We're coming up to Mothering Sunday on the 14th March, when we celebrate the person who brought us into the world and the one we're often closest to in our earliest years. The mother-child bond can be intense and the journey we take together can be full of both joyful and difficult moments for both.

As babies we strive to stand on our own two feet as soon as we can and those first physical steps towards independence and freedom are part of a parallel, emotional journey. As a child, our physical and intellectual education is usually in the hands of experienced teachers, our emotional education, however, can be haphazard at best.

In chapter nine of Patrick Holford's new book 'The Ten Secrets of 100% Healthy People', Tim Laurence points out 'We only develop as human beings through relationships, and it's developing emotional intelligence that allows us to interact healthily with others, so that our needs will be met and we'll understand the needs of others.' You'll find a helpful emotional health checklist in the link to the chapter below.

Many of us say that what we most want, both for ourselves and for our children, is that we're happy, so making emotional intelligence a priority might be an excellent first step. Happiness is certainly an issue for many of us and we hope you enjoy reading Ann Marie Scanlon's experience of how the Process helped her depression in this month's featured article from Woman and Home. It also includes morale-boosting tips from Serena Laurence.

We're celebrating the spring sunshine and fresh starts with our May 1st Spring Party in London, so we hope you can join us - more details to follow.

Wishing you fresh growth

Dates for 2010 Processes and Information Evenings are on our calendar page.

Click for online booking

The Ninth Secret of 100% Healthy People & A Hoffman Workshop with Tim Laurence

Nutritional expert and Hoffman graduate Patrick Holford conducted the UK's largest ever health survey of over 55,000 people to discover the 10 Secrets of 100% Healthy People - the title of his latest book. (Click the cover on the left to order).

The ninth chapter of the book deals with letting go and learning from the past and has been written by the Hoffman UK founder Tim Laurence who says: 'Positive emotions, such as love and joy, and the ability to resolve negative emotions is the ninth secret of being 100% healthy.'

Click to read the chapter and take the emotional check up test

Hoffman Introductory Workshop - Getting Your Past Out Of Your Present

Saturday 24th April 2-5.30pm with Tim Laurence in Putney, SW London

You'll learn some Hoffman techniques and find out how to:

Free yourself from old family patterns
Identify the things that keep you depressed or lacking in self esteem
Safely release 'out of control' emotions
Learn to let go of what causes depression and grief
Discover the keys to keeping healthy relationships

Click for details of Tim's London Workshop and to book online

Patrick's next talk - London Alternatives
Patrick Holford's next talk is on Monday March 15th at Alternatives, St James, Piccadilly, London.

Click for Patrick's programme of UK Seminars

'The Hoffman Process is by far the most powerful and effective course I have come across. It's the equivalent of a psychological detox. This kind of inner work is essential for true health and happiness'. Patrick Holford

Depression - Take five steps to freedom

In a recent article in Woman and Home magazine Hoffman Graduate Anne Marie Scanlon describes depression as 'More than the absence of joy. It's the absence of hope. It's the absolute certainty that you'll never feel happy, or alive, ever again.'

According to the Office for National Statistics between 8-12% of the population experience depression in any yearI. Ironically, as the first signs of spring and the promise of new life becomes apparent, depression can be at its worst.

There are many steps we can take to help ourselves. Becoming aware of the warning signs, such as a desire to withdraw and isolate ourselves, is a start. Five tips which Serena Laurence mentions in the article include:

Exercise - A short walk will get you out of the house and into the wider world, which is important, as depression thrives on isolation.
Talk - Speak to trusted friends about how you are feeling. You'll often be surprised to hear that they've experienced something similar.
Focus - Stay in the present. Try not to project fears and worries about the future.
Ignore - Tell the negative voice in your head to "shut up". Even saying this out loud will help. Remember feelings are not facts and that voice has no authority over the truth.
Give - The best way of helping yourself is by reaching out a helping hand to others. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture; it could be offering to help an elderly neighbour.

Did the Process work for Anne Marie? She says: 'I had some of the bleakest moments I've ever had in Florence House, but I also had one of the best days of my entire life.' But how did she judge it overall, once the dust had settled? Read her story on the link below and find out.

Click to read about Anne Marie's experience of the Process

Info Evenings - March 16th Dublin, April 13th London,

Would you like to find out more about the Process?
Information Evenings provide a great opportunity to meet Hoffman Teachers as well as Hoffman Graduates, ask questions, hear people's experiences and decide if the Process is right for you now, or in the future. They're free and there's no need to book. These evenings, held on Tuesdays, start at 7.30pm and finish around 9.30pm.

