"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"
Edmund Burke

You can sit around and do nothing or hide yourself away from people because you are afraid, or you can step outside of your comfort zone and form a peer support group.

This is exactly what our fearless facilitator, Rama, did two years ago when he took the initiative to advertise forming the initial group of three, that we now know and celebrate, as the Toronto Social Phobia and Shyness Support Group.

Although Rama unavoidably was unable to attend the two-year anniversary party at the Grenadier Restaurant on Sunday, nine brave souls showed up, including a couple of newcomers. Only a couple of people fled the scene before the meal arrived.

We shared about how important it is to know our own needs from any relationship in order to attract the right one. If we think that a relationship is going to be too much trouble, as one of the members ruefully admitted, then we may be inadvertently creating a self-fulfilling prophesy or not even making  the effort to make new friends.

It does take a tremendous amount of positive energy to create a new relationship, a happy couple told us. They found their match by advertising on an internet dating service and shared that it's important to have to create an attractive ad to stand out from the rest. Both agreed they had many coffee dates for at least a year before they happily discovered each other.

In this conversation we learned that some people prefer a person who is shy and sensitive over someone who is loud and aggressive.  Sometimes we get too focused on imagining what the other person is thinking about us instead of knowing what kind of person or relationship will enhance our lives.

 Knowing ourselves well and appreciating our strengths is the key. For people who are shy in a society that tends to value outgoing people more, it is difficult sometimes to feel good about ourselves. We need to promote and value ourselves first.

 The successful dating couple told the group that it is a numbers game; in other words, you have to "kiss a lot of frogs". They advised the singletons in the group to persist because it is possible to meet someone who appreciates you for being shy or sensitive.

It was an inspiring spring celebration.  Thank you, Rama, for creating the group and space to come together for support and encouragement especially when so many of us are lonely and disconnected from our families, friends or communities of origin.

The newest topic of this week is "Turning a Spotlight on Anxiety
Disorders"

...You may be restless at night, tossing and turning in your bed
because of excessive worry. You may find yourself cracking under
pressure, whether when preparing for a test or when you get ready to
report to the boss. But does your uneasiness qualify as actual
anxiety?...

In detail and find the other topics at

http://eliminatestressanxiety.blogspot.com/

thx
ichsan

Hi, Personally I have trouble keeping up with all the good progressive doc's, books, and mags that are around.  Although I love this stuff, and try to keep my ear to the ground it's just hard to find out what's going on with new media.  I'm sure I'm not alone here, so I thought I would let everyone know that I have found something that helps.  It's the Independent Media Marketplace email update (IMM update).   Found here:

http://www.coanews.org/lists/index.php?p=subscribe

Here's more info:

"Sign up for the IMM Update and every two weeks we'll send you a list of the newest independent media items available. If you sign up for the IMM Update you can rest assured that you'll be informed of exactly what's new and great in the independent media world."

You can sign up here: http://www.coanews.org/lists/index.php?p=subscribe

I'm an email person, but you can also just visit the site – http://www.imediamarketplace.org

I also subscribe to their news alert service to keep on top of current events. I think someone sent something out about that not long ago.  Again you can find info on the News Alerts here: http://www.coanews.org/lists/index.php?p=subscribe

-I wish we weren't all so busy, but it is nice to have services that help.

Nick

"Today, like every other day, we wake up empty

and frightened. Don't open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.

Let the beauty we love be what we do.

There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground."

                                   Rumi

Hi everybody,

It is hard to believe, but soon we are celebrating the second
anniversary of our group. We started the group 2 years ago with 3
people in a Second Cup, and now after two years we have a large group
of friends and members, a website, meeting room, etc, all thanks to
our members.

To celebrate, we will meet at Grenadiers' cafe in High Park on Sunday
9th of April, at 5:30. Check our website for details and please email
Andonia, who has kindly accepted to organize this dinner, to let her
know you are attending or if you have any questions. But don't panic,
if you can't email her, just show up and you are more than welcome.
You can also bring along friends and family members to celebrate with
us. Andonia's email is : abstractavocado@...

See you all,

Rama






Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Excellent article Rama.Should be a "must read" for everyone.Thanks,

Terry


>From: "Rama" <mckinelli3@...>
>Reply-To: Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support@yahoogroups.com
>To: Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support] DEPRESSION IN MEN - a magazine
>article
>Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006 19:53:39 -0000
>
>http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/depression_in_men.html
>
>
>
>

Hi,

The "Self Help Resource Centre of Toronto" is having a big celebration for volunteers and members of self help groups. All the members of self help groups are invited to attend for a "Free Evening of Food, Fun, and Sharing". I strongly advise our members to attend this event. You have to call in advance and reserve your spot. As I might not be able to attend, I need some members to be there to represent our group. Here is the information:

 

The Self-Help Resource Centre celebrates National Volunteer Week

Celebrate Self-Help and its role in Volunteering & Community Building.

