Category Archives: OInTO

Dear Members of the CRTC: @OWNCanada is Educational TV!

  By Admin | December 9, 2012 - 2:59 pm | OInTO, Oprah, OWN Canada
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As you may remember OWN Canada will face the CRTC this week to answer questions as to whether or not OWN Canada is educational TV. Many Canadians have rallied behind OWN Canada in an effort to be heard. Admittedly I am shocked they are even asking the question. Apparently they did not see Super Soul Sunday today with Elie Wiesel or Oprah’s LifeClass.  One of  our OWN Ambassadors has written a letter that I wanted to share with you. His words are eloquent and the points he makes are exactly what we as Canadians are thinking. Thank You Prasanna for allowing us to share your great letter.

Canadian OWN Viewers please share this letter on Facebook and Twitter. We will keep you updated on the latest news as soon as we hear.

Dear Members of the CRTC: 

RE:     Oprah Winfrey Network Canada – Hearing – December 2012 

I write in support of the Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada) in its hearing before the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) that is reviewing whether OWN Canada is compliant with its registered mandate to be an educational service.

 

In outlining my support for OWN Canada in this hearing process, I will explore: 1) the importance of OWN Canada in my life and 2) the knowledge and learning I have gained from the network’s programming.

 

The Importance of OWN Canada in My Life

 

Watching the Oprah Winfrey Show, on network television in the United States as carried on CTV in Canada, was a treasured part of my daily routine for 20 years.  I can trace the milestones of my own life through the show and its many moments. I now enjoy OWN Canada, a network with vividly luminous, educational programming reminding us to live our best lives and focus on service.  OWN Canada’s message is simple and is couched in a nuanced, tailored approach to education and learning: be the change you want to see in the world.

 

OWN Canada and its programming have created a platform for knowledge, inspiration and empowerment, by introducing us to so many experts, leaders and teachers (on shows such as Lifeclass, Million Dollar Neighbourhood, Next Chapter, Master Class, and Iyanla Fix My Life) who have changed our lives with their wisdom. OWN Canada’s greatest triumph lies in serving as a call to action, a reminder that we, as individuals, are capable of helping others and, in fact, are required to do so as global citizens.

 

In my opinion, OWN Canada is a distinct cultural phenomenon in that its programming touches its viewers in individual ways and came into our lives at extremely specific moments.  For instance, for me, the show Lifeclass changed my life in so many concrete ways when it premiered in October 2011, causing me to look deep within myself to find my authentic voice and to critically examine my career as a lawyer to determine my true calling in life.  As a result of the show and its many experts discussing topics such as truth, honoring our callings, financial decision-making, and overcoming fear, I was able to be honest about my identity, my path in life, and my dreams of pursuing work in the field of media.  Lifeclass also brought me closer to my parents, as we watched the show together and had nightly discussions about the particular topic or expert and its salience in our daily lives.  OWN Canada served as the basis for this collective learning and introspection.

 

OWN Canada has also taught me the importance of social media as a modern communication and learning tool.  By harnessing the power of Facebook and Twitter to promote viewer engagement, exchange, learning and discussion, OWN Canada has given me the chance to learn directly from experts and viewers around the world and forge deep friendships with like-minded individuals inspired by OWN Canada’s educational programming.  We have blogged, written articles, filmed videos, and talked about the many lessons of the network and its programming. We have taken the message of OWN Canada into our communities through activities centered on service and learning.     

 

The Knowledge and Learning Gained from OWN Canada Programming

 

More than creating an overall educational and learning paradigm in the television landscape, OWN Canada and its specific programs have generated a solid base of knowledge, learning, and growth in my life and the lives of viewers.  The following programs are but examples of how the network has promoted learning and why it warrants its continued classification in the educational stream of Canadian broadcast networks:

 

Oprah’s Next Chapter

 

This signature program on OWN Canada has Oprah speaking to change-makers, politicians, international leaders, artists, actors, directors, to share learning and education on the stories capturing the media’s attention and to highlight issues, experiences and questions that warrant further scrutiny.

 

As a specific example, Oprah’s Next Chapter episodes in India connected me to my ancestry.  For me, India is the birthplace of family, the place where grandma lives, and the geographic underpinning to my identity and values. India is found in my favorite foods, my daily prayers, the curve of my nose, the fabric of my being. Yet, at many levels, India has been a mystery to me – a veritable enigma wrapped in the cloak of the familiar. Being born and raised in Canada, visiting India every few years, I have never fully grasped India in its beauty and complexity. The Next Chapter episodes on India portray India as fluid, vibrant, textured, and beyond categorization, demonstrating that regardless of socio-economic status, history, or condition, everybody has a story and a voice that is worthy of respect. The episodes revealed that though geography may separate us from India, shared experiences and common dreams unite us in fascinating ways.  Oprah interviewed families from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and spoke with women from the spectrum of Indian society to engage in an in-depth exploration of India, its culture, and the issues that capture our collective consciousness.   
Lifeclass

 

This show, launched in October 2011, used the power of Oprah Show moments as teaching tools on life.  It used the experiences of guests featured on the 4,561 Oprah Winfrey Shows to share pockets of illumination and insight on how to deal with the issues we all face (anger, parenting, relationships, forgiveness, etc.).  It launched an innovative multi-platform focus with webcasts, Facebook streams, discussion forums, and online journaling to allow viewers to engage in the programming in a more direct way.  Viewers could learn from the experiences of others, digest this information, and look at how the lessons had salience in our own lives.

