August 22nd, 2018

Unbelievable, but I.ve been back from my annual IBF - GIC conference for over 3 weeks now, but I.m. still adjusting. After jet lag, many adventures, and all kinds of challenges upon my return, I.ve just been rolling with the flow of things.  It seems, I had a major attitude adjustment while away for the week of the International Breathwork Foundations, 25th Global Inspiration Conference (GIC). and my 3 day- after conference holiday in Paris.  

As always, the GIC broadens my awareness of the world because it allows me to travel to unique places and at the same time, meet and grow from others who practice "breathwork".  This year, the GIC was hosted in Les Jardins de l’Anjou, La Pommeraye, France, and was attended by over 300 persons, represented by over 31 countries..  It was an amazing conference,  filled with  many amazing people and experiences and during the time, I personally made many shifts of consciousness through the expanded educational and personal development workshops, the love and joy that was so graciously, shared.  This being my 4th conference, I.ve attended as well as presented at, I expected adventures, but this year, I handled them with greater flow.

Just getting to this rural area of France, which was 4 hours away from Charles De Gauil airport,  was adventure, no 2, after BIG adventure no 1, arriving to our flight in time, yet, to be told that our BWI flight had been cancelled due to rain, and that we only had an hour and 1/2 to go around the beltway to Dulles AP, in rush hour traffic.  Traveling this time, with Dr. Arntrice Westbrook, one of my newest certified breathologists and her mother, Ms. Westbrook, was also an unique experience, cause most of my GIC trips, have so far, been by myself.   I felt especially responsible that they would have a good experience, and what a way to start a trip off, I thought.

Well, we made the flight and from that point on,  it was adventure after adventure, and with each adventure, a greater sense of knowing that "I" plan, but the Creator is truly, the best of planners.  Letting go and letting God is not a saying, it's really a practice.  Each time, what appeared like "a problem" turned out to be an opportunity for growth and "flow" - a knowingness that all would be alright. 
 
Here's just a few highlights of what I.experienced.  My Germain room-mate Uta had a near death experience, but I was at the right place at the right time to support her medical needs. And when I went to my designated area for my workshop presentation, nothing was available - no pillows, no mats - no wires for the sound system, but everyone pitched in, we got what was needed within the 20 minutes delay, and the PlayShop turned out fabulous.   Because I was detoxing, my stomach would fill up with "gas" but,  I would breathe through the "stress response", so this need offered me lots of opportunities for self-care, and I allowed others to take care of me, instead of "helping" so much, which is my usual "M.O". Then,  I returned from the conference for my Paris journey, and when I arrived at the hotel, the confirmation had been cancelled, but I was able to get a better room, with a great room-mate, which reduced my cost.  And i missed my flight upon returning, to the States due to the shuttle bus, but instead, got a non-stop flight,  next to a delightful family of Mom and 2 toddlers, which allowed me to be supportive of them, but enabled me to be in a better seat with more expanded leg room.  , And once I got home, the hotel had over-charged me, wiping out my bank account with all kinds of check charges,, yet, money has come, the bank has supported me, and even the hotel has corrected itself and apologized.  FLOW through grace of "letting go". 

Now, I.m. going to be truly authentic here - I .m. not saying, that my first reactions were always so great, but that attitude adjustment, I spoke of,  really enabled me to use my tools - taking a "deep breath" to slow down the reactive mind, really works my family.  And using O.L.B. techniques  for breathing into a "gaseous" stomach, or holding a fussy baby close to your belly to calm them down, or speaking your truth, but "breathing through" the anger, so you stay calm and in control of what you are saying -  all worked, and keeps working, if you work it.  Since returning, I.m. lighter and less burdened by the "have-too's" 

I.m. back from France and will always remember this trip, because of the growth, I gained and the many blessings I received.  . Now, as soon as I get Google to cooperate and "flow" with me,  I'll have pictures to share, so stay tuned. 
With my deepest Breath, Sekou Ayo