Posted by John on 31/1/2013, 11:48 pm, in reply to "January London Beginners Workshop feedback "

I was not very optimistic that anything could alter the habits of nearly 50 years but having been to a workshop my view has changed. I completely agree with what George says about thought patterns, which in my case have been, up to now, overwhelmingly negative. I perceive a definite shift in my thinking. It was amazing to see how my behaviours could be changed in the course of one weekend after so many years of avoidance. I was a bit apprehensive about going but I needn't have been. The participants were a very friendly and interesting bunch who were indistinguishable from any other group of regular people you might meet. I certainly have the feeling now that my outlook is very changed and just as George says the power this thing has had over me almost all my life is much diminished. Being able to talk with other people was very helpful - all the avoidance techniques I have employed over the years, it turns out, are what everyone else has been doing, and my anxieties about various situations are likewise what everyone else worries about. Being able to discuss these things with others was very reassuring. I've told a couple of close friends about the weekend - no one apart from family knew I was going- and their reaction was completely uncritical and supportive. Having the confidence to do that is all part of the process of change. Practice is key and I have already seen results, so I know that things can actually change. If there's anyone wondering whether they should go to a workshop, I would urge them to do so. It was a wholly positive experience. It certainly completely exceeded my expectations and showed me that my behaviour was capable of change, even after all these years.Amazing. Thanks again to Peter and Andrew, for their excellent leadership, and for putting me and everyone else at their ease.

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