Event Details
SESSION Abstract: Surviving the Smash-Up: Finding Positivity and Purpose After the Storm
At 5:30 am on a February morning, Geoffrey Mather woke to find two feet of water in his bedroom. Unable to break the windows of his Waiohiki home, he climbed out through a high kitchen window and jumped into raging floodwater — escaping Cyclone Gabrielle with only his pyjamas and his mobile phone.
In this deeply moving session, Geoffrey shares his extraordinary story of survival and the profound psychological shift that followed. Coming face-to-face with mortality forced him to reimagine his life, release the "small stuff," and embrace a radically positive mindset. Drawing on his recovery journey — including counselling and the creation of his Cyclone Gabrielle Smash-up podcast — Geoffrey explores the human mind's remarkable capacity for resilience and renewal.
Whether you lived through the cyclone or are navigating your own challenges, this session will inspire you to find purpose in the aftermath of adversity.
Dates: Tuesday 20th October
Time & format: The course will start at 10am, with a coffee and tea break followed by a lively facilitated discussion to answer all your curious questions. The course will finish at 12pm each week.
Location: We are delighted to be hosting at The Common Room, 227 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings 4122