Next Information Evening Dates include:

March 16th Brooks Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

April 13th Regents College, London

May 18th Regents College, London

Click here for more information evening dates

Info Phone-In March 23rd

Is the Hoffman Process for you?

Many of you tell us that Information Evenings are very helpful in deciding whether the Process is for you; yet there may not be one convenient to you. So we also offer monthly information phone-ins. These are really lively with callers questions and interesting input from previous Process participants and Hoffman Teachers.

Call from wherever you are in the world and join UK Hoffman Director Serena Laurence, pictured here, from 7.30-8.30pm UTC/GMT for our March 23rd Information phone-in. You can just listen or if you have a question, we'll be delighted to help.

Click for Frequently Asked Questions about the call

We'll cover topics such as:

How can you tell if the Process is right for you?
What changes can you expect following the course?
How do you continue the benefits of the Process once it's over?
What are the long-term benefits?

Click for more details and call instructions

Can't make this date? Next call is Tuesday April 20th 7.30 - 8.30pm

Mayday Mayday! Spring Party Saturday May 1st in London

Whoopee - we're having a knees up to celebrate the end of grey skies and thermal underwear so come and join us for our Spring Party.

We'd love to see Hoffman graduates old and new plus, your friends and family and will be sending out a dedicated mailing later this month with booking details.

Family Constellations Workshops for Hoffman Graduates London

Constellations is a powerful group approach that maps family patterns and finds holistic resolutions. It fits beautifully with the understandings of the Hoffman Process.

Hoffman Graduate Gaye Donaldson and Hoffman Teacher Matthew Pruen are offering workshops in Central London. Family constellations can enhance and deepen your perspective and vision of your family patterns through many generations.

Dates currrently offered include:

April 9
June 11/12

Booking and enquiries are via email to: matthew@hoffmaninstitute.co.uk and you can click here for more information

'I wholeheartedly recommend these workshops to any Hoffman graduate wanting to deepen their Process experience.' Serena Laurence

NEW Dates, NEW Venues - Next Reconnection Days, London March 6th, Ireland March 20th

We've now introduced some more Reconnection Days, so that you have the choice of at least one every month until May. We've got an additional new London venue that's really convenient for both tube and rail, as well as a new location in Ireland that's a feast for the eyes as well as the soul!

Our next London Reconnection Day is on Saturday March 6th in a lovely new venue near Waterloo. Last few places left!

Following hot on its heels is a Reconnection Day in Ireland on Saturday March 20th at beautiful Gorse Hill, near Bray, pictured right.

Then, as Spring gets well underway we have our first Reconnection Day held at the Hoffman Institute in Arundel, West Sussex on Saturday April 17th. This is a beautiful rural location shown below with its famous moated castle.

Book by calling the Hoffman office on 01903 88 99 90 or click the link below to book online.

"It was like being back at the Process, the same intimacy, confidentiality and bonding yet on top of that learning practical skills to keep the Process alive. Thank you!" Christine Mason

Click to book online for Reconnection Days-you'll need the password

The Rectory at Chrysalis is up for sale

Do you have vision? Could it include a beautiful Irish retreat centre, set in 2.8 acres of land in County Wicklow?

If you've done the Hoffman Process at Chrysalis Centre in Ireland you'll be familiar with the attractive 18th century Rectory set within its own private grounds and complete with coach house annexe and 4 additional guest or staff houses. Stunning gardens include a magnificent specimen holly tree, which is amongst the oldest in Ireland, as well as a timber Oratory and a Zen garden.

If you or anyone you know could be interested, the joint Dublin Selling agents are: Savills and Doyle. You can forward this newsletter using the blue forward link bottom left rather than your usual forward button.

Click to view a brochure about the Old Rectory

'Doing the Hoffman in the USA a number of years ago was a significant step for me in my own healing journey.' Ann Maria - Founder of Chrysalis

N.B. This won't affect the next Irish Process June 11-18th.

Support Call March 24th

Parenting - Wednesday March 24th - 7-8.15pm
This month's call is focused on how our patterns influence our parenting. It's rescheduled from February, to bring it to this side of half term!

Led by Esme Page, one of our most experienced Supervising Teachers, these calls are ideal when you finish your Post Process Support Groups and want to reconnect to the Process tools. We also welcome Hoffman Graduates who've been 'out of the loop' and want a fresh perspective. In short - if you've done the Process - wherever you live - this one's for you!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Support Call
Do I have to talk? This and other common questions are covered in our support call factsheet.

"I have found the support calls so helpful in staying connected with my Process." Lorna

Booking is Essential - You'll be sent the number to call and the PIN once you book. PLEASE NOTE that the phone number has now changed.

