T3: Taiwan Towers & Temples

I had no idea there were so many unique & fascinating Towers in Kaohshiung, Taiwan! Taoism/Daoism, Confucius & More inspired the many along Lotus Lake.

Luckily, I had a few great hosts take me around Lotus Lake to view many of the Towers the day prior to the workshops. I continue to be so impressed by what I learn in other areas of the world. There is just so much uncovered ground out there, we cannot believe we know it all. As RG reminds me back home "After all we are living on a planet that is literally floating in space and we can't even figure out how that is happening". And look what remarkable imagination and creativity is here in Taiwan:

FYI, what is interesting as well is that in these two towers above, you must enter through the Dragon's mouth for Good Luck and exit through the Tiger's Mouth for safety & protection. Great imagery isn't it?

Here are a couple more ornate temples along the lake.

And finally we ended our walk at Confucius Temple which was perhaps my favorite. More because it felt so incredibly peaceful and the grounds are so lovely. They've converted a portion of it now into some offices but just imagine sitting here to journal! So tranquil!

And of course lunch! So many continue to ask me to put up photos of the food :) I just won't show you my poor skill at the Chopsticks, though I continue to diligently use them at every meal in an effort to master it, I still am in need of practice. My gracious staff of volunteers & hosts were so amazing to have me try SO MANY Traditional Taiwanese dishes! I am so grateful for you all-Thanks so much for expanding my palate! 

P. S. Just so you know-it is sooo hot in Taiwan! No scarves for me, not to mention that a Typhoon came through while I was there!

Ackerman Taiwan with Photos!

Thank you sooo much to all those who attended the workshops in Kaohshiung, Taiwan! We had an awesome turn out both days! I really enjoyed my arrival greeting by Eunice & John & Joss at the airport. You all are super kind.

Our first day of workshops focused on Experiential Learning. The participants were so flexible and curious to learn about Sensory Tools & other Experiential Activities for Teens. I am also so impressed with all that Ackerman Adventures has to offer youth. I really enjoyed my tour around the Cheng Chung Lake area & the Adventure Facilities. Your high ropes courses look incredible!

We learned a lot together the first day. I was so excited to see so many people wanting to try some new activities.

Thanks so much for all your kindness & generosity! Tina & Joss you all are so awesome and I really appreciate all your hospitality.

My Big Buddah & the Unplanned Moments of Life

After finishing the workshops in Hong Kong I was introduced to some possible site seeing opportunities in the area. Some of my new friends were sharing about a quick ferry ride from HK to an island near by where one can take a bus or cable car up the peak to a Buddhist Temple. Evidently at the top of the peak there is an incredibly large statue of Buddha.

That was enough to inspire me towards the adventure. The following morning I decided to casually go about my day with no plans other than to attempt this ferry ride & see how far I would get.

Now may be a good moment to mention that when I travel I tend to find the idea of having minimal plans fantastic. Needless to say, I found the ferry launch and while awaiting the boarding time I happened to sit next to an incredibly friendly couple named Yvone & Michelle from Seoul, South Korea. Here is a picture of them:

Come to find out, Yvone runs a Pastoral Counseling center in Seoul called Seoularium Counseling. It was such a nice surprise to connect and learn about their work & life in Seoul. Michelle is a jazz pianist! It seems that the universe continues to direct me to connect with amazing people who are helping make the world a more peaceful place!

After our leisure stroll along the beach I found out the departure center for the buses leading up to the Temple. That’s when I decided to give my new friend Irvin a call; Irvin works at Treasure Island and adventure therapy site on Lanteau. He was just passing by the bus center in time to scoop me up for a ride around the island! My surprise adventure landed me on an incredible beach at sunset where the staff of TI greeted me with incredible friendliness & hospitality.

Irvin introduced me to Currin Cooley, an American born but International minded gentleman who is doing fantastically exciting research in New Zealand. Currin’s dissertation is focused on Cross-Cultural aspects of Adventure Therapy .What a treat to sit and chat about Adventure Therapy across cultures! I am so impressed with the work he is doing and the partnership between he and TI which has led them even now to mainland China to incorporate more community work and adventure therapy for youth. Currin. . . Wherever you are in the world: Please keep us posted on your findings and Thank You for doing this exciting research!  Your stories and experiences are an inspiration

While enjoying the time at Lanteau Island I was so content meeting such kindred spirits. And I was reassured that sometimes the best and richest moments in life are the ones unplanned. It was an amazing lesson for me that my Big Buddah on Lanteau Island came in the form of a Phillipino, an American-Kiwi & a gorgeous beach sunset! Live in the unplanned moments!

Taiwan

In Taiwan and giving a lecture today on Experiential Activities!! It's going great and the participants are awesome!!! :) More to come!!

Stages of Change

After 6 hours of teaching, Dim Sum lunch, lots of great discussion the weekend was a success!Thanks so much to Wellness First Workshops & Anthony Cheng for all your kindness and organization. Here is a quick pic of my super host:

I conducted three different lectures during the day. We covered our foundation for the day in the morning: Stages of Change. The feedback from the afternoon indicated that all the participants most benefited from beginning with that material. We had some incredible discussion about how to work with our clients in Denial. We also spent some good discussion on helping those in Contemplation do a Cost/Benefit Analysis of their behaviors. Here is a really great picture!

In case some of you have never had proper Dim Sum please go to your nearest China town to give it a try! Incredible assortment of foods! Thanks so much to my gracious group for lunch. I tried at least everything that was ordered-what an adventure! And of course loads of hot tea!

Of course we finished the afternoon with a lecture covering Addiction. More on that & what I learned from my participants later! Closing the day out, we reviewed elements of Compassion Fatigue & Burnout. It was great to lead a few minutes of Mindfulness with the participants! Such a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment we are in right now!

I was so excited to have them take me to Mongkok after the workshops. That was a totally interesting experience. Tons of people, tons of lights, tons of shopping in the Ladies Market and really authentic and unique foods. Check us out in our traditional dining establishment.

Thanks so much to Anthony, KY, Casey, Brenda & Irvin!

HK Lights

I had an incredible time meeting up today with my host Anthony and finishing up our preparations for Sunday. He was so gracious to give me a small tour of part of Hong Kong today. A few of the places are below

The Jade Market was super neat! Tons of beads, pears & of course jade everything. Such great colors and shades!

Then we picked up some street food. . . .



And check out this Glitzy mahjong game center!

Hong Kong

I've officially arrived in Hong Kong! Aside from some slight time vertigo of uncertainty what day I'm currently in-things are great! My awesome hostess & friend took me to a fantastic Chinese restaraunt with a great group of folks! So far all is well and I'm very much looking forward to learning about the area and culture.

The city feels safe and its so interesting to see the Chinese characters on all the signage. Tomorrow I go to meet the conference coordinator Anthony near the Man Mo Temple and then we will have tea & prepare further.

Exciting days to come!