This past Friday, I presented GAPS (for five hours, plus an unanticipated additional Q&A period for another hour and a half immediately following the sessions) at the 10th Annual Conference of the Weston A Price Foundation.
What an incredible experience.
The audience seemed truly hungry for information on how to heal ourselves, our children, our parents and our patients suffering from dementia, autism, ADD, Crohn’s and more.
In the process of developing the presentation, and in listening to audience members, I learned so much. I will be sharing that learning in posts to come.
For now I will just say three things:
1: What an absolute wonder and honour it was for me to be given the opportunity to share my son’s story, plus practical steps for implementing the program. Although I myself am a visual and experiential learner, I’m aware that a live presentation plus the recordings (not yet available) will be a great boon to those who prefer an audio format.
2: It was absolutely incredible to meet people from the GAPShelp list (Inas, Gina, Chris, Nancy in NC, Kelly C, Simone -and her sister Jody who is GAPShelping vicariously), one of my co-moderators Millie, people whose blogs I love (Kimi, Ann Marie, Jenny, Kelly), and people whose books I’ve read and learned from (Rami Nagel and Sally Fallon among them). I was very sad not to get to meet Lori, a GAPShelper who lives in the area, but hopefully next time. Because, oh, there will be a next time! Read on…
3: For 36 hours I felt like I was in some sort of GAPS heaven: enjoying broths, fermented veggies and fermented drinks while surrounded by grounded, gentle, mild, happy people who love real food and who willingly work hard to keep it available.
Absolutely, unbelievably wonderful. I so recommend this conference.
Thank you to all of you who gave positive and supportive feedback regarding the presentation, to those brave enough to come and learn something new, to those courageous enough to ask their questions, to my fellow GAPShelpers for supporting me in energy and words both long distance and on-site, to Dr Rosann Volmert for contributing her clinical experience in response to specific questions asked during the add-on Q&A, to those who shared personal, friendship time with me -a great gift to me while so far from home- and, of course, to Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride and Peter Campbell-McBride for proposing in the first place that I present at all!
Gratefully,
Baden
So cool, Baden. Proud to “know” you, even a little bit. Congratulations.
Eloise
Eloise: Funny you should post in response to this, because while writing the post, I had a big twinge of sadness that this event did not involve meeting you and a few others who I feel such a connection with. After meeting these guys, I also remembered how I had envied you and Jodi meeting up in NY, knowing how much I would love to be able to meet you both, too.
Hopefully one day…
All my best,
B.
Wow Baden! I have been following this and sending my best thoughts. I am so lucky to know you, even though currently limited to the printed word. I was so sorry to miss the conference (one I have attended for the last 3 years with joy) and especially to miss your presentation. I will have to get the audio, as I am sure you have added to the body of GAPS knowledge . . . What a great thing!
Baden,
I’m sitting here cuddling my 3 yr old having not seen her for 3 days because of the conference. But it was one of the only things in the world that was absolutely worth it. I feel so lucky to have met you and got to spend some time getting to know you. You are truly a very special person that is touching and changing alot of people’s lives. I wish we lived next door so we could share in your community and just get a chance to hang out with you!
YOU ROCKED IT at the conference!! What a fabulous job you did. It made me smile to see the same people show up after the break, that had hardly a connection or person to help, at least they thought they didn’t at the beginning!!
I’m glad to be able to picture you and hear your voice now when I read your posts.
Gina
Ah, B, our envy is reversed then! How lucky you were to connect with such wonderful listers. Yes, some day New York!
Back atcha,
Eloise (still in Scotland ’til Dec. and looking forward to connecting up with Jodi)
Dear Baden,
It was such an amazing experience meeting you and having the opportunity to experience your terrific presentation last Friday. You did such a wonderful job! You spoke so beautifully, calmly, and with such wisdom and grace. I learned so much from you. It is a priviledge to be part of such a special group and for Jodi and I to have had the opportunity to get to know you, Gina, Cris, Nancy and Millie. What a wonderful group. I look forward to future communication as we all continue our wonderful GAPS journey.
Best,
Simone