Written by Laura Grace | 06 September 2011
Posted in Wellbeing

What is it human beings want more than anything else? Despite the focus on accumulating more “stuff,” what we truly want is quite often the very thing that we push away the most: happiness, creative work and fulfilling relationships. The bottom line is we want those intangible things to fulfill our heart and honor our soul. And meaningful connections are right up there at the top of the list.
While we may have moments of loving freely, it is often hard to sustain particularly where it matters most—in our closest and personal relationships. So why, if love is so mighty, are human relationships fraught with so many challenges?
Relationships, as challenging as they may be, are perfect “mirrors” for us to become more aware, grow and evolve. They are classrooms for us to explore where we unconsciously block love, intimacy and authentic connection. Human relationships are a significant part of our emotional and spiritual journey. Through relationships, we are given the invaluable opportunity to recognize and resolve issues around trust, intimacy, judgment, projection, forgiveness, commitment, insecurity, jealousy and unconditional love.
To support you in enhancing and deepening your relationship with yourself and others, the Circle of Grace is hosting its first annual relationship conference in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, October 1. The theme for 2011 is “Relationships: Mirrors for Transformation” and will be held from 9-5 pm at the Adult School, 1500 Lizzie St., San Luis Obispo.
The day will kick-off with an insightful lecture on “The Evolution of Love: From Role Mate to Soul Mate” by keynote speaker and best-selling author Dr. Warren Farrell. It will be followed with an empowering and enlightening workshop.
In addition, four unique workshops will be offered. Themes include: The Four Aspects of Cultivating an Authentic Relationship with Laura V. Grace and Thomas Stevenson, Passionate Awakening: The Path of Intimacy and Enduring Love with Robert Sachs, Three Secrets to a Successful Relationship with Steve Brody, Ph.D. and Cathy Brody, M.S, and Growing Up and Growing into Authentically Loving Relationships with Dr. Frank ZumMallen.
Dr. Farrell has appeared on over 1000 TV and radio shows, has been interviewed frequently by Oprah, Barbara, Larry King and Peter Jennings and started over 600 men's and women's groups. He has led conferences with global leaders as Dr. Deepak Chopra, Ken Wilber, Joan Borysenko and others.
Dr. Farrell began his research on gender issues with his first book, The Liberated Man from the women’s and feminist perspective. His award-winning national best-seller, Why Men Are The Way They Are, was written to answer women’s questions about men in a way that rings true for men. The New York Post calls it "the most important book ever written about love, sex and intimacy." To provide the sexes with tools to communicate, in particular how to hear personal criticism from a loved one, he wrote Women Can’t Hear What Men Don’t Say.
 The conference is only $99 and includes the keynote presentation, two-hour workshop with Dr. Farrell, two workshops in the afternoon, plus lunch. Please note: This conference is designed for couples as well as individuals who are single and pre-registration is required. For more information visit www.spiritualcircle.org
Laura Grace is a nationally acclaimed author, speaker and teacher and Spiritual Director of the Circle of Grace in Central Coast, CA. Laura has a background in world religions, transpersonal psychology and integrative studies. She has authored the books Gifts of the Soul and The Intimate Soul. With her husband, Thomas Stevenson, she has taught numerous workshops on the subject of authentic relationship.
(www.warrenfarrell.com).