patriciafostermckenley.com

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

Category: self-esteem (Page 3 of 3)

Facilitating My Workshop and Performing Poetry at ‘Every Woman Inspired’ Expo, Kingston Jamaica. 22-24 November, 2013!

November 28, 2013 /
Delivering my workshop 'Return to Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess' In Kingston, Jamaica, November 2013. Photo: Denise Henry

Delivering my workshop ‘Return to Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess’ In Kingston, Jamaica, November 2013. Photo: Denise Henry

The Every Woman Inspired (EWI) Expo was an opportunity I felt I couldn’t ignore. EWI 2013 allowed me to work alongside and spend quality time with some remarkable women: Rasheda ‘Ginger’ Malcolm, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon. These generous, humble, beautiful yet incredibly powerful women created an event that provided me with a life changing experience; the type that is etched in your memory for the rest of your life!

Marcia 'Culture' Gordon, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Rasheda 'Ginger' Malcolm, at the opening of 'Every Woman Inspired' Expo

Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon, Patricia McKenzie-Thomas and Rasheda ‘Ginger’ Malcolm, at the opening of ‘Every Woman Inspired’ Expo

I had the opportunity to deliver my workshop entitled ‘The Return To Princess, Wonder Woman & Goddess
~ Exploring The Powerful Female Within Us’. This was a writing and personal development workshop which produced phenomenal results. I also recited some of my published poetry at the launch/opening event of ‘Every Woman Inspired’.

Photo: Denise Henry

Photo: Denise Henry

Photo: Patricia Foster

Photo: Patricia Foster

Reading poetry at the 'Every Woman Inspired' launched reception. Photo: Denise Henry

Reading poetry at the ‘Every Woman Inspired’ launched reception. Photo: Denise Henry

Additionally I, alongside other facilitators and attendees, was interviewed live on Power 106 FM Radio.

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Photo: Rasheda Malcolm

Photo: Rasheda Malcolm

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I also performed to a receptive audience at the EWI Gala Dinner and Dance, alongside the likes of international reggae singer Sharon Tucker. There were also powerful performances of poetry.

Sharon Tucker

Sharon Tucker

Poet Abena Bedeau

Poet Abena Bedeau

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The expo also attracted the likes of the current Miss Jamaica UK Gemma Feare, a remarkable, talented and very inspirational young woman who delivered a powerful keynote speech.

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

Miss Jamaica UK 2013 Gemma Feare

The attendees and participants were also treated to exceptional workshops:

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), by phenomenal Specialist Midwife and Perineal Health expert Denise Henry

Denise Henry

Denise Henry

‘Thriving at Twenty! Transformed at Thirty! Fabulous at Forty! Fulfilled at Fifty! Still Sexy at Sixty’ Workshop, by Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon. Amazing and Inspirational.

Marcia 'Culture' Gordon delivering her workshop

Marcia ‘Culture’ Gordon delivering her workshop

Career and CV Workshop by Nadine Chambers-Goss. Career specialist and coach extraordinaire!

Nadine Chambers-Goss

Nadine Chambers-Goss

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

October 8, 2013 /

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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

Black History Month – A Welcome Celebration

September 16, 2013 /

Black History Month – A Welcome Celebration

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Performance at the Southwark Libraries Black History Month Poetry Slam, 8th October 2011

In schools, libraries, youth centres and community groups across The UK, Black History Month provides an insight into African Caribbean communities, traditions and their cultural flavours.

In The UK, the month of October is a highly anticipated time for celebration, acknowledgement and education. The recognition of African Caribbean people who have contributed to British History and British present. Facts from over the centuries, that go way back, beyond June 22nd 1948, when Empire Windrush set sail from Jamaica to Tilbury with her Caribbean citizens from the former British Empire.

I look forward to taking part in a few events during Black History Month. It has always been a pleasure to do so over the years. I am still taking bookings for:

  • Poetry and Identity Workshops
  • School Poetry Workshops
  • Storytelling Workshops
  • ‘Celebrating People in Black History Using Multimedia’ Workshop
  • Poetry Readings

    • Have a great October!

    Photo by Carri Charles

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    September 5, 2013 /

    “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

    August 24, 2013 /

    “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!

    August 9, 2013 /

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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


    When Will Bullies Get The Message? – by Patricia Foster McKenley

    July 18, 2013 /
    Photo: Patricia Foster Photo: © Patricia Foster McKenley

    As individuals, we are ALL created uniquely beautiful. Some of us have gentle dispositions and are therefore misunderstood. Some of us are extremely sensitively wired and are therefore misunderstood. Some of us will NEVER fit into the mould of acceptable looks, or acceptable past times. It’s about having patience with and being accepting of others, instead of demonising them…because they are not like you!

    Some of us may not have explored communication tools that can best express our thoughts or feelings, so may have difficulty in responding to harsh words or criticism, or are unable to articulate the inner pain connected to these harsh words. Speaking out against harsh, critical words may therefore be a huge challenge.
    Some of us may feel unsupported, because we are unable to find the right person to express our innermost thoughts and feelings to, without the fear of our expressed feelings being thrown back in our faces.

    There is a saying “hurt people hurt people”. Research has shown that those who are unhappy within, or are in pain themselves lash out or bully others, therefore hurting their intended target too.

    I performed poetry at a recent ‘Loose Muse’ women’s writing event and a courageous young lady shared her own, deeply personal experiences of being bullied and subsequently wanting to take her own life. She mentioned also that in the area of south London where she resides, suicides among teenagers, in particular GCSE and A Level students were at a ridiculously high number. This was not just due to the pressures of life, but also about how some are made to feel by harsh comments and treatments by others.

    Today, I read a Facebook post, which outlined the last Tweet posted by a young man, tormented over the years about his sexuality. He was commonly referred to as “a loser, freak and fag” and used this to describe himself in his last Twitter message. He felt he had done the world an injustice and therefore took his life.

    Without the right support and understanding from others, when will people cease to remove their inner pain, torment and feelings of being misunderstood by taking their own lives?

    Some of us will never be accepted, because we are moulded and act differently.

    How can those of us who are emotionally stronger step in to help prevent bullying and help support and encourage those who are being bullied or misunderstood?

    In my workshops and through my writing I have focussed on this, as I have also been bullied and victimised by others. I therefore choose to use my art and holistic and well-being tools to help stand up to this. Writing and coaching can be useful ways to express pain, as well as feel accepted and valued within.

    © Patricia Foster McKenley 2013

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

    May 15, 2013 /

    ‘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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