Loving the Chaos How to de-stress & find balance in a crazy busy world

In our fast paced world, life can feel pretty hectic. We race through the day juggling multiple commitments and obligations with hardly a moment to breathe. Living this crazy busy pace encourages us to function on auto-pilot just to survive.

If you are feeling too busy, too tired and overwhelmed by your to-do list, there is a simple way to experience a greater sense of calm and control. Mindful living can create less stress, busyness and distraction in your life, allowing you to experience more happiness and satisfaction.

This highly engaging keynote focuses on the importance of creating conscious and intentional choices that will lead to your professional and personal success. You will discover the power of presence, how it positively impacts your life, and practical strategies for becoming more mindful in the midst of a busy and demanding world.

The result?

Greater positivity, more meaningful engagement in life and ultimately enhanced personal satisfaction & fulfillment.

You will learn:

• how 21st century life encourages you to be distracted and why paying attention is more important than ever
• what balance really is, and why work-life balance is the wrong goal
• practical strategies for managing chaotic times
• a simple 3P system that encourages conscious and intentional choices

This keynote session can be presented on its own, as a breakout session or in an expanded half or full day session that allows for an in-depth exploration of the principles.

This is Your Wake Up Call How to be mindful in a busy & distracted world

Do you sometimes sleepwalk through life rushing from one commitment to the next?

At work and at home, it’s easy to hit the snooze button until one day you get a rude awakening. This highly engaging keynote focuses on the importance of creating conscious and intentional choices that will lead to your professional and personal success. You will discover the importance of “waking up”, how it impacts on your life, and practical strategies for becoming more mindful in the midst of a busy and demanding world.

Drawing on principles from Laurel’s award winning book, To Be Awake, this humorous and revealing talk explores how we unconsciously mess up our lives and simple ways to become more present and focused.

You will learn:

• the power of pause to create focus and attention
• how to use the “do what works” principle
• practical strategies be more intentional in your actions so you get the results you want

If you have ever had a “what was I thinking” moment in your life, this session will help you keep your eyes wide open and awake to the possibilities around you.

This keynote session can be presented on its own, as a breakout session or in an expanded half or full day session that allows for an in-depth exploration of the principles.

BONUS: You can provide participants or conference attendees with their own copy of To Be Awake. Bulk book orders are available at reduced rates so everyone can have a memorable take-away from this session. Contact Laurel to discuss options.

The Power of One

Everyone wants to feel that they are making a difference but sometimes we question the impact that one person can have. In this empowering and inspirational keynote address, Laurel shares a simple formula for creating the kind of impact you want to have in your family, workplace, community or the world.

You CAN make a difference in your life and in the world – one thought, one gesture, one action at a time. Whether your dream is for a more meaningful personal existence, changing your workplace, supporting a charity or for global change, this session will provide you with insights and strategies to begin to create a new reality for yourself and those around you.

The Power of One is particularly popular with charities, the caring professions, teachers and workplaces where staff members are asked to do a lot more with a lot less resources.

Individuals will leave this keynote inspired to make a difference and confident in the impact they are already having.

At the end of this presentation you’ll learn:

• How the way we think creates our reality
• Why simple actions are undervalued and what to do about it
• How real change actually occurs
• The impact of conscious and intentional choices

Individuals will leave Laurel’s dynamic keynote, The Power of One, inspired to make a difference and confident in the impact they are already having. What’s more, they will be motivated to make an even bigger difference through their actions and attitude.

Laurels’ areas of expertise include mindfulness in the workplace, life balance, team development, communication and engagement, and building personal leadership capacity.

Laurel is particularly passionate in helping to create mindful workplaces. Bringing mindfulness programs into the workplace can help boost employee productivity, engagement, and focus while reducing stress and negativity.

Laurel’s workshops and conference breakout sessions vary in length from 1 – 3 hours. Full day workshops are also available. She is pleased to work with you to develop a professional development session that fits the needs and budget of your organization or event.

Looking for a more in-depth program?

A series of workshops on a theme can also be developed. This allows participants an opportunity to practice skills and explore topics in greater detail.

Workshops & Conference Breakout Sessions

Mindfulness in a Multi-tasking Workplace

The workplace can be a high stress environment with multiple priorities and distractions vying for your attention. Often there are too many tasks to juggle and they all seem urgent. People feel like they don’t have a moment to breathe as they try to manage an endless to-do list and demands on their time.

Instead of racing through the day from one task to the next, powerful yet simple mindfulness practices allow us to pause and pay attention which in turn creates greater positivity, more active engagement and ultimately enhanced personal satisfaction & fulfillment. In this highly engaging and practical session you will learn the 3 P’s of creating conscious and intentional choices that lead to professional and personal success.

