WHEN acclaimed motivational speaker and author Rev Dr Iyanla Vanzant’s set ended at the Montego Bay Convention Centre Sunday afternoon, patrons – who would have either flown in from the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, the Caribbean, or driven in primarily from Kingston – weren’t ready to see her go.

“Nooo!” they collectively whined when Vanzant, who headlined the inaugural spiritual development forum called Elevated Talk, indicated that her time had expired.

For over two hours, Vanzant, in the candid, humorous, often irreverent style for which she has come to be known, engaged the audience on the meaning and purpose of life, the power of forgiveness in relationships, interpersonal relationships among women, the effects of ancestral programming, the value of daily spiritual practice, among other subjects.

The audience hung on to her every word, particularly because Vanzant was forced to cut her intervention short the previous day on account of not feeling well.

“I came to this conference because there comes a point in everybody’s life when they need inspiration from others, and I had a friend who assured me that I would be motivated. I believe I was,” Tara Brown of Coldwell Bankers told the

Jamaica Observer after the event.

Addictions therapy specialist Marlo Webster emigrated to the UK almost two decades ago. She came home for a seven-day holiday to see Vanzant.

“I came to see Iyanla and get insight about what her vision is and also to see if the Jamaican people bought into the vision of elevating themselves. My expectations were met. I think forgiveness and loving your fellow women are my two takeaways,” said Webster.

Vanzant shared the stage with seven other presenters over the two days. Saturday’s fixture opened with Rev Michael Beckwith and his wife Rickie Byars Beckwith, who were followed by management consultant Dr Nsombi Jaja. On Sunday, poet and storyteller Flavia Gordon, ancestral healer and systemic constellation therapist Cherry Jarrett, author and energy coach Avery Alexander, and Ambassador Audrey Marks preceded Vanzant. The theme of the event was ‘Stepping outside your comfort zone’.

“Not every speaker spoke to me personally, but everybody had a message that you can learn from,” Brown said. “The last four spoke directly to me, about things like ‘What are you giving up in life; What are you going to allow to be captured by your job; Standing up for yourself whether in corporate or personal life. It was good reinforcement because sometimes we know but forget in the hustle and bustle of life,” Brown added.

For interior designer and Negril resident Cecile Levee, the highlight of the Sunday’s show was her sister, Ambassador Audrey Marks.

“The two days were absolutely fantastic. Iyanla was amazing. I really thought it was worth the trip to come and see her,” she told the

Observer.

“I was really blown away by Audrey Marks because, while I’m familiar with Iyanla’s work as a motivational speaker, I know Audrey in other ways and have heard her speak on many occasions, but as a motivational speaker it’s a first for her and she was so amazing!

“I was impressed with her speech and even moreso with how the audience reacted to her,” Levee added.

“It was fantastic!,” said Trinidadian Ingrid Felice of the Elevated Talk event.

She and her gal pal Bianca Garraway travelled from their home country to see Vanzant and support their countrywoman Dr Jaja. Garraway’s daughter Shanara joined them from Miami.

“It was such a meaningful experience for any human being to have,” Felice said. “It was just sad that more Jamaican people didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. We came all the way from Trinidad just for this.”

Event organisers said last week that they were expecting between 500 and 750. The turnout appeared to have fallen short.

“The experience has the potential of transforming lives,” said Spanish Town resident Bevar Moodie, who was accompanied by his daughter Bevaniesha.

“I enjoyed all the speakers and I really do believe that we need to reach a point in Jamaica where we have more experiences like this,” he said.

The two overnighted in Moneague in order to reduce the commute.