Join us Thursday, April 27 for a FREE evening of food, fun and sharing.

"The Role of Volunteering in Building Community Across Cultures"

with guest speaker Saira Ansari

Saira Ansari has over 18 years of organizational development experience, including six years of volunteering with organizations including the United Way, Wellspring Cancer Care Foundation and the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto. She is currently engaged in the start-up of a cultural competence and organizational development project for the Don Mills Foundation for Seniors.

A Round-Table Discussion on "Volunteering to Grow Community"

"The 30 Minute Humour Workout" with Neil Muscott

Known for his warm, funny teaching style, Neil has taught improvisation workshops for over 20 years. Second City trained, his workout is a hands-on education on the value of humour that will leave you laughing and feeling good about life. The Globe and Mail called Neil "the Steve Martin of stress managers".

Welcome: Members and leaders of self-help/mutual aid groups, volunteers and community leaders, health promoters and professionals from affiliated fields and organizations.

 When:  Thursday, April 27, 6 pm to 8 pm   *Refreshments will be served.  

Where:  Room 200, 40 Orchard View Blvd, one block north of Yonge and Eglinton

(TTC? Yonge subway to Eglinton, walk one block north to Orchard View. Library lobby, elevator to 2^nd floor)

Free:  Seating is limited, please reserve your spot.  

Tel: 416-487-4355   

E-mail: shrc@...

 www.selfhelp.on.ca

The Self-Help Resource Centre is a United Way agency, also funded by

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the City of Toronto and the Trillium Foundation

 

Hi,

check out this page:

http://www.rom.on.ca/programs/lectures/index.php?
cat_id=1&ref=showinfo&prev_ref=showlisting&program_id=360&keyword=&audie
nce_ids[0]=all&theme_ids[0]=all&start_date=all&end_date=&


"Persepolis recreated" will also be shown in ROM on Friday 24th, at
6:30pm. It is free. An opportunity to see the New Rom and its modern
architecture.

Rama






Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hi all,

 

Before I forget again, here is the link to the listing of support groups and treatment clinics worldwide, including Canada.

 

Margaretha

 

 

 

http://www.open-mind.org/SP/Help/NF/2.htm

 

__________________________________________________
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Hi,

I moved to Toronto recently.. Im curious, do you do CCBT at your
meetings or do you just meet to discuss and talk with others who have
the same problem.

Lucas

Hi,

This April we are going to celebrate the second anniversary of the
establishment of our group. I can't believe it is already two years
since we started our group, in a coffeeshop, with three members. We
have come a long way.

I am looking for suggestions concerning a good venue for our
anniversary dinner. Last year we had it in a falafel shop at Bathurst
and Bloor and everybody enjoyed it. The price was reasonable and the
food was good, although my chair leg gave way and I was flat on the
ground(the worst scenario for a person with social anxiety :-)

So this year, where can we go?(I will check the chairs this time :-)

See you all,

Rama






Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hi,

This April we are going to celebrate the second anniversary of the
establishment of our group. I can't believe it is already two years
since we started our group, in a coffeeshop, with three members. We
have come a long way.

I am looking for suggestions concerning a good venue for our
anniversary dinner. Last year we had it in a falafel shop at Bathurst
and Bloor and everybody enjoyed it. The price was reasonable and the
food was good, although my chair leg gave way and I was flat on the
ground(the worst scenario for a person with social anxiety :-)

So this year, where can we go?(I will check the chairs this time :-)

See you all,

Rama






Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hi Adam,

Thanks for your email. Maybe I will see you one day if I go to the Sunday
meetings or one of the events you want to host.


Sincerely,


Steve


>From: Adam Greenberg <adammidtor@...>
>Reply-To: Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support@yahoogroups.com
>To: Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support] friends
>Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 18:03:20 -0800 (PST)
>
>Hi Steve,
>
>   I used to live near Yonge and Steeles a few years ago...I don't get up
>there much as I at Yonge and Eglinton.  There are some great places in the
>yonge/steeles area.
>
>
>
>Steven <shumco1@...> wrote:
>   Hello Everyone,
>
>I am looking for friends that live near Yonge and Steeles who would
>like to meet for a coffee or movie sometimes. Have a nice day.
>
>
>Sincerely,
>
>
>Steve
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>---------------------------------
>Brings words and photos together (easily) with
>  PhotoMail  - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

_________________________________________________________________
Powerful Parental Controls Let your child discover the best the Internet has
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As a tribute to the Persian New Year and those near and dear to us from Iran, this poem is a treasure created by Hafiz from a book called Love Poems by God; 12 Sacred voices from the East and West, 2002.

