Professional Poet, Life Coach, Educator, Artist – Runs Workshops, Gives Reiki & Wellbeing Training

Category: Education (Page 2 of 2)

Happy International Women’s Month, 1st March 2014

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Photo: Giorgismedia.com

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.

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Super Woman: Taking Everyday In Her Stride!

“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

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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

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Wishing You All The Best for Christmas, The Holidays and a Prosperous 2014

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For many, this time of year represents something unique and personal. Some relish the magic of Christmas, it’s true original meaning, the precious time with family and exciting expectation of presents and gifts. For others, it is a celebration of Kwanzaa, the build up of Holiday Season stress, bittersweet memories of a departed loved one, or acute loneliness.

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On a personal note, throughout 2013, I have experienced extreme highs and lows. I have encountered the loss of loved ones, disappointment and setbacks. I have, however, been blessed to receive the constant love and support of family and friends to counteract this. I have also managed to celebrate new additions to my family, positive new initiatives, been involved in progressive projects, facilitated on important community programmes, had poems and articles published, had a film made, participated successfully in an international women’s expo, travelled and been brave enough to venture outside of my comfort zone.

Whatever route your journey has taken you on this year, or however far you have travelled, I wish you a time of healing, rejuvenation and comfort this Holiday Season. I also wish you a successful and joyous 2014. Look forward to meeting up with you!

© Patricia Foster

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R.I.P. Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela – A Great Source of Inspiration For Young People. 1918 – 2013. by Patricia Foster

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Yesterday the world momentarily paused and individual heartbeats stopped, as we learned of the sad passing of arguably one of the most inspirational and powerful men of the last one hundred years – Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela. Also known as Madiba. Commonly known as Nelson Mandela.

He has left a legacy that in my eyes will never, ever be matched and taught so many about perseverance while living under scrutiny, standing firm against injustice, as well as the power and healing in forgiveness.

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To many, in particular the young, he was an incredible source of guidance and a visible presence they could link to for motivation.

He advocated the importance of education and the impact and difference it can make on a personal and global level:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela

He always provided inspiration and encouragement, showing how young people can utilise their own gifts to be successful:

“Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?” ~ Nelson Mandela

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During his challenges, struggles, battles against injustice and the Apartheid regime, personal grief and his twenty-seven years of imprisonment, Madiba learned tools and gained the strength to overcome fear:

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela epitomised the essence of love, peace and forgiveness. Humble and gently powerful, with the ability to let go so gracefully! R.I.P.

© Patricia Foster

Patricia Foster is an Internationally Published Poet, Performer, Visual and Multimedia Artist (BA Hons), Broadcaster, Certified Tutor/Trainer & Facilitator, Dynamic Educator and Creative Consultant. She is also a Life Coach, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Wellbeing Advisor, Vegan and lover of Raw Food. As a writer, she has toured the UK, Europe and the USA and has worked for the BBC as a workshop facilitator.

Creative Education Consultant, Poet, Tutor and Holistic Coach for Sensitive, EBD Pupils | Patricia Foster McKenley 

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Is your child emotionally sensitive and slightly overwhelmed by the school learning environment?

Does your child require an educator or education environment which holistically supports their emotional sensitivity?

Is your child labelled ‘shy’, ‘introverted’, ‘misunderstood’ or even ‘disruptive’?

Does your child prefer a calmer, relaxing, more sedate learning environment, supportive of their emotional needs?

Does your child have any unrealised creative gifts or talents and need a empathic educator to help them realise their potential?

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Tel: +44(0)7956 476 547

Email: prfoster@hotmail.com

http://about.me/patriciafoster

Twitter: @Ms_P_Foster or @YouAreYOU 

Skype: patricia_foster_trainer

Instagram: @PatriciaFoster7000

Main Photos of Patricia Foster McKenley by C Powell

“Man is the only creature that refuses to be what he is.” ~ Albert Camus

“You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking.” ~ Marianne Williamson

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What Is Your Life Purpose?

How many of us have moved through life, not realising we have a unique gift or talent? How often does fear play a part in preventing us from unleashing our gifts and talents to the world? How many of us are actually utilising this gift to make a difference to another person’s life?

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What would you say is your God given, divine purpose in life? What do you feel destined or driven to do? Those of us who have identified a gift, sometimes shy away from the reality of how big an impact they can make on the world and the possibility of shouldering the responsibility of using this gift to make a difference. Some of us may need help or guidance identifying what this special gift is.

Making a difference doesn’t have to mean standing at a pulpit like Martin Luther King, or being an iconic national leader, such as Nelson Mandela. Making a difference can simply mean inspiring just ONE person to positively change their lives, or empowering and inspiring young people through teaching or mentoring.

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How will you…yes, YOU… choose to unleash your unique, God given gift the World is waiting to receive?

© Patricia Foster

Patricia Foster is an Award-Winning, Internationally Published Poet, a qualified Holistic Life Coach, Performer, Visual and Multimedia Artist (BA Hons), Certified Tutor/Trainer & Facilitator, Dynamic Educator and Creative Consultant. She is also a Certified Reiki Healer, Vegan and lover of Raw Food.


For further info, email prfoster@hotmail.com
or visit http://about.me/patriciafoster

Patricia Foster – Poet, Educator and Inspirational Workshops

“I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.”
~ Albert Einstein

Photo: Giorgis Media

Photo: Giorgis Media

Photo: Celile Stille

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.

Lips – New Poetry Film Release by Award-Winning Poet & Educator Patricia Foster McKenley. A Poet’s View on Teenage Bullying!

