Summary of our July 24th meeting, "The Presence of Love: A Healing Force"

Fellow Marsh Winds Toastmasters,

Our theme this week at Marsh Winds was "The Presence of Love: A Healing Force". We explored how we can 'presence' love within ourselves and within our world to heal and transform. We engaged in a simple exercise of remembering a time, a moment when we felt the touch of love. We expanded this feeling in our awareness to also touch and release sorrows or challenges that we may also be feeling.

Our meeting emerged as a gentle, loving experience that we co-created together.

Dr. Shaun Jamison shared his intriguing perspective on introducing integrative teaching techniques into law school education, including a colorful and sassy PowerPoint presentation, into our conversation.

Ravi Bakshi created a powerful interpretive reading of 'The Paradoxical Commandments', for which Ravi titled his presentation "Love Them Anyway" (check with Ravi for exact title and authorship), beautifully furthering our theme for the day.

Sandy Ryan provided an exquisite series of Table Topics questions exploring the diverse experiences of Love.

Providing beautiful and spirited responses were:

Pamela Redigar, sharing a story of Loss of Love,
Crissy Roeglin, sharing how she Shows her Love to her partner,
Betty Liedtke, sharing the gift of giving and receiving acknowledgment in Self-Love,
Beth Silverwater, sharing a story of (cat)Love at First Sight!
(and Elleva Joy or Kimball - forgive my memory lapse, I believe one of you also shared a Table Topics response...)

Elleva Joy McDonald provided a wonderful flow and presence in conducting General Evaluator responsibilities in our meeting!
Crissy Roeglin provided an insightful evaluation of Shaun's proposal, utilizing her compelling business management perspective.
Pamela Redigar provided a clear and affirming evaluation of Ravi's offering.
Kimball Service provided an inspired Ah Counter/Grammarian report, bringing his "Illumined" presence to our gathering.
Betty Liedtke shared her timing report with clarity and eloquence!

Presiding Officer Sandy Ryan shared the wonderful news celebrating our own Ms. Jennifer Swanson receiving the momentous honors of Western Division Area Governor of the Year and District Area Governor of the Year, announced at the July 19th TELI. Jennifer, we are all so proud of you!!! Congratulations!!!

We also celebrate Dr. Shaun Jamison in his receiving the Area 92 Toastmaster of the Year Award! Shaun, your many diverse and generous gifts are gratefully received! Congratulations!!!

Jean Keating was voted Toastmaster of the Day for today's meeting.

Sandy Ryan requests that someone step forward to serve as Toastmaster next week at Marsh Winds -- there will be a fantastic line-up of Speakers, Mark Forsberg, Sandy Ryan and Jennifer Swanson -- and, yes Sandy, ALL fantastic speakers!!!

See you next week at Marsh Winds!

Jean Keating