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Maybe.... Its not rocket science

10/22/2018

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Image By Mehreen Kakwan
Hi, Me again

Still being antagonized by the media outlets, combative opinions and impairing stories.

And then I saw this photo

And I cried. And cried some more. And I took a deep breath in. And I exhaled loudly.

A lot of emotion, a lot of feeling and even more opinions. I have been struggling with the questions and self doubt Am I doing enough? Am I making a difference? Is this the best path for me? Did I make the right choice?

And then I saw this photo and it all came overflowing out of me.

Dr. Ford had her voice heard.
Dr Ford empowered herself
Dr Ford validated her story

And in this, Others have a Voice. Others were Empowered. Others were Validated ​
This was not something Dr Ford set out to do, to change the world, to become a historic figure in the Me-Too Movement. This was not a career move. You do not have to be the biggest, loudest most impressive to make epic change. There is a PROFOUND MAGIC that can occur when an individual has their voice heard, their needs met, their personal experience validated. Giving someone that safe space to feel accepted and witnessed is incredibly powerful. You do not need to be a cardio thoracic god, a powerful lawyer or an environmental engineer to make a difference. You just need to 
Be the person you needed when you were younger.”                                     ― Ayesha Siddiqi
​Remember when you were younger or going through a rough time; when there was no one to talk to. You needed someone to have your back, believe you, not judge you and not blame you. This is something we can all do. Easily. A cup of coffee and a good ear has the power to make changes that shift lives and creates movements. ​When you bear witness to someone’s story, compassionately, empathetically, without judgement or blame, you turn off the bodies stress 
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response, minimizing stress hormones and encourage the nervous system to relax and release healing hormones (oxytocin, dopamine and endorphins.) We can literally dissolve feelings of disconnection.

Creating connection can and does change the trajectory of lives.

​
For more information, to talk or have a comment on how to create safe space, to create conversations and connection without judgement or blame please feel free to contact us at
By Phone : 613 264 1558                                                                                                                                                             Email at communitydevelopment@commjustice.org                                                                                   Facebook @LanarkCountyCommunityJustice                                                                                                       Twitter LCCommJustice                                                                                                                                     
​Instagram LCCommJustice
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The World needs more restorers

7/10/2018

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Whether getting your information from the news, social media, or word of mouth, we’re constantly having opinions, trauma and downright negative vibes shoved down your throat. We are continually confronted by mass emotions from mass events, with nowhere to put them. 

We stuff it down, or we join the defence. There is no space anymore to express our feelings without being attacked. There’s a sense of disconnect from others and the world around us.We feel the need to pick a side and fight for it. We are desperate for connection, yet  persist in fixating on our differences. The Dalai Lama observed, The Planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, more healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds"

The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, more healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds”- The Dalai Lama
I think  many of us can agree that while Donald Trump may be successful, we could certainly use a lot less of him. 

I choose restorers.

I choose to rebuild broken ties.

I choose re-establishing a positive dialogue.

Re-building self-confidence. Identifying individual needs and addressing them. Lets talk about how difficult things are at home. Lets talk about how messed up the world is and how that makes us feel. Lets talk about racism and feminism and sexual fluidity to understand each other. Lets talk openly and connect, rather then picking sides of defence or offence. 
Listen to Understand 
In my own relationships, I challenge myself to actually listen to understand. In our home we use a talking piece (Yes we actually do. My partner thought I was crazy when I first brought out a hair brush and said he could only speak when holding
it.) whenever conversations get heated. Not only can we hear each other (loud and clear) now, but we can also focus on understanding each other, instead of preparing our retortbecause we fear never get a chance have our say. ​

I challenge you to [start within your safest, most comfortable, relationships] have those difficult conversations and express how you are feeling AND allow the other participant to do the same. 
When your mother, brother, grandparent, best friend, teacher, student, stranger becomes angry or unsettled or impolite.

Sit back and take a moment and think hmmm this individual is acting out, I wonder why?
Take it a step further and ask what do they need?How can you help?

Rather then sitting and judging and making assumptions that this person is an idiot, let empathy be your driving force. ​ 

We love to hear from you, so don't forget to comment below, message us on Facebook or tweet at us how it went! @lccommjustice #restorativelanarkcounty 
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Together lets create a restorative community

6/26/2018

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Imagine if your family regularly expressed their feelings to one another in a healthy, effective way.

Imagine if your boss stated expectations with a clear, respectful, safe approach allowing for open communication.

Imagine if your teacher took a moment to question why you were acting out. If your friends asked you What Happened, instead of What’s wrong with you?

​Imagine if during a conflict, you weren’t interrupted while arguing your point. If in turn, you took the time to listen to your “opponent” instead of preparing a retort.

​Imagine a community where we could confront wrongdoers in a respectful manner allowing them time to reflect on what they did and how their actions impacted others.
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Easier said then done.
​

Restorative Practices have the power to create connection, strengthen relationships, and repair harm. Join us for a free skill building workshop to engage in the growing conversation around how to help those around us through positive social responses and restorative practices. Explore the impacts of trauma, strategies to create safe places and how to support anyone in your life who is struggling or experiencing some form of trauma or difficulty. The workshops are open to anyone and everyone and suitable for community members, parents, coaches, book clubs, faith groups, mom groups, service providers.
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​Individuals can register for any one of the free scheduled community workshops, OR if  you have a group they can come to you!!
​
For any questions or further information just call at 613 430 4441 or email at communitydevelopment@commjustice.org
Restorative Practices, Restorative Schools, ACES, Toxic Stress, Community Development, Relationships, Children, Parents, Coaches, Service Providers,
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    Staff, volunteers and clients all participate in creating content for our blog. We all believe in the powerful impact Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices can have in nurturing a vibrant and connected community with healthy relationships across the community.

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  • Home
    • OUR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
    • OUR VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
    • ABOUT US
    • MEET THE TEAM
    • OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
    • ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
    • By-Laws
  • PROGRAMS
    • Community Justice Court Diversion Program
    • BE STRONG Child and Youth PROGRAM >
      • BE STRONG Info Flyer
      • Circle Guidelines
      • Posters and Worksheets
      • Additional Resources
    • BUILDING RESTORATIVE COMMUNITIES Training
    • FAMILY Reconnect Program
    • VIVA LANARK COUNTY YOUTH VOLUNTEERING
    • Testimonials
  • Restorative Practices
    • What is Restorative Justice?
    • What Are Restorative Practices/Approaches?
    • How to Live Restoratively
    • Restorative Memes and Quotes
  • News/ Events
  • LEARN MORE
    • RESOURCES AND RESEARCH
    • Myth Busting
    • HOW TO GET INVOLVED
    • NEWSLETTERS
  • Videos
  • Contact