Independence brings with it the challenge of taking full responsibility for your actions. As I watch Kellie celebrating what she perceives as an important triumph, I realise just how much she has changed. The moody, introverted character she was has completely disappeared, and now look at her. I do believe that she’s ready to take on the world and will quickly learn from any mistakes she might make in future.

23

All Change

After lunch, we spend an hour in the gym as Pierce leads his first meditation session and I’m pleasantly surprised. I thought maybe I’d end up sitting here, wondering why everyone else gets it and I don’t, but it isn’t like that. He talks us through a walk down to a beach and for a while I feel I’m actually there, the imagery is so tangible. I can even sense someone with me, as if they are inside my head, but I have no idea who that person is – or whether I even know them.

‘Right, everyone. That’s part one of the exercise completed. Now, I need you all to pair up as you’re going for a little walk in the fresh air to get the blood pumping.’ Pierce looks way more enthusiastic than the rest of us. I feel ready to take a nap.

As we stand, Ceana makes a beeline for Bastien and, naturally, Taylor and Kellie were lying next to each other on their mats during the session. I hesitate for a moment as Nico stands back and it’s obvious Odile and Dee-Dee are going to feel more comfortable together.

‘Guess that narrows down your choice,’ Nico leans in to whisper, with a mischievous glint in his eye.

‘No one wants to partner up with the boss,’ I declare. ‘I think we were all surprised Pierce managed to drag you away from your work.’

Pierce raises his hands, calling us to order as now everyone is talking at the same time. ‘Okay, folks. This should take no more than an hour to complete. Grab one of these sheets and follow the instructions. There’s a short feedback form I’d like each of you to fill in with regard to the two sessions and I’d be grateful if you could let me have those back when you return. Enjoy your little stroll and having a go at the list of tasks. Great job, guys, and I appreciate that for most of you these workshops might involve you stepping outside your personal comfort zone. But what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’

Pierce’s joke heralds a lot of laughter and it helps to dispel a little awkwardness we’ve all felt. Well, aside from Ceana, to whom none of this is new.