Our Guides
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Paul Koch
Can you name a practice that helped you navigate this passage in life.
My practice was greatly boosted by discovering daily meditation and contemplation. (I have an app that helps with that!) I am very restless so my active side was balanced by daily workouts followed by sauna conversations at the Y for several years. Now, the nearest gym is 25 miles away and I have been living with mobility issues since an ankle fracture exactly one year ago from my writing these words now. I am living into new realities and am thankful for this repeated traumatic lesson.
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Ron Ledwith
Can you name a practice that helped you navigate this passage in life.
My practice during that time was to never, ever give up on ME. I KNEW I had something to offer my clients built out of my concern for their short and long term well being. I was in the business to be successful (as we all are) but in a much deeper way, my level of "success" was measured to a great deal on how I helped improve the life and circumstances of my clients. I was risking everything venturing out into this relatively new frontier but I deeply believed that I was being called to be of service to and a support for others. This transition, however scary it was, changed my life in ways I will be forever grateful for but have never been able to put totally into words. When I think about that 30 + year journey I reflect on Shakespear's profound words in Hamlet, "To Thine Own Self Be True".
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Mark M
Can you name a practice that helped you navigate this passage in life.
My spiritual practices have been devoted to help me listen deeply to the quiet voice of the spirit, since I achieved sobriety 36 years ago. Daily meditation on brief readings of Richard Rohr and Native American elders. Wandering in nature and "waiting in silence, counting on nothing." Volunteering extensively with my therapy dogs, using them to help children who have experienced trauma, and those who have special needs. The dogs are incredibly intuitive healers.
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Joe Sailors
Can you name a practice that helped you navigate this passage.
I've been on the midlife passage for at least 6 years, and have found the Enneagram to be one of the most valuable tools to help me navigate this journey. This tool provides a deep dive into my shadow, and helps me sort through my less desirable patterns of behavior. I've learned that life is an ongoing journey toward wholeness, and that community is critical to the process of self-discovery. As a man, it is very important to be in the presence of other men seeking growth in their lives. Sharing our experiences helps us uncover our true selves and take off the masks we wear in the world. -
William Weber
Can you name a practice that helped you navigate this passage.
I actually have three practices which mirror the Benedictine spiritual practices - namely, 1) looking Within, 2) engaging in Community, and 3) practicing Hospitality via works of Service. My looking Within starts with daily meditation in the morning and looks for opportunities throughout the day to be “present” to life. My Community work is a mix of family, men’s groups (thanks to Illuman) and non-profit Board work. My Hospitality/Service is a range of coaching engagements as well as spontaneous volunteer work that arises (and I can make time for now that I am retired).
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Peter Zellner
Can you name a practice that helped you navigate this passage in life.
Although I am still in the transition, so far I find the following helpful--Jungian thinking with its dream work and integration of shadow. First peoples and their instruction on ways to relate to the land right here below my feet. Embracing those who speak of descending into the realm of soul and shadow. Walks in the woods and the imprints it leaves on my soul. I also dance a little. I paint a little. I am currently rebuilding a thread to the things in my childhood that give me joy. The animas (inner feminine) occasionally visits me in my dreams to guide me and remind me to reconnect. Still a ways to go to journey through this transition...