November's Subject

      I was looking back at the Book Club blog entries and realized that our first meeting was October 18, 2009. While we missed the opportunity to have an anniversary party, I thought it might be appropriate to dedicate the next meeting to the past year. I ran the idea past my “better judgment” and she agreed that it would likely “lead to all sorts of interesting segues and tangents” which has thus far been the hallmark of our time together. So having received the green light, I offer this as the subject for our next meeting on November 21, 2010.

How Has The Group Impacted Your Life/Practice?

Or

What Has Been The Best Thing About The Group For You?

      I have found the group to be a richly rewarding experience, particularly because my past is littered with discarded, unfulfilled, attempts at interpersonal connections. I have always been a bit of a loner whose attitudes were fueled primarily by an assortment of fear, anger, and judgment. But my practice today is about jettisoning long held illusions of self and finding what it means to love. Our discussions have offered a fertile ground for this journey and to learn about gratitude.
      Everyone’s willingness to share their perspectives has given me the opportunity to risk “being” the person I want to be. For this I am very grateful and is in part, dependent upon all of you as my teachers. The journey is mine to travel alone on one hand, but I am also assisted, in no small measure, by the kindness and honesty with which you support me through your presence and sharing. I have been able to clarify my own perspectives because you have listened to me spout off about them, and this has enabled me to grow and think beyond the narrow constraints of my mind.