Make 2011 a Year of Transformational Change in Your Life
Written by Mary Elizabeth Lynch
 Now that we have firmly arrived in 2011, perhaps it is a good time to review our intentions for the year. We typically set “New Year’s Resolutions” in early January, although sometimes they are a dim memory by the time February rolls around. But for many, there remains that inner calling that reminds us of a longing to bring new, positive habits into daily life.
The key to any kind of change is setting your goals and then making steady progress toward them, one small step at a time. For each of us, life is a masterpiece in the making and that creation takes time, commitment, and courage. I know that in my work with people through the Personal Transformation and Courage Institute I am always looking for ways to support our participants in this direction. People who come to our small-group courses are seeking to make changes that will bring deeper purpose and meaning into their daily lives.
When we consider the meaning of personal change, it’s important to distinguish between “improvement” and “transformation,” two terms that are misleading but often used as synonyms. Both involve change, but one is more radical and ultimately much more significant than the other.
Improvement – or self-improvement – involves creating a better version of essentially the same person. It is a matter of polishing up or adjusting the Personality self – the familiar persona that we generally know ourselves to be and that we show to the world. All that is well and good. Self-improvement is a worthy endeavor, but we shouldn’t kid ourselves into thinking that it results in genuine spiritual awakening.
Transformation is a quantum jump in our sense of self. It is the awakening of the Individuality – the soul essence of who we are. It is a deeper change which alters the way we perceive ourselves, helps us focus on our purpose in life, and
connects us in a meaningful way with others and the divine. This kind of change challenges us to live authentically and in alignment with the values and principles that inspire and direct us. This kind of change takes courage, compassion and commitment in order to make that quantum jump. We call this transformational change.
At the heart of transformational change lies vision and courage. They give you the capacity to see clearly the ideals and potentials for your life and the inner resources to actually move in the direction of those ideals. That vision is your highest aspiration and goal – an inner compass and purposeful intentionality that guides your life.
Both self-improvement and transformational change are important, but make no mistake about which is more important. Transformation is a more challenging kind of change process because the Personality doesn’t easily surrender its claim to be the whole of who we are. But unless we are willing to undergo an authentic transformation, something in the soul remains restless and unfulfilled.
If transformational change is your goal for 2011, then PTCI is here to guide you as you move ahead on your journey. All of our courses are designed to help you come to a deeper understanding of your core values and ideals and live in accordance with those aspirations and principles. Our staff and facilitators are ready to support and encourage you as you take the steps necessary to engage this deeper process of change. We invite you to visit our web site at
www. transformationANDcourage.org and learn more about how you can make 2011 a year of building new, positive life-patterns that will transform your life.
Mary Elizabeth Lynch, M.A., J.D., is a co-founder and president of the Personal Transformation and Courage Institute. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mary Elizabeth practiced law and mediated legal disputes for many years. She now uses her legal skills, intuition and insight to help others clarify their highest intentions and Ideals. This opens the way for people to see themselves and their life situations in new and expanded ways, and helps them move through physical, emotional and mental patterns that stand in the way of fully expressing their gifts and talents in the world.
About Us
Each of us is on a journey toward wholeness that presents both opportunities and challenges. It is a path that requires the development of compassion, courage and commitment. While this journey is a solitary one, you are never truly alone. There are spiritual “way stations” where you will find compassionate mentors, like-minded seekers, and insightful tools to assist you on your journey.
The Personal Transformation and Courage Institute (PTCI) is such a place. Since the year 2000, hundreds of people have found life-changing support through PTCI, a non-profit educational organization founded to help people discover and courageously fulfill their potentials. The workshop courses—held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and other locations—give you a direct experience of your true self and the courage you need to take the next step in personal transformation—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
PTCI courses are designed for individuals and groups who seek to move through mental, emotional and physical blocks that stand in the way of the full expression of their gifts and talents. The courses are not therapy, but instead they are a powerful set of exercises and experiences designed to awaken a new sense of who you are and your purpose in life.
Based on spiritual philosophies and transformational psychologies of how we all can change and grow, PTCI courses and publications focus on deeper self-awareness and ways of making a connection to courage, creativity, vitality, increased will, and emotional sensitivity. Each course is offered in a safe, confidential, supportive learning environment. Each emphasizes spiritual, non-denominational practices including meditation and finding your highest intentions or ideals as a personal guide along your path. These practices create the foundation for deep, transformational change in your life.
PTCI PROGRAMS 2011
February 25-27 Three Paths of Transformation Virginia Beach, VA
March 4-6 Energy Constellation Training, Level 1 Virginia Beach, VA
March 19 Body-Soul Rejuvenation Charlottesville, VA
(Introductory One Day Program)
March 25-27 Vision and Courage Virginia Beach, VA
April 1-3 Transforming the Inner Child Virginia Beach, VA
April 15-17 Contemplative Living Silent Retreat Cape Charles, VA*
April 16-18 Ideals, Intuition and Guidance Fairfax, VA
June 3-5 Contemplative Living Silent Retreat Cape Charles, VA*
June 10-12 Energy Constellation Training, Level 1 North East, MD
June 23-26 Body-Soul Rejuvenation Program Cape Charles, VA*
Note: Programs with an “*” will be held at the World Healing Institute at Cobb Island Station, Cape Charles area, near the town of Oyster.
For a complete 2011 schedule visit our website at:
www.transformationANDcourage.org
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