 

The show has included the participation of a host of expert teachers including Iyanla Vanzant, Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Vancouver-based, but international expert Eckhart Tolle, Martha Beck, Cheryl Richardson, and many others in live, in-person conferences which are then televised, allowing viewers to have the chance engage more directly with the teachers.  Lifeclass filmed two of its episodes in Toronto in April 2012 to a collective audience of nearly 15,000 people committed to learning and growth.  Many corporations and individuals attend conferences with these experts regularly, recognizing the educational utility of these fora, speakers, and events for their impact on business development, corporate learning, culture, and interpersonal relationships, and communication.

 

Master Class / Visionaries

 

In Master Class, experts in the realm of arts, film, business, sports, music, and politics sit down in an intimate docu-series setting, sharing how the various experiences, complexities, successes and challenges in their own lives taught them valuable lessons about life’s big questions.  Featured guests include Ted Turner, Laird Worthington, Diane Sawyer, Jane Fonda, Dr. Maya Angelou, among others.  The series was a visual feast, filmed in a powerfully poignant way, replete with lessons, insight and teachings on a range of topics and themes.

 

The series Visionaries followed the careers of creative people such as fashion designer Tom Ford and musical artist will.i.am to gain insight into the creative process and the focus, work and dedication involved in honoring one’s calling and forging a successful path in the world.  The show balanced the creative process with the incisive business skills necessary to build a successful business and career.

 

Million Dollar Neighborhood

 

In this Canadian-made series based in the community of Aldergrove, a community comes together to increase its net worth by $1 million by working with financial experts and hosting events, undertaking community activities, and changing their approach to their finances.  The show was a revelatory look at personal finance, couched in individual experience, and had viewers joining in by exploring the application of each episode’s central theme or lessons in our own lives.

 

Gastown Gamble / Buy-o-logic

 

This Canadian-made series, Gastown Gamble, focused on the launch of the business Save On Meats in Vancouver and used the experience of this entrepreneur and community to explore issues of business planning, community engagement and project implementation.

 

This Canadian-made series, Buy-o-logic, uses the platform of television to take an in-depth look at consumer products and programs with a view to educating the general public and keeping companies and initiatives conscious of their products and their impact. 

 

Money Class with Suze Orman

 

In this multi-week course, financial guru Suze Orman takes individual families and guests through the various issues in financial planning and money management, including investments, real estate, debt, retirement planning, education, credit cards and savings.  This show used the personal experiences of others to serve a larger purpose of informing the public about financial issues and the importance that a sound basis of financial knowledge plays in our lives.

 

Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes / Oprah Builds a Network

 

Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes was an unprecedented look at the creation of the final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show.  The show was an incredible, informative, illuminative look at the television industry and the myriad issues that a top-rated network television program faces in delivering quality programming.  The instructive value of the footage, interviews, and collective insights (shared by Oprah Winfrey, Sheri Salata and the Harpo Studios team) is unparalleled and is undoubtedly a valuable addition to any media studies program.

 

Similarly, Oprah Builds a Network was a two-part special where Oprah candidly explored the challenges and work involved in building a network from the ground up.  The special was provocative in its candor and unflinching in addressing all of the news, good and bad, that surrounded the launch of OWN.  Rarely are networks so willing to open their doors and shine a light on their work with a view to inspiring collective learning and education.  This program was valuable not only for those working in the media-communications realm, but for anyone starting a business.

 

Iyanla Fix My Life

 

The most recent addition to the OWN Canada line-up features author, spiritual teacher, and expert Iyanla Vanzant going into the homes of people with a view to healing relationships and opening up the lines of communication.  The show unleashes the potential of television to use the stories and experiences of others, not to exploit, but to educate and empower the viewing public.  Iyanla Vanzant centers each episode on clearly articulated insights and tangible tools for personal growth, communication, and development.  Topics addressed include abandonment, abuse, sexual identity, business and personal relationships, celebrity and its impact on family, marriage, and parenting.

 

The Scope of OWN Canada’s Educational Mandate

 

The fact that many of OWN Canada’s programs have been recognized by educational institutions as meeting course requirements speaks to the veracity of OWN Canada’s status as an educational channel.

 

However, one of the criticisms forming the basis of the complaint to the CRTC is that despite evidence demonstrating the pedagogical value of OWN Canada programming, the educational focus of said programming is too limited to the streams of self-improvement and personal growth. 