My Sweet Crushed Angel

You have

not danced so badly, my dear,

trying to hold hands with the Beautiful One.

You have waltzed with great style, my sweet,

crushed angel,

to have even neared God's heart at all.

Our partner is notoriously hard to follow,

and even His best musicians are not always

easy to hear.

So what, if the music has stopped for a while.

So what, if the price of admission to the Divine is out of reach tonight.

So what, my sweetheart, if you lack the ante to gamble for real love.

The mind and body are famous for holding the heart ransom,

but Hafiz knows the Beloved's eternal habits.

Have patience, for He will not be able to resist your longings and charms for long.

You have not danced so badly, my dear,

trying to kiss the Magnificent

 One.

You have actually waltzed with tremendous style,

my sweet, O my sweet,

crushed angel.

I wonder if our fearless facilitator, Rama,  will be Under the Azure Dome this weekend at Harbourfront celebrating with music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, artistic workshops, and a Nowruz Market.  This is one of the upcoming cultural events mentioned by Hannah.

 For more information on this event go to:  www.azuredome.ca.

Much as I'd like to be there and at the shy guy meeting my time is booked helping to facilitate David Hickey's Crystal Quartz bowl music performances in Hamilton and Winona over the weekend.  I will be staying at the Unity Retreat Centre on the mountain until Sunday night.

Hello Everyone,

I am looking for friends that live near Yonge and Steeles who would
like to meet for a coffee or movie sometimes. Have a nice day.


Sincerely,


Steve






Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Toronto_Social_Phobia_Support-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Hey guys,

Just wanted to let you know that the pictures from the Sumo Robot
Challenge are up.

Also an idea for future outings,

The Harbourfront centre during the summer usually have cultural events
each week

See you Sunday,
Hannah :)

Hello Everyone,

I am looking for friends that live near Yonge and Steeles who would
like to meet for a coffee or movie sometimes. Have a nice day.


Sincerely,


Steve

Cheer up, pops

Old folks suffer less from depression and anxiety: Study

Warmly, 

 

Stephanie Norwich

Reiki Master/Instructor (9 yrs. experience) 

Master of Education Candidate (counselling) 

Licensed Holistic Practitioner

(416) 604.3448

 

To be removed from our list simply send the word "remove".

 

 

 Reiki Share

 

Date & Time: Sat. April 1st from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm (drop in anytime)

 

Location: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Avenue, Council Chamber rm.

 

Festivities: An icebreaker will be followed by a guided meditation, and Reiki sessions.

 

Bring something comfortable to lie on: a pillow, foam/yoga mat, bed sheet, pillowcase and towel. Massage tables are greatly appreciated!

 

Admission: $10/person

 

For directions check: http://www.mapquest.com/

By TTC: from Runnymede Station take the Runnymede bus route 77 south 2 stops to Deforest and walk west 3 minutes to Lavinia.

 

Reiki is... a Japanese method of hands on healing. It is deeply relaxing, alleviates pain, soothes emotions, assists trauma, aligns and detoxifies the body

Gonna miss you presence and Wish your boyfriend a happy birthday!!!

 

- Hannah :)

wllng2hlp <wllng2hlp@...> wrote:

Hi Rama...and everyone...I don't believe that I will be making it to
this Sundays meeting as it is my boyfriend's birthday and we will be
celebrating...Hope it continues to go well.....and I'll see everyone
the following week.
Erin

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Hi Rama...and everyone...I don't believe that I will be making it to
this Sundays meeting as it is my boyfriend's birthday and we will be
celebrating...Hope it continues to go well.....and I'll see everyone
the following week.
Erin

Hi Rama...and everyone...I don't believe that I will be making it to
this Sundays meeting as it is my boyfriend's birthday and we will be
celebrating...Hope it continues to go well.....and I'll see everyone
the following week.
Erin

Sounds like a great meeting with fresh vital energy from our newcomer.  The topic of Emotional Freedom Technique is one that I have been using for five years now and do find it very effective.  It has been useful for me when dealing with distress and emotionally upsetting situations.

There are a few references in the Toronto Library system that you may find useful that discuss the tapping techniques and explain about the accupressure points involved.

The shortlist of books/audio  I have found useful on this subject are:

David Hickey will not be performing in Toronto at the Transformational
Arts College this Friday. He has been called to perform in Ottawa for
the Tibetan Monks at the Buddhist Sacred Arts Tour. He has other
upcoming dates in Hamilton and Winona that you can check out on his
website: www.positivevibrationscanada.com.

Please change your calendar if you planned to attend.

Please note that Ann Marie Boudreau's Journey will still be held at
TAC on March 10th. This is the one that Adam and I went to and
enjoyed. I will not be there because of participating in a Sonica
Sanctus West evening in Hamilton on that Friday night.

If you plan to attend and want more information, please let me know.