Before and After…
As part of our program design, I was invited to sit in on a session with our partner, The IF Project, for their Intensive Writing Workshop with individuals at the Helen B. Ratcliff House, a work release facility in Seattle. On that snowy Saturday, the weather was a brief distraction but the facilitators skillfully kept focus. Midway through the four-hour session participants were asked the question that was the origin of the nonprofit’s work: “If there was something someone could have said or done to change the path that led you here, what would it have been?” Whether it was a decision to start using heroin or the loss of a parent or the courage to leave an abusive spouse, they reflected on turning points — not wistfully but with pragmatism. There was no sense that they felt their paths were irreversible. They talked about taking responsibility and about looking ahead, not back … wanting to do things differently when released – creating lives where they savor homemade meals, shop for clothes, and hug their kids.
In working with the Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force Speakers’ Bureau, I had a similar conversation with a man who had been homeless for many years. Two devastating heartbreaks in rapid succession – his older brother being jailed and the sudden death of his mother – sent his life into a “serious downward spiral when I just didn’t care about anything.” Now, almost two years clean he sees the possibilities in his life.
In a recent conversation with friends, we discussed the “before and after” moments in our lives. What were the inflection points in our friendships or relationships or in our careers? Did we immediately know a turning point? Or did it come upon reflection years later? And did the lessons lift us up? Or did they erect barriers to avoid conceivable pain, disappointment, or embarrassment? We can succumb to those societal patterns that limit us, but we can also set them aside.
Dr. Michael Beckwith encourages us to do just that. “Your life began in the heart and mind of the Infinite. Mentally relive the days when as a child you ran free, when there were infinite possibilities of what you could feel, accomplish, and see in the world. Allow for the energy of your remembered freedom to thunder through you, and you will free yourself from the false obstacles of your adult mind.”
What can happen when we free ourselves of self-imposed restraints? How does that energy show up? What magic can it bring to us personally and to the people around us? The idea of connecting with the possibilities – looking forward with anticipation — can activate our imaginations and our spiritual expressions.
The work of Soul Seeds will help participants become more centered and grounded, helping them release anxiety or fear in order to embrace the beautiful essence of who they are and what they can be. I am grateful to have been reminded that circumstances can hurt and change us but as we live into the wondrous possibility of each day there is an opportunity to heal, to love, to forgive, and to live with intention.
Melanie Davis-Jones (she/her/hers)
Executive Director
In Case You Missed It:
Top 10 Physical Symptoms of the Ascension Process | Blog by Nancy Rebecca
Meditations Dedicated to Caregivers | Five brief meditations led by Soul Seeds board members to help you feel more grounded and centered.
Welcome to our new board member, Cameron Jones. “I’m proud to join the Soul Seeds Board to help make positive, definitive, and tangible impacts in people’s lives so that they may reach their greatest potential.”
Resources:
The IF Project documentary features scenes from their Intensive Writing Workshop. View the trailer; documentary is available for rent or purchase if you’d like to learn more about their work.
10 Signs You’ve Developed Depression Even If You Don’t Feel Sad | Huffington Post article, includes links to inexpensive resources.
February is Black History Month. The Northwest African American Museum has a range of educational and interactive resources.
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