 

I would submit, as demonstrated in the previous section, that OWN Canada’s programming is not limited to these areas but encompasses a wide range of topics including, but not limited to: business, finance, communication, relationships, psychology, health, wellness, arts, media, culture, travel, and geography.

 

Furthermore, a commitment to living our best lives, is an animating thread underpinning the programming on OWN Canada.  As Oprah Winfrey has often stated, her intention in launching the network was to share insights and pockets of light and illumination with the viewing public so as to encourage everyone to live their best lives.  This is a commitment found in the 4,561 episodes of the Oprah Winfrey Show.  This is a commitment that imbues the pages of O Magazine each month.  

 

While this is the core commitment, its manifestation encompasses all forms of educational programming, as outlined above.  The narrative consistency of this core commitment should not be confused as being a narrow educational focus.  Rather, it should be understood in the context of its intended spirit – being the best we can be in all aspects of our lives – and exploring what this means through the prism of educational programming in many areas (finance, health, wellness, psychology, arts, film, and news/interviews).

 

Let us not underestimate the power of learning provided through the vehicle of collective experience.  As Oprah often says, “everybody has a story” and that it is the platform of television that has the ability to elevate these stories to serve as beacons of education and inspiration.  For nearly the past three decades, Oprah has been at the forefront of transforming TV into the world’s biggest classroom.  OWN Canada continues this proud tradition.

 

Conclusion

 

I would be honored to provide the CRTC with more specific information on how OWN has served as a platform for education and learning that has taken the powerful programming from OWN in the US, harnessed the strength of original Canadian content, and created a channel that revolutionizes the relationship that viewers can have with television. 

 

Watching OWN Canada is not a passive experience, but a robustly active one, that encourages viewers to be participants in an educational movement: to dialogue directly through social media, journaling, discussions, and interaction with experts to make tangible changes in their own lives and to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to your deliberations.  Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information.

 

Yours truly,

 

Mr. Prasanna Ranganathan

 

 

 

Life Story Project: Canadians get personal on OWN Canada Premiere January 2, 2013

  By Admin | December 9, 2012 - 7:24 am | OInTO, OWN Canada
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OWN Canada has a new show coming in January. “Life Story Project air January 2, 2013 on OWN Canada. Everyone has a story and Life project will show us the stories of ordinary Canadians. Dreams and secrets from complete strangers. This truly sounds like an instant hit for OWN Canada. We are always fascinated with the lives of others. Please tune in to support

Hosted by relationship expert and author Andrea Syrtash and Toronto-based psychotherapist Dale Curd, passersby in public areas like parks or busy street corners will be invited to share their personal stories and examine the significance behind some key events in their lives. keep an eye out for the purple couch, you may find yourself telling your story.

Life Story Project is a surprising television experience as you watch complete strangers share their biggest secrets and deepest feelings with our hosts, Andrea and Dale. Viewers will find themselves unexpectedly charmed and inspired by these intensely personal stories and crave more,” said Corus Entertainment VP  Vibika Bianchi in a statement.

Some of the OWN Ambassadors from Canada were at a screening party for “Life Story Project” in Toronto last month, the reviews were great. I was sent a sneak peek for you to watch. Please share and support @OWNCanada. I will keep you updated as I get tidbits of information on this great new show.
 

Life Story Tease from John Wilson on Vimeo.

OWN Canada Invites us to Tea at The Fairmont Royal York

  By Admin | September 2, 2012 - 6:47 am | OInTO, Oprah
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Imagine sitting at the beautiful Fairmont Royal York in Toronto with twenty like minded people having tea. The Oprah energy in the room was something to behold. Oprah’s LifeClass, The Tour comes to Toronto and we travel to be part of the amazing energy.

Let me go back and catch you up from the beginning. As you know we have been tweeting and blogging about OWN and OWN Canada for over a year. It is our greatest desire to spread the word about OWN and to keep Canadians informed and excited about OWN. We believe OWN is life changing television and love supporting and helping to grow this Network.

A week before we head to Toronto to see Oprah’s LifeClass approximately twenty people get an email from OWN Canada inviting them to tea the Sunday before the taping. We were fortunate enough to be invited and grateful to have had this opportunity.

The tea was held at the beautiful historic Fairmont Royal York in downtown Toronto. Walking into the lobby you are very aware that this is a historic AAA Four-Diamond Hotel and there is a lot of history in this building. The opulent décor greets you with old world charm and a touch of class.

 

We are excited to meet our Twitter friends (OWN Ambassadors) in the bar where they are serving us Champaign at 11:30 in the morning, very reminiscent of our trip to Australia which was perfect as it was the first time Nada and I and Linda have seen each other since Australia.

