On Type and Peculiarity

In October 2007 Robin and I were in Chicago for a four-day workshop with Dr. John Beebe. (The name “Beebe” is pronounced like the bb gun.)

We’ve lost count of the number of workshops we’ve taken with Dr. Beebe by now, but this was the third four-day workshop on Archetypes we’ve attended. (We missed out on the first one ever that was held in Emeryville several years ago. However, it was videotaped, and we have viewed the film. So, in a way, we’ve attended all of them.)

This one was the best.

I have to take care, because so many workshops we’ve taken in the past few years have been amazing, transformative, life-altering. So I have to rein myself in from over-using superlatives. I’ve waited several weeks to write anything up about it.

The time feels right now. The excitement has worn off and the edge has come off my enthusiasm.

Now mind you, everyone gave him a standing ovation at the end when the workshop was presented in Memphis the year before. Beebe would have to be pretty amazing in order to surpass that high water mark.

This one was the best.

What this workshop did, that no other workshop has done quite so well previously, is put us right INTO the experience of the 8 functions, AND show us the experience of the 8 functions in [almost] all the other type patterns. It’s the biggest “aha” I’ve had since I started working with type perhaps since I took ownership of my own preferences.

I’ve begun to suspect that “Beebe” is an ancient Indian name that means “dances with type.” Because, oh baby, Dr. Beebe makes type dance so beautifully you want to cry.

We wish we could share the experience with you, but… you had to be there. You just had to be there. We wish you could take the workshop, but you may have to wait a year. I’m in the midst of developing a Self-Discovery session that allows me to teach my clients Beebe’s model so others can at least experience it with me via phone. Stay tuned for more about that!

In the meantime, here’s the kickoff to the workshop for you to enjoy. It’s 25 minutes long, and the sound is a little soft. I’m sorry I couldn’t hold the camera steadier. Nevertheless, it will give you a taste, and perhaps allow you to experience the spaciousness with which Beebe holds type, especially the positive way in which John holds “peculiarity.”

We would love to hear your thoughts.

Dr. John Beebe introduces the Chicago Workshop (25 minutes)