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.

LIFT Gathering III - 23/01/2009

This activity took place at the multi-purpose room (WoW) and was addressed by Fr Ray Francalanza. The main topic was about Communications and the different styles of it.

This activity was also possible thanks to the participation and direct involvement of other LIFT members including; Anne, Noel, Pierre and Jackie.

LIFT Gathering 3 - A Small brief
prepared by Pierre Azzopardi

What is good communication? What are types and styles of communications? These questions were addressed by Fr.Ray Francalanza in the 3rd LIFT gathering.

First we started with an ice breaker (forming a web). Jackie prepared some questions which were answered by those who were present. These questions helped us know each other. After answering the question, the person had to pass the string ball to another one. And this continued and a web was formed. The web repesented all those who attended - all with their own personal individualistic attributes and characteristics but all forming ONE group. One Team.

After this Ice Breaker Fr Ray delivered a talk about the subject itself. It was about negative and positive experiences. Difficulties in communications, and types of communications, such as overfunctioning and underfunctioning - all of which forming different styles of characters.

This talk raised different points from those attending. Many shared their views and a short discussion started.

After the discussion those who prepared their prayers shared prayers and others just addressed their spontaneous prayers.

This gathering was prepare by me Pierre, Noel, Ann and Jackie. Hope others will follow and give there time to Lift.

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Whilst thanking Pierre for his consisting support and comments in LIFT BLOG, we would like to invite all those who attended this event to comment and share their views about the subject.

Let us remind you that you can also write suggestions to LIFT - eg: suggesting a topic to discuss etc

Many thanks

LIFT TEAM