Heart-led Ceremonies Celebrant Training
My life has been changed by meeting Veronika and Paul. When I made my resolution to train as a celebrant at the beginning of this year, I spent a long time looking at various training options and weighing up the pros and cons of each option. And then, when a friend of a friend suggested training with you I didn’t hesitate to contact you. It felt right, and I am so glad that I did. The universe made sure that we were connected and I hope that we stay connected. I can’t thank you both enough for your training.
Veronika – lovely lovely Veronika. I don’t know where to start. Your sweet, calming nature is such a tonic in today’s frantic world. You taught me to stop, and look, and listen to all the things that pass us by in day to day life. I already practiced mindfulness for my own wellbeing but you showed me how to stop and look for symbolism in everything. I mean, who knew that my hula hooping was actually grounding me in a circle of reverence. I knew that I had good listening skills, I’ve been using them for the past 15 years in my social work role, but you taught me more than I ever knew about listening even in the quiet. You taught me how to write and use my imagination in ways that I didn’t know I could, and to believe in my own words. I learned how to look like I was calm and in control even at times when I am not. To always have a ‘tool kit’ to deal with any eventuality. The time that I spent with you at home is time that I will always remember and treasure. I felt comforted and cared for because you exude all of these qualities. And your soups are amazing!!!
Paul is brilliant and has challenged me and my voice in ways I did not know were possible. He helped me to recognise that an accent is not a bad thing and together we determined how my accent is more prominent when I am speaking from memory as opposed to reading from a script. I try to minimise my accent when I’m reading, and this is so obvious to me now. I don’t sound authentic, because me without an accent is not authentic. I speak with a Geordie accent, and the likelihood is most of my clients will too. I don’t need to be ‘posh’, I need to be me!!
He also taught me how to slow my words, take pauses and sound like I am recalling a memory which allows a script to sound more considered. I might not have known the person I am presenting about but I need to sound like I do.
I didn’t realise before working with Paul how our voice was an instrument – and like all instruments it needs to be treated with care, and warmed up before using. I spend all day talking and since working with Paul I am much more aware of how my voice sounds.
I found Paul to be kind, friendly, engaging and very easy to work with.
Lianne Downey, certified Heart-led Celebrant
