Awareness at the Beginning

         There is a difference between your body being in a particular place and you being there. I would ask you to be conscious about whether you are completely present as you read or if you find yourself having drifted off to your favorite beach, mountain top or to be with a friend. If you find yourself in any of these places, notice it and choose to return to what you are reading; be especially conscious of the last thing you were reading before you drifted off.

         As we proceed, be very conscious of the little voice in the back of your head, the one that might warn you to be careful crossing the street or try to discourage you from starting something new. What seems like just one little voice actually contains the entire history of communication you experienced from significant individuals in your life from the moment of conception on. We will want to find out which voices are useful and which ones arise out of the insecurity of the person who spoke the words first.

         If something I have said is not clear go back and read it again and if you disagree with something, give it a chance through the experience oriented exercises and see if you still think I am full of it. Look to your experience not to the words or theories of others. I ask that you not believe anything that is said here, but rather test it out, see if it is true from what you experience.

         If anything I say sounds like advice, please remember that the only advice I ever give is to not take any one person’s advice. Listen to what people say and remember that ultimately only you can choose best for you. Look to your experience and decide.