JOURNEYS TO WELLNESS VI OCT. 14, 2017
FEEDBACK RESULTS
67 (62 at the event and 5 by mail as of 10/17/17)
Compiled by Sharlene Yamauchi, Ron Yamauchi & Wally Fukunaga on Oct. 15, 2017
Reviewed by Arlene Luster Oct. 16, 2017
1. What was most meaningful in today’s program and why?
A large majority responded the keynote address by Dr. John Houk with the following reasons offered:
Message was lively, practical and personal
Enjoyed his use of stories of real people coping with challenges of aging
Valued his message that while “aging is not an option, aging well is”.
Also, that aging is part of life and should be embraced
He was down-to earth and very believable
He spoke in a manner that was easy to understand
What he said was appropriate for any age group, not just the elderly
Challenged all to examine and change their lifestyle to enhance the quality of their lives
The second highest response was the whole event with following reasons offered:
The whole program was inspiring and relevant
Appreciated the participatory nature of the way it was offered
Like how people were open and shared from the heart
Valued exposure to different modalities related to health and the quality of life
Every year the event gets better; several noted, “This was the best!”
All was done beautifully because it was done with loving and kind intentions
Loved meeting people who are excited about living
Touched by the caring and spirituality of all the participants
Learned techniques toward achieving a healthy body, mind and spirit
It was special taking time off from my usual Sat. routine and experience this reflective day
The positive attitude of all the speakers and participants about life and getting older
The third highest response was break-out sessions, and mainly the workshops. The reasons mentioned will be covered under Question 3.
Other aspects of the day’s program that received appreciative comments were:
The respondents’ messages- touching and encouraging; however, one person asked whether they might have been omitted to allow more time for the workshops.
The Puaka`ana o ka lā Award presentation was seen by several as very meaningful and uplifting. It was observed that they all deserved the recognition bestowed upon them. “Very cool,” noted one.
Also mentioned was the special music offered by Woody Chock and the Sacred Spiritual Dance by Sr. Yoo Soo Kim. Several said their presentations really stood out for them and others asked that there be more live art presentations in future programs.
2. How did you respond to the keynote address, respondents and discussion?
Much of the responses relating to the keynote address was covered above since many viewed it as “the most meaningful part of the day’s program”. But in addition, the following were noted:
The adjectives, “excellent”, “very positive” and “thought provoking” surfaced repeatedly regarding the keynote address. One simply wrote, “On Point!”
On the respondents, the following were offered:
I felt inspired, nourished and more prepared to seek a balance in my life
Liked the comment of one respondent on surrounding oneself with young people to feel youthful and prolong living
Practice makes for the good life
They each gave me hope
One remarked: “Well done you good and faithful servant”
Rev. Kawata’s talk was depressing, but it was about real life
Puanani Burgess’ message that every person is special and we need to build communities that affirm that
JP was very open and affirming
Liked the comment that we need to enrich retirement communities connected with family, society, church and friends to avoid loneliness
Several, however, noted that the responses were too brief
The discussion that followed was educational and informative
Made me think of my own mortality and legacy
We need medical support for body, mind and spirit
3. What workshops did you attend? Please give a brief evaluation of them.
(Note: Not all stayed for the afternoon session; also, while most feedback sheets listed 2 workshops, some listed just one, a few none, and one listed four.)