Participants will also learn:

• the cost of busyness and distraction in the 21st century
• why multi-tasking increases inefficiency
• how and why mindfulness practices work
• simple ways to cultivate mindful productivity

Participants will leave with simple strategies they can begin using immediately to be more focused and less stressed in the workplace.

This session is designed for professional development in the workplace or as a conference breakout session.

This is Your Brain on Mindfulness

In our crazy busy world we are often living in a constant state of low grade stress. That means it doesn’t take much for our primitive brain to take charge. When that happens we over-react, blurt out things we don’t mean or feel like we want to run away.

The good news is we don’t have to be at the mercy of our fight or flight response.

Mindfulness practices engage the part of the brain that is responsible for higher level thinking and self-control. That means we can learn to be more focused, less reactive and build greater resiliency to stress.

In this practical and highly engaging session Laurel will help you understand how your brain works and how to make that knowledge work for you at home and in the workplace.

In this session you will learn about your amazing brain including:

• the basic neuroscience of mindfulness
• how we get hijacked by our primitive brain
• the power of plasticity in creating new neural pathways
• simple techniques that help you avoid flipping your lid and what to do when you do

This session is designed for professional development in the workplace or as a conference breakout session.

You Don’t Have to Get on the Train

Thoughts can either be an incredible tool or a relentless master. The truth is that thoughts are just thoughts. They are not facts even though we sometimes feel like we have jumped on a runaway train with out of control thoughts driving the engine. From thinking about what we should or should not have done in the past to worrying about the future, our minds are full to overflowing with unhelpful thoughts that take us away from what is happening in the present moment.

In this session you will learn:

• simple ways to deal more skillfully with thoughts
• how to avoid getting on the train of negative thinking
• practical positivity habits that keep you focused on what matters

Full Day Workshops

It Starts With You

Would you like to feel less burned out and more engaged in the midst of busy and demanding workplace? Mindfulness is an effective way to manage stress, feel calmer and less emotionally reactive. In this full day workshop you will learn the science and philosophy of mindfulness along with the basics of a personal mindfulness practice that will allow you to be  more mindful at work and at home.

During the course of this engaging and interactive day, you will learn:

• The cost of  busyness & distraction in the 21st century
• What happens to your brain on stress
• What mindfulness is and isn’t
• Why & how mindfulness works
• The 3P’s of creating conscious and intentional choices
• The basics to get you started living the mindful way
• Strategies for creating a more mindful workplace

Can We Talk? the art & skill of mindful communication

In spite of living in a world that is more technologically connected, we are feeling increasing disconnected and overwhelmed. High stress and distractible workplaces, coupled with information overload, creates an environment in which communication can suffer. When that happens, the resulting tension can lead to misunderstanding, conflict and even anger.

The ability to communicate well is a key factor that contributes to personal, professional and organizational success. Mindful communication is both a skill and an art that enables us to facilitate an easy flow of ideas and understanding that is at the heart of effective communication. It allows us to be less reactive and more proactive in our interactions with others which ultimately builds relationships and improves team cooperation and collaboration.

In this full day (or 2 half days) workshop, participants will come away with a greater knowledge and appreciation for the elements of mindful communication as well as practical tools which can be used immediately. This is a highly interactive workshop combining content, small and large group discussion as well as practice activities.

Key concepts in this workshop:

• elements and barriers of effective communication
• misconceptions and assumptions about communication
• the lost art of listening
• the power of spoken and written language
• how to have open, present and authentic dialogue
• ways to be more empathetic in word choices, tone and subtlety
• how to handle difficult conversations with grace and respect

Lunch & Learns & Webinars

A Lunch & Learn is short presentation, typically 50 minutes, designed to inform and inspire your employees. Whether participants brown bag it, or you provide lunch, these informal educational events leave people feeling more energized and knowledgeable and definitely with food for thought. Lunch & Learn sessions can also be offered in a webinar format.

What are the benefits to your workplace or organization?

• provides bite-sized learning in a busy schedule
• enhances employee motivation & morale
• effectively uses both time and money

Retreats

A retreat allows participants the opportunity to focus on a specific theme — whether workplace related, personal development or a combination of the two.

Laurel will collaborate with you to design the most powerful retreat experience for your group, business or organization. At the core of each retreat is an atmosphere that supports and encourages creative thinking, clarity, focus and renewal.

Retreats may be arranged for 1-3 days and are typically located off-site, away from the distractions of the workplace.

The Mindful Teacher (90 min.)

A mindful classroom starts with a mindful teacher. By bringing greater awareness, calm and compassion to the way you teach, you can reconnect with the passion and joy of teaching. In this engaging workshop you will learn about:

• the impact mindful presence has on students
• the science of mindfulness and the brain
• the power of pause to help reset your mind and body
• simple strategies to be more calm & focused
• how to develop compassionate attention

Available as both a live workshop at your school and as an online webinar.