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Photo ©️Mellow 9 Productions


I am really pleased to share with you that the film version of my poem ‘Lips’, which tackles the theme of teenage bullying, has been released. It is uncanny how it has been released at a time when bullying and in particular cyber bullying, has been in the news of late; not just here in the UK but world wide.

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Photo ©️Mellow 9 Productions


It has been quite emotional for me to see my poem brought to life on film, by the amazingly talented Mellow 9 Productions http://www.mellow9productions.co.uk/. The journey from poem idea – first developed in a Malika’s Poetry Kitchen Friday session – to film has been eleven years. The topic of bullying and identity being relevant then as it is now.

This film also couldn’t have been brought to life in such a magnificent way, without the superb young female actors – who were so serendipitously cast – provided by The Girls Friendly Society of England and Wales (GFS Platform Islington Project). https://girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk/group-finder/islington/ Located in the London borough of Islington, this wonderful project delivers a wide range of exciting activities, workshops and events for young women aged 11 to 19, to widen their horizons, encourage debates and boost confidence and aspirations. Learn more about The Girls Friendly Society of England and Wales (GFS) and the wonderful they do nationwide, by visiting https://girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk

It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a brilliant cast and crew.

I currently use my film ‘Lips’ within self esteem, personal development and anti-bullying Workshops and so far have used in Workshops in Jamaica, The Netherlands and universities, youth centres and community organisations in the UK. 

Click on the link below to view the film

http://youtu.be/DuzFlvl25qg

Lips © Text Copyright Patricia Foster McKenley 2002


To book a Workshop, contact Patricia Foster McKenley on info@YouAreYOU.co or call +447956476547


‘Sensitivity and the Artist: The Link Between Sensitive Personalities and Creativity’  – by Award-Winning Writer & Holistic Coach Patricia Foster McKenley

‘Sensitivity and the Artist: The Link Between Sensitive Personalities and Creativity’
by Patricia Foster McKenley

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Being a sensitive adult can be viewed as either a curse or blessing to the said sensitive individual.
For many sensitive adults, who may deem this a curse, they can probably list a range of unwanted or difficult circumstances such as:

• Being highly affected by harsh and nasty comments
• Taking on board and feeling deeply saddened by others’ misfortune
• Being affected by criticism and judgment from others
• Always wanting to avoid confrontation or uncomfortable conversations
• Bearing childhood traumas that trigger off reactions to relatively similar adult situations
• Excruciating shyness
• Labelled too shy, too sensitive or a walkover by others
• Become stressed easily
• Experience low self-esteem
• High bouts of depression

However, many sensitive adults may deem it a blessing and look at the advantages such as:

• Being a good listener
• Possessing empathy
• Being excellent authors and poets
• Having the ability to express themselves as artists
• Being highly intuitive and spiritual
• Having high levels of patience

I have witnessed highly sensitive individuals, who champion the causes of other people, encouraging them to utilise their gifts. However, when it comes to expressing their own gifts, or operating from their higher selves or to their highest potential, they almost enter the realms of martyrdom, where it is virtually difficult for them to speak up or express their true selves.

Research has shown that many highly sensitive adults end up working as counsellors, teachers, artists, poets, writers, authors, social workers and healers /natural health practitioners and other caring professions.

According to Elaine N. Aron Ph.D., the author of ‘The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You’, the world can be an extremely, overwhelming and unassuming place to sensitive people in general and certain situations and environments are too overly stimulating. She also acknowledges that “one in every five people is born with a heightened sensitivity” and gifted with “intelligence and imagination”.

I speak as a sensitive adult myself, who has experienced or displayed many of the above traits. Reading Elaine’s book about The Highly Sensitive Person (HSPs) was a welcome breath of fresh air; it made me realise there was nothing wrong with me and indeed others I know who bear similar traits.

Due to the, at times, overwhelming and difficult circumstances in my life, I have had to identify the personality traits that I have and go through a stage of healing and being kind to myself. This ‘self identification’ and healing process allowed me to develop the skills and empathy to understand, listen and heal others (especially those who are sensitive) through teaching, training, art, film making, poetry, coaching and Reiki.

Over the years, I focused on ways to harness my sensitive nature and also balance this with being grounded and looking after my physical and emotional health.

I discovered that my emotional health was impacted by consuming certain foods that created imbalance (such as meat and alcohol). Through following a vegan and raw vegan diet and being teetotal, this has prevented me from becoming too overwhelmed and over stimulated by the world.

Being highly sensitive is a personality trait I feel blessed to have and with this, I endeavour to make this world a better place to exist in.

However, this is not to say that non-sensitive personalities are insensitive, impatient or possess little or no creative skills. This is to highlight that sensitive people are ‘wired’ uniquely and therefore respond to external stimuli in a unique way.

© Patricia Foster McKenley

Please feel free to leave a comment below
or email: info@youareyou.co
Patricia Foster McKenley is a Holistic Life Coach, an Award-Winning Internationally Published Poet, Performer, Visual and Multimedia Artist (BA Hons), Broadcaster, Certified Tutor/Trainer & Facilitator, Dynamic Educator and Creative Consultant. She is also a Certified Reiki Healer, Wellbeing Advisor, Vegan and lover of Raw Food. As a writer, she has worked for the BBC and has toured, performed and delivered Workshops in the UK, Europe, Jamaica, Gambia and the USA. 


For further info, email info@youareyou.co


or visit http://YouAreYOU.co

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