IPA Primal Gatherings

In a Members Survey about a month ago I was asked to think of the possible ways the IPA might reach out and attract new members. The first thing that came to my mind was: “Gatherings! More gatherings!”

In between conventions and retreats, the primal community has repeatedly shown how much it loves to keep in touch, and many IPA members now meet on a regular basis. Given the value of in-person contact, and the joy and warmth often experienced at such events, it doesn’t surprise me that the two IPA gatherings (at the home of Sam Turton and Jane Lewis in Guelph, Ontario, on August 2nd and November 22nd, 2003), were such a success. Here is what our members, Carol, Patricia, Jane, and Sam have shared about the experience:

The primal gatherings provided me with an opportunity to touch bases with like-minded, feeling people in a warm, accepting atmosphere. The added bonuses of good food, music and facilitated mat track sessions made me feel part of a healthy, loving family where everything is okay just the way it is. I did use the primal space again, later one afternoon, to express feelings triggered by this family-like scene! What makes the gatherings unique is the chance to express myself in whatever way I need to—socially, primally—or musically!

- Carol Holmes

In a nutshell, having the opportunity to meet more people involved in deep feeling/primal work was affirming, and the afternoon mat track was a great opportunity for me to work on an important personal piece connected with my best friend's departure (Maja, the author!). I believe supporting the growth of feeling communities is necessary for deep healing to happen at the individual and collective level. This was a great example!

- Patricia Poulin

I enjoy the chance to spend social time with people who are being real. That's what the IPA is about for me, and a small regional gathering allows me to connect with people this way. It feels good to know so many people in southern Ontario (and Detroit!) who are on “the feeling path,” and it feels great to see the circle expanding.

- Jane Lewis

Primal “family gatherings” at the Lewis-Turton homestead just seemed like a good, old-fashioned thing to do. We decided to keep it simple and informal—an afternoon primal group, a potluck dinner, and an evening of conversation, music, and fun. The house was humming, the food was superb, and the company was great! I think we’ve started a tradition. It’s so easy—I hope others do the same.

- Sam Turton

To me too, it was a lovely combination of deepening my existing friendships, meeting new primally-oriented people, talking unreservedly about stages of our feeling process, experiencing deep-feeling group-work, and enjoying the time immensely, with shared tears and laughter. Music, conversation on different ways of healing, and discussions on upcoming events (such as trainings and IPA
conventions) all had their part.

Since the friendships I have made play a huge role in my personal healing and growth, I strongly believe that giving primal people a chance to find one another and connect, is of exceptional importance.

As others have said above, these gatherings are indeed a good opportunity for the primal community to expand. Half of the people there were not IPA members, but they seemed highly interested in the activities of our community. Exchanges between our members about matters ranging from Ewail correspondence to convention workshops and activities, appeared, in my opinion, to be quite intriguing.

Therefore, for both the expansion of the IPA, and the deepening of its existing connections, may the future hold many more gatherings!

Maja Zilih was born and raised in Yugoslavia. She moved to Athens, Greece, eight years ago during the war, when she was seventeen. Maja represents a strong new generation of primallers.

This article appeared in the March 2004 IPA Newsletter.