While the group of OWN Ambassadors tweet regularly about OWN putting a face to the name was wonderful.  We shared Champaign, conversation and of course the love of OWN and Oprah that we all had in common. It was obvious when we met these people that they all had a story, each one as touching and remarkable as the next.  Jan was a caring charming lady who is generous and kind. Tonya, her story reminds us all to live each day to the fullest. Her desires to help others who have suffered a tragic loss such as she did are sure to make a difference in this world. Misty, they say you can see a person’s soul through their eyes. Her eyes tell us that she is genuine and beautiful. Julie is a force in this world. This girl would make a great TV Host. She just has that quality that you want to listen as she tells the story. Prasanna, handsome, intelligent and as full of life as anyone I have ever met. He truly is one of the nicest people on the planet.

We were escorted to the tea and it began with more Champaign and the meeting of some very nice people from OWN Canada and bloggers from Canada and the United States.  The energy and excitement about OWN Network was amazing. As we all chatted and introduced ourselves it was like old friend coming together for tea.  We had the pleasure of sitting with Shaun Proulx.  Handsome, witty, charming and very well spoken Shaun is making his mark in television. He is one of those people that when you meet him you are thinking wow this guy has a story and it’s worth listening to. You can find out more about Shaun here: Shaun Proulx

If you’re looking for Daily Love you have to follow The Daily Love on twitter and join his mailing list. I have been getting his emails daily and meeting Mastin Kipp was a pleasure. From our short but sweet conversation we could tell he is wise beyond his years and has a lesson for us. Not to mention handsome and charming. The Daily Love

We are all about the positive in life and so is Eric Handler. Eric is positively positive with a smile that lights up a room. Eric shares his positive messages on his website Positively Positive you can also find him on twitter and facebook. Honestly, reading his website and meeting him you will see as we do that this guy is a ray of sunshine. His attitude and his ability to motivate is refreshing.

The Fairmont Royal York served us a lunch for the Queen. Fresh fruit on a crumpet to start then lobster sandwiches, Nova Scotia Salmon sandwiches and scones that I am sure came from the heavens above.  The tea was served in your own antique tea pot, poured into a delicate, beautiful tea cup. If these tea cups could talk I can only imagine the conversations that they have been privy to. The next course was trays of delicate sweets filled with rich creams and fruit. We were in heaven.  They created a special dessert for Oprah’s LifeClass in Toronto. The pictures say it all.

 

A special thank you to OWN Canada and the Fairmont Royal York  for a wonderful afternoon tea meet and greet. This was the perfect start to LifeClass. To our new friend’s thank you for the conversations, it was a pleasure meeting all of you. We will introduce you to the rest of the wonderful people we met as we continue to blog about Oprah in Toronto.

 

 

 

 

LifeClass Finale on Gratitude Monday April 30, 2012 from Toronto

  By Admin | April 30, 2012 - 6:20 pm | LifeClass, OInTO, Oprah
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Wow, it’s the LifeClass finale and it’s the largest classroom ever. To be part of this amazing experience was a blessing. Tune into OWN Canada tonight to watch how we can all be grateful for where we are in our lives at this very moment. Make the shift, learn the lesson.

 

First Look: Oprah and the Oprah’s Lifeclass: the Tour Teachers on Mastering the Art of Gratitude

In the season finale of Oprah’s Lifeclass: the Tour, Oprah teams up with all four teachers—Iyanla Vanzant, Tony Robbins, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Deepak Chopra—in Toronto, Canada, to talk about mastering the art of gratitude. Tune in to OWN or log on to Oprah.com or Facebook.com/owntv on Monday, April 30, at 8/7c.

Oprah’s Ultimate Viewers Are Giving Back, Little Dresses For Africa

  By Admin | April 24, 2012 - 12:02 pm | About Us, LifeClass, Master Class, OInTO, Oprah, Oprah's Next Chapter
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When Oprah gave us a trip to Australia she also gave us Forever Friends. Each year the 302 Ultimate Viewers have a Ultimate Day “O” Service where we give back in honor of Oprah. This year it is will take place on May 26. Farrah one of our Ultimate Viewers suggested this amazing charity this year. Little Dresses For Africa

Little Dresses For Africa is a non profit organization who provides dresses for children in Africa. Simple dresses are made out of pillow cases, and distributed through the orphanages, churches and schools in  Africa to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy!

Typically, pillow cases are collected, a sewing party is held, and the dresses are sorted, packaged, and mailed off to the organization. Then, they ship them off to Africa. However, Farrah explained what we are doing with UDOS and they said that they would be willing to accept the pillow cases if we don’t have time to sew them. 

1. Start promoting the donation drive in your community, church, school. Get your kids involved.

2. Collect the pillowcases between May 1-25. *Note: Collect monetary donations for shipping costs, if possible.

3. On May 26, count the pillow cases you collected and report your numbers, so we can get a grand total. Email Liz liz@canadasownviewers.com

4. You can hold a sewing party if you’d like (sewing directions are on the website), or simply ship the pillow cases on May 26 to: Finished items and shipping donations can be sent to: 24614 Curtis Drive, Brownstown, MI 48134 Checks can be made out to “Little Dresses for Africa.”