The Mindful Classroom (Half Day)

A mindful classroom helps create a positive learning environment that allows both teachers and students to excel in an atmosphere of calm and focus. In this interactive workshop, you will learn about:

• what research tells us about mindfulness and education
• the positive impact of present moment awareness on students
• how small changes to routines help students be more focused and engaged
• simple ready-to-use mindfulness strategies that help keep students relaxed and attentive

These techniques can be easily incorporated into your existing schedule without the pressure of one more thing to do in your already jam packed day.

Full Day Intensive

This full day workshop combines the content of both The Mindful Teacher and The Mindful Classroom in one comprehensive session allowing you to immerse yourself in the mindfulness techniques and strategies that can contribute to greater teacher and student success.

Mindful Resilience for Teachers (60 min.)

Do you collapse after the final bell? No matter how much you love your work, by the end of a stressful day juggling multiple demands in the classroom, it’s no wonder teachers go home feeling stretched to the max. Teacher wellness is a critical component of a thriving school. In this workshop you will learn some simple and ready-to-use mindfulness strategies to manage stress & cultivate personal & professional resilience.

The ABCs of Mindfulness (60 min.) How Mindfulness Can Make You a Better Teacher… and your students better learners

Mindfulness is increasingly recognized as an effective way to reduce stress, build self-awareness, enhance relationships and proactively manage negative thoughts and feelings. This session introduces teachers to the concept of mindfulness as a tool for stress reduction, increased student focus, concentration and attention and improved performance. You will learn the theory, science and practical habits behind mindfulness and some short and simple techniques they can begin using immediately.

Everybody Present (60 min.) Reducing Distraction and Disengagement in the Classroom

The modern classroom is a hyper-busy place where students are constantly “plugged in” resulting in increased stress and a decline in focus and attention. In this session we will explore what research has to show about this generation of multi-tasking, digital device addicted and constantly distracted learners. You will learn some simple mindfulness practices that create a more focused classroom so students can stabilize attention and engage with others and the learning environment.

Your Brain on Mindfulness (60 min.)

Mindfulness sounds like a good idea but how does it really work? Mindfulness engages the part of the brain that is responsible for higher level thinking and self-control. That means students can learn to be more focused, less reactive and build greater resiliency to stress. In this session you will learn about your amazing brain including the neuroscience of mindfulness, how we get hijacked by our primitive brain and the power of plasticity in creating new neural pathways.

Laurel provides a highly engaging, interactive and relevant workshop on mindfulness packed with practical strategies, evidence-based information, relevant anecdotes and easy ways to learn, practice and remember some concrete actions.

Abigail Parrish-Craig, MacEwan University

Laurel provided the keynote for our annual International Women’s Day Awards Gala.  Her talk really added to the positive energy in the room. The speech was filled with words of inspiration and meaning.  It motivated you to want to go out into the world and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

Tammy Lautner, City of Fort Saskatchewan

Laurel was invited to present at the regions annual Diversity Summit. Her presentation “The Power of One” set the tone for the day perfectly, focusing on the difference one persons though, gesture or action could make. The majority of the participants work in nonprofit organizations and following Laurel opening the day the discussion naturally developed  into, “ if ‘One’ can do this what can ‘We’ do together”. Laurel inspired the whole room.

Linda Thompson-Brown BA , MSc, Community Services Department Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Our Organization received great value from our session on Mindfulness in a multi-tasking workplace.  It provided tools for our Assistant Management group to cope with the varying degrees of multitasking that is inevitable throughout our working day.  Our team walked away with ways to become more mindful and avoid going through the day without being truly present.  A worthwhile session to give easy tools to incorporate in to everyone’s day whether in the workplace or personal life.

Nancy Simmonds, Director of Operations, GEF Seniors Housing

Laurel has presented numerous amount webinars for our organization over the years and she continues to do an excellent job. All of our attendees absolutely love her. Our audience comments on how she is well spoken and she is easy to listen to with good sound quality. We always have a great participant turn out when she presents. HumanaCare highly recommends to anyone looking for positive coaching experience.

Lamar Saunders, Humanacare

Laurel Vespi is an absolute delight! I have found her presentations to be professional, relevant and inspiring. Laurel has an ease about her that engages people, allowing them to accept and integrate her experience and wisdom.

Sheryl Hansen, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Laurel presented at our annual conference. Her topic is very relevant to today’s busy work places.  Laurel provided the audience with some practical tools to find better balance in everyday life.  Her humor and  visual aids helped drive home her message making it  a very enjoyable and valuable hour.

Cheryl Ackimenko, Greater Edmonton Foundation

Laurel’s message about the positive impact one person can have on the world is very timely. When we all lead such busy lives, it’s empowering to be reminded of the small things every person can do to make a difference in the world.

