Savouring the Sweetness of Creation: The Birth of Our Values at CMAT
Starting something new is always exciting—there’s a buzz, a fresh energy...new life breath, that makes you feel like anything is possible. But when that something new is a business built on such deep care and intention, it takes on a whole different kind of magic. As the co-founders of the Centre for Medicine Assisted Therapy (CMAT), Dr. Devon Christie and I, recently carved out some intentional time to sit down together and define the values that will guide us as we bring this our CMAT vision to life in early 2025. What we discovered was more than just a list of guiding principles—it was a beautiful reflection of our collective heart and the foundational elements that will shape what we bring into what we do.
Our values didn’t appear out of nowhere, we laughed and chatted, pondered, reflected and let this simmer as it took shape. The core values were the result of thoughtful conversations, shared stories, and a sense of kinship that allowed our different perspectives to blend together into a unified vision. This felt sense of the "hive mind" provided a space for each of us to contribute a piece of the puzzle, and through the process, our shared understanding and excitement grew stronger. In that moment, we were no longer just individuals—we were co-creators, finding strength in each other’s ideas, blooming creativity and building something far greater than what we could have imagined alone.
What stood out to us the most in this process was the care we took in crafting these values. Like the birth of something truly precious, there was no rush. We tended to each idea with patience, allowing the thoughts to evolve and settle into something that felt true to the essence of what CMAT will be. The result? A set of values that are not only meaningful but are an authentic reflection of who we are as a team and the work we are committed to doing.
So, what are these values? Well, we’re sure excited to share them with you—and to tell you a little about why they matter so much to us:
Embodiment
For us, embodiment means showing up fully in the felt sense of our lived experience, in the work we do. Embodiment is not only a pillar of wellbeing, it's also necessary for authentic presence and communication. It’s about both feeling and living our values through actions, not just talking about them. We are committed to walking the talk in every aspect of CMAT.
Relationship (Interbeing, Respect, Responsibility)
At CMAT, we recognize that we are all interconnected. Our work is built on the understanding that healthy relationships—both with ourselves and others—are the foundation of being and healing. This value encompasses respect, responsibility, and a deep recognition of our shared humanity.
Love (Altruism, Compassion, Joy) ~ “See with the eyes of the heart”
Love is at the heart of everything we do. Altruism, compassion, and joy aren’t just buzzwords for us—they are the lens through which we see the world and the guiding force behind the way we interact with our community, clients, and each other.
Curiosity
We believe that curiosity is the spark of creativity and growth. We approach ourselves, along with our experiences with clients, with a genuine sense of wonder, eager to learn, expand, and evolve. It’s this spirit of inquiry that supports us to listen deeply within, and to continue flourishing and living beyond outdated stories and patterns.
Humility
Humility allows us to stay grounded and open to the wisdom of ourselves and others. We know we don’t have all the answers, and we know each of us interprets the present based on our past conditioning - and that’s okay. Knowing this is the key, so we can be open to questioning ourselves and broadening our lenses. We are committed to being receptive, flexible, and learning from every experience and person we encounter.
Rest (Balanced Engagement)
In a society that expects busyness and praises overwork, we embrace rest as an essential part of balanced living, and even as an act of resistance. We know that we must rest in order to be embodied and well, and that sustainable impact comes from balanced engagement—knowing when to stride forward and when to pause and recharge.
Integrity
Integrity is non-negotiable. We are committed to being honest, transparent, and true to our word. This value holds us accountable to ourselves, to our clients, and to the larger community we serve.
Harm Reduction
We believe in minimizing harm and creating accountable spaces where growth and healing can be held with care. Harm reduction isn’t just about physical safety—it’s about fostering environments where individuals can show up as they are and be met with respect and skillful support.
As we crafted these values, we were struck by how beautifully they fit together—like the pieces of a puzzle coming into place. These values are more than just words to us; they are the heart and soul of our work. Like a tapestry, interwoven with intentionality and precision, holding both the creativity of the process and the beauty that comes together as a result of each thread in place. These values are a promise to ourselves and to our community that we will show up with care, integrity, and love in everything we do. We will keep coming back to the values to ensure we remember the core of our vision as we continue to grow. We will hold these values in both heart and mind.
At the end of the day, what excites us most about CMAT is not just the services we’ll offer or the innovative and impactful work we will do—it’s the opportunity to live out these values in every interaction, every project, every step we take. These values are the foundation upon which CMAT will grow, and we’re deeply grateful to be able to share them with you.
As we continue to shape this vision and bring it to life, we invite you to join us in the journey. The sweetness of creation is something worth savoring, and we can’t wait to see how this vision unfolds, together.
Thank you for being part of this exciting beginning.
With love,
Shoshana & Devon
The CMAT Co-Founders
