IARRT Annual International Conference 2007

Testimonials

"Another Enlightening Conference: Reflections of an Attendee."

The 2006 Conference in Tempe, Arizona was Co-Sponsored and held in the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) near the hotel. Upon arriving, I was greeted by several enthusiastic people discussing the insightful accuracy of their toe readings. Several trained toe readers were giving complementary toe readings. My only regret of the conference is that I did not make time for one. Next year, however, I shall politely shove my way to the front of the line.

There is a familiar energy charge that begins to circulate in the air at the onset of every IARRT gathering. More than the tasty ‘Opening Ceremony’ hors d’oeuvres, it is the coming together of something deeper than a family reunion – probably more accurately described as a soul reunion. It marks the reuniting of minds and hearts of individuals with a common, deep-seated passion and enthusiasm, likely throughout many lifetimes, to explore methods of deep healing at the soul level and the raising of consciousness in many ways. Thus, a room full of strangers who share your deepest values and convictions can feel closer than family members in many ways. Since this was my sixth IARRT conference, it especially felt like a homecoming. As always, it energized me, sent me home with new insights and knowledge in the field of my greatest interest, and renewed my enthusiasm for my own private practice as well as different therapy methods. In short, I felt the usual battery recharge of my personal, professional and spiritual self, which comes while attending any IARRT conference. I only partly mentioned that I ate the best, most unique hors d’oeuvres I’ve ever tasted.

The Friday night keynote speaker, Dr. Chet Snow, past IARRT President, presented his research on crop circles. Nearly every mouth dropped open wide while viewing the aerial slides of the intricate, complex, and beautiful crop circle designs. There have been over 10,000 crop circles made in the past 25 years. Dr. Snow described the vast differences between the few man-made crop circles and the many “more mysteriously” made ones. Numerous designs created in the barley fields of England have been recognized and understood as ancient, significant symbols by Native American Hopi Elders. As with many topics, the more one explores the evidence and research behind crop circles, the more fascinating it becomes. Dr. Snow’s presentation amazed everyone and expanded the audience’s knowledge on the subject.

As usual, I was left with the feeling that I wished I could consciously divide myself and attend each of the workshops. The ones I went to were insightful and interesting. I enjoyed participating in the poolside chats with Maggie on Saturday, and Christine on Sunday. Maggie facilitated a discussion regarding contemporary issues that therapists today are facing. Christine led a group discussion about dealing with difficult client cases. Each of these forums enabled participants to share and exchange information, ideas and addresses.

The Saturday evening banquet featured Dr. Adrian Finklestein, author, Marilyn Monroe Returns: The Healing of a Soul, presenting his fascinating documentation, which reveals strong evidence regarding the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe as Sherrie Lea Laird. Laird is a well-known singer in Canada and Europe. The recorded similarities in Laird’s and Monroe’s singing voice, pictures of facial features and body posture are especially compelling.

The raffle and auction were another success, drawing in funds for IARRT while entertaining all. The crowd stood agape as Lou Siron won feminine prize after feminine raffle prize. On Sunday evening, many of the attendees gathered in a convoy and drove up the Pinnacle Peak Mountain to a famous Western motif restaurant, aptly named Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, where many of us danced off our dinner to a country band. All in all, the conference experience was another fun, insightful, energizing time for me. I’m glad that I prioritized it. See you at the 2007 Conference. -- Eric Christopher