Help me get to Scorpion Seal & MPE

My name's Leanne. 

I'm raising money to attend Scorpion Seal Assembly and for MPE (Magyal Pomra Encampment). Both are Shambhala programs I am attending in June/July of 2016. 
These programs mean so much to me. As many of you may already know, I've been on the Shambhala Buddhist path/journey for a while now (about 8 years). It has changed my life.  Before Shambhala I was pretty scared,  trying to control every aspect of my life, and don't think I had many, if at all, meaningful relationships with others. I built a fortress around my heart (for good reasons) and was for the most part unhappy. I knew there was something better for life, there had to be.  

Walking through the doors of Shambhala wasn't easy actually - I came face to face with all the sadness and truth about what was making me unhappy. I had to do all the work, no shortcuts.  

So it's been a no brainer for me to decide to dedicate my life (at least a large portion) to serving the Shambhala community.  It's not a decision that I sometimes lament, but a real desire to help others. There are lots of us that walk through the doors, looking for peace, looking for themselves, wanting to be heard, and find ways to feel better. 

I'm the Director of the Mississauga Shambhala Meditation Centre. I'm studying to be a Shambhala teacher, and I'm a Meditation Instructor. I don't have all the answers (hardly) but my heart breaks for all people out there who have felt the way I have.  My intention is to just be there for them, listen and keep being there for others. 

So all these courses and programs help me continue to realise who I truly am, and get closer to embodying that. They also help me, one little step at a time, open my heart just a bit more. I need that to help our community and our society.

As some of you know, the last two years have been the most challenging/painful of my life. The most uncertainty and change, the most digging deep into my heart, the most crying I have ever done (I kept kleenex in business) and now, feeling some joy. I just couldn't get to the joy without the pain. 

Asking for help is so hard for me, but as I've learned, we can't do life on our own. 

I love you all, just for being you. I greatly appreciate any support you can offer. Thank you for reading my little story (at least a tiny synopsis):)) 

 All the expenses are in US dollars, so there is a hefty exchange rate...yikes. I really need your help/support to help me attend.  Here's the break down...

For Scorpion Seal Assembly, money will be used for:
program fees ($ 395US) ($515 CAD) after discount
material fees (books), ($400 US) ($522 CAD)
food & tent (included)
TOTAL: ($795 US) ($1,037 CAD)

For MPE, money will be used for:
program fees ($1,475 US) ($1,925 CAD)
material fees (books, belt, pin) ($80 US) ($104 CAD)
food & tent (included in above)
airplane ($400 US) ($522 CAD)
TOTAL: ($1,955 US) ($2,552 CAD)

I'm a bit behind in the fundraising time line, but would like to raise the goal by July 15th, 2016.  I know!!! it's quick, but better late than not at all!  I really wanted to put myself out there and ask for your support. 


For every donation over $100 I'd like to offer you a special gift of an original Leanne Christine painting. It will look something like this....http://www.leannechristine.com/ii.html
(a smaller version :)

Thank you so so much!! Love me