Tina Curran called the recently concluded training at Bennington “small but strong,” which I think characterizes it well. Of note was an extremely enthusiastic new B1 class of six students taught by Jan Sheffner, Debbie Swayne and Bob Etherington (returning after 15 years away), and a well-received pilot class taught by Greg called “The Art of Softness.” Three apprentices were able to get teaching experience unavailable to them at home and move forward in their teaching process. New zhikr class graduates plus veteran zhikr-ers performed the final live zhikr with vigor and happiness, supported by
a strong band in an exuberant culmination to the week. The sense of community, connection, happiness and love was as strong and palpable as at any training that I can remember. Diminished numbers did not result in diminished spirit.