to be included in the new Loose Muse Anthology, at the 5th LOOSE MUSE ANTHOLOGY of NEW WRITING by WOMEN LAUNCH EVENT
Thursday 24th April – 7.30 pm.
So honoured to be included in such excellent writing company.
The venue will be the fabulous Cotton’s Caribbean Restaurant
Downstairs Bar, 70 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QP
It will be a packed night, as well as an enjoyable one. Agnes Meadows has done a stellar job, putting together the fifth Loose Muse Anthology, dedicated to women’s writing. It will be a great opportunity to hear an array of different, quality women’s voices.
Happy, sunny (yes it’s sunny here in south London) greetings on the first day of International Women’s Month. For women, and everyone else who loves the Goddess-laden paths that each individual one of us walks, it is a fantastic time for celebration. A great opportunity to revere women. A month for acknowledging the beautiful, graceful power of women. A time to remember the historical struggles women have endured to gain equality, freedom and respect.
Daily, I am enriched by the positive, female energy that surrounds me: from my mother, sisters, nieces, aunties, cousins and sister-friends to clients and colleagues. Through collaborating with other, positive women, we gift each other.
Positive Women collaborating and working together create miracles.
I have a fairly busy month ahead and thought I’d share the women-centred events I will be involved in, some which I have been recommended for through collaboration:
?Poetry Reading, Sunday 2nd March 2014, 4:30pm
At Calabash of Culture, 21 Sydenham Rd, SE6 5EX
I’ll be performing Poetry at the launch of The Calabash of Culture Boutique – NATBIANA
?Presentation and Speech, Sunday 9th March 2014, 2pm
At Calabash of Culture, 21 Sydenham Rd, SE6 5EX
I’ll be giving a Presentation and talk at a Cultural Cafe launch, in celebration of International Women’s Day.
?Performing Poetry at ‘Divas of Colour 2014’, Saturday, 22 March 2014 from 10:00 to 19:00 (GMT), Hilton Hotel Tower Bridge, London.
I will be a featured poet at ‘Diva’s of Colour’ “largest gathering of world’s most powerful women of colour in the UK in celebration of the many talents of women of colour.” It promises to be a grand affair – Dress code Evening gown / red carpet glam, with a touch of purple Men – tuxedo, black tie and smart.
Tickets/Bookings http://www.fauntee.com/blog/tickets/
?Facilitating Poetry Workshop. Sunday 16 March 2014, 7:30pm. At ‘Open Space’ Perry Rise Baptist Church, Perry Rise, London SE23 2QL
I will be co-facilitating a workshop with poet Lucreta La Pierre, looking at poetry as an alternative form of worship.
With the work that I do in the community and abroad, I am committed to empowering women and young females through poetry, creativity, literature, multi media, workshops and talks.
Remember ladies, we are a gift to the world and our communities.
Have a wonderful, blessed month, filled with positive, female energy.
“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”
~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012
Performance at book launch of ‘Irki’ by Kadija George, at The Barbican. Photo: Rousha Browning / SABLE LitMag
Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that place for as much of our lives as possible. Imagine if we tapped into our innate powers and energies daily.
I wrote the above quote for International Women’s Day in March. March is also reknowned for celebrating International Women’s Week and International Women’s Month. We are also celebrating Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 30th in 2014, so lots of female energy to tap into and generate. Lots of magic and miracles to create.
So as a woman, how will you choose to express yourself and your positive, female energy today, this month, in March and for the rest of the year? It is our divine gift to share with our loved ones and the world.
MANY BLESSINGS,
Patricia Foster McKenley.
Patricia will be running Poetry Workshops, Self-Esteem Workshops for Young Women and Writing/Personal Development Workshops for Women during International Women’s Month. She’ll also be performing at various Poetry Readings throughout March. For bookings, contact:
+447956 476 547
Or
prfoster@hotmail.com
Please feel free to follow Patricia on Twitter @Ms_P_Foster
“When abuse is also emotional, psychological and verbal, as hard as it is, that is a crucial time to walk away. This is not love and no amount of repeated apologies, gifts or flowers makes it OK! ”
~ Patricia Foster
19/2/13
I was alighted to a video by one of my favourite artists, Jamaican singer Taurus Riley. The 2009 song ‘Start Anew’ depicts the emotionally charged dynamics of relationship abuse towards women.
He cleverly conveys very powerful words and a strong message for women currently in abusive relationships. Abuse in relationships can be mental or emotional, as well as physical.
The scars – emotional, mental or physical – can stay with some women for years, impacting on their lives, their choices and those around them.
I think it is also important for a man to speak out against abuse towards women in a relationship. This also reinforces the message and shows there are positive and progressive men who will not tolerate this behaviour and are making it clear they will not be covering up for their fellow men’s misdemeanours.
‘What about us men?’, I hear you cry. Yes, abuse against men does exist. This was recently highlighted in the dramatised physical abuse storyline between Coronation Street’s characters Tyrone Dobbs and his fiancé Kirsty Soames (portrayed by Alan Halsall and Natalie Gumede respectively). In July 2013, the wife of former motorcycle stunt rider Eddie Kidd was sentenced for physical abuse towards her husband.
Statistics show that in the UK, more women are likely to suffer relationship abuse than men.
A February 2013 online article in ‘Family Law Week’ contains findings from the survey ‘Focus on Violent Crime and Sexual Offences 2011/12’. The survey reveals “7% of women and 5% of men have suffered domestic abuse in the year 2011-2012. This equates to an estimated figure of 1.2 million female and 800,000 male victims. The article also defines relationship or domestic abuse as: “‘domestic abuse’ includes non-physical abuse, threats, force, sexual assault or stalking carried out by a current or former partner or other family member.”
