Just before the U dive
The Perth Ulab meet and greet evening was held a few nights ago in anticipation of the much awaited 2018 ulab course scheduled to start on 13 Sept.
The Hub Host Team had set the scene with care and forethought. Gentle wafts of lemon scented eucalyptus infused the air. Delicious snack foods graced the table. The chairs in the room stood ready in a circle.
People began drifting in and before long we were seated solemnly facing the centre and each other. The tealight candles were lighted and an imaginary campfire, mini as it was flickered to life.
Introductions were made and I gazed in awe at HR professionals, educators, leadership consultants, NGO managers, and government people who also showed up in their other and more natural roles of fathers and mothers, pet owners, sportswomen, embodiment practitioners, book readers and lovers of nature.

We broke into smaller groups and drew closer in as we began the intimate task of connecting with each other. The question of where the future beckoned, was explored and I felt a surge of energy in the room as people leaned in, ears pricked and hearts open as stories of inspiration were shared.
Later, the space was opened up for enquiries about the practical aspects of the ulab.
There was a strong contingent of the Presencing Foundation Program alumni (The PFP was held recently in Fremantle) present at the Perth Ulab Hub. Their wealth of knowledge and their deep personal engagement with Theory U was too good an opportunity not to be missed. They offered up tips and insights on engaging with the program. They spoke of transformation and inner change, of centering and grounding oneself, of being open and being ready to step into the future. I felt a shift in the room as if the act of presencing was already making itself felt.
In line with aspects of Social Presencing Theatre that would form part of the Ulab online course, I asked participants to end the session with the offering of a gesture that expressed how they felt.
A sense of misgiving and uncertainty seemed to rise up as those new to the U concept hesitated at this strange, new practise. Then almost naturally, each of the PFP alumni cohort began stepping forward to enact their gestures.
I smiled gratefully and my heart squeezed with a certain joy as I watched them proudly and confidently embody what we had been practising since the PFP program ended eight weeks ago. It was the perfect cue and before long, every one of us had bravely put ourselves out there, in what would have been an uncomfortable and unusual feeling of expressing oneself without words.
I saw an opening up of chests, of arms expanding wide and up towards the heavens, a throwing back of the head and sweet loving gazes being exchanged all around. I felt a great intention being set for the deep learning, the connection and the compassion that will unfold in the coming weeks.
Thank you to all those who came to the meet and greet. There was an unmistakable sense of being ready to step into the future.
Special thanks to NIT Australia for providing the venue.
