by Ruth Pearce

“We didn’t realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” —A. A. Milne

Do you ever participate in something special, and believe that you will be able to recall every precious moment, every connection made? Then, when you leave and everyday life creeps in, the memories fade, and you find yourself wishing you had paid more attention and taken more notes, more pictures, more time?

I feel a little like that about the Embodied Positive Psychology Summit. This year’s summit offered such a wealth of connections, information, experiences, and opportunities for growth. At the time, I felt I would remember every conversation, every gem from the speakers. I would remember the moments when I felt elated, I would remember the times when some of my beliefs were challenged, I would be able to easily recall all the takeaways and actions.

The truth is that, as wonderful as the Summit was, I am finding that some of the memories are a little fuzzy and that I don’t quite remember exactly what was said. I have a good sense of the overall event. I remember the feelings and emotions from the sessions I attended. I remember feeling satisfied and elated—as well as exhausted—when the Summit came to an end. But the specifics of why, the individual moments, are a little harder to recall.

Fortunately, I had decided even before the Summit that one of my takeaways would be to post about it for 30 days afterwards. As I spend a few minutes each day considering what to post, I think through all the sessions and all the conversations, and it helps me to build a lasting memory of the event.

I remember fondly the Rouben-inspired Wednesday-night dance party, the special character strengths–based Let Your Yoga Dance session, and Megha’s deft weaving of heart coherence theory into heartwarming movement. I remember the surprise when Howard Martin told us that the serene girl in his slides was living in a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon. I think of the room spread along an imaginary line as Todd Kashdan prompted us to consider our supporters. I think of Megan extolling us to open our hearts and set our intentions. I think of the hush—and maybe a sob or two—as Neal Mayerson told his own love story. I hear Joan Borysenko’s light touch as she explained hard science. I remember Stephen Cope’s commitment to our Summit experience.

I see the energy and engagement in the workshops. I see the heads close together over a hearty meal during the Meals with Mentors sessions.

I see the laughter, the tears, the hugs and fascination. How fortunate am I to have a ready-made opportunity to look back and savor?

But what can you do now? How can you savor and move forward?

Well, first, you can help us understand what works and what needs tweaking, by taking our post-Summit survey.

Next you can like our Summit Facebook page and help us savor this year’s event and plan next year’s. See what we’re posting, and post comments and memories of your own. What was your favorite moment? Who did you connect with? Who challenged your thinking?

You can also relive your experience and refresh your memory by enjoying our presenters’ materials in the virtual classroom.

I cannot wait for the 2018 Summit, with the theme of Wholebeing Leadership. We are already hard at work putting things in place. Watch for announcements as we confirm the date and confirm our speakers. Updates will be posted on the Facebook page. I look forward to making new memories with you!

Ruth Pearce, is Business Unit Director of Conferences and Special Events at Wholebeing Institute, where she is currently working on the 2018 Embodied Positive Psychology Summit. She is also coaches project managers through her company ALLE LLC, and is currently writing a book for project managers called “The Project Manager Effect: From Organizing to Energizing. She believes project managers are key leaders and team-builders. alle4you.com
Ruth is the first US Thrive Programme consultant, helping sufferers to overcome anxiety and phobias. Having recently recovered from a lifelong phobia herself, she is committed helping others enjoy their best life. www.alle2thrive.com