It’s a curious thing how my mind works: an entirely appropriate thing to say considering I’m a psychologist. I just realized that I hadn’t posted anything related to the last major conference I went to: the European Transpersonal Associations (EUROTAS) latest conference which was held in Barcelona this last October.
I must say, I really had my doubts about making out to Spain at all in light of the economy and my status as a graduate student on a budget. Let’s just say that I certainly don’t get any stipends or institutional funding or support to go to conferences.
Having spent the majority of my childhood (military brat) in Madrid, I jumped at the opportunity to make it back to Spain. Not only that but I consider EUROTAS conferences to be the only place in the world where being a student at ITP is considered prestigious. Sad but true. Most of the time I have answer to puzzled looks and expressions of bewilderment when I mention the word “transpersonal.” It is a cross that took me a long time to come to terms with bearing. That is, I have my “moments” when it comes to sharing my enthusiasm and vision for the field, which is generally omnipresent and quite strong.
Barcelona is a world-class, cosmopolitan city teeming with riches. The fact that the conference was held here attests to the uniquely Catalonian character of the whole event. Wine was served with nearly every meal and people were generally very informal and “relaxed.” Need I mention that everyone I met was incredibly friendly?
I presented a simple talk on my observations as a member of the next generation for the future of the field. I think it went very well, considering the usual technical difficulties. Most of the time I was met with several nods in agreement as I slowed-down the pace of my talk considerably to accommodate my translator to turn my American English into Catalan.
I love conferences like this and I certainly feel blessed to be able to make it to Europe when money and funds are so rare in this field, especially as a student footing the bill out-of-pocket. Now, if I can just figure out a way to get someone to sponsor me in the future . . .
Hi, sorry to hear that you consider being a transpersonalist “a cross to bear.” I consider it a chance to educate people. You might be surprised to find out how many folks are interested but have no place to find info or express themselves. We can offer them that opportunity.
Would you like to join my group on Facebook – The Transpersonal Counseling Center Group? We’d love to have you join our discussions.
Catherine
Hi Catherine, thanks for your reminder. Your point is duly noted. For the record, I must say that I absolutely agree with your perspective and am usually the one who is championing the transpersonal vision. What I meant by what I said is that it can be a burden at times to have to explain what the word “transpersonal” means. I am quite good at it, I think, having had years of practice. I do have my moments, though, and I guess I was merely expressing that.
Again, thanks for the reminder!