Due to the number of queries I’ve been getting via email, I have decided to make a Q and A to give everyone an better idea of what TAPPING THE CREATIVE UNIVERSE (TCU) is all about.
What is the workshop all about?
It’s a workshop that unleashes dormant creativity. It is where the participants uncover, face and overcome the issues that block their productivity, creativity and joy.
What kind of people have taken TCU?
All types—CEOs, housewives, students, engineers, businessmen, teachers, writers, painters, nuns, military, priests, counselors, retirees, OFWs, trainees, etc. of all ages from 18 to past 70. Normally, I do not accept students below 18 unless I can talk to them first and determine if they are ready for it.
Why is that?
The workshop works best with people who have actually lived and worked and faced disappointments and frustrations that have affected or blocked their natural, in-born creativity. I feel that many times, people who are too young react to the workshop intellectually, and not in the experiential manner that I would want them to. Thus, deep and lasting change does not happen as much.
Why six days?
If I could hold it longer, it would be better. It works quite well when people learn new concepts and try them out at home or at the office or other situations. They are able to experience the workshop in real life and not just theoretically. In the US and Australia, I have offered the workshop but as one day affairs because people are too busy to commit to 6 days. Strangely enough, it works well too, but I suspect that the 6 day run has a stronger effect. I also enjoy the 6 day run more.
How exactly does the TCU help unblock people?
TCU is an action-oriented workshop which believes that when people get a glimpse of their innate creative selves, they will re-experience and remember a joy that they had forgotten. The exercises, habits, tasks and the concepts introduced in the workshop are tried and tested ways to get people to always be in touch with their creative states. By doing certain things and following certain steps, one can be constantly creative and happy. I suspect these practices can serve people for life! I know it helps me with mine. I have been on a creative streak for many years now.
If I am a writer for example, how can the workshop help me?
First of all, let me be clear. The workshop will not teach you how to write, or sing, or do business, dance, or whatever your occupation is. I do not know what to teach you about such things. However, I can awaken in you the enthusiasm and joy of being who you are and what you do and teach you the practice to be able to do things as well as you can and do so consistently in a creative and joyful manner. I will introduce to you the practice of being the best, joyful person that you can be doing what you do.
What’s the batting average among those who have taken it? How successful has it been in transforming lives?
Five years after people have taken it, I still get congratulations from students for helping them with their newly transformed lives. Many came to the workshop stuck in their lives, stuck between marriages, occupations, dreams, relationships, or simply unable to overcome inertia. Many have done really wonderful work in getting new phases of their lives going after the workshop.
What if I am a shy person? Will I be forced to participate?
Participation is encouraged but not forced. People only get from the workshop what they are willing to put in. Progress is an individual thing. Some really go the whole 9 yards while some are more timid. That’s OK. Nobody will force anyone to be or do anything.
Didn’t you teach the same thing at the Ateneo de Manila University?
Yes, I taught it for 5 semesters. In a semester run under the confines of a university, the dynamic is different but it works as well too. I feel very honored that many students, years after they graduated are telling me that my course was one of the subjects they not only learned a lot from, but enjoyed the most. One of them put it well when she said that it was a ‘life course’ that has done her well in many facets of her life even after school.
Anything else you wanna say?
TCU is a workshop for people who want change in their lives. This is not an easy workshop to join. There is a lot of work involved. I will work hard but you will work harder but I guarantee you, you will love to do the work. I only facilitate. You will discover and wake up to your own greatness.
Come join the 32nd run of my cutting-edge workshop called “Tapping the Creative Universe.” Like hundreds who have taken this effective workshop, you will discover aspects of yourself that will surprise, delight and inspire you to achieve the greatness you were meant to in your life.
Sessions are June 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 31 M. Jhocson St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Tuition is P5,000. Call 426-5375 or write to emailjimp@gmail.com for further inquiries or a full syllabus.