Determination, agreement and energy came together in deciding that a day out into the country would be ideal.
So the route was discussed and plans made as to what we would do when we arrived at our chosen destination. The car was parked at a lovely village called Hope in the Peak District Derbyshire. We then walked along paths and through gates with fields filled with sheep and new born lambs. The sun shone brightly as we walked into the town of Castleton. 
Descending from the heights of Mam Tor a heavy downpour of rain forced us willingly into a local café to enjoy a typical English cup of tea and an accompanying scone. After the rain had ceased we continued our journey and eventually returned to the car and a welcomed rest.
With the celebrations of Easter over we change our focus to Ascension and I’m reminded of a conversation that took place between three people as they walked to a local village for about 7 miles. 
Two of them had recently experienced lots of trauma and confusion. The third person asked about the circumstances that had upset them and they were shocked by the question because they thought everyone knew what had happened. Together they recalled the events that had took place and as evening drew near they invited the person to share a meal with them. It was only when the thanksgiving for the food was offered that they recognised who the person was and their hearts were strangely warmed.
A few weeks ago I had energy and a determination to travel into Manchester town centre and attend a breakfast at the Alliance Manchester Business School. After the breakfast we all listened to and entered into a session lead by the speaker Claire-Marie Boggiano. (Chartered Engineer, Programme Director, Lecturer and Coach)
Claire- Marie offered instruction as to how to be and work as a facilitator. It was a very interactive and instructive time and I came away with two main thoughts. One, how to understand and use a given energy that exists in any individual and group meeting. Secondly, the value of active recall.
In any communication and areas of decision making it is important to agree actions and then galvanise an energy to work towards all confirmed plans. Active recall helps individuals and groups to review, affirm and remenber what has been said, agreed and completed.
When I am preparing for meetings, services, coaching and visits, I value being prepared and energized so that I may give my best to each individual and group setting. However, in reality what I envisage and what actually transpires may be totally different on a day to day basis and I will have to adapt to any presenting energy of the group or persons concerned. Also I will want to complete what I have been asked to do, whilst staying in and moving to another ‘frame of reference’ as might be required.
Listening to people can be hard work and requires lots of concentration and energy. We listen and often want to rescue them and offer advice. However, many people just want to be listened and affirmed and will find their own way as how to address the concerns they are holding. So there is great value in listening and being involved in the process of active recall to empower and energize individuals to move forward from times of contemplation into new and exciting opportunities.
After our walk around Castleton we travelled a few miles by car to Edale which consists of a railway station, church, farms and various other household dwellings. However, I mistakenly parked the car about 10 minutes walk from the centre of Edale and had to navigate a busy road and at one point not sure if we were lost until a large road sign assured us that all was well!
It was lovely to settle in the Old Nags Head pub 
and enjoy an evening meal where many over the years have spent time singing folk songs and discussing the ups and downs of life. The pub is situated at the start and finish of the south Pennine way, which can take you approximatley 267 miles/429 km north towards Northumberland. 
We returned to the car and travelled home having enjoyed a very full and special day walking over 8 miles. In these pleasant spring/ summer days may we find an energy to work, rest and play.
May we enjoy sharing our stories with one another and be available to actively recall the events that people around us have experienced.
May we in various ways seek to support people we walk and talk with and to be actively energized and encouraged in completing and working towards many individual and communal goals in days to come.
Retracing steps from a happy and special day.
Graham
For further reading hit the links below for the second edition of my book Blog 51 (October 2020) in black and white or colour
Inspire 2 Achieve 