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Self Actualization
for Denmanites

A Workshop Exploring Maslow's Seven Practices that Lead us Towards Our Potential.

Self Actualization for Denmanites

An 8-week Journey of Exploring Your Full Potential

Taught by David Aubrey Berger

 

Wednesday evenings, April 23 - June 18

 

For many years I have been intrigued by Maslow’s list of the characteristics of people who are self-actualized—living at their full potential. I remember hearing about this work and wondering why I had not heard about it before. How was it that someone had done the work to find out how to be the best possible human, yet that somehow didn’t make it into our educational system?

 

Maslow also created a list of seven practices that propel one towards self-actualization. These practices are accessible, practical things we can do to develop ourselves more fully, from wherever we are. 

Would you like to improve your capacity for a positive self-view, increased happiness, more social connections, and giving and receiving of support? 

 

This eight-week course explores these seven practices as they pertain to you. We use emotional exploration, mindfulness, discussion, reflection, movement, personal goal-setting, and accountability to enhance our journey. 

 

All are welcome. All you need is some inspiration to make positive changes in your life and a willingness to embark on this journey with a group of folks from our little island.

Course details

Dates: Wednesday evenings, April 23 - June 18


Time: 5:30-7:30 pm
Location: The Hub
Sliding scale cost: $200-$300, two scholarship spots available.

Some homework will be encouraged—approximately 1 hr per week outside of class time. 

 

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/JU46WiJmtxad6wZE7

About David

With over 30 years of experience in education and leadership development, David has dedicated himself to innovative and transformative learning experiences. He began his journey in education while completing a Master’s degree in Environmental Philosophy at York University, where he taught first- and second-year courses. During this time, he worked alongside a team of critical pedagogy mentors, refining his facilitation and teaching approach.

David founded and was the principal of AVRO Academy, a private high school in Toronto specializing in individualized and environmental education. Under his leadership, AVRO extended its programs internationally to Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Tangier, Morocco.

Beyond academia, David has been deeply involved in the arts and community engagement, running an annual arts festival Spiritfest for nearly two decades. He has taught leadership courses at colleges and for organizations such as Peak Potentials. The National Post called him "A Modern Day Socrates" after the publication of his book The Power of the Circle. David moved to Denman with his wife Shara in 2023 and is honoured to be a member of this community.

In this workshop series
we will cover

Testimonials

I read David’s book in one sitting and made copious notes because I found it so inspiring. I set up an appointment to meet and ended up having the privilege to work with him. Experiencing David’s grounded and thoughtful demeanour in action was such a gift. I am still in awe at how he manages to keep a holistic “big picture” in mind and stay focused on connections and concepts that really matter, regardless of the subject matter. I

t’s easy to get bogged down by the demands of covering the curriculum, assessments, and dealing with challenging dynamics in the classroom, so I found it valuable to be reminded of my values and what’s possible on a regular basis through working with David. There are concepts that David shared that have stayed with me years later, that I still use or strive towards.

 

Mindy A

I am the newly appointed president for NUUC. I was looking through your dog eared well read book again for the manyith timeŠ always new insights come to me from your  writings. I will be doing readings at the beginning and end of each,meeting many will be from youŠ
I know the master is nature But as an educator with words and art , your words do speak more to me than nature, more cleanly, clearly,  than nature which I find hard to decipher- especially in a city of stone and concrete and ashfault( misspelt on purpose) .

Peace , love and good making to you .
Lauren McKinley Renzetti
Making. Is. Important.

 

 

You have helped to make the leadership training interesting and valuable for participants.

Leslie Saunders-St. Christopers House

 

 

I have been a manager for a Human Resources Department in government for several years.  Of all the skills I have acquired in finance, human resources or labour management, the skills learned from your program have relevance every day throughout all my work and my personal life. I highly recommend this program as it increases personal and professional capability and enables improved business results.

 Jovette Cloutier

 

Overall, I feel my experience with you has been one of the most beneficial times of my life.

Katie Levy.

 

“I’ve been taking courses at HSA during the summer session for the past 10 years. This course-The Art & Spirit of Teaching-has been the best one I’ve taken yet! David guides you to your heart and soul and lets your creative spirit soar!

Joy Holland

 

Keep on doing what you are doing because it sure worked for us. Bye for now.

Sin boldly, Linda

 

It was an amazing week, and it's difficult to articulate why!

Mary Howden

  

An excellent presentation, very thoughtful and insightful narrative.  Most impressive…            Love, Judy

 

 

These have been some of the best 5 days of my life.

Pat Cunningham,

 

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the workshop. It has opened doors for me already …

Your style is different from what I have previously experienced. There seemed to be a lot more sharing instead of just teacher/student and I for one appreciate it a lot.

Jan Richman

 

I have been raving about our week in Haliburton, and extolling your leadership to all of my friends. I have also encouraged them to consider spending a week with you and your course. 

Thanks again for the week.

Fond regards, Bob

 

 

I have to thank you again for the excellent speech you gave at Omega.  It was very informative and extremely interesting

Thanks again, Ned Georgy-

 

Thank you for the wonderful weekend. I still feel the effect of magical moments of silence that I experienced during the weekend.

Rani

 

"David's workshop was excellent"

 

"I LOVED David's workshop! 

 

 

I gained the knowledge that if I really wanted something I could get it. It seems to me that my life goals have become a lot clearer.” V. Gough.

 

Hi David,

 

Just a note to again say miigwetch (thanks!) for all that you shared during the drum making workshop.  I learned much and had a good time. My drum has dried and firmed up nicely.

 

I wish to remind you of the importance of what you are doing.  I'm sure you already know but teaching a way for us all to connect to the earth and to each other is a great gift.  I take those who teach the spirit of the circle very seriously as I know how strong the medicines are, and the impact and positive effect it all has on one's life.

 

There was more I could have said about woodpecker but you clearly got it.  I wish you well brother as you continue to carve (make), beat (drum), call (sing) and give your teachings, your talents and spirit / / to others.

 

Tim / Little Pine

Tim Yearington

F98FB369-1F4D-4E9A-B79A-F2EE76FBA3C0.heic

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Contact

Denman Island, British Columbia​​

Tel: 416.694.8444

davidaubreyberger@gmail.coms

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