About
On the Presence is an adventure in discovering what’s important in your life, and what’s stopping you from being alive and inspired. It’s an opportunity to deepen your connections, strengthen your leadership, and bring joy and ease to your relationships.
Through dialogue and experiential learning, you’ll distinguish the barriers in your blindspot that take you away from what matters most. You’ll gain tools to be resilient in the face of upset and conflict. You’ll integrate the tools into your life through small group conversation, and by exploring different points of view in relationships and work. You’ll open up possibilities of relating in your family, gain confidence in leadership, and comfort interacting in social gatherings.
On the Presence is led by Laurence Follows and supported by a team of coaches.
On the Presence: Self-Expression
This workshop is designed to leave you empowered, effective, and “in action” in your life! Through structured exploration, you will go beyond your comfort zone, break through your own personal challenges, and open up new worlds of possibilities. Through fun exercises and provocative conversation, you will uncover what stands in your way of being truly present, and open a new realm of self-expression.
Unleash your natural enthusiasm and confidence. Access new levels of self-expression, creativity, and productivity. Identify and go beyond your limiting belief patterns. Discover and develop skills and techniques that will allow you to be authentic and powerful in every area of your life.
How would being more grounded in the present empower you? What if you had the freedom to play fully in life, without the constraints of the past that seem to keep you stuck in one role? What if you could step beyond your fundamental character traits that seem permanent and unchangeable? If your life was a play, and you could invent a new character for the lead role, who would you really want to be?
On the Presence
Fall 2024 (Level 1)
Tuesdays (online)
12:15 pm - 4pm ET
(or until class completion)
11 sessions from
September to December
September 24,
October 1, 8, 22, 29,
November 5, 12, 19, 26,
December 3, 10
Tuesdays (online)
6:15 pm - 10pm ET
(or until class completion)
11 sessions from
September to December
September 24,
October 1, 8, 22, 29,
November 5, 12, 19, 26,
December 3, 10
Testimonials
I was in a permanent rut: I was burnt out from my old job, getting burnt out from my new job, too busy for my family and friends, feeling like the world was working against me. I felt like time was slipping away and I had nothing to show for my life. This work has pulled me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to new ways of thinking, of being, and of having experiences with others. After level one, I feel full of possibility, of life and energy. My relationships are so much richer. Suddenly, I've discovered more time in my life – I'm no longer "too busy" to be alive. - Dani K, Project Manager
Through this course, I truly got how understanding and accepting my own humanity makes it possible to be a greater contribution to others. I have a new view on what it means to show up and see possibility. Laurence and the Coaching team are incomparable. Their intention and commitment was so clear and created a rich learning environment that was powerful in-person and then carried forward in an amazing way to an equally engaging virtual classroom. I experienced first-hand how a group of people can create the connection and leadership they need for themselves so they can be stronger leaders for others. - Melanie H, HR Professional
Laurence has not only allowed me to see how I show up in the world but shown me that I am a force in the world. My relationship is no longer on a path to destruction. We both see the possibilities that we can live into. - Gord, Technology Consultant
I am 19 years old and already I feel complete. I feel immense strength and courage as I begin my life as an adult. Where I once saw problems, I now see perfection. Where I once saw fear, I now see humanity. Where I once saw hate, I now see love.
- Thomas, Student
This workshop has led to the creation of some extraordinary shifts and possibilities in my life... Laurence opened a door for me to see and know myself and make space for me to stand powerfully in the world. - Christina, Artist/Educator
This workshop has given me a different view of myself, my relationships, and my work - one that is full of hope, authenticity, freedom and love. This could not have been achieved through a book or a video -- only in person, and through the community that we created. - Tom, Business Manager
This workshop changed my perspective on how I approach my life and has sent me on the trajectory I was meant to live.
- Scott, Photographer
Nothing short of a life-changing catalyst. Laurence's series of courses allowed me to see myself as I really am. From there the possibility of openings of life and those around me is limitless. - Souhaila, Equestrian/ Landscape Architect
The most beautiful thing about this workshop is the intense realization that I'm not broken. Even more beautiful is that I have become so present to my ability to notice how I'm showing up in the world, in my communications and in my relationships. With presence came choice for me. - Lauren, Sales Executive
This course has been one of the best gifts I've ever given myself - and my future. - Kate, Children's Art Instructor
It is life changing. I tell anyone who is stuck in their life, this will change your life, not by changing who you are, but embracing it. The clarity and freedom I felt is still so powerful. What really makes a difference is sharing, expressing and being present with a group of people looking to also make changes. -Alisha, Technician
I have big, big plans for the second half of my life and the work I have done with Laurence and his staff have propelled me forward into all of my hopes and dreams. I highly recommend these classes to anyone.... - Chris, PhD Student and Retired Police Lieutenant
An incredible course! So simple really - but the beauty of it, what sets it apart from any other course I've taken - or even experience I've had - is that Laurence orchestrates an authentic experience that is entirely brought to life by the group. The essence of this course is the sharing that happens with the group, the gentle opening up of self in a trusting and safe environment so that each individual in the group was able to become their most powerful self. Laurence is the brilliant conductor for this empowering experience. - Karen, CEO
If there is something missing in your life, but you cannot pinpoint exactly what it is, consider this course. Consider it was within you all along, hidden away, waiting to be unleashed, and this course provides the space for it to be found. -Nick Fegan, Student
I am left feeling empowered and connected. Two things I didn't ever realize I could feel, or know I was missing: Amazing & Powerful. E.M., Artist/ Film-maker
Advanced Courses
Completion of Level 1 is a prerequisite for graduate courses