“Mary has a unique way of creating
space that allows the world to dissolve away and for people to get
in touch with one’s soul and heart. She models acceptance of
whatever comes up. For the four hours I am with her the inner critic
is quieted and the other voices have an opportunity to express themselves.
The more I do that with her the more I can do that in other areas
of my life. She is a spiritual mentor who embodies self-acceptance,
She has the quiet inner wisdom of someone who has walked the path.
I believe her. She does not speak what she has not experienced. She
is loving and accepting of other people’s challenges because
she’s been through struggle herself. By her showing her humanness,
she allows me to accept mine and teaches me that struggle is ok.”
-Chris
Thanks so much for introducing me to
this great writing method. It has brought so much joy and balance
to my life. Heidi Dickert
“Voices from the Heartland” was
a huge success. During this one day workshop we shared our stories,
a great meal, a seasonal meditative walk and a yoga session. Our written
stories were amazing and we learned to listen and take care of ourselves.
Some of the participants remarked that they had never experienced
anything like it before! It was truly amazing. The more I think about
it the better it gets. Mary Meloy, MA, Owner of Body of Wisdom, Cherokee,
Iowa
Writing Into the Light!
We
are greatly blessed at EHouse to receive the talents and expertise
of the many wonderful and generous professionals who volunteer as
presenters
on a myriad of topics at our Monday Night House Meetings. On one such
recent evening the residents of EHouse gathered in a circle of light
with an invitation to write their stories. Mary Tuchscherer, writer
and adjunct faculty member at JFK University led the writing experience
with gentle questions and techniques that nestled the group into a
safe environment and readiness to write and speak that which has neither
been written nor spoken before. Writing is a gentle way to break open
the secrets of the soul and heart and so it was. Women were telling
the truth about their lives, listening to each other’s stories
and holding this sacred space for one another with the deepest respect.
Only those who have had the privilege of presence in a moment like
this can know how profound the written word can be, especially when
it has been silenced and long overdue to be brought into the light.
These are the lived experiences of the “Visitation Moments,”
the Gospel story for which Elizabeth House is named. This was Mary
T’s second visit to EHouse and we know it will not be her last.
Francel D’Andrea, Director, Oakland Elizabeth House
"The Voice Flame writing workshops
has prompted me to explore a new yet ancient side of myself-the inner
poet. As a result of Mary’s dynamic facilitation style and nurturing
approach for receiving feedback, I feel safe to abandon the familiar
and free to venture into new landscapes of my writing." Lori
Golden, MA, Yoga teacher and Holistic Health Educator
"Mary’s Voice Flame writing circles
tap the sacred voices of women formerly in hiding. Mary’s subtle
style, setting, tone and leading, unlock secrets even the women writing
don’t realize are there. Mary brings out talent by making the
circle very safe for all: beginners and advance writers alike. Women
of any age, culture, career and experience are welcome and find a
way to belong from the start of the day. Each writing voice is heard,
supported and encouraged. The voices together create an original amazing
community for the day. An unusual experience and enormous blessing. Thank you Mary." Maure Quilter, MA, LMFT
"Mary’s writing class is a safe
and deeply moving experience where you can stop and listen to your
soul and provide it a very safe place to speak up. I found my fear
and honored what it was trying to tell me…so that I could move
on. Thank you Mary and the supportive, brilliant women who joined
me on that journey. I am forever indebted to you all." Sandy
Holmes, Director of Payroll, City of San Francisco
"Sunday morning I woke at five
to lots of writing inspiration-a title for my book and chapters and
wrote more. Thank you for holding such a safe, sacred and productive
space for us, for me. It was the best use of my day." Karin O'Mahony,
Mother, Writer, Seeker of Truth
"Thank you for such a wonderful day! It
was just what the doctor ordered being around such a supportive and
creative environment with you as facilitator. I loved every bit of
it, the writing, the sharing, the tears, the laughter, the yummy food,
the safety and the words that seemed to pour out of all of us declaring
our innermost thoughts to the world." Billy Zeemann, MA, Artist
What I Will Remember About
Today…
I experienced I can touch
people with my writing
The beauty, truth, and power
in sharing with women our joys and sorrows-validating each other and
leaving feeling validated
Setting, Energy, Flow, Treats,
Flowers, Ease, Safe, Direction
We wove a tapestry of wisdom
from our threads of unique textures and colors
Being present is a gift we
frequently have to search out
The strength of the women
in the group and the risk we were all willing to take
The incredible wisdom in
others and the gift that it is to me
The collective wisdom is
inspiring beyond words and touches my heart and soul
The voices of women sing
a sweet lullaby
By Maure, Chris, Randi, Karin,
Mary Beth, Cynthia, Judy, Laurie, Mary.