Speaking from a woman’s point of view (I have unfortunately experienced relationship abuse), abuse against women in relationships can be as subtle as it is obvious.
Sometimes it may take a while to realise that what you are involved in is abuse. It may be easier for outsiders to say “why did you go there?”. Instead, I believe understanding, support and perhaps refuge should be offered to the abused, so they have time to heal and grow stronger.
It is important as well for parents and guardians to empower girls and young women with the tools and positive, mental attitude to steer them along the path towards supportive, loving relationships. These seeds can be planted early on by demonstrating and exposing them to positive, loving examples of relationships in the home as well as through the media. Also imparting them with the wisdom and knowledge as to how they inform others the way they wish to be treated as a girl/young woman/female. One of the modules I recently co-delivered on a six-week course entitled ‘The Virtue Programme’ covered exactly this notion of communicating with others how we wish to be treated and how we want others to engage with us.
Of course, this is easier said than done. If the intention at the onset is to prepare young girls for future relationships, then over time and with practice, empowering our young girls with inner-strengthening tools and messages will become easier. I would also add that it is important while delivering these messages the importance of painting men in a positive light as opposed to misogynistic monsters.
Relationship abuse is within the underbelly of our community and comes in many guises. Abuse, any type of abusive, should not be tolerated on any level whatsoever.
“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
~ Albert Einstein
Photo: Giorgis Media
Photo: Celile Stille
Teaching, Training and Coaching – the connection from my soul to the Universe. My gift to all. I love what I do and enjoy doing what I love! This quote by Albert Einstein probably explains why I love to create the best learning environment for my learners, of all ages and abilities!
My approach to education is unique, empathic, holistic, creative and empowering. My aim is to empower individuals of all ages and sections of the community, to be the best person they can be. To guide them to uncover their own inner tools and gifts to succeed in life. To help improve their lives and wellbeing through poetry, writing, creativity, multi media, coaching, consultancy and holistic health & nutrition advice.
I am available for poetry workshops, as well as creative, multi media, personal development and wellbeing workshops, in any establishment – the more unusual, the better! I can also provide consultancy or guide you through the steps to set up your community multi media project.
If you require an internationally recognised professional poet for:
Primary or Secondary Schools
PSHE Classes
Assemblies
Black History Month
National Poetry Day
World Book Day
International Women’s Day
Residencies
Interactive or Traditional Storytelling
Corporate Training Days
Team Building Events
Workshops with Senior Citizens
Workshops in Youth and Community Groups
Workshops on Bullying
Workshops in Pupil Referal Units (PRUs)
Workshops in Libraries
Workshops in Prisons
contact me and I’ll guarantee a stimulating, positive and engaging session.
Check out the rest of my site to find out what other training and education services I can provide.
Poetry and Poppadums feat. PHIL NICHOLwith special guest PATRICIA FOSTER MCKENLEYDate: 16th July 2021 Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, show starts at 8pmTicket price: £6Entry Requirements: All welcomeLocation: Karamel London, N22 Click to Book Tickets Collage Arts present Poetry and Poppadums, featuring.. PHIL NICHOL WINNER OF THE EDINBURGH (Perrier) COMEDY AWARD’Capable of delivering everything from a […]
Join The University of Westminster for the last event in our ‘Creativity’ month where we welcome poet, performer and life coach Patricia Foster McKenley to discuss the Power of Writing. Poet, performer and life coach Patricia Foster McKenley, who at the intersection of being Black, a woman, Christian, over fifty years of age and British […]
Between 9th and 14th of January 2017, I can safely say I had one of the most life changing experiences during my existence on this Earth. Late evening of the 8th of January, after a delayed flight, Banjul in Gambia embraced me with open arms, as I visited West Africa for the first time in my […]
As a young child and teenager, I was bullied. As an adult, I have been bullied. These experiences prompted me to write my poem ‘Lips’. I recently had the poem ‘Lips’ skilfully made into a film by the brilliant Mellow 9 Productions. So thankful for this. The poem and film focuses on the traumatic […]
I’m delighted to share that I will be reading poetry at Ilkley Literature Festival on Sunday 14 October 2018. I’ll be sharing the stage with Maya Chowdhry, Nick Makoha and Rishi Dastidar to promote the new anthology Filigree: Contemporary Black British Poetry, which we will all be published in. Edited by Nii Parkes and Inscribe […]
“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012 Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that […]
‘At The Inkwell London’ Christmas Special! Thursday December 15th 2016 Counter Albion Café, 45 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London E2 7DJ. Map Doors: 6:30pm. Show 7-9pm There has been a slight change to our lineup! Featuring: Abby Ladbrooke, Cath Drake, Jude Cowan Montague and Jane Grell FREE! Open mic too! Literary feast of writers served up […]
The UK celebrates Black History Month in October and I would love to share what I’ll be up to this month. This Wednesday 19th October 2016, I’ll be delivering a poetry workshop for Black History Month. My workshop will be part of the University of West London Students’ Union (UWLSU) Black Histoy Month programme. I […]
Good Day To You All, I hope you are enjoying the sunny, autumnal afternoon (if in London). Thank you to ALL who read, came down and supported At The Inkwell London last month. Just over a week to go now, until our next At The Inkwell London on Thursday 20th October, where we’ll celebrate and […]
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