It's the 2nd of November, All Souls Day, and I am writing from my room in San Miguel, Guanajuato, Mexico, where my husband and I are visiting friends prior to flying to San Jose for the ICF conference. I've attended all but two of the ICF conferences, and I've presented at a number of them, so I look forward to seeing people that I sometimes don't even speak with between conferences.
There is so much to see and do at a conference, so much stimulation emotionally, mentally, physically, and yes, spiritually, that one cannot possibly do everything. Given that I prefer not to be in crowded rooms (unless, of course, I'm speaking, facilitating, or singing), I often miss all or part of the keynote and general sessions. That said, Tim Gallwey held me rapt for hours on end in Orlando in 1998, and I still remember the metaphor of the redwoods that Rich Fettke used to illustrate the importance of collaboration and collegiality in -- Vancouver, BC? Chicago?
Still, it is the one-on-one encounter that for me makes for a successful conference. Dinner with Pam Haley, lunch with Sherry Lowry, coffee with Robert Demaree and David Martin. I go for the people, and the people always move me with their integrity, creativity, and passion.
I've been in a fog bank lately with respect to my own work, uncertain as to what direction and focus I want to undertake in the next couple of years. This is nothing new; I re-invent myself often; however, it does mean that I look forward to this conference with particular pleasure, knowing that I always discover myself anew in the company of fellow coaches and that my vision of what our profession can contribute to the well being of the planet is always enriched.
I'm neither presenting nor vending this year, and I'm staying off site for the first time. Also for the first time, I'll be accompanied by my husband, known to readers of my newsletter as The Charming Prince. I'll also be talking with folks about applying Integral theory and methodologies to coaching. Sherry Lowry and I are putting together a teleclass for experienced coaches on using Integral principles and Spiral Dynamics, so I expect to have many stimulating conversations about all of that. As always, this conference promises to be both familiar and new, comfortable and challenging, reinforcing and provocative. See you there!
Hey Nancy--
We are having a lovely time, though I missed yesterday's celebrations due to a cold or flu. Today I am back up to speed (thanks to the miracle of Alka Seltzere Plus in combination with homeopathic remedies). Even though I missed the festivities on the actual day, both my husband and I love this way of relating to death and to dead friends and family. I hope your ancestor fest was wonderful.
Posted by: Molly Gordon | November 03, 2005 at 12:08 PM
Molly:
Hope you had a nice Dia de los Muertos. How lucky to be in Mexico for that! We have a big altar in our livingroom and have been having one big ancestor fest all week long. Hope you got a lot out of the festivities!
Posted by: Nancy Marmolejo | November 03, 2005 at 10:32 AM