Themes, Topics and Subjects Covered

At the start of the programme delegates were invited to set the agenda based on their specific needs and objectives. This ensured that the process was truly 'learner centered' as opposed to the very commonly used 'facilitator centered' approach.

1. Creativity lies within everyone and all that is required to unleash it is the right environment... we were able to practically demonstrate the artist, the poet, the musician, the problem solver and the holistic thinker that lies within. Many participants surpised themselves and others with their personal and professional "aaha's". By tapping into their innate potential people begin to see themselves, their colleagues, their work and the world with new eyes and increased levels of self confidence, awareness and gratitude.

2. We live in a quantum world in which everything is interconnected....one of the biggest shortcomings in the world today is that few people are able to think systemically and as a consequence are unable to see and understand the 'big picture'. This alarming blindspot is the major cause for the many serious and life threatening problems we have created on this planet. I shudder to think what our children and grandchildren are going to be burdened with. The large majority of experiences we create in our programmes practically demonstate and highlight the critically important need to think and act holistically. This is especially important for those in leadership or managerial positions.

3. Holistic wellbeingness is a prerequisite for optimal living, learning, working and relating....our modern world operates at a frenetic pace that place huge and unrealistic demands on your biological, cognitive, emotional, social and spiritual resources. Burnout, addictions, dysfunctional families, destructive relationships, psychological disorders to name but a few are all a result of our inability to cope with stress and live balanced healthy lives. Participants personally experienced many ways to eradicate many of these problems and promote holistic wellbeingness.

4. Building an authentic community is the only way in which the full potential of a group can be optimized and expressed....few people would dispute the fact that effective group work can achieve the seemingly impossible. It is therefore not surprising that most organisations go to great lengths to encourage effective team work and collaboration. Our unique community building process goes way beyond conventional team building models and approaches and forms an integral part of our 4 day learningshop. Many participants stayed on long after the programme ended because experiencing an authentic community is captivating.

5. The cycles of change and importance of learning to let go when a cycle has ended....human beings resist change and often doing this has very negative ripple effects. While we are adept at getting things such as friends, a partner, a job, a hobby, a meal, a home, etc we are generally incompetent at letting go and adapting to changing environments and circumstances. This common blindspot was addressed through a number of different experiences aimed at providing insights into our own abilities/inabilities to deal with change.

6. In addition to the above we also explored, discussed and discovered expanded perspectives on the following topics/subjects/themes:

   • Power of Service... from customer service to customer delight
   • Personal mastery and knowledge of self
   • Noble silence and inner stillness
   • Kairos and Kronos time
   • Intuition and its role in decision making
   • Holistic, transformational and servant leadership
   • Information overload
   • Humour in the workplace
   • Cultivating an attitude of gratitude
   • Life priorities
   • Group dynamics
   • Optimising communication
   • Creating win/win outcomes
   • Individual and collective problem solving
   • Lessons from nature and the natural order
   • Why our conventional teaching, training, managing and communicating approaches are so ineffective and inefficient
   • Techniques and tools for creating engaging and unforgettable messages

Nature Table Poetry

"Pinnacles, tops, fairy spires,
a land of plenty
placed purposefully
with design entwined in a thousand thoughts
to fall as One"

Alban Rolando

"Amber amber geel en groen
Wat will die lewe met my doen?
Pers en rooi, waar kruip jy weg?
Die lewe se mooi.
Hout op gras, gras op hout, dan roep 'n swart kraai kres.
Amber amber geel en groen.
Wat will ek met die lewe doen?
Lemoentjie, lemoentjie suur en soet.
Dan fluister 'n pluim in die wind.
Word stil my kind.
Die lewe le soet om jou mond.
Hou dit vas vir 'n sekond"

Corne Theunissen

"Ons lewens is soms uitgedroog,
verrimpel soos boombas,
wind waai deur die droë gras.
Saggies val 'n saadjie op vrugbare grond,
stadig ontkiem dit uit die verlede se wond.
Die kleur wat te voorskyn kom, maak alles gesond.
Wind waai deur die nuwe gras,
my siel is skoon gewas.
Die kleure rondom my is bont
en ek weet ek staan op God se vrugbare grond.
Wind waai deur die groen gras,
Met nuwe oë kyk ek na die boombas.
Dit vertel 'n storie van liefde, hoop en bowenal glorie"

Jana Boshoff

Earth Legacy

"The bones of my ancestors... painting dreams and trances and the fruits of their labours all the magical beauty in one round whole life, seed, fruit, leaf, medicine, bark, soil, rock, rock of ages, of the ancients and the bones of my ancestors "