Megan Cote, Town of Innisfail

Laurel delivered great value to our audience at the Empowering Alberta event. Laurel is amazing! She is an expert that knows about wellness and mindfulness and she gives her audiences knowledge and tools to create a better life.

Wayne Lee, Corporate Hypnotist & Optimal Performance Coach

More than 225 ladies attending the Rural Women’s Conference experienced Laurel Vespi’s presentation “Eyes Wide Open”.  She reminded us to always be aware of and live in the present moment and not “Go back to sleep”. Her insights into life and the importance of balance provided the attendees with important information and a challenge to incorporate the seven principles into every day.

Sharon Cornelius, Tri-Community Adult Learning Association

Laurel Vespi is a fantastic speaker. Her ability to reach the audience and create an experience for them to move forward in their lives is perfection! She is thoughtful, inspiring and very gifted sending a message in a way that people can relate and visualize.

Dianna Bowes, Founder of Fabulous@50

Laurel is an outstanding facilitator who always encourages you to step outside the box and give something new a try.  She is wonderful at helping people consider an alternative perspective on life, work whatever the situation may be, and then asks the hard question “How can you make a difference?”

Krimsen Sumners, Deputy Superintendent, St. Albert Public Schools

Laurel is a very energetic and true motivational speaker! She had an immediate interest in the dynamics of our National Nursing Conference, and tailored her presentations to compliment our theme. Laurel was very much enjoyed by our delegates with her warm and engaging manner as our keynote speaker and as she spent the day mingling with us. It is obvious that Laurel genuinely believes in what she says. She challenged us to take charge of our lives and be a part of “change”! It was refreshing to be reminded of simple basics that we can do to help make a difference.

Yvonne Verklan, CSGNA Conference

Laurel went above and beyond, offering 3 different sessions for us at our Women’s Conference in Strathcona County. She was very professional, prompt, and thoughtful and was very flexible and accommodating our needs. Laurel left the participants with concrete ideas that they could take home, and integrate into their lives right away. Participant feedback was extremely positive.

Rene Robertson-Potisk, Strathcona County Family and Community Services

Laurel’s warm and friendly ability to engage and encourage audience participation is a gift! She is quickly becoming one of our top favored speakers. Her ease of presentation is just one of the successful components, as she shares her knowledge and expertise.

Marilyn Bussey, Diversified Staffing Services

Evaluations about Laurel’s presentation were all in agreement: she definitely met our expectations! Her material was fresh and creative and her presentation style was interactive and engaging.

Tabitha Nordby, St. Albert Public Library

We appreciated Laurel’s presentation on life balance. This topic was a perfect fit for our Women’s Wellness Lecture Series. Laurel is a fantastic speaker and writer as we have also used various articles she has written for our Women’s Wellness Newsletter. We would certainly have Laurel present for us again and again!

Kim Small, Health Educator, Women’s Wellness Program, Grey Nuns

Laurel Vespi is a great speaker. She engaged the audience and connected with everybody in the room. The presentation was informative and valuable to all.

Rosemarie Pereira, NAIT Office & Records Admin Program

Laurel was a wonderful asset to our women’s conference.  She started the day off with her keynote address and followed it up with a break out session – The Power of One. Laurel’s positive messages were a great way to start our day.

Deanne Young, Conference Organizer, Breton Women’s Conference

Laurel’s workshop series on the topic of happiness was successful beyond our expectations, both regarding the number of people who registered and the positive feedback we received from attendees. We already have a waiting list of people who are hopeful that we will run this program again. We would be more than happy to work with Laurel again. She was friendly, professional, and prepared, and all around a pleasure to work with. She was also flexible and able to adapt her processes so they would work with ours. We highly recommend the services of Laurel Vespi and Stone Circle Coaching.

Meghan Unterschultz, Program Planner for Stony Plain Family & Community Support Services

As the conference planner for CSGNA 2010, I appreciated Laurel’s attentive responses, quick turnaround times for requests, and willingness to accommodate our program needs. It would be my pleasure to work with her again.

Heather E Reid ARCT MSc, Principal Planner, Innovative Conferences & Communications

Laurel presented “The Art of Guilt Free Self Care” at the Ripple Connection Support Centre. What an amazing day! The ripples of self care are present in all the individuals who where there that day as they really try to apply what they learn to their lives. The best part is they are sharing what they learned with others. Thanks Laurel you’re the best!

Joyce Sheren, Executive Director, The Ripple Connection Support Centre

The workshop “What Are You Waiting For” gave us some very practical suggestions on how to stop waiting and start living, which helped us to realize there are different ways to think about and do things in our lives. It has motivated us to start participating in life more.

Cheryl Lawson, Beaver County Community Adult Learning Council