Growing is a Process

Pocket Ranch Institute News
 

Dear Pocket Ranch Friends,

Sometimes it is a good idea to step back and take a look at what we’ve accomplished. Aside from the many physical changes taking place, we are also expanding our programs. There are a variety of ways to experience the Ranch, whether you are coming for a self-directed retreat, STAR, the Woodlands or to one of our weekend workshops.

Since I am here most of the time, I forget what a treat it is to get away from the noise and stress of city life. I’m now used to starry skies and the open views and I have to remind myself not to take them for granted.

I’ve just finished a STAR group, yet another opportunity for me to af­firm my faith in the possibilities for healing and changing our lives. I know healing is possible. The path toward truth may be more simple than we think and at the same time it is not easy. As I continue learning and growing, I keep finding signposts and help along the way.

One of these signposts was a lecture I attended last year given by Angeles Arrien. She is an exceptional human being and a wonderful, wise speaker. My notes from her talk said, “Four Fold Path:” 1) Show up 2) Pay attention to what has heart and meaning 3) Speak your truth without blame or judgment 4) Be open to outcome. I’ve thought a lot about these four and find they are becoming a foundation and powerful tool for me.

To Show up means to be here in this moment—heart, mind, body and spirit. How often is it that our body is present and our thoughts are some­where else, and we aren’t aware of our feelings. Therapy is about open­ing up our hearts and minds to let go of the past so we can be here now, minus conditioning and projections.

Once we are living more in the present (mind, body and spirit) we are freer to recognize the second part of the “Four Fold Path:” Paying atten­tion to what has heart and mean­ing. Focus on and listen for what has meaning and touches your emotional, heart center—heart and intellect in alignment.

Speak your truth without blame or judgment. How we have been conditioned to not do this one! It takes courage to speak your truth. Imagine if we could do this without fear of being blamed or judged and without needing to blame or judge others. There would be so much more free­dom to explore and experience oppor­tunities and relationships in our lives.

Be open to outcome. This in­volves trusting in a greater power, a greater wisdom and letting go of our need to control, dictate and manipu­late. The more we learn to trust ourselves and that power, the more aware we become that the universe will support us. Of course, we will also be much happier.

It is good to remember that “growing” is a process, not an event. May the force be with you.

Love and Light,

Barbara