Benita Olen

"In die doodste dag kom gee kleur vir ons mag
Voels se vlerke versprei
gaan did rerig oor jou or oor my?
Met stof is dit bedek en trane
Dit is ons Bybel dit is ons les
kleure, geure, vorms en voel
Hoekom begin daar nou eers gevoelens krioel
Als was nog altyd daar
maar vir party steeds onsigbaar
alles is gelyk elk met doel
Dit is pragtig, dit is die punt"

Rozelda Koekemoer

"Bene, blare, take, bos geluide
Verdwaalde mooi opgetooi omvoude deure in dood nuwe lewe ronde...
lag in stene soek na sin in verloosheid oor gegewe
stap deur die valeie die malboes deur die goue hewels na gevleulde keuses.
Sit in the skadu van droogheid en staar na sagte dorings en verbeelding"

Kobus Deysel

"Sphere, rectangle, circle of life, co-creation of mind, heart, spirit, hand.
Breathtakingly beautiful, majestic, magical in diversity of shape, form, colour, flow.
This timeless dance of man, woman and nature, my cup runneth over"

Bruce Copley

"Soos die wind deur die takke waai
So se die lewe soms koebaai
As ons net weer kon stil staan
sal ons alles verstaan
Alles is aan ons gegee
so wat kan ons terug gee"

Hendrik Brits

EARTH, THE MOTHER OF LIFE

"The Earth is the Mother of life
It yields many things
Out of it comes the fruit
It yields many things
Out of it comes the grass
From the tiny blade of lawn
To the giant reed
Out of it comes many things
The flowers bright, colorful and beautiful
The trees of all kind sizes
Out of it comes many things
Indeed the earth is the source and Mother of life"

Tennyson Ncube

"See van vorms en van kleur
In stilte het hande dit laat gebeur
Wat is die doel, skep van gevoel
Vreugde, ruimte elkeen sien sy eie doel"

Koos Botha

"As I gaze upon the kaleidoscope of natural colours used in this God's masterpiece
I am overwhelmed by the thought that I am part of something that shall neither diminish nor cease
Leaves, grass,barks, rocks, fruits, seeds, starks, twigs and flowers
All of different textures, shapes, sizes, heights, layers
all possessing their own purpose and unknown powers
Man-made structures created in the scope of man's limited wisdom
Cannot compare to God's creation and the synergy of his magnificent kingdom"

Keenan Bergins

"Van stof tot stof of 'n stippel in die wind
ons/alles is God se kind
Rooi, geel bruin of groen iets van elke seisoen
niks met die hand gemaak maar dit het ons aangeraak
'n Sinergie wat samspeel in die wind
want ons/alles is God se kind

From molecule to dust you can trust the synergy that comes from above
it's sacred but real allowed to just be
for us to see under the big tree
a tiny flower or a piece of bark
a snake or a bird
we are only a part"

Thana Pienaar

"The beauty of nature in all its splendor and stillness,
The blooming flowers proudly display their majestic colours,
The intricate complexity of its delicate structure knows no bounds,
The formation of life lies still awaiting its turn in God's creation"

Kevin Brett

"Stok, blaar, plant, aan wie is ons verwant? So vervleg in mekaar se lewe soos die patrone hier gegewe.
Groen, grys, blou, ek wens elke oomblik was soos nou.
Sirkels, driehoeke en vierkante in 'n string,
simbole van vreugde, samesyn, vriendskap en waardering.
Hier en daar ook 'n spatsel rooi, in my hart en gees vasgevang,
...die mooi"

Anne Timms

"There is only one word and feeling that comes to mind - GRATITUDE... 4 Amazing days with 18 special people (old and new friends), a brilliant AND compassionate "Teacher and Guru" - Bruce Copley. It is indeed people like you who are helping our broken world to heal and for those of us who are constantly in process of growing and expanding as human beings, you provide such amazing knowledge and guidance. Barbara who added the "specialness" with her Cello and great humor, Cathy who taught us about mind and life mapping, an environment that healed my soul and re-connected my spirit - my sincerest thank you to you all! My life "journey" is so much more complete with all these new life tools in our "toolbox". Words are just so inadequate to express my gratitude for the privilege of having been offered the opportunity to participate in the Aaha Learningshop which could not have come at a more appropriate time for me. Bruce, I will forever be grateful for this manifestation and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not only did the learningshop provide me personally with significant insights, as to the reason and purpose of my existence, but has it also given me insights as to how to serve Humanity more effectively. I trust that our paths will cross again."

CHRISTINE DELPORT - CEO Greater Rustenburg Community Foundation

"I have to say that my experience of your learningshop really has changed my life. I found it an incredibly liberating, expansive experience and it's been one of those thresholds that I have crossed from which one cannot return. Now that I have "seen" there is no turning back. I am so touched by the personal attention and incredible love and effort and energy that you put into it, that creating this personalised feedback... brought tears to my eyes! Deepest gratitude. Barbara, I was so moved by the magical beauty that you create with your cello. I am so glad to have made a connection through what I shared with everyone."

BENITA DE WET - Ecological Researcher, CSIR

"I would really like to THANK YOU in absolute capital letters for the platform and opportunity you have given me to get to the personal insight I got in abundance. For me personally, a lot of the pieces of the puzzle came together on the Friday morning and there are actually no words in describing the intensity of my insight and also the speed at which this insight is extending and growing. Although the Holoprint has been one of the big AAHA moments, the process on the Friday morning has answered most of my life long questions in my own life context. As I am a facilitator for specific workshops focusing on the awareness around human potential, I have shared this insight and experience with a group of people two weeks ago. The outcome was overwhelming and profound! Thank you so much for your willingness, your passion, your giving and your love! I will always treasure this learning experience for as long as I live ...a turning point in my thinking, my attitude and especially the day I have tasted freedom. This is growing and expanding! May you all be blessed with the work you are doing and be guaranteed of my sharing it with all I know."

NOHLINE GEYER - Consultant and Personal Mastery Facilitator

"We had such fun this weekend starting our braai fire with the fire kit. Everyone looked on including my mother in-law who was amazed as Tiffany and I called down the sun. A couple of attempts and a little impatience but eventually after gently breathing life into the ember for the third time we had FIRE! I took the opportunity to get them to make a holoprint. This fuelled the conversation for a long time more. These tools are so ingenious in placing people into the experience of knowledge. I thank you as well as Barbara and Cathy for a most engaging learningshop. Many AAHA insights and affirmations."

ALBAN ROLANDO - Construction Engineer and Ecologist

"I have been amazed and surprised even had to give up my perception of wanting . . . in the community of like-minded souls I breathed with the trees soared with the angels and was made to communicate with Moosie . . . Innermost secrets were shared sounds most beautiful produced by man and beast. And boy, did we eat! Late one night magic was made and fire created, why, even Sarie Marais made a guest appearance... We were treated to a cracking good show and, oh my goodness, did we laugh! I have not had so much fun in years."

WIKUS HOOGENBOEZEM - Community Development facilitator

"One word: AWESOME!!!!!!"

KEENAN BERGINS - Sun International Casino Operations Manager

"I shared the Holoprint with my children who were fascinated and we have been walking in local parks showing respect for nature."

KEVIN BRETT - Sun International Casino Slots Manager

"Thank you so much for a great experience at Shangrila. All three of you blessed me so much."

CORNE THEUNISSEN - Research and Development Manager

"I think about the course often, and even though I have not applied it as much in school, my personal life sure has felt it"

ROZELDA KOEKEMOER - Prestige College High School Teacher

"I would love to have the Learning Review to refresh my mind and to have something else to ponder on. Thank you for a great experience, indeed an experience I have never had before."

THANA PIENAAR - Prestige College High School Principal

"Dit was 'n amazing experience."

JANA BOSHOFF - Reserve Bank Manager

"It was a great journey and the 3 of you guided us well and thank you for that. As with all journeys you see a lot but when comeback and you relive the moments it is only then that you realise the full impact of what you have experienced. For me it was great."

KOOS BOTHA - Eskort Meat General Manager

"Bruce, you offered us a smorgasbord of diverse experiences and sensations that tapped into every cell in our bodies. We benefitted from a lifetime of your dedication to helping people to learn, from an astounding energy and creativity and a passion. Thanks for reminding us of the need for our bodies to be included in the learning process. The big wide world seems to have forgotten that. Barbara, your gentleness and kindness is a wonderful compliment to Bruce's masculine energy. Thank you for the incredible music and humour, both essential tonics for the body. Your quiet yet incredible talent added richness and depth to the experience. Thank you. This all reminds me of the story of a little girl who said to her mom one morning, "Goodbye Mommy, I am off to school and what will you be doing today?" Mom replied,"I will be teaching a group of grownups how to paint". "Why", said the little girl, "have they forgotten?""

CATHY YUILL - Coach and Facilitator

"Looking through the photos brought a rush of wonderful memories. I treasure all the time I have spent with you and thank you for including me in your learning shops. I use a lot of the lessons I learned every day of my life and think of you often with love and gratitude."

ANDRE VAN NIEKERK - Sculptor

"I remember, in absolute awe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

RENE KIDD - Facilitator

"It is indeed fabulous to celebrate your 21st birthday in such a serendipitous manner, well nothing is really random. Does this mean that you now got the key to the future... Amazing, walk willing into the unknown next 21 years with all the blessings, grace and abundance that the Universe holds for you, magnificent wizard..."

MARINDA HAWTHORN - Facilitator