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A remarkable Journey for Transformation.
Ivan Kehelly
When I was in my early 20's, life was good and I was footloose and fancy free and enjoyed being self-employed as a partner in the first whole food restaurant in Northern Ireland. A good friend introduced me and I did the Landmark Forum at the Paddington Hotel in London. The Sunday evening of the Landmark Forum was a revelation for me. I got that it was a privilege and honour to be alive. My attention turned to the world around me and away from the constant chattering in my head. I felt alive and open to possibilities in life.
On returning to Belfast I sold my share in the restaurant and went to University to study Media. Later after a number of years teaching, I decided to take a year out in 1998 and make a short film with young people. Coincidentally there was a public introduction to the Landmark Forum in Belfast and I decided to review the course, as I thought it would assist me in making the film. Immediately afterwards
I signed up for the Advanced Course and it made a huge difference to me.
Look
up dates and locations of
The Landmark Forum in Ireland
It was in this Advanced Course I made a promise to my heart that I would remain awake and took a stand for possibility in the world. The short film "The Goldfish Bowl" created breakthroughs for both its participants and myself. It was shown in the then Northern Ireland Assembly in 1999 and screened publicly in front of the City Hall. The film went on to win awards at a film festival for children and young people, The Auburn International Film and Video Festival in Australia in 2000.
I went on to do one of the first Irish Introduction Leader Programmes which
was created out of the stand Olivia Serry took to bring the Landmark Forum to Ireland. In 2001 the unstoppable David Ure led the first Landmark Forum in Dublin. It was an emotional time for me to see both the Landmark Forum happening in Ireland and my wife Elaine participating in it.
In writing this I am present to the remarkable journey that is happening. There is a conversation for transformation now present in Ireland. In 1986 it was just spoken by a few of us who without the structures and training ended up being absorbed into the familiar stories of resignation. In 2004 there is a community of Landmark Graduates who keep the conversation for possibility alive. One of its expressions was that an all Irish team managed the June 2004 Landmark Forum in Belfast. As more people participate in the Landmark Forum, we hear more of the conversation for peace in Ireland.
On a day to day level I can now have a coffee at work with a colleague who is also a Landmark graduate and speak and be heard in a way that leaves us empowered. My wife now just tells me to get off it and I do. My vision is that the distinctions of the Landmark Forum become part of everyday conversations. I am clear that in making this conversation available we are transforming the fabric of society itself.
Another of our historic accomplishments in 2004 was the first Self Expression and Leadership Programme (SELP) which took place in Edgeworthtown, a small town in the centre of Ireland. As one of the coaches, it was wonderful to work with Olivia Seery who led it. I was moved and inspired to see the participants produce awesome breakthroughs in their communities radiated outwards from the heart of Ireland.
In sharing this possibility I acknowledge everyone for his or her contribution to the conversation for transformation in Ireland. I invite all of us to support each other to remain present to the power of this incredible work of
Landmark Education in Ireland and all over the
world.
September 10, 2004
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From Dublin to Belfast: The Landmark Forum Arrives
Read an article from Olivia Serry in Ireland.
Visit
Grads in Action for more inspiring news and
stories about our fellow graduates making a difference all over the
world.
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