HOLISTIC HEALTH Love of teaching leads woman to create workshops

Personal growth is at the heart of each of Sharon Dundee's projects.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Sharon Dundee has always loved to teach, and has done so most of her adult life. Even when she was involved in the corporate world, she was also involved with some aspect of teaching, and the combination of her talents and experiences led her to create her Workshops for Life program.
Dundee, from Youngstown, has a BFA in graphic design from YSU, and has about 20 years experience in graphics, marketing, and publications. During that time, she also taught everything from preschool catechism, to working with the mentally and physically handicapped, to teaching art and creativity classes, leading retreats, and teaching part-time at YSU. She has also been a certified fitness instructor for 20 years. "I love teaching, whether it is to motivate and encourage people to get in shape, learn art, or for personal growth," Dundee said.
The motto of her workshops is "inspiration, education, motivation, application." She developed this program as she began to phase out of the corporate world and focus more on teaching.
Dundee also has studied Transpersonal Psychology (TP) for many years, learning, for instance, the theories of Carl Jung, which combine aspects pf psychology as science, but also addresses the whole person: mind, emotions, spirit, and life experiences.
"As a creative person, I could see the connection of TP and the creative process, because no one creates in a vacuum," Dundee said. "Whether it is corporate ideas for business or a piece of art or music, we still draw on our own thoughts, feelings, experiences and knowledge."
TP also helped Dundee understand how others think, and how to create workshops based on the intent of the group. "If the group is there for a meditation retreat, you approach it from a different perspective than if they are there for a physical fitness workshop," she says. "But even in a fitness workshop, people bring emotional issues, and in a meditation retreat, there would also be an aspect of physical health." Dundee says her workshops all include tools for personal growth.
While Dundee is constantly creating new workshops to serve her clients' needs, these are the ones currently available:
U"What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?" This workshop helps participants understand, cope with, heal and become better prepared for heartbreak. It is part educational lecture, part group activity, and part personal journey.
U"Guided Visual Meditation" Beginner to advanced (no experience necessary) 4 week sessions.
U"Mind-Body-Spirit for Beginners" An introduction to "wholistic" approaches that help create a healthier, happier, more balanced life.
U"How can I think outside the box when I am surrounded by squares?" This workshop helps participants jump-start their creative thinking process through hands-on activities and group participation. Full of fun, creative challenges and experiences.
U"The 'R' Word (Relationships)" Unique approaches for seeing ourselves and our relationships in a new light for growth and healing.
U"The Art and Healing of the Mandalas" Exploring the history, purpose, and psychological aspect of mandalas. Participants will also create their own mandalas, (no art experience necessary).
U"The Wonderful Women's Weekend" For those who feel high stress and anxiety, but low energy and fulfillment, this workshop helps women reconnect with their dreams and goals. It is "fun stuff" like dancing and eating pizza, a slumber party, giving women the opportunity to be girls again. It is a chance to break down social barriers, where women don't have to be a wives, moms, or bosses, but can connect with other women. There is also group therapy and learning sessions on various topics.
Dundee says it is the comments she receives from participants that testify to the effectiveness of the workshops, such as "I had never before thought about how stress from work is affecting other aspects of my health," or "since I started doing meditation, I haven't needed to take my blood pressure pills."
The workshops then led Dundee to begin a new venture, the publication of Get A Life Magazine, which she says is the only local body/mind/spirit publication.
"As I started to develop these classes and workshops, people wanted to know what else I was doing, like what retreats, art classes, fitness classes, or what new modalities I was learning," Dundee said. "It became obvious to me that there was no locally published resource to inform interested people about these types of activities. Someone suggested I do a newsletter, but to do a really good newsletter takes as much effort as doing a magazine."
Get A Life Magazine is published once a month, with each issue focusing on a different theme. Free copies may be obtained throughout the area. To find a copy near you, logon to www.getalifemagazine.com.
XDundee may be reached at (330) 717-8027 or editor@getalifemagazine.com.