News Blog

What does a Wand mean to you? Attendees voiced their own varied ideas during the session on Star Journey last week at the 2011 Mentoring Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Magic, Actualizing, Harry Potter, Spell, Talking stick, Getting blessed, Making dreams come true" were some of the associations expressed about the Star Journey symbol Wand. With each response, an attendee was given a long, sparkling star-wand from Star Journey author Richard Geer. 

“Guess what, all of these different responses are right!” Geer said to the roomful of people. “Star Journey symbols show how the magic in life really is in YOU. What you think about something is real for you, and that in turn affects your own reality.”

This engaging workshop gave attendees a first hand experience of the tool, learning how utilizing symbols, metaphor, visualization and other techniques in Star Journey aid in the mentoring process. Mentors and mentees can use this method to set goals, explore underlying issues, and consciously create a plan for success. The process emphasizes personal choice and is known for increasing self-direction and confidence.

 
The importance of mentoring and coaching continues to grow. We've just learned a session on Star Journey will be on the program of the 2011 National Mentoring Conference in October. Entitled "Exploration of a Strategy for Success," the presentation will show mentoring experts from many fields how Star Journey is an effective new tool for helping students with personal growth and adapting to change during times of uncertainty.

Participants will enjoy a first-hand, interactive experience using Star Journey symbols along with its guided process. Mental processes such as free association and creative visualization help both mentor and student identify and articulate issues and then create a plan for positive and constructive growth. The use of symbols, metaphor and guided imagery lead one to deeper awareness.

Leading the presentation will be Star Journey author Richard Geer; Sonya Hardin, PhD, Professor of Nursing, University of North Carolina–Charlotte; Gerry Marr, MA, MFT therapist and counselor; and Linda Lott, RN, Star Journey facilitator.

What nurse wouldn’t smile when given a rose? There were a lot of smiling faces in the audience last Sunday at the annual conference of the American Holistic Nurses Association held in Louisville, KY, June 1-5. Dr. Sonya Hardin and author Richard Geer were presenting their session on Star Journey, the method for reflection and self care.

As each attendee called out a word they associated with the Star Journey symbol of the Rose, Richard would present that nurse a single rose from a vase full of roses. “Unfolding,” “Valentines,” “Boyfriend,” “Divine Feminine,” “Thorns,” and “Music” were a few of the many thoughts expressed about a rose.

"When using Star Journey symbols, all your associations are valid," explained Richard, "Trusting your own thoughts and intuition can lead to rich meaning and personal insight."

Sonya Hardin, PhD, Professor of Nursing at University of North Carolina–Charlotte, pointed out she has been using the Star Journey method as part of her curriculum for graduate nursing students since early 2010.

“Since Star Journey helps a person gain deeper personal understanding,” said Sonya, "nursing students learn more about how to achieve their own wholeness. This tool has helped them be better prepared to truly help others and also to avoid burn out. I am so pleased with the growth I've seen in my students as a result of Richard's classes.”

Educators had the opportuity to attend any of three sessions about Star Journey at the "Teaching and Learning with Technology" Conference held last week in Second Life, organized by University of North Carolina–Pembroke. Guests gathered in a special meeting area, a platform floating above the center of Star Journey island. In every direction, one could look out and see Gardens, Seas, and interactive Symbols that populate the island.

Co-presenting were Dr. Sonya Hardin, associate nursing professor at UNC, and Richard Geer, Star Journey author and developer. Attendees got a first-hand experience of this tool for self reflection. A volunteer from the audience solved a real life problem, through a guided process led by Richard.

Sonya Hardin shared experiences of her graduate nursing students who attended Star Journey sessions for credit. She read excerpts from several student papers which were quite moving. It was clear that Star Journey had added to their own personal growth and as well as better preparing them to care for others.