I was just blown away by this group. Day 3 held most of our practicums and the opportunity to see all of the trainees in action, teaching and holding space as facilitators. It is remarkable to watch each trainee already teaching the actual material and infusing it with their own style and flair which makes each mock class a totally unique experience.

Again, everyone in this group was forthcoming with eachother in providing such great feedback that what Candice and I had to share at the close of each session was much more manageable than in the past. It was great to watch other students comment on many of the items we each had on our lists to talk about.

There is a surprise in every group.. a student who stands out all the rest of the amazing gems as uniquely noteworthy. In the past I have taken special time to comment on Meryl because she taught while deaf, Justin and Mario who taught partly in Japanese and because they were men who embraced the feminine so heartily, Rikki because she is over 60 and so enthusiastic about sharing HGW... this time I really need to take a moment and commend Nathan.

In Taj's words, "Nathan is 13 going on 40". The way he holds himself, full of calm confidence and self assurance, the tonality and word choices he used, which were so consciously chosen, and his overall presentation style, which was well thought out and dynamic, by far exceeded anything I have ever imagined a 13 year old capable of delivering. Nathan really taught me that age is NO barrier to being an effective teacher and he reminded me again that gender is NO barrier. A male or female can equally deliver an instructive hoop experience while honoring the feminine aspects of flow, centering and empowerment. While Nathan announced at the outset that his goal is to teach teens, I have to say with absolute sincerity that he has a LOT to teach adults, and even groups of all adult women if he ever chose to. I would take his class in a heartbest. Throughout the entire seminar, wether we were covering seated material or active sessions, he seemed completely at home in his body, relaxed and focused about his intent and his place as the solo guy among 16 adult women.

It was an emotional closing ceremony. My voice had held out until the last lecture right before hand, so Taj and Candice handed out the certificates in the ceremony while I just stood between them with an ear to ear smile and a some tears. I am not sure I have ever cried at any ceremony since the very first, but this time I think not being able to speak held in all my emotions which I can usually share with the students through words. Being forced to be silent during this part of the event really made me stop and look each participant deeply in the eyes for some time and appreciate all the unique aspects of everyone and it was pretty wonderful. The time had flown by so fast.

I am so grateful to be a part of the empowerment of new teachers. I really learn so much so deeply from the experience. New teachers offer really fresh perspectives and ask great questions which helps me get crystal clear about the ways to be the most effective teacher possible... this often helps me identify things I have been doing without conscious thought and express them clearly. Just like making the transition from being a hooper to a hoop teacher, learning to give voice to every component involved and also holding a great space is very rewarding. I am so excited to provide the Level 2 training! The time is ripening and I sense it is time to complete the manual and set the date. With over 100 graduates from level one, the time is now.

I put off release of the HGW level two teacher certification, which I was had anticipated to begin in San Francisco in the fall of this year, to complete development of another level one hoop teacher certification program which I will be announcing more about in the October newsletter... stay tuned....