April Newsletter

April 2012 Hi WEBSITE We are already well into April and my life's adventures have brought me to Seoul, Korea which have inspired this month's theme of THE ANCIENT TRADITION OF ARCHERY. (Check out this month's game for how you and your mate can mimic the ancient art of archer's in war times)  I am sitting in the dining area of the hallowed Archery school of Hyung Tak Kim, affectionately known as Coach Kim. I am serving as the Athlete Liaison for the Australian Archery Team on their mission towards the London Olympics (in July/August of this year).   On the eve of their first World Cup in Shanghai, we are all sitting around reminiscing on what each of our favorite memory has been in only one week in camp in this foreign land where archery reigns. After retiring as a full-time athlete in 2008, it has been a coming home to be back "on Tour" in sport life once again. As the young archers laugh all around me, I sit back and realize there is nothing that parallels a team road trip! These archers have accepted me into their family and trusted me with their sacred space, their inner-most fears and the highs and lows of hitting and missing bullseyes! More than ever, I am convinced that relationships are by design and occur one moment at a time... I have to mention my visceral experience of the variance between Eastern and Western culture. Here's just one example: Residing in the austere grey marble Jungwon University, the use of their fitness centre was an exercise in culture differences. When the team attempted to do a stretching session, we were quickly reprimanded for entering with our "outdoor shoes" on. Shuffling acceptable shoed members to the front, I attempted to sneak the others in behind the watchful eye of the official. The Korean-Aussie member of our team (he has been an Australian citizen for over 15 years but still embodies his native Korean culture) immediately called us out on this tactic, reminding us that to do this would sully the reputation of the enamored Coach Kim. The mere mention of Coach Kim had been opening doors all over the city and prices were knocked back when the infamous coach of Korea's very first women's gold medal was spoken. Our sneaky attempts could have darkened a lifetime of integrity and respect given to this saintly man. In that moment, I felt the honor and dignity of a life well served and wondered who we were really trying to fool. There are those poignant moments where you see yourself plainly and you decide whether you will rise to the occasion and remain the same...I knew that I wanted to be better for this Korean education in the field! I can only imagine that next month will hold even more adventures when I touch down in Shanghai and Antalya,Turkey. Of all the places I have traveled in my life, the Turkish baths are one I have yet to explore. Enjoy this month's Couples Game inspired by the traditional art of Korean Archery, To your bullseye, Ive got your back! This month's game mimics the ancient skill of archery. In the ancient art of war, warriors would stand back to back and defend for their lives with weapons such as bow and arrow. Not only was it important to have archery skills, but trusting and protecting your fellow warrior whose back could be felt during battle was essential to survival. This is where the expression "I have your back" stems from. In this abridged version of ancient war times, your couple will experience what it is to have each other's back while achieving a specific outcome. read more Designing Your Pantheon Relationship Brisbane TBA Brisbane Imagine for a moment putting the same amount of purpose, time and energy as you would training for the Olympic Games...into your relationship! view details I've got your back! Watch Now Contact Phone (or skype call): +61 7 3103 3940