From 2 through 8 July 2000, the first International Work Assembly took place in the rurally situated Study Centre De Oxerhof, close to Deventer, the Netherlands. On Sunday 2 July, a group of approximately 20 arrived, including people from Norway, South Africa and the United Kingdom. This assembly of people in the Work from other countries gave a special atmosphere. For all parties, the international character of this week, and the ensuing 'cultural clashes', greatly contributed to making discoveries usually not readily available among one's fellow countrymen.
Under the direction of Kate and Tinky Brass (UK), various movements were practised intensively in two daily two-hour sessions. Reactions showed that especially for those people for whom this was the first introduction to the movements, the unique learning opportunities as provided by the movements have been a revelation.
Before and after these sessions, there were periods of study, meditation and physical work (preparing meals, etc.). An example from the sound exercise that was done each morning may serve as an illustration of the general atmosphere. Unaccompanied by the piano, everyone sang his or her own note, a wide range of sounds! In various ways, these sounds were joined into a harmony. The same applied to the daily course of events. People gave each other all possible space to be 'themselves', while unity was at least equally strong. And to pursue the musical analogy a bit further, the occurrence of any 'dissonance' with respect to yourself or others always provided opportunities for new insights, etc.
A remarkable sound was produced by the lady who ruled the kitchen. With simple means, she managed to give the other participants the most surprising (and joyful) impressions at the table.
The programme was more or less flexible in order to meet the current state of affairs and set up such that attention was paid to body, mind and emotion. Clearly, much work has been done. This lead to an increased clarity, spontaneity, openness, stillness and deepening of each participant's daily study.