First workshop experience

Hello all,

I have been working from 7:AM to 10:PM for the last week. That’s why I
haven’t been able to update the blog. Tomorrow is Sunday and I will have a
day of rest. Hopefully, I will be able to write a bit more and send some
pictures and a short video.

The 25 participants of my first workshop loved their experience in
bodywork. They worked hard and had some amazing breakthroughs in their
bodies. The first workshop in one of the most damaged areas of the
earthquakes is over. It was a huge success and the participants all want
to be certified to teach this technique to others.

The most common feelings that surfaced were loneliness and emptiness. I
can only wonder if this isn’t a collective experience of a traumatized
culture. Did the earthquake cause these emotions? Possibly, but I am not
sure yet. If these feelings continue to surface in other workshops with
other participants, I think it might be the most prevalent feeling of this
traumatized culture.

The people I have worked with so far seem very integrated and healthy
despite the horrible tragedy they have just endured. The infrastructure is
being rebuilt at remarkable speed. Shortly after the earthquake huge tent
cities were built to house those who were displaced. Many of these people
are already moving into new housing that was built at reduce prices by the
government. The temporary schools are actually quite beautiful. The are
aluminum housing shelters that have cement floors, air conditioning,
electricity and all the creature comforts. They don’t replace the
beautiful school buildings that were destroyed but they are excellent for
temporary school buildings.

The buildings that collapsed during the earthquakes have already been leveled and plowed. However, there is a large number of building that are still standing but are structurally unsound. All of these will have to be demolished and rebuilt. This is a huge undertaking but the government has a goal of rebuilding all the schools that were destroyed within three years. It is quite a feat but from what I have seen so far, they will achieve this goal.

I will write more later.

Love to all,
Dave