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Spirituality & End of Life Issues (JP Sabbithi) 10 checks
Very helpful in preparing for end of life
Learned what it felt to be helpless
Made me grateful for life
Appreciated its offering about energy
The group was very cohesive and participatory
Rev. Sabbithi is insightful and delightful
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Building the Beloved Community w/Storytelling (Puanani Burgess) 10 checks
Excellent, very useful
Enlightening and highly participatory
It was a beautiful workshop
Puanani is a precious soul
She gave of herself in gentle and caring ways
Hope she will return next year
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Sacred Paths of Energy Healing (Ruey Ryburn) 20 checks
Excellent explanation-loved the use of visual aids and exercises
Very informational and meaningful, esp. lesson on chakras
Liked the energy of the workshop
Time given was too short
Really appreciate all that she shared
Very energizing
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Writing and the Coming Together of the Body, Mind & Spirit (Jim Toyama) 9 checks
Fantastic, great methodology
Learned more than I expected about power of community and love for others
Food for my soul, it was a real treat
Showed how 15 minutes of writing can be a path to wellness
Looking forward to journaling again
Inspirational and encouraging for my own aspirations for writing
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Purification, Art, Beauty & Nutrition (Norman Oshiro & MOA volunteers) 10 checks
Greatly appreciated the purification therapy and tea ceremony that were offered
Will follow-up with MOA sessions
Valued the friendliness and caring of the volunteers
Very eye-opening workshop
Different and pleasant
Was greatly touched by the kindness showed by the volunteers
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Secrets of Reclaiming Your Health (Leslie Sharp) 13 checks
Leslie Sharp was open and engaging
I got it!
We got to take ownership over our lives
Very basic lessons on choosing and living wellness
Very hopeful
Powerful testimonial and valuable information on sustaining weight loss
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Reiki:Healing Through Balance (Rosemary & Alan Goto & Volunteers) 14 checks
Excellent workshop was in 4 responses
Loved the testimonials
Reiki opened my eyes to spiritual healing
To experience Reiki was really valuable
Well organized and effective teaching and treatment for many in such a short time
Made me want to help others
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Stress Transformation (Sr. Bitrina Kirway, M.M.) 6 checks
Great method for releasing stress that was easy enough
Gained specific and practical skills to enhance my wellness
Helped me get out of my social isolation due to busyness and stress
Heart math is an excellent learning tool
Am so grateful for this seminar
Very gracious teacher
4. Any suggestion for future workshops and their facilitators?
The following topics for future workshops were offered:
Nutrition, healthy cooking, herbalist (3)
Acupuncture and acupressure (2)
Home safety, fall prevention, Project Dana (2)
Volunteerism – ways to serve and be connected to our community
Child obesity
Greater emphasis on matters relating to youth and young families
Mental illness, depression and bi-polarism
Tom Tam’s Tongren Therapy
Mindfulness meditation with Greg Pai
Yoga
Workshop dealing with loneliness
Healing Through Music
Art and Creative Arts therapy
Adopt “Activate Aging” theme
Bring in Craig Nakastuka, M.D. and Cullen Hayashida
Overview of EES- Scaler Energy
5. How would you improve today’s program?
Have better sound system (4)
Pre-check sound system
Allow more time for workshops
Print hand-outs for those who have difficulty hearing
Pay attention to people with special needs
Provide copies of speaker’s notes
Add 2 more hours-to 5 pm- to allow attending 4 out of 8 workshops
Larger room for workshops (Founders and Leigh Hooley Rooms were packed during one of their sessions)
Allow for more time for practice
Create healing hubs
Provide bibliography for workshops so further research can be done
Allow for more community bonding
Important to develop social movement in community
Add a speaker from the Blue Zones as a focus for plant-based diets
6. Kindly evaluate today’s lunch. What did you like/dislike?
As expected, the responses were overwhelmingly positive, with comments such as:
Outstanding!
Fresh and delicious!
Loved it- tasty, nutritious and not heavy
Excellent choices of salads and others dishes
The best- quinoa
Liked the fresh fruit salad the most
Enjoyed it all
Well-balanced
A great buffet!
Healthy and great variety
One person, however questioned whether the dim sum and noodles were necessary. “I could not eat it all.”
7. How did you find the time allotment and facilities?
The over-all assessment was affirming and appreciative, with comments such as:
Time management was excellent
Perfect time allotment!
Good scheduling
Very well planned
Any longer would be tiring
Facilities were very good
All worked for me
Facilities were ideal – thank you!
Intimate and relaxing in a cool garden setting. Please do not remove this event to a hotel.
Very convenient location
Thank you to all who planned a wonderful day!
However, in this section we also received comments that wanted more time for the workshops and more opportunities to attend more of them. One noted that the morning session was not as dynamic as the rest of the program.