LIFT WEEKEND 1 (2009)

From Friday the 30th January to Sunday the 1st of February LIFT organised the first weekend from a series of three weekends. Eleanor Grech (one of the persons who attended LIFT Weekend 1) took the initiative to share her personal experience with LIFT on our Blog.

It was a last minute decision to come to the Lift Live-in weekend and I truly do not regret it. I honestly believe that this weekend has left a profound impact on me. Initially I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision, I was a bit scarred, but now that I’ve been part of this experience, I feel that I am already reaping the benefits.

We truly had a good time together and that is what this weekend was all about – building up new friendship and strengthening old ones, the sharing and discussion of different ideals, exploring common life values, exercise, team work - cooking and cleaning together, laughter, prayer and a long walk! All in an atmosphere of friendship, acceptance and openness to each other. And that is what struck me the most. I

t was a meaningful experience for me because first and foremost I had to stretch out and be open to a new encounter with you and make myself available for others. Another thing, I had to be involved in doing something for others (i.e. cooking and cleaning), and serve you as required. Practically knowing only a few of you, it was not easy for me to stretch myself that much. Moreover, I have to say that, I am pretty much used to going on spiritual retreats and usually you find everything prepared, planned and ready for you. You pretty much know what’s going to happen. All that is required of me is to sit and listen, eat and sleep.

I feel that in this Live-in the spiritual element was pretty much translated into practice, because the actual doing, sharing and living together as a group, has brought about a sense of unity, friendship and communion. Moreover I feel that I’ve made new and precious friends during this weekend. Indeed I honestly believe that it was a character building experience for me. And for this wonderful experience I have had with you guys I am truly grateful.

Thanks a lot.

Eleanor

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Got a similar experience? Want to comment about Eleanor's experience? Want to share your experience? Write us a comment about what you think about such events and give us your suggestions. Remember this is an open discussion :) - LIFT weekend 1 is the first from a series of 3. The second weekend will be on March 2009 and the third weekend in May 2009.