By Marielena W. Nunez BFRP
In April 2020, as the world was grappling with the announcement of the pandemic, I found myself reflecting on the profound changes that lay ahead. I had just returned from teaching a Level 3 Course in Guayaquil, Ecuador. During my journey back to Calgary, Canada, I noticed the growing concern in every airport I passed through—hygienic measures were in place, and people were being encouraged to wear masks and use hand sanitizer. I couldn’t help but think, “I saw the news about this in China back in December, and now look at how things are unfolding.” Little did I know, the full impact of that pandemic announcement would be far beyond what any of us could have imagined.
In Canada, the response was swift and strict measures were put in place to keep the population safe and healthy, within reasonable limits. We couldn’t gather in groups, most meetings moved online, and physical distancing became the new norm. Amidst all this, my thoughts quickly turned to my Bach colleagues and students in the Latin American region. They are a hardworking and deeply social community, devoted to their courses and consultations. How could we stay connected during such an isolating time?
This led to two important initiatives. First, I reached out to explore the possibility of teaching Level 1 online and training Level 1 trainers on how to effectively use the technology. That was approved, and the rest, as they say, is history.
My second aim was equally important: to keep our community connected. And so, I designed a Friday conversation meeting—90 minutes of connection, free of charge, open to all, and characterized by inclusivity and the sharing of experiences and knowledge among our community members. This initiative has grown and evolved over the years. We’ve held 200 meetings every Friday, without fail. We’ve seen gatherings with as many as 98 people, hosted a webinar that nearly 700 attended, and our weekly meetings continue to attract 45-50 participants.
The beauty of these meetings is the strong sense of connection that has developed. Despite being spread across different countries, we’ve built relationships that feel incredibly close. Some members visiting Calgary have even met with me for coffee and a chat—true friendships formed through our shared love of Bach’s teachings. Practitioners and trainers from Spain have also joined our movement, enriching our community further.
We’ve organized annual conferences across various time zones where we discuss our Bach practice, share cases, and support one another. A vibrant WhatsApp group, managed by Miriam Pescara, keeps the Friday conversations alive throughout the week. We’ve become a family, sharing both good and challenging times, always with the spirit of learning, Bach, and love at the forefront.
Each Thursday night I prepare my presentation and each Friday, I look forward to the questions, cases, and camaraderie that we share. This journey of community-building has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I’m grateful for the love and support that continues to thrive within our Bach family. Thank you to all Latin America, Spain, Brazil and Portugal BFRPs, trainers and students who join me in this learning experience. My gratitude to you all.