Theme: World Without Walls

Looking back on the past few days, it seems impossible that so many memories could be forged in such a short space of time. When have most of us experienced (or will ever again experience) a perfect rising full moon at the same time as watching a perfect sunset in the magical and surreal setting of the Champagne Turret of the Great Wall of China. Echoing Ghandi's words that we heard at that sunset moment:

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator"... and I believe we all experienced that moment quite literally together on June 2.

The amazing Steve Lester turned 70 at midnight on the Wall at our event, and proved to me that it is inspiration and always looking for the open doors that keeps us young! Kath Temple left us all with a mission to ensure we give and receive the daily dose of 4 hugs to survive and 12 to thrive! Ellen Hou built context for us around the emerging definition of happiness we all seek. Gilbert Van Kerckhove impressed on us the need to rethink our approach to the environment to preserve this glorious setting by which we all were so inspired. Alastair McRae brought us back to the need to nurture future leaders, and Andrea Krause, our entrepreneurs.Ray Yip opened our eyes to how dedication and commitment can make the impossible possible. Kristin Newton reminded us that whether we see life as either lines and shadows but an artists lurks in all of us. Barrie Noland focused our thoughts on young people and their capability to contribute to society! Chen Wu reminded us that culture and wine are important to nurture our souls. Peter Thong spoke of hope and renewal, and Craig Saphin shared his personal story of strength and survival making us all rethink where we place our priorities in life. Sahra, Alia and Safi Malik inspired us with their family bonds and commitment to making the world better in ways nature intended. Miranda Mullet took us back to her native American roots and reminded us of the essential role of every creature on this earth. Chris Howe did not streak naked and yell "Eureka", but he made us all want to! Dian Rice scared the pants off of all of us about using electronic devices, but then told us how we can be healed! Luke Eid not only added some personal color but he opened our eyes to the surge of advancing technologies that await us all around the corner. Andy Hayely not only asserted the right of all bipeds to find love, but he reminded us that there is nothing we cannot do - only things we have not yet learned how to do. CJ Wilson, reminded us that Bankers need hugs too (!) and that there are ways to set up companies in new ways without the traditional walls. Andrew Mackichan rounded out the program with a call for "diligence" observing that we someties forget that excellence is a result of focused effort and intentions - something easy to forget in an age of 30 second attention spans.

What a day it was!!!! And that was BEFORE we climbed up onto the Wall and were mesmerized by the sunset and before the lovely local dinner and bonding around the glowing campfire that followed in the IWNC Center...