Preamble
Wow! I can’t believe it’s the first of March. Firsts always bring a sense of renewal and excitement, whether it’s the start of a new month, project, relationship or adventure. Each “first” is a part of our personal journey and, if when we let them, open doors that expand and enrich our lives.
“How you view life makes all the difference in world.” – Joel Osteen
Years ago, after finishing a four-year program as a Practitioner at the Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle, I was looking for a volunteer position as a way to give back to my community. I contacted two therapists whose work I resonated with and respected. One was a grief counselor, named Bonnie, whose support group I attended at Unity Church after my mother died. The other was Leonard Shaw, a therapist who was conducting workshops on Love and Forgiveness at the Washington State Reformatory, and whose program I attended a year or so prior at a local organization in Seattle.
I initially called Bonnie, as we had a personal connection, and she was the first to come to mind. I tried several times and left a few messages, but all to no avail. I let it go and knew there must be another answer. Shortly thereafter, I thought of Leonard and the work he was doing at the prison; perhaps he could use a hand. I found his number on an old brochure and gave him a call. The phone rang twice, then he picked up and said hello. I introduced myself, somewhat nervously as we hadn’t formally met, and shared my idea with him. He laughed as he told me he had been looking for someone to facilitate another program at the reformatory. Voila! The Universe answered and we were both delighted!
Although it usually took quite some time for a new program to be approved and move through the prison’s bureaucracy, the doors flung open after contacting the person in charge of volunteers that Leonard had referred me to. I attended an orientation, submitted a program proposal, and within a few short weeks began facilitating a monthly support group with inmates, their families and other prison volunteers as participants.
Working at a maximum security prison has its challenges, as you can imagine, but I was blown away by how open and receptive the inmates were. True, not all, but I grew to love and respect the ones I met and who so openly shared their experiences while participating in mine and Leonard’s programs.
I began my group with a healing meditation and passed around Angel Cards and a Talking Stone. We sat in a circle and took turns sharing our feelings and thoughts, and the insights we gained from the Angel Cards we choose, with full attention on the person who was speaking. I then facilitated an interactive exercise, such as drawing, storytelling or watching and restructuring our thoughts. My intention for the group was to help the men take responsibility for their choices and the direction in which they wanted their lives to go. The foundation of the group was healing.
Here are a few of their comments:
“You have a way of making everyone feel like that they are a worthwhile and loving human being.” – Bill
“You have given me a glimpse of what I can become if I so choose.” – Michael
“I love your ability to share with others, without expectation, truths you have discovered and live by from your own experiences.” – Vern
My work at the reformatory was one of the most rewarding experiences of my 30-year career. I often exited the prison grounds feeling like I received so much more than I gave and left with a heart full of gratitude.
Although I didn’t know it at the time, attending Leonard’s workshop a year prior to contacting him was the first step in bringing my work to the prison. Bonnie’s lack of reply was the second.
Although you may feel discouraged when things don’t work out the way you planned, or take longer than you wish, there’s always another door waiting for you to open it. It may even lead to someplace better than you expected.
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please click the “Comments” tab at the top of the page to share them.
Richest blessings,
Theresa
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Theresa Conti is a Certified Life Coach, Reconnective Healing® Practitioner and Workshop Facilitator. She is the author of “I Am the Treasure,” a book of inspirational poetry, and creator of “Harvest Your Light,” a guided meditation program. Theresa has created and facilitated workshops on stress management, work/life balance, and other topics for law firms, hospitals, higher education, and other organizations. Theresa specializes in helping her clients gain clarity and direction about their life paths and guides them in identifying and achieving their dreams. For more information, please visit Theresa’s website or contact her at Theresa@reconnecting2you.com.
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