*Note: The organization often hurts for money to cover shipping costs (approximately $40 domestic and $130 international to ship a box of 100 dresses), so see if you can collect money from people who don’t have a pillowcase to donate. Hopefully, we can cover the cost to send it to the organization, as well as the cost for the organization to send them to Africa. 

For instructions on how to make the dress please click here: Instructions

To visit the UDOS web page and see how we have given back please click here: UDOS

Like UDOS on Face book UDOS

Please keep track of how many dresses you have made and sent and email Liz@canadasownviewers.com with the total so we can include your total in our total.

Thank You for helping us give back in honor of Oprah.

 

My Oprah LifeClass experience by Adrienne

  By Admin | April 24, 2012 - 8:09 am | LifeClass, OInTO
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I know…either you love the “O” or you are sick and tired of her. What am I? I’m the former. I watched her shows sporadically over the last twenty five years, but in her last year I was absolutely hooked. Is she a genuine teacher? A skilled marketer? A cult leader? Regardless of what your opinion is, I don’t think you can argue that Oprah has built success on a consistent platform: that is to make each of us live a better, more fulfilled life. I am all for that, especially since I’m currently on that journey to try and find this “utopia”. And many of her lessons have helped me along the way.

Oprah’s Lifeclass in Toronto seemed like an utterly incredible idea – really?? I managed to get four tickets for the afternoon show – it didn’t matter who else was joining her, I just wanted to be in the presence of the Queen and hear the words of wisdom come from her live, not from my TV. So Monday, April 16 could not have come soon enough. Until then, I kept my excitement under wraps and purposely avoided all lifeclass shows so that I could be surprised. Day of though, you could not avoid news coverage of the crowds gathering outside of the Metro Convention Centre. Apparently fans started arriving at 4 am for the 9 am morning show. By 7:30 am, the queue wrapped all the way around to the CN Tower. I actually met someone tonight who was second in line for the 4 pm show and she got there just before 9 am…before the morning show even started. Wow, that is a long day! I knew I couldn’t last that long; I arrived at 1:30 pm and started my wait in front of the North Building doors. The line started to finally move just after 4 pm, quite a bit behind schedule. By the time we entered the hall, it was already half full. Honestly it was a bit of pandemonium inside, with 8,500 of us trying to secure a seat. But we sure all looked pretty in our bright colours! And yes, there were a few men there too. 

Once most of us were all seated, it was like clockwork. Brett Wilson (Dragon’s Den) opened the show, encouraging us to continue to “plant the seeds of marketing & entrepreneurship”. That’s all I remember from his speech. He was an unexpected guest!

Then he introduced comedian and actress, Jessica Holmes (Royal Canadian Air Farce) as our MC for the day. She did a quick stand-up bit, with an hilarious imitation of Celine Dion. She was bang on, and boy…Jessica can sing!

Then it was time for each guest speaker to have the floor to themselves, prior to the live show. First up was world renown spiritualist, Deepak Chopra. I have certainly heard of him, but have never followed his teachings.  He is extremely abstract and as much as I tried to keep my attention and absorb the wisdom, let’s just say I got lost after he said “hello”. This person’s tweet says it all for me: “so far, so confused. Deepak Chopra has used the words stardust, Jesus Christ, atoms, imagination, homeostasis.” But my main takeaway was: no matter what the challenge is, S.T.O.P. : S – stop, T – take three breaths, O – observe, P – proceed.

Next up was inspirational author, Ivanla Vanzant. I had seen coverage of her falling out with Oprah, her slippage into bankruptcy, the reunion between her and Oprah. Her teachings or style have never resonated with me…but boy was I blown away by her first session. She engaged the crowd by entering the room at the back, while energetic dance music was pumping in the background. This definitely got the crowd going (unfortunately she didn’t walk by our section). She was very charming and funny on stage; humble enough to pick fun at herself too. Sorry no photo; I enjoyed her talk too much! My main takeaways? 1) Affirm your vision – “I am…”, 2) Clarify your vision & never judge this clarity against the response of others (do it for you), 3) Know how to achieve your vision. Lastly, be still and listen…for the instructions instead of begging and pleading for direction. Be still…and listen.

Then came life catalyst Tony Robbins. Initially I didn’t think he was going to be my cup of tea, recalling cheesy infomercials from years ago and a rah-rah-in-your-face approach. But man, he can get you pumped and energized – he had us all on our feet at one point. His talk was the most structured, in that he had a very short simple chart to back his main points. But I loved it…so much so that I forgot to take a picture. Thanks to my friend for taking the shot above! My main takeaways? 1) Build a proven & effective strategy, 2) Change your story so that you stop justifying why you haven’t achieved your strategy, and 3) Be aware of your state, and re-frame so that you can achieve. His secret to an effective relationship? Do what you were doing in the beginning, and keep doing it!

