I’ve just got back from the World Appreciative Inquiry Conference held in Ghent, Belgium – and what a trip!
During the conference I ran short early morning Tai Chi sessions for attendees to energise them for the upcoming day. I had to get up at 5.00am, get ready and then catch the number nine bus at 6.25am so I could be there by 7.30am, which was earlier than I anticipated.
Well, the bumpy bus ride and the short walk to the conference centre through the biting cold wind and rain stopped me from falling asleep.
The 15 minute sessions began at 8.00am and I made myself available to anyone who wanted to keep training after 8.15am and a few stayed on. We had a small but keen group each morning and I went through different aspects of Tai Chi to give the participants a taste of Tai Chi.
Here’s what we did …
Day One: Swinging arms warm up, Tai Chi Postures
Day Two: Swinging arms, Rowing the Sampan with Oars, Solo and Single Push Hands
Day Three: Swinging arms, a variety of Chi Kung postures
Initially I was scheduled to provide energizers for the 500 plus participants before the keynote speakers in the theatrette, but there wasn’t enough time to do so because of the tight schedule. Conference energisers are part of our BJ Seminars International services and I use specific exercises that not only are energising, but fun to do. Humour plays a big role in my conference energiser sessions.
Besides the Tai Chi sessions I also helped with the photography and am currently creating a flash presentation of the conference with Sue.
Unfortunately my plan of keeping up with my personal training during my stay in Belgium didn’t happen because I was on the go for the entire time there. But now that I’m back home I’m into my routine of training three times a day, which is good.
My experiences in Belgium can be summed up in one word. It’s a Dutch word we learned at the conference.
‘Amai!’
And if you haven’t got time to look it up …
Wow!
Leave a Reply