Creating Community
STAR Foundation Newsletter
Dear STAR Friends,
I frequently hear from STAR graduates who I haven’t heard from in a long time. It always makes me happy to reconnect, even when they report struggles and difficult times. I sometimes notice that people are hesitant to contact me in hard times. I think there may be an admonition like, “I’m not love-able if I’m not okay.” I enjoy hearing from you regardless of your current space.
Recently, I received a letter from a 1995 STAR graduate. He wrote, “... You know Barbara, once upon a time this kind of fullness and abundance would have frightened me to the core. You may remember, that once during one of your guided imagery trips, I had an absolutely stunning experience wherein I experienced the absolute perfection of God’s creation including my life. I can see that the integration of that has been building in meever since I left the Ranch...”
Along with struggles, I also hear about the healing and joy that results from the journey to become real. It’s like the Velveteen Rabbit who says, “Real isn’t how you are made, it’s something that happens to you.” I am continually inspired and lifted by your courage. My faith in humanity and spirit grows.
We are not alone in this transformation. It is happening all over. Recently, I watched a TV program documenting a hospice program in a high security Louisiana prison. As prisoners aged, many were dying. A hospice program was; developed and staffed by prisoners who were being filmed and interviewed for the documentary. I saw hardened felons caring for dying inmates. They talked about what an honor it was to give care, nurturing, and respect to the sick men. They wept with and for each other. They sang at the burials on the prison grounds. One man spoke of how he discovered he had a maternal heart and loved his work in the hospice. Another man shared his experience of holding a dying prisoner who whispered to him, “I love you.” Both of them were weeping. So was I. I could not help but see the child in these men. I wondered about their childhoods and their births. What had happened to them that closed down their hearts so they couldn’t love? Finally, in a penitentiary, they were learning about love by reaching out to other men as they died. Healing is always a possibility.
Miracles can happen anywhere when people reach out to each other with love. Wherever you are or whatever situation you’re in, you can choose to reach out with love. This is the essence of STAR and STAR support groups. I invite you to get involved, participate, join a group, or create a group. We have to do our own work, but we do not have to do it alone. One of our deepest human yearnings is for connection and a sense of community. It is a community of the heart and spirit.
Have a beautiful spring!
With Love,
Barbara