Last came Bishop T. D. Jakes. I have never heard of him and was extremely worried he would be very preachy. Certainly he was included to impart a religious perspective? Unfortunately during this portion, I was very distracted by another attendee who needed medical attention (she kept saying loudly “I am feeling sick. May the lord have mercy on me.” like a broken record). She refused to speak to a fellow attendee who was a doctor, but the paramedics came and took her away. I hope she is OK, I digress…his main messages? He actually had some goodies, and some weird ones too – thanks to Twitter, I was able to capture the gaps in my notes. Good: 1) Maximize your life and reserve your energy for your highest and best use, 2) Stop giving your power away to other people, 3) Don’t expect others to give you what you should be giving yourself. Weird: Be pregnant with ideas…if you are feeling pain, then the baby is coming!

That wrapped up the first portion of the Lifeclass tour…and thus is the end of the first part of my blog. Overall, this first portion was excellent, and completely worth the ticket price. I am still absorbing all of the words of wisdom but I have tried to capture what I thought were the most thought provoking “nuggets” from each guest speaker – ones that resonated with me the most.

I will continue the re-cap of the event in a second post – in the mean time, for those of you who attended and feel that I have missed out on some other key learnings, please add them to the comments! I’d love to hear your perspective…

You can read more of Adrienne’s journey to LifeClass on her blog Fabulously Average You can also follow her on Twitter

Oprah Dreaming Coming True- By Tonya A Ouiment

  By Nada | April 23, 2012 - 9:59 pm | LifeClass, OInTO, Oprah
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OPRAH DREAMING COMING TRUE

A FELLOW WIDOW IN THE AUDIENCE PROVED TO ME I WAS MEANT TO BE WHERE I AM:

So here we go, I was told from a woman of great wisdom Janet Auty-Carlisle (mybestlifecoach) before writing to start with the one thing that came to mind. First thing that sprung to mind was DREAM. Starting from Friday April 13 2012, leading to Monday April 16 2012 it was all that and more than a DREAM. All I kept thinking to myself be “I can’t believe I am here”. I always knew dreams were ours to make come true; to actually live in it was more than proof to me as well as others around me. Right now, right here I must say to everyone, never give up on what you believe in as well as what you dream. If you can think it, see it, and then it’s there for you to live it. As you all know I’ve been a widow for 11 months, which has led to start this blog for everyone out there who has become a widow/widower, to use my experiences to help others.

Friday April 13th was the start of a dream that I never gave up on, that I never stopped believing would come true. Friday was a day of over flowing gratitude. Thanks to my beautiful brother, all of what happened was due to him pushing me out of my comfort zone to a place where I truly shined. This was how our road trip started to Toronto; this is the reason why I float in the clouds to this day. I guess it’s time to tell what it was that made us travel to Toronto.

So it all starts with being invited by OWN-OWNCANADA NETWORK to attend a lovely Tea Party at Fairmont Hotel in Toronto. Hearing after only a few selected due to the fact of being a Oprah fan as well as most being bloggers. The Tea Party took place a day before Oprah’s Life Class on Monday April 16th. Did you all see that correctly? OPRAH, I went to see Oprah’s Life Class in Toronto, her first visit to Canada as well as her largest Life Class ever. Joining her was Deep-ak Chopra, which I must say I LOVE and that’s putting it lightly, it doesn’t stop there. Joining them was Tony Robbins, Iyanla Vanzant, as well as Bishop Jakes. This to me is not the only thing that excited me beyond belief, it was also being able to meet the beautiful, amazing people that have enhanced my life so much, being able to meet OwnAmbassadors, a group that strives in helping growing OWN. I cannot express enough how these people have helped me in every aspect of my life, from grieving to just knowing that TRUE BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIPS EXIST. 

As I sat in my seat at the Tea Party looking around the room seeing it full of truly amazing people, it was to my realization just how far I have grown. Years ago I was not the same person I was right there in that moment. I was in such awe that I was sitting there with people of such great significance. That moment was when I realized my first A HA MOMENTS over the next day’s ahead. It was then I realized I was not at all out of my comfort zone, I WAS IN MY COMFORT ZONE. I had to make sure to take absolutely everything in, to absorb each along with every second of all that was around me. This is where I truly recognized that the road I’ve been on through grieving has opened up new doors to who I was, how traveling down this road has led me to so many new chapters of my life. In times of tremendous pain you can find the brightest of things if you allow yourself to find it. Losing your spouse you lose your life as well, its realizing the new life you build to open oh so many beautiful beginnings if you allow yourself to rise above the pain. So finding out later after the Tea Party the Toronto News was there, then leading to seeing myself on T.V was another many of moments I realized just how blessed that weekend truly was. After Tea some of us OwnAmbassadors spent supper together. Being in the presence with these people truly proved to myself this was exactly where I should be. Not ever meeting once before this in person you would of never guessed it by seeing how truly we embraced one another, through good conversation, to a lot of laughs. It all just flowed proving each of our lives was meant to cross paths, that we as well belonged to each and everyone’s life for a reason. 

