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BOOK RELEASE Ashland author writes about life's transitions Local people tell their stories of finding new, and true, identities Comment By John Darling for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling for the Tidings Posted Sep. 21, 2015 at 3:07 PM Updated Sep 22, 2015 at 1:42 PM By John Darling for the Tidings Posted Sep. 21, 2015 at 3:07 PM Updated Sep 22, 2015 at 1:42 PM Local people describe their transitions --> Storytellers at the "Life Transitions" event include: Camila Thorndike, an Ashland High School graduate, is now a public and national leader in her position as the founder and exe... » Read more X Local people describe their transitions Storytellers at the "Life Transitions" event include: Camila Thorndike, an Ashland High School graduate, is now a public and national leader in her position as the founder and executive director of Oregon Climate, a coalition of advocates with the singular goal of passing revolutionary climate legislation through the Oregon Legislature. She will discuss the transition in her life that led her into the forefront of the climate conversation in this country. Shaun Franks got involved in student government at Southern Oregon University in 2011 as the director of sustainability after studying renewable energy in Germany. He created the SOU Green Fund to invest student dollars on local energy, water, and campus projects related to sustainability. He now works on political issues such as raising the minimum wage. Lisa Spencer will “speak” of life transitions in the language of music. After decades spent mostly attending to the needs of others, Spencer is turning toward her own rhythms and is attending to a deep inner calling. In the midst of the current global and societal change, she says she feels called to participate by performing and singing songs that open hearts In the past year, Karen Wennlund resigned from her job of 13 years and leaped into the “Sea of No Income.” In the extra time and quiet that has ensued, she is applying decades of accumulated skills and knowledge to her own home — to create a place of beauty and sustainability based on permaculture principles; this, and music, is her current path. Michael Bianca, former police chief of Ashland, has agreed to speak of what it was like for him to step out of his position in the midst of painful controversy and move into a transition that affected every part of his life. He will share some of the new and creative aspects of himself that were born following his resignation. Norma Burton is the minister of the Unity Church of Ashland and a guide with Journey to Completion. She will speak of her path toward wholeness as she undertakes her latest transition with the launch of the new Circle of Trust Healing Center. » Social News (This story and the related story have been updated to include Norma Burton as one of the speakers.) Life transitions happen. They are often painful and chaotic, accompanied by loss and besieged with feelings your life is falling apart — but it’s a natural, even inevitable process that leads to finding your true identity and calling, as well as your deepest joys. That’s the theme of Barbara Cecil’s book “Coming Into Your Own: A Woman’s Guide Through Life Transitions,” just published by White Cloud Press of Ashland. The book, which applies to both genders, will get its kick-off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Rogue Valley Unitarian Church, Fourth and C Streets, when six local people tell their stories about life transitions in word and song. There will be time for sharing between the presenters and the audience. Cecil’s book will be available for purchase and autograph. Participants in the event, “Putting Our Arms Around Life Transitions,” are Cecil, Norma Burton, Michael Bianca, Shaun Franks, Camilla Thorndike, Lisa Spencer, Karen Wennlund and Norma Burton. It’s free and open to the public, with donations welcome. A Wheel of Change, as detailed in the book, shows your unchanging “essential being” at the center surrounded by phases labeled "Endings," then "In-Between," then "Beginnings" and then "Tendings." In their stories at the event, participants will bring the wheel to life, says Cecil, showing “the field of possibility in your life” and how, “under each predicament and trauma, the endings you are experiencing are some new iteration of you waiting to come through." Cecil gained her understanding of life transitions starting 20 years ago by founding the workshop “Coming Into Your Own” and working with under-40 women, in 17 countries, mapping the trajectory of change in their own terms, she says, using their own values and instincts. Working with Ashlanders Glennifer Gillespie and Beth Jandernoa, it grew out of a woman’s group and expanded to become the nonprofit Ashland Institute. She also worked on transitions with organizations. Key to getting the most out of transitions, she says, is a willingness to face, honor and mark the Endings of things — marriage, career, home, health, etc. — “whose loss is considered tragic by society, but which are really openings.” These lead to the “In Between” stage, which can seem like a void, she notes. “You listen. The interim space needs to be protected, so you don’t feel like hell, so you don’t create a new identity arbitrarily. You make it a legitimate, sacred place to learn, explore, feel and grow. You listen for that field of possibility and it deepens.” The In-Between space, Cecil says, contains the “seeds of your next calling in life. You are in your garden, making sure it has the right light and temperature, so you can do the work you need to do — and to heal while making space for that deeper possibility.” In the Beginnings phase, these show up as “inklings, new interests, new connections with people and projects. The deeper fabric starts to weave. When you hit the Beginning, life starts supporting you. It’s a quickening... . You experiment with new directions, though fear can always be there.” In the Tending phase, you come into your own. It takes persistence, she says, but you stick with it and grow. It’s dear to you. You are fulfilling your own promise. Included in the book are life transition stories of Ashlanders Sarah Marshank, Lexi Delgado, Sandra Foul and Jahnna Beecham. "Coming Into Your Own" is available for $15.95 at local bookstores, online and at www.whitecloudpress.com . John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling for the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling for the Tidings Posted Sep. 21, 2015 at 3:07 PM Updated Sep 22, 2015 at 1:42 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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