What to Expect
It has been our privilege to work with thousands of people who, like yourself, are committed to exploring new horizons and taking action that profoundly impacts the quality of their lives. You have embarked on an important educational experience, and an exciting journey awaits you. These trainings are an action-oriented, experiential learning program that addresses all dimensions of human nature: intellect and emotions, body and spirit. It calls for your full committed participation.
Interactive Discussions
The trainer will speak about various subject relevant to contemporary adult life, and will suggest points of view about these subjects. The purpose is not for you to agree or disagree with what is said, but rather to assist you in observing how you participate in the experiential aspects of the workshop. Your observations of yourself are the basis for what you learn in the workshop.
Workshop
A dyad is a one-on-one interaction with another participant. You may be asked to answer a series of questions, tell a story, complete sentences or assume a particular body stance. You will have the opportunity to look directly at specific personal issues and to support your dyad partner in doing so.
Mingles
A mingle exercise involves milling around the room having short interactions with many people. As in dyads, the communication you have with other people during a mingle exercise is structured.
Games
As an exercise, the group may play games to reveal the competitive and cooperative strategies people use, and to illustrate the dynamics of group versus individual commitment.
Small Group Exercises
You will periodically meet with a group of approximately 6-12 people. These group meetings may be informal discussions or structured communications. A volunteer staff member will act as facilitator for your group.
Closed-Eye Processes
During a closed-eye process, you visualize a situation as guided by the trainer. Frequently, music and the lowering of lights are used during these processes to facilitate relaxation and promote creativity.
Sharing
Throughout the workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn about yourself through communication; speaking about what you are learning, and listening to the experiences of others. Such sharing may occur one-on-one, in small groups, or in front of the entire workshop group.
Interactions w/ Trainer
At times, you may have direct interaction with the Trainer. The trainer's perspective is that you are capable of dealing effectively with the circumstances in your life, that you are striving for peak performance and that a stance of personal responsibility is more effective than one of being powerless in the face of life's demands. Interactions with the trainer are intended to be an opportunity for you to examine your assumptions and you may feel challenges, anxious or uncomfortable in dealing with the unfamiliar.
Food & Breaks
During the 5-day workshop session, it is important that you get sufficient rest and nutritious food. Every 2-4 hours there will be a 20-30 minute break. In addition, there is one meal break Saturday and Sunday for approximately 1.5 hours in the afternoon. Be sure to eat a sustaining meal each day before coming to the workshop. You may need to adjust your schedule to be assured of getting sufficient sleep. This is your personal responsibility.