After golf and lunch yesterday, Pam and I decided to go to the Blue Sky group. I almost didn't go because I was feeling like it wasn't the right place for me. Viviane is the creator and leader of the group, and her idea is that this is a place where women can come and discuss their difficulties and then get advice from the group - if they want it - otherwise they can just vent. I didn't feel motivated to continue with this process, but I figured I'm only here for a few more weeks, and perhaps I could do some good. Viviane asked me a few weeks ago if I would teach them to meditate. I said that I didn't feel comfortable doing that quite yet because I hadn't completed my course of study. I told her, however, that I would be happy to facilitate a discussion group based on the work of Eckhart Tolle and A New Earth. It didn't happen for a while, but yesterday she asked if I would do this. I read one small entry from the book: Losing Oneself to Find Oneself. In this writing Tolle asks us to examine our own behavior to become aware of how the ego may be causing us suffering. I only got halfway through it initially before the fireworks began. Suffice to say that it was a lively discussion - uncomfortable at times, but ultimately good. I was prepared to be asked not to return to the group, but I was pleasantly surprised after a few email exchanges this morning with Viviane that she does want me to return.
I met a woman in the group yesterday. Her name is Lorna Blake. She is a psychotherapist and coach. She approached me after the group discussion and said that she would like to meet and perhaps collaborate on some workshops when I return. I am meeting with her on Monday. I very much enjoyed her input during the group discussion. I think we would work well together.
Vic left yesterday to return to South Carolina. My heart went out to this guy. He was suffering both physically and emotionally. I wish him well.
Quiet day today, reading/studying. Just started reading Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. I have to read his work when I am more alert; not really bedtime reading. It takes me a while to get into his style and rhythm, but I love his books.
We also started watching An Idiot Abroad. I find I don't have to be TOO alert to take this in. Dinner tonight at Pam and Ted's, and then Thursday Pam and I are off on a little road trip to Volcan, which is just west of here. I had suggested it as a trip for all four of us, but Dan and Ted weren't too jazzed about it, so I cancelled it. But then I asked Pam if she would like to go - just the two of us. She bit her fingernails for about two seconds and then agreed. She and Ted don't spend much time apart, but I know she is an adventurer at heart, so she didn't take any convincing.
I met a woman in the group yesterday. Her name is Lorna Blake. She is a psychotherapist and coach. She approached me after the group discussion and said that she would like to meet and perhaps collaborate on some workshops when I return. I am meeting with her on Monday. I very much enjoyed her input during the group discussion. I think we would work well together.
Vic left yesterday to return to South Carolina. My heart went out to this guy. He was suffering both physically and emotionally. I wish him well.
Quiet day today, reading/studying. Just started reading Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. I have to read his work when I am more alert; not really bedtime reading. It takes me a while to get into his style and rhythm, but I love his books.
We also started watching An Idiot Abroad. I find I don't have to be TOO alert to take this in. Dinner tonight at Pam and Ted's, and then Thursday Pam and I are off on a little road trip to Volcan, which is just west of here. I had suggested it as a trip for all four of us, but Dan and Ted weren't too jazzed about it, so I cancelled it. But then I asked Pam if she would like to go - just the two of us. She bit her fingernails for about two seconds and then agreed. She and Ted don't spend much time apart, but I know she is an adventurer at heart, so she didn't take any convincing.