Deepening…the word for 2020 that we are using at The Wholeness Institute. Angie and I spent a good deal of time on brainstorming and planning what we want to accomplish in 2020, and deepening resonated with our goals and, hopefully, with yours. Deepening has many meanings…
~To become more profound
~To enhance
~To strengthen
~Powering up
~Living more deeply into something – a relationship, spirituality, one’s inner self
~Living with purpose
~Leaning into experience
~Result of transformation.
When I think of it in terms of my counseling practice, I think of it as being present to others as they grow, as they go within themselves more to the discover who they are. Witnessing each person transform parts of him or herself that may no longer fit or has caused pain. It’s being privileged to be with a person as they are leaning into their gifts, owning them, allowing themselves to become better acquainted and experience life more deeply as well as broadly. Broadly alone isn’t enough, though, if we want to feel connected with others, with those most special to us, to ourselves. This isn’t so new, if you go back to the Quakers, the mindfulness writers, those who are Jungian in thought, there are many books and articles written. We hope that at the end of 2020, the first year of our new decade, you feel that you have received direction or ideas from me that have resulted in deepening your life and experiences more completely.
Toward that we are restarting, adjusting, and adding some offerings, and welcome you to ask questions, reach out as you are called to deepen in during this year, or share with me how we can help you in your process throughout the year. We are still working with many of the same populations and with similar issues, but with a slightly revised focus as we walk into 2020. Rather than just teaching, or counseling, I hope to experience a deepening of my practice, and Angie’s work here, so that you are able to find a deeper sense of who you are and perhaps how things have moved forward in your life. So, we will be working in the next month to begin adjusting things in the following ways:
~ We will offer two blogs a month – one about a change or addition to your knowledge or understanding of what the field of psychology and spirituality are understanding today. So perhaps an update on how yoga is used; a new treatment method for brain injury or depression; or even just a new idea to try to keep life balanced. The second will offer deeper content such as journaling exercises, ways to make your growth more experiential, and allow you the opportunity to move a tiny or larger step forward.
~As some of you know I have a new puppy – Finley. We are going to add Instagram back with a focus on Finley’s Corner, lessons he is learning, that we also can learn from. As an example, a lesson he learned after Christmas family celebrations? We all need rest after a long day. Look for an Instagram link soon!
~More days of retreat and mornings of information. There are two we are looking at now, in addition to two in conjunction with others we have been invited to or are co-offering.
March 7 – Unfolding to Yourself: Understanding Self and Spirit
May 16 – Professionals with Brain Injury: Couples Facing Change
~Watch for the addition of concierge counseling services soon both for brain injury and personal growth clients – with special information pages, some case management built-in for no additional charge, consults with other professionals on your behalf, priority scheduling to meet your schedule, and other tips or help.
~More teletherapy appointments available to you.
So, as you are beginning your new year, here’s a deepening question for you to consider and write about: What do I need to do to lean into my own life more fully? Write for 10 minutes and stop. Step away from the writing for a few moments. Reread it and write down one action step to take or new awareness you have. It might be set a reminder to write tonight before retiring for 10 minutes. It might be to spend 5 minutes of your walk in silence, not talking with anyone with you, but taking in what you are seeing. It might be saying a prayer or writing a prayer to your Higher Power tonight at bedtime. Then go – live your life as it is unfolds today (including football and friends). Begin each day with this – and just watch your life transform and deepen this year.
With care and encouragement to dare to dive more deeply into who you are,
Dr. Beth
In my own deepening understanding of myself
I find my capacity to serve others is deepened as well.
The better I am at self–care
the more genuinely nurturing of others I am able to be.
– Mary Anne Radmacher
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