May 16, 2011 - Cheri Maples "Waking Up"
Cheri Maples shares a few thoughts on her own experience of "waking up" to mindfulness and how embracing the moment can enhance your life, by making sure that the things that matter the most are not at the mercy of the things that matter the least! Cheri asks: "What could be more important than your own personal transformation?"
Cheri Maples is a dharma teacher, keynote speaker, and organizational consultant and trainer. In 2008 she was ordained a dharma teacher by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, her long-time spiritual teacher.
For 25 years Cheri worked in the criminal justice system, as an Assistant Attorney General in the Wisconsin Department of Justice, head of Probation and Parole for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and as a police officer with the City of Madison Police Department, earning the rank of Captain of Personnel and Training.
Cheri has been an active community organizer, working in neighborhood centers, deferred prosecution programs, and as the first Director of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence. As Pas
t President of the Dane County Timebank, Cheri was instrumental in creating its justice projects – the Youth Court, which is based on a prevention and restorative justice model; and the Prison Project, a prison education and reintegration initiative supported by multiple community groups.
She has incorporated all of these experiences into her mindfulness practice. Cheri's interest in criminal justice professionals comes from learning that peace in one’s own heart is a prerequisite to providing true justice and compassion to others. Her initial focus was on translating the language and practice of mindfulness into an understandable framework for criminal justice professionals. Cheri's work has evolved to include other helping professionals – health-care workers, teachers, and employees of social service agencies – who must also manage the emotional effects of their work, while maintaining an open heart and healthy boundaries.
Cheri holds a J.D. and a M.S.S.W. from University of Wisconsin-Madison and is currently a licensed attorney and licensed clinical social worker in the state of Wisconsin.
About Teri Williams:
Teri Williams, A.K.A. The Bliss Lady, has been living her bliss since they day she was born. Like YOU, she's had her share of ups and downs, she's simply found a way to turn those moments around and find the spark to keep her connected to her own joy. Her first passion is her family. She is wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and includes her friends as part of that circle.
Her work includes: Author, Publisher, Radio Co-Host, TV Producer, Ordained Minister, Energy Healer, Small Business Owner, Blogger, Connector and Thought Motivator. She shares her passion by empowering others to live the life of their dreams. Teri believes that what we are and what we do begins with love, self love. "We cannot fully love anyone or anything if we don't love ourselves first." Her books, The Blisstory Journal, The Sisstory Journal, and co-authored book, Girlavanting, The Girls Guide to Balance, Bliss and Fun!" are all celebrations of life, with engaging, entertaining and sometimes enlightening questions, actions and activities to revel in.
As a humanitarian, Teri is dedicated to serving humanity through charitable efforts whenever she can. She is especially drawn to charities that help those in unsavory or unsafe circumstances, overcome their harmful conditions or surroundings, through empowerment and enrichment programs in education, self-care and more.
For over 20 years Teri has followed the teachings of many masters and inspiring leaders, including Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, Deepak Chopra, Louise Hay, Mother Teresa and The Dalai Lama. She adds that Oprah and Steven Covey have had a tremendous impact on her life. Oprah gives us all hope that we can "become anything" and Steven Covey teaches with an abundance mindset, "There are enough resources and success to share with everyone!"
Today Teri is following the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh through the Detroit Lotus Sanga and is pursuing a course in Intuitive Empowerment and Shamanic Wisdom with Lori Lipten. "Through meditation and mindfulness each and every one of us can connect with our own inner peace, creating an environment of compassion, acceptance, abundance, love - bliss."
Tune in to Empower Radio as Teri Welcomes YOU to Blissville by sharing resources, stories and people on the road to bliss! Her high energy and upbeat personality are contagious; catch it today!
Connect with Teri....
Bliss Network Facebook Fan Page
Girlavanting Facebook Fan Page
