Practical Workshop in Istanbul Polonezköy
That was a very stimulating practical workshop. All eight participants (lawyers, professors, and managers) were very interested in the topics addressed and eager to learn new things and put them into practice.
It was quite a challenge for the two coaches (Dr. Figen Ciloğlu and myself)!
What was the workshop about?
Healthy vegetarian nutrition: The hotel Alında did an excellent job and surprised us all with how rich and diverse vegetarian food can be. It helped to overcome any last doubts and prejudice (such as: vegetarian food is bland, lacks diversity, is unhealthy, meat is indispensable and irreplaceable, …)
Arguably the greatest challenge for all participants was the 30 min. meditation practice with one session early in the morning (6:00 to 6:30 a.m.) and another in the evening (9:00 to 9:30 p.m.). Even though the exercise was seemingly simple: sit still on your cushion, focus on your breath, and learn to be mindfully in the present.
Despite rain and frigid temperatures, after the morning meditation, and while it was still dark, we performed the sun salute and stretching on the terrace. It was a unique experience for all of us. The group’s age average was surely well over 55 years of age, but all participated enthusiastically at this early hour.
After that, mindful walking, at a slow speed, in the forest. How difficult it proved not to pay attention to the surrounding but focus on one’s steps and breath and harmonise them.
The lectures on stress and its impact on our body, soul and mind, as well as on the health challenge of our time, the metabolic syndrome, were very informative.
All participants are looking forward to the next event.
It is, of course, important to integrate the practice learned into one’s daily life. That was also an aspect of the workshop.