Energy For Life

I remember a ceremony I participated in almost 30 years ago: As I deepened into meditation, I was guided to open the communication with my soul and my personality/ego/identity to be devoted friends! What a life-changing experience!

I am aware that I forget this covenant at times, but am committing daily to keep the soulful connection alive and well. I am humbly aware of how challenging the thinning of the ego can be, to make room for the soul to flourish here on Earth. My heart’s longing is to awaken and fulfill my soul purpose here.

As we know, the relationship we have with ourselves colors and directs all other relationships. Here are some “secrets” I have discovered over the decades!

1) to be aware of my own thoughts, feelings, needs, wants, desires, goals; to take responsibility for changing patterns that don’t work; to communicate clearly, respectfully and openly with the other person, as s/he is part of the greater whole (of our spiritual unity).

2) to forgive myself and others for our imperfections, habits, hurts, history, mistakes, ignorance and forgetfulness; to listen with a sacred understanding of the other’s pain or needs. Forgiveness may involve accepting what is, acknowledging the situation with all the feelings and reactions; having compassion, empathy, willingness to apologize and heal, or apologizing for wrongs I have perpetrated.

3) to make decisions to “stop and shift” when I am traveling down a path that is harmful to me or the others. I am willing to change/adjust my conversation, actions, intentions, or desired outcomes to empower the truth in the situation, and to accept feedback for how I am perceived. The protective survival mechanisms are very strong so I have to manage my reactions in order to be present.

4) to take actions that promote solving problems and building the relationship, with respect, kindness, clarity and power. Sometimes withdrawing to get clearer or center myself is helpful before acting or speaking. I use an imaginary energy shield to block out harm and allow positive loving exchanges to occur. “Kiss my monsters” is a reminder phrase I use when faced with a difficult person or circumstance.

As a woman, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, daughter, sister, etc. I treasure my relationships. As a counselor, coach, teacher, speaker, writer, etc. I strive to edify and beautify all I am with, so I can be a truer reflection or mirror of the soul’s light. As we all shine brighter, the world appears more hopeful, safe, and engaging. People are attracted to us and want to know our “secrets” of our soulful life! Please comment below on your secrets.

I look forward to sharing the “Secrets of a Soulful Marriage” at our upcoming Date Night on Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. and at our Spring Retreat May 20-22. Jim and I will celebrate our 41st anniversary this June 7!

With respect,

Ruth

Each year around this time, during the Hebrew month of Elul, I have availed myself of the tradition to begin turning inward in preparation for the Jewish “high” (major) holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur that follow Elul. For most of my adulthood I have carved out this opportunity to take inventory of my core values, attitudes and judgments, as well as examine behaviors I need or desire to modify. This rigorous period of self-inquiry has been intensified the past few years by the concurrence of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. As a Sufi (Islamic and universal mystic), I immersed myself for eight years in the “great heat” of Ramadan, along with a spiritual community that fully observes the practices. Although I have not formally engaged in Ramadan practices for nearly a decade, my strong recollections of, and reverence for, that month of observances remain.

Every year, without exception, I experience being internally strengthened and cleansed and my character developed through my intentional soul-searching process. Also, I acquire a lot of perspective and profound joy, so I truly celebrate this intensive period.

I supplement these annual occasions of taking spiritual and psychological stock in myself via periodic retreats, usually guided ones. I highly recommend designating sustained time to “dive deep” and realize the potentially awesome power and benefits of extended introspection.

A few times a year, my wife Ruth and I provide an elegant structure for such self-exploration and growth. We are offering a guided weekