Workshops and Speaking Topics
Exploring Rainbows
6 weeks - 1 hour sessions
Colors are associated with gender, life - passage ceremonies, seasons, holidays, moods, diseases and health. Colors can increase, or reduce your energy level, blood pressure and appetite. They can inspire passion and loyalty. Ask any sports fan! Each multi-media lecture will feature a rainbow color, its characteristics, and impact on history, culture, fashion, art, music, literature, folklore and more.
Mikell Worley has explored the impact of color as an artist, through work with adjudicated youth, women in prison, and training sessions for schools, health care providers and state agencies as Director of PA Department of Health State Health Improvement Plan.
Enhancing Your Life with Herbs
Seeking the Sacred in Everyday Life
Yesterday I turned in two course proposals for the fall. One was a repeat of my course on Herbs, and another is on seeking the sacred in everyday life - not a new concept, but one that needs to be repeated.
Workshop description: Our world is filled with beauty and wonder but we often miss the miracles as we are bombarded with fear based, negative messages. What we put our attention on increases, yet too often we focus on illness, not health: fear, not joy. This course will include readings and video clips from some of the world’s most innovative thinkers, past and present. There will be exercises for self reflection, and techniques for finding daily treasures.
Last night I started to have second thoughts. Maybe another topic would be more valuable. Today several messages crossed my path validating the need to speak if there are words that are helpful, even it we feel we are taking a risk by sharing an opinion that may not be understood or embraced.
And this from a friend -
"I think your class sounds absolutely amazing! And you have been waiting for something to pop up for you in regards to direction....perhaps this is your purpose? Is to teach wellness and give people a compass for happiness? It is dearly needed in this world! Mikell I honestly believe that people no longer know how to actually feel happiness or have a compass for well being. They have become so immersed in the world they don't even recognize the horrible level of negativity they are exposed to on a daily basis!!! These are much needed skills!"
~ Carrie Faden
Carrie's observation that some of us don't remember what health or happiness feel like rings true. Someone very dear to me has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He has trouble breathing and a cough that sounds painful. His energy is depleted and he walks slowly with a cane. Yet he keeps reassuring me that he "feels fine." It reminds me of the story about the frog who is thrown into a pot of water and it is slowly brought to a boil. It happens so gradually that he doesn't realize things are changing and he is in danger. If he had been thrown in at a rapid boil, he would have jumped out immediately.
Being aware of how we want to feel, and comparing it to how we are feeling, can guide us to making better choices. We can begin by asking questions.
How many times a day do we stop and consider out blessings?
Do we spend more time in the present, or are we living with the fear of the future or regrets of the past?
Do we actively use our senses? (for example, do we gulp down fast food instead of preparing and savoring quality meals with a variety of colors and textures)
Do we realize the power and impact that words have on us? Do we carefully chose the words we use? (firing off Instantaneous e-mail response instead of thoughtfully composed letters)
Do we spend time in nature and value the lessons she teaches?
Are relationships deep and meaningful or are we paying more attention to our screens than the person across the table?
Yesterday I turned in two course proposals for the fall. One was a repeat of my course on Herbs, and another is on seeking the sacred in everyday life - not a new concept, but one that needs to be repeated.
Workshop description: Our world is filled with beauty and wonder but we often miss the miracles as we are bombarded with fear based, negative messages. What we put our attention on increases, yet too often we focus on illness, not health: fear, not joy. This course will include readings and video clips from some of the world’s most innovative thinkers, past and present. There will be exercises for self reflection, and techniques for finding daily treasures.
Last night I started to have second thoughts. Maybe another topic would be more valuable. Today several messages crossed my path validating the need to speak if there are words that are helpful, even it we feel we are taking a risk by sharing an opinion that may not be understood or embraced.
And this from a friend -
"I think your class sounds absolutely amazing! And you have been waiting for something to pop up for you in regards to direction....perhaps this is your purpose? Is to teach wellness and give people a compass for happiness? It is dearly needed in this world! Mikell I honestly believe that people no longer know how to actually feel happiness or have a compass for well being. They have become so immersed in the world they don't even recognize the horrible level of negativity they are exposed to on a daily basis!!! These are much needed skills!"
~ Carrie Faden
Carrie's observation that some of us don't remember what health or happiness feel like rings true. Someone very dear to me has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He has trouble breathing and a cough that sounds painful. His energy is depleted and he walks slowly with a cane. Yet he keeps reassuring me that he "feels fine." It reminds me of the story about the frog who is thrown into a pot of water and it is slowly brought to a boil. It happens so gradually that he doesn't realize things are changing and he is in danger. If he had been thrown in at a rapid boil, he would have jumped out immediately.
Being aware of how we want to feel, and comparing it to how we are feeling, can guide us to making better choices. We can begin by asking questions.
How many times a day do we stop and consider out blessings?
Do we spend more time in the present, or are we living with the fear of the future or regrets of the past?
Do we actively use our senses? (for example, do we gulp down fast food instead of preparing and savoring quality meals with a variety of colors and textures)
Do we realize the power and impact that words have on us? Do we carefully chose the words we use? (firing off Instantaneous e-mail response instead of thoughtfully composed letters)
Do we spend time in nature and value the lessons she teaches?
Are relationships deep and meaningful or are we paying more attention to our screens than the person across the table?
I recently posted the evaluations from my Enhancing Your Life with Herbs Course and they warmed my heart. What a great group of participants! We had a wonderful time learning about the world of herbs.
We discovered herbs to enhance all aspects of life, including holidays, romance, protection from haunting and more.
We discovered herbs to enhance all aspects of life, including holidays, romance, protection from haunting and more.
- What herb will make you invisible and bullet proof?
- Do you know which herb will enable you to see ghosts?
- Which herb is used to ensure safety in erratic traffic in India?
- There is an herb that will guarantee marital bliss for at least seven years. Do you know what it is?
- What herb should you carry in your pocket to attract wealth?
- If you've finally have that broom stick up in the air, what herb will ensure that you won't get dizzy and fall off?
- Which herb will most quickly mend a broken heart?
- There are herbs used to increase lust, and many are prolific in the spring time. They may be responsible for spring fever! Any ideas?
- If there is a zombie roaming your neighborhood, you can give him these to send him on to a peaceful death, if you dare? Do you know what they are?
- There are herbs that compliment each zodiac sign based on when they are planted or harvested. Do you know your astrological sign and herbs?
- Which herb is prized for both fertility and chastity? (I've only known that to work once)!
Journaling quotes -
"There are many good reasons for writing that have nothing to do with being published. Writing is a powerful search mechanism, and one of its satisfactions is that it allows you to come to terms with your life narrative."
William Zinsser, writer (October 7, 1922 - May 12, 2015)
“The development of sensibility is the most important thing for children and adults alike, but is much more possible for children…. Adults are very busy, taught to run all the time. You cannot run and be very aware of your inspirations.”
Agnes Martin, writer (March 22, 1912–December 16, 2004)
When I journal, thoughts come to me that would not formulate if I didn't take the time to process through heart to hand writing. My thought process is much more fluid and intuitive if I'm not using a keyboard. My pen often surprises me with unexpected thoughts, insights and inspiration!
Each of us has a unique perspective based on our experiences and perceptions that will be lost if not captured. We all have stories to tell and insights to share. If you haven't journaled, you might want to begin by simply making a list of 10 places you'd like to visit, or 100 things that make you grateful. Which leads me to a quote by another writer who is no longer here.
"There are many good reasons for writing that have nothing to do with being published. Writing is a powerful search mechanism, and one of its satisfactions is that it allows you to come to terms with your life narrative."
William Zinsser, writer (October 7, 1922 - May 12, 2015)
“The development of sensibility is the most important thing for children and adults alike, but is much more possible for children…. Adults are very busy, taught to run all the time. You cannot run and be very aware of your inspirations.”
Agnes Martin, writer (March 22, 1912–December 16, 2004)
When I journal, thoughts come to me that would not formulate if I didn't take the time to process through heart to hand writing. My thought process is much more fluid and intuitive if I'm not using a keyboard. My pen often surprises me with unexpected thoughts, insights and inspiration!
Each of us has a unique perspective based on our experiences and perceptions that will be lost if not captured. We all have stories to tell and insights to share. If you haven't journaled, you might want to begin by simply making a list of 10 places you'd like to visit, or 100 things that make you grateful. Which leads me to a quote by another writer who is no longer here.