Click to find out more and to book on this call and future calls-you'll need the password

Business Listing - Support from Hoffman Graduates

Our listing page is a great way for Hoffman Graduates to connect through work and leisure. From retreats and holiday lets, from homeopaths to lawyers, you should find the service you need!

The listings page appears on the Hoffman Ireland Site as well as the Hoffman UK Site. It's accessible from both homepages and also on a separate page on the Graduate website. If you're a Hoffman Graduate and you'd like to list your own services, just click the listing link below where you'll find an entry form and online payment facility.

Click here for the Business Listing

Closure - For Hoffman Graduates only

Next Closure Dates

March 11th Chrysalis, Co Wicklow, Ireland
Teachers: Matthew and Lisa
March 25th Florence House, Sussex
Teachers: Eliza, Tom and Matthew
April 8th Florence House, Sussex
Teachers: Michael, Andrea and Mairi

Remember, numbers are limited and it starts at 5pm prompt. (7pm if you can only make dinner).

In the UK please book in advance with the Hoffman Office on +44 (0)1903 88 99 90. or email: info@hoffmaninstitute.co.uk. Dinner is £17. The cost is payable direct to the site.

In Ireland book direct with Chrysalis on 045 404 713. Dinner is 15 Euros.

You can't attend Closure of a spouse or child, though we'd love to see you at their Welcome Home.

'Attending Closure is my favourite post-process activity. I reconnect with my own Process in ever different ways, and at the same time, am able to take great pleasure in knowing that my experience and even my presence plays some small part in the never-to-be-forgotten memories of the new graduates.' David, Herts

Click here for Closure Dates - You'll need the password

Support News

Please keep in touch by checking our support group page on the website for current support groups or contacts in your area.

Guest Support Group Facilitators
Remember that you can book Hoffman Teachers to be guest facilitators for your groups or for one to one coaching. Click here for Hoffman Teacher contact details. You'll need the password

Central London support group
The next support evening is Tuesday April 13th. There's a £5 attendance charge. To go on the local mailing list please contact Diane. Email: diane-gallagher@ukgateway.net or Tel: +44 (0)7947 068 625.

Dublin
To be put on a local mailing list contact David Gibson on: dbg@dna.ie or call: 01 862 3564

Edinburgh
Lynn is the contact for a thriving group in this area. Please email her at: lynn.edinsupport@virgin.net

Glasgow
Margot Clayton based in Milngavie, 20 mins from Glasgow city centre, runs an occasional support group and e-group. To join a local mailing list call her on: 0141 956 5526 or Email: margot.clayton@btinternet.com

Cumbria and North East
Please contact Sharu in Carlisle, Cumbria if you'd like to meet up. Email: sharuscott@hotmail.com or call: 01228 562 368 or 07900 108845

York
Viv would love to be in touch with any other Hoffman graduates in York, or the surrounding areas, with a view to starting a group. Tel: 07951 943774 or 01904 788374. Email: viv@flamangoes.co.uk

Sheffield
Nicci in Sheffield would welcome contact from other Hoffies with a view to setting up a group. Tel: 07763 773953. Email: nicola.gilkes@btinternet.com

South Wales
For details of the next meeting of the Cardiff self-support group please email Garthine on walkergm@cardiff.ac.uk or phone 07946 445559 (email preferred)

North West - Liverpool
Jo Lloyd runs a self-support group in Liverpool and an e-board for local Hoffman Grads. To join the eboard email: jo1972@hotmail.com or Tel: 0151 928 3205 or 07950 536 047.

Oxford
Jon is interested in setting up a support group in the Oxford area. If you'd like to take part, please contact him at jontreanor@conduitpartners.co.uk or Tel: 01865 884188 or Mobile 07787 513205.

Cambridge
Rosie is interested in setting up a support group in the Cambridge area. Please contact her on p.wilson34@ntlworld.com or call: 01223 570890.

East Sussex
If you'd like to know the next support meeting dates please call Andrea on 01273 604867 or 07770 450100 or email: loveshackmarshall@hotmail.com.
For news, join the Sussex Hoffman E- noticeboard email: nikki@spiritoftransformation.com

If there's no support group local to you, why not volunteer to be the contact person in your area? Just ring Nikki on Wednesdays or Fridays on: 01903 88 99 90 or Email: nikki@hoffmaninstitute.co.uk

Warm Wishes

The Hoffman Team
Hoffman Institute UK

Forwarding the Newsletter
Please forward this newsletter using the blue forward link bottom left rather than your usual forward button.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Martin Luther King, Jr