Connection or Separation

Everything we say or do either creates connection or separation with the people and life around us. The more connection that we allow in our lives- the more happiness, security, and strength we experience.

I have found this not only to be true- but to be an excellent overall guide when making decisions. When considering whether to say or do something, I simply ask myself will doing/saying that create connection or separation with the person/people involved. If the answer is connection- I proceed, if it is separation- I either pass on it or find a way to do it that creates connection. It is when I do not consider this that I tend to create experiences that I regret.

It is also useful in evaluating and learning from past experiences. Did doing/saying that create connection or separation. Next time... I will do more of that, not do that, or approach it differently.

Best wishes connecting with those around you.

Using Rites-of-Rassage to Create Change

I have participated in and facilitated seminars and classes to create change for the past twenty years. I found that lasting change occurred more often when a “rite-of-passage” was utilized.

Rites-of-passage go back to the beginning of time in most cultures. They are best known as “coming of age” initiations that mark the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. They signify the death of the old and birth of the new. Other examples include: Native American vision quests, Bar Mitzvahs, graduation ceremonies, initiations, weddings, baby showers, funerals, and retirement celebrations.

So why not experience a rite-of-passage when you want to create change in your life? It gives you and the world a signal that you changed at this point in time. You are... no longer someone that allows people to take advantage of you, you are now someone that demands respect. Or... you are no longer a single guy, you are now part of a family. After the rite, whenever you observe yourself in your old way, say “that is not who I am anymore.” If you have a group of people that support your change and care enough to say to you “that is not what you are about anymore,” the effect is multiplied exponentially.

So... if you or someone you know is serious about initiating change or creating a new way of being, come and experience a rite-of-passage with us. Allow yourself a metamorphosis. You owe it to yourself.

What is Change?

This represents what I have been up to this summer. For some time I have been considering how the things that I have learned might benefit other people. I drew on twenty-five years of self-exploration and working with people, as well as, study and collaboration with a creative and enlightened teacher. This is the beginning of what I have come up with.

I start with the sole premise that you can (still) create the life that you want for yourself- or change. Hence the name metamorphosis. I always thought it would be cool to do a weekend retreat that walked people though a complete change. As I worked with it, I realized it would increase the chances of the change sticking if I followed it with a class series to provide support and guidance during the vulnerable unfoldment phase- when people typically give up or get talked out of their change.

The work is experiential and eclectic. The interventions were chosen purely on the basis of their effectiveness and efficiency to effect change. It draws primarily on Zen thought, Native American ceremony, rites-of-passage, personal belief systems, and Jungian dreamwork and symbolism. It works with whatever spiritual beliefs you have.

So if you or someone you know is looking to shift something in their life- career, relationship, life focus, behavior pattern, etc. ... and you feel like it is time... come join me for a weekend at Mt. Cheney. I am told the leaves will be changing up there that weekend. If leaves can change- so can we.