Reflections on the Institute for Consciousness Research 34th Annual Conference

How does one share an experience with those who were not present?

I shall do my best by starting off to say that this year’s conference was pure magic from the beginning to the end and being one of the early recipients of this magic was well,  just ‘magical’.

Once the call for presentations was sent out to everyone the energy came back as if we had just offered the biggest gift and all they had to do was say yes.  In all our 34 years of organizing this spiritual conference we have never seen such synchronistic events happen.  Gratitude’s joyful resonance blended into every moment, giving us renewed and vibrant energy to move through the organizing of this special weekend for all the friends new and old who come together to share our unity with one another in this amazing adventure we call life.

So, starting out with magic accompaniment, there was no doubt that this conference would be amazingly special.  From the wonderful presenters who inspired us at every turn, to the personal sharing with each other, there was no end to the joy we felt.  It included bountiful new offerings of food by Justin and Stacey and their team at the Kimberley General Store and Justin’s Oven.  We were also very excited to have Zena once more to work her magic behind the scenes preparing the tables with lovely snacks and all sorts of other things to help create a beautiful experience for all participants.   On the side  many pictures were taken for us to enjoy thanks to Zena Curwain Photography.  Of course we can’t  forget Four Seasons Party Rentals, who have serviced our event for 34 years.  They have always been amazing in every way.  We would also like to mention that Michael Bowes, one of the presenters was not able to make it due to health reasons and he was very much missed.  We wish him all the best in re-gaining his health and will keep him in our thoughts.

There are so many people to thank for being part of the magic and you know who you are.  We are ever so grateful for all the things that you do to help out.  Each individual contribution creates the beauty of the whole and this year’s spiritual gathering clearly was an example of a unitary vibration amongst us.

We are already looking forward to next year and the finding of a new place to call home to the ICR Annual Conference.  Beaverdale has unfortunately been sold.  It is with great thanks to the Hermesmeier family for sharing their beautiful chalet in such a lovely natural setting for all of us to enjoy over the last few years.  Life is ever changing and so we move forward with humility and grace into the magic.  As soon as we have found our new paradise for the ICR conference we will be very happy to announce it.

Of course we want to thank all of the amazing presenters who seemed to weave a beautiful mosaic pattern through each other’s presentations, adding to the texture of our collective consciousness.  We are always enthusiastic, learning more about Kundalini and how it evolves our consciousness. Teri  Degler started the conference out with vital information about the nature of kundalini-shakti and its role as an evolutionary and divine feminine force and what this means for personal transformation of our consciousness.  This presentation would be used to tie all the other presentations together in such a beautiful way.  Chris Gartner shared not only his passionate description of Ramana Maharshi’s teachings  but also the in-depth and most intimate details of his own inner experiences of kundalini awakening. 

Then we delved into the idea of Rhythm as our Mother Tongue, as croc E moses blew us away with his incredible rhythmic poetry while sharing his touching story about living half of his life in Swaziland and South Africa during its’ critical time of Apartheid.  A standing ovation was very appropriate for this talented young man, sharing his heart and soul with us.  He literally moved us into another realm.     Belinda Deenik created a workshop that gave us the insight about how the gift of self love is a critical part of our rising consciousness, not to be taken for granted.  Through our practice of self love we gain insight into ‘agape’ love and are able to share selflessly in our community. 

  Next, Celeste Shirley, who radiated with abundant joy, shared with us her understanding of “Constant Joy”.   We came to know ‘Joy’ as a constant intuitive state that is always within us.  Joy IS accessible and CAN be felt even when emotions are hard and CONVINCING and we CAN become aware of this INNER STEADINESS OF JOY, instead of LETTING the hard emotions corrupt it.  She also shared the unity of the physical with the spiritual.  Then, we gathered together with Ryan Faubert to learn more about meditation practices and tools for the future as we ventured inward looking forward to deeper and more meaningful time spent in silence. 

Anne Taylor, the last presenter shared Jung’s view about the kundalini experience and walked us through detailed dream paintings of one of her clients, that portrayed her internal kundalini awakening. They were very intricate and insightful for all of us.   Lastly, we had a rousing sharing circle about the need for a healthy environment, both inside and outside.  We realize that this is essential for this process to proceed in the healthy direction of evolution.  It is always most beneficial sharing with each other in this way, within a very intimate and non judgmental atmosphere.  We can learn so much from those who have gone before us, and those travelling with us.

We look forward to next year’s gathering for the 35^th Annual Conference and will be putting out a future call for presenters.  If you feel you have something relevant to share that will benefit others in their  spiritual evolution, we would love to hear from you.

For those who have experienced the conference, please don’t hesitate to share any ideas on how we can improve this event.

Thank you again to all who presented, participated and those who helped behind the scenes.  It was an incredible weekend that we shared together. ‘MAGIC’