May I mention how I probably will through this entire story how my brother graciously spent his time walking the streets of Toronto doing his own thing alone, all due to the fact that he was simply there to allow me to attend this all? If not for him this dream would not be at all. Also to mention NO SLEEP was acquired through this all, as anticipation along with excitement built each day until Monday the 16th would finally be upon us.

Let me just say how my world here in Windsor Ontario was rudely disrupted in finding how fast paced as well as HUGE Toronto was and felt to me. Being in Windsor all my life led me to believe it was a big place to be, noticing there will always be a bigger, busier City out there in this world. This is where I realized that as bad as I may of felt out of my comfort zone, that I was truly in my comfort zone, that putting your fears to rest is how you then start to live out of your boundaries, sulking in your dreams. As being a person who always hid from her fears, seeing that person no longer exists was enough for me, then realizing it is through your fears you conquer your dreams was a confirmation of it all. That no longer I was who I was before, that grieving has led me to see all of this. If you know me then you know just how much I have grown. Oprah has been the teacher to all of this. In a way Oprah has been my teacher, my mentor, the wisdom behind what I’ve come to see I had all along. I just never listened to myself; I never took the time to hear what it was that I was meant to do. Thirty-four years later I found it, I’ve opened up to it all, losing my husband has led me to this. His gift to me was finding myself, finding my passion, my purpose that is the greatest gift of all to give anyone. So yes I suffered a great loss, yet it was his true unconditional love that has placed me here. It is through him I have found the courage to live my life to the fullest. It is also because of Oprah that I have opened my eyes truly; she is changing lives for the better around the world each as well as every day. Oprah is creating friendships of the truest in this world, becoming a smaller world as people unite together to form love, respect, along with bonds that will last a life time.

Monday would be soon upon us, sleep was nowhere to be found the night before, as I layed eyes wide open in huge anticipation. Having to start my day at 5:30am was nowhere near a problem to me after falling asleep at 4:00am. Attending the morning of Life Class meant an extra early start. Lack of sleep was no worries to me considering that day was the day I fought for so hard, for quite a long time. While awakening I thought of my husband, it was our wedding anniversary day as well. I knew in my heart it was of his love the reason I was there. It was his gift of believing in me so much that pushed me to strive for that all I wanted. His strong belief in me has projected through me very strongly. Our daughter with all her pure love gives me all the strength I need to strive for it all, to live our dreams and shine.

Excited to find out after thinking I would be the only OwnAmbassador attending morning class Julie as well would be attending morning class. This only confirmed how once something is meant to be everything else just falls in to place. Our morning was about to embark on something so amazing, such of a true blessing that even you all will agree. Something that put us all in a state of speechlessness and awe that happened along the way to Oprah’s Life Class. Reminding you all that this day was my wedding anniversary day, my husband I believe blessed us this day where ever he may have been. This is where I truly believe once you are where you are meant to be everything else just closes in, as putting pieces of a puzzle together. Chatting it up as well as much laughing we realize we were going the wrong way however for some reason not one ounce of stress entered our bodies. Just complete joy was all around us, nothing could shake us. This is when I noticed how once you are living your dreams that it never ends. Once you start to unfold your dreams is when the dreams become endless. My brother yet again planned to just hang around Toronto allowing me to live my dream, also being without ticket. As we come to say our good byes until later Julie strolled over to put her coffee in the garbage glancing at the mailbox next to the garbage, as I noticed the look on her face I approached her to find her jaw on the ground as she held on to a ticket for Oprah’s Life Class that stuck out of the mailbox. Looking at this ticket over and over again in pure shock we come to see that YES IT IS REAL, IT IS VALID, IT IS FOR MORNING CLASS. It was in that moment I think we realized just how the glorious of things do really happen. This allowed my brother to accompany us to Oprah’s Life Class, still as I type this I cannot believe how everything just fell into place as needed.

The next five hours were again a feeling as though I was in a dream, like I’ve felt multiple times over the two days of our trip, from Tea Party to Oprah’s Life Class. Deep-ak Chopra, Tony Robbins, Iyanla Vanzant, Bishop Jakes along with the one and only Oprah all took the stage right before my eyes. I sat in my seat wondering if I really was there, looking to the crowd that went on for aisles and aisles. Oprah’s beauty along with love shined brighter than the sun and all the stars together. This is where I am going to leave you all reading this in suspense until the next post, describing all of A HA MOMENTS, to tears, as well as Oprah along with her power housed team that spoke to another fellow widow in the audience. STAY TUNED YOU WILL NEVER BELIEVE WHAT IS COMING NEXT AS A WIDOW I COULD NOT BELIEVE, IT WAS AS THOUGH THIS CLASS WAS PRIVATELY FOR ME AND EVERY WIDOW OUT THERE.

Dreams are ours for the making; we just have to be the ones to make them happen, to believe with everything in us that we can do it, that we can achieve the highest of all through anything. Big dreams don’t hold you back from achieving them; you do if you let fear take over.

To OwnAmbassadors I have met, you have touched my heart deeply, you all will remain in my heart always, and our bond is growing strong. To OwnAmbassadors I have yet to meet, you all as well are in my heart, our bond will continue to grow and one day we will meet that is for sure. OWN-OWNCANADA NOTHING TO SAY EXCEPT I LOVE YOU. OPRAH I thank you from the deepest of my heart and soul for truly loving us, for bringing your wisdom to the world to make a better, brighter place.

Tonya O
 

 

Did you attend Oprah’s LifeClass in Toronto? Share your Story with Us.

  By Admin | April 21, 2012 - 4:14 pm | About Us, LifeClass, OInTO, Oprah
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Did you travel to Toronto for that once in a lifetime opportunity to see Oprah and to be inspired? If you did we want to hear from you. We want to share your story. Tell us how LifeClass in Toronto has changed your life. Share with us your AHA moments. Tell us what you thought of Iylana Vanzant, Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Share with us your journey to LifeClass. Send us an email and we will publish it to our Blog.

Email us to share your story. Liz@CanadasOWNViewers.com

It’s LifeClass Weekend!

  By Admin | April 14, 2012 - 8:19 pm | LifeClass, OInTO, Oprah
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I arrived in Toronto two days ago. As I write this I cannot help but giggle about the fact that this is really happening. Oprah in Toronto that is. As a huge supporter of Oprah and OWN I always believed I would see LifeClass in Canada. Some would say it is a logical choice for the LifeClass tour. I however believe that the collective positive thoughts From Oprah’s huge Canadian fan base has lead to this moment.

Remember season one of LifeClass, what you put out comes back to you. If you ask you shall receive. Well Canadian OWN fans have asked and this Monday April 16, 2012 we shall receive.

I have been reading tweets from excited viewers of OWN who have travelled from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Alberta, Vancouver and so many other places within Canada. All of these Canadians who have dreamt of seeing Oprah for years. The dream will be realized in just two days. I can feel the excitement in the air.

They have come to be inspired, to learn, and to be motivated. Most have come seeking that AHa moment where their lives will change forever. With the line up of Tony Robbins, Deepak Chopra, Iylana Vanzant and Bishop T.D. Jakes I am certain there will be many AHa moments. Canadians are no different than any other country when it comes to seeking a better life for themselves. We truly are more alike than different.

One of the greatest gifts Oprah has given me is friendships. I have had the pleasure of meeting some really inspirational people on our trip to Australia. This weekend we meet again I am thrilled to be seeing Nada and Linda. I am sure we will be chatting for hours, catching up on the friendships we made in Australia.

Tomorrow we have been invited to tea at Fairmont Royal York. There we will meet the OWN Canada gang and some of our new friends from Twitter. Oprah keeps giving the gift of friendship. We all feel gratitude.

So as we rummage through our suitcases and closets trying to find the perfect outfit for Lifeclass I have a few thoughts for you.
If your ears are sensitive to loud screams bring earplugs. You have never heard anything like grown women scream when Oprah takes the stage.
If you are hoping to see yourself on TV wear bright colors.
Take your smart phone and capture the moments.
Be prepared to meet some really friendly people sitting next to you or in the lineup.
Sit back and take in the moment. Look around, soak it all in, stay in the moment.
Bring a pen and journal, the lessons will be plentiful.
Most importantly enjoy yourself.

Have a great night all. Follow us on twitter as we will be tweeting live from Lifeclass.

Oprah & Tony Robbins on LifeClass April 1, 2012

  By Admin | April 5, 2012 - 3:11 pm | LifeClass, OInTO, Oprah
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LifeClass The Tour was at Radio City Music Hall in New York Sunday night. As I watched I was so inspired, moved and excited. Tony Robbins and Oprah taught us about Living Fearlessly. What is the story you are telling yourself?

Our Twitter friends from the United States were in attendance. I knew while watching that their dreams of meeting Oprah were coming true. I was so excited for them. I certainly remembered when we met her and how we felt in her presence. It’s a magical moment. They have all been furiously writing and getting their Blogs updated to let us know of their journey. You can follow them on Twitter to read all about it. Follow us and look under our lists for OWN Ambassadors.

Tony Robbins was nothing less than amazing. I love his no nonsense approach that allows you to look at your life and create change. I can’t wait to see him in Toronto. Listening to him and watching how he helps others is inspiring in of itself. If you missed LifeClass The Tour you can now watch it online. Trust me when I say you won’t want to miss this again.

 

 

Full Episode of Oprah’s Lifeclass: the Tour: Tony Robbins on Living Fearlessly

During this broadcast from New York City’s famed Radio City Music Hall, Oprah and life coach Tony Robbins work with viewers to help them to start living fearlessly and to divorce themselves from the stories that are holding them back. Watch the entire show to discover ways to turn your fear into power. Get highlights from the show and behind the scenes from our Class Notes.