Summer Thoughts (2021)

It is 2021. Summer is here. I am watching the ocean on Shediac Bay a few metres from my house as it laps gently against the rocks below. A sailing boat eases across the bay and out into the Northumberland Straits. I sip my coffee.

This morning I had several messages. One confirmed the request for me to speak at a conference on Emotional Fitness; another was from my publisher saying that the latest book has been doing so well they are going into a second reprint. A few were from E-Fitness coaches and instructors just giving an update on some of the things they have been doing and the successes they have experienced. Two were from E-Fitness Centre managers with their latest news items. One was from a journalist in New Zealand asking for an interview.

Apparently, Emotional Fitness has reached a critical mass, where professionals are being trained in some or all of the processes. Social workers, counsellors, front line medical practitioners, even lawyers now have Listening Power as a mandatory part of their training. Right across the spectrum of corporate and government organizations, managers and leaders are asking for the training, or requesting E-Fitness coaches to work with them. Newspapers, magazines, health journals and many of the new media outlets are talking about E-Fitness. It has become a word on people’s lips, sometimes in jest, usually with a sense of understanding that here is something that is of value to every human being.

The E-Fitness Centres are really centres of excellence, where the owner-leader of each centre creates the possibilities for people to receive personal E-Fitness coaching, training to become E-Fitness coaches and Instructors and for a variety of services, materials and events to be available.

What’s nice about all of this for me is that I am not involved in any of that. Others stepped forward to take over the reins of various capacities, leaving me to write, to speak and to offer support in ways that suit them and me. What’s also nice is that the fruits of my, and others labours are being recognized financially. Mine is now mostly through the book sales and the use of the materials. The key has been the business development role taken by one entrepreneurial, yet sensitive person who emerged just at the right time.

It is an interesting model. Each owner/leader of a centre is dedicated to the development of each person who connects with them, as well as to the development of the whole. Each is part of a learning environment, sharing what has been tried and learned. Each invests in his or her own centre and develops a team according to local needs. An agreement with the Institute is mutually beneficial, allowing for a balance between independence, collaboration and an adherence to an established set of values and quality guidelines. The mission and vision of the Institute is adopted by each of the centres.

I am satisfied that we have taken important steps towards our mission and vision. I know that for the individuals whose lives we impact, E-Fitness has been and will continue to be huge. At the same time I understand we will never achieve our ultimate goal and that this is a tiny, albeit significant contribution to universal harmony. And for those of us who have a part in the work, it is a fulfilling and fun way to live a life.

- Warren Redman Summer 2021