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BE PART OF THE LEGACY

TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

This FINAL encore experience will be unlike any other. Because like everything we do, it's been "reimagined" from beginning to end. It's not a virtual or hybrid event. It's not a conference. It's not a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a symposium. And it's not your typical run-of-the-mill everyday event crammed with stages, keynote speeches, team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and all the other conventional humdrum. Because it's up close & personal by design. Where conversation trumps presentation. And where authentic connection runs deep.

Country Walk and Swans

One morning I woke up with the desire to take one of my favorite country walks including along the banks of the iconic river Itchen. On reaching this pristine location, I literally released my heart, leaving behind everyday existence and normality of daily life to be absorbed by Nature.

I lay on the river’s grassy bank where trees and a blue sky with hints of fluffy white clouds transported me on an unknown path to a level of consciousness; subliminal, dream-like, imaginary with some elements being supremely real.

Close by, swans climbed out of the river where I seemed to be accepted as one of their family. Friendly glances as if I were a relative; introducing their signets with love and pride. There was a sense that I would love to see one of them ‘takeoff’ from the river. A nod and look of enthusiasm strongly intimated it would be a supreme joy.

Re-entering the river, a look of keenness and a gentle bow of the head she took to the sky as if a supersonic Concord.

Such a magnificent sight. Having written about such majestic swans on a number of occasions, their regal manner, grace, and elevated posture never cease to amaze me.

Whether in a trance-like state of mind, hovering between fantasy and dreams or just looking at them in awe and wonder, Swans have so much to offer humans. And perhaps humans can learn from such graceful and peaceful beings but alert to danger, protecting signets with energy where there are no limits to maintaining their safety.

The next time you walk along a river, where swans grace your eyes allowing reality to leave your heart escaping and embracing dreams and fantasy.

Simon Lever
Simon Lever
Prior to his retirement, Simon engaged in software and services sector search and recruitment for American companies around Europe. He has retained the enjoyment of engaging with people from other countries and cultures. His energies are now directed towards voluntary community activities, journaling, and exhibition stewardship. He is a Featured Contributor for BizCatalyst 360°. As an Exhibition Steward, at the 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral, he is responsible for guiding visitors from the world over, around the award-winning 'Kings and Scribes Exhibition', which includes the 900-year-old Winchester Bible. The exhibition introduces visitors to Winchester's historical significance as a former capital of England. Simon's journaling activities are published on BizCatalyst 360° and accompanying posts on LinkedIn, He acknowledges the inspiration afforded him by Carol Campos of Massachusetts: Life Strategist, Writer, and Intuitive Business Leader who introduced him to writing with feeling; from the heart. Simon's forté is creative writing; the accent on the natural environment, transforming feelings, emotions, sights, sounds, and scents of Mother Nature's landscape; hills and rivers and woodland into words, transporting the reader to the locations. Essays include accounts of his life in former days. Instinctively writing in such a spontaneous manner, descriptions become life-like. His often emotionally charged writing, whether describing a surreal 'Son et Lumière' at the Grand Place in Brussels to experiences acquired during European business travel. Journaling and Exhibition Steward activities are his key sources of inspiration and creativity. Kindness is ever more important, where he is a promoter of Shelly Elsliger PPCC's 'Decide to be Kind' Campaign. Simon champions Positivity, Empathy, and Kindness and has been described as a 'Beacon of Positivity'.

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2 CONVERSATIONS

  1. SIMON LEVER, I can fully identify myself with your sentiments, emotions and feelings which you so beautifully portrayed in your article.

    It was an absolutely spectacular Autumn early afternoon in the early 1970’s – my first time in Finland, while lazing on the extreme quietness enjoying the tranquility of exquisitely beautiful lakeshore in the National Park Aulanko, I was ‘startled” by a strange noise as a family of 5 whooping swans decided to visit – what a transfixing and delightful sight it was. That was the first time I saw the graceful movements, the calm, and the majestic beauty of these magnificent birds – I only learned later that the Swan is the national bird of Finland.

    Thank you for sharing your experience in nature.

    • Hello Jonathan,

      Thank for your comments and special information. And thank you for the special compliment.

      I had not idea that The Swan was Finland’s national bird. (I always thinks that there should be another term for swan other than ‘bird’! Swans are indeed rather special at takeoff and landing. Takeoff reminds me of watching Concord taking off from the windows of Terminal 4 Heathrow Airport. On hearing the sound of its engines, everyone would dash to the window to witness this spectacular plane.

      Simon

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