testimonials
"...she was a popular lecturer among students and her fellow faculty members. I can ... comment on her organization of our annual PhD conference in 2014, as well as on her delivery of a paper at the same conference. On that occasion she proved herself to be an articulate speaker, and was able to communicate challenging theoretical material in a clear manner. She answered questions from students and staff in a similarly clear manner, and the response to her work at this conference was highly favourable."
(Peter Jaeger, Professor of Poetics at Roehampton University, 2017).
"My name is Michael Stone and I am the Director of a large Buddhist community in Toronto and I also work as a psychotherapist in private practice. I have known Nancy for four years. She came to our centre to learn meditation, yoga and find a community in the midst of her full urban life at a time when her own life was changing. Also, we connected around her love for poetry, and how our deepest longing and love can expressed through language, even when it seems impossible.
Nancy is very grounded, sensitive and patient. She is shy, she knows how to pause, and she is thoughtful ... In fact, as a yoga teacher, her approach is already psychologically attuned and includes the whole well-being of those with whom she works. Including herself.
Last year she struggled with illness and through the process she was raw, honest and allowed herself to be changed by her experience. A mutual friend said to me, "When I heard Nancy was struggling with her health I thought about all the people I know who say things like 'I'm going to fight this.' But instead Nancy went really deep and out of that she produced such amazing writing. ... Namcy has a sharp mind, she's a critical thinker, and she is exceptionally creative. She wants to work with people and serve. Her meditation experience combined with her critical thinking is a perfect combination ... She will bring ... enthusiasm, balance, love for community, and of course, a maturing desire to learn and serve."
(Michael Stone, Buddhist teacher, writer and activist, 2013)
"I would like to thank you very much for the inspiration and food for thought that you have offered us through your taster sessions of amuse!! Such a richness in options, waking up to new ways of experiencing creativity.
Lately I have been absorbed by work quite extensively, so physically there was not much space to spend it by creating images or something tangible (art). I did not choose to do many of the exercises provided or connect with fellow “ amusers”. The offer is great though! And from what I gather from fb pictures and texts, there is a wealth of creativity among the members.
However, I try to apply the same spirit and inspiration in my daily work - helping refugees to find education and work - and as such to integrate a creative approach with people I work with. It is those daily moments that I find nourishing, that give me a sense of community and connection. I know that I need alone-time too, space for free-flow, walks on the beach…and through your writing I have become more aware of consciously building in these moments.
So, dear Nancy, your idea of the taster has given way to many other ideas, sown the seeds…."
(Wanda Bernadette Steiger: photographer, refugee worker and course participant).
"It was great to receive a daily email that I felt could support me in my art practice expecially when I felt stuck, I could take some time doing the exercises given by Amuse and find new ways to flow."
(Emilie Lindsten: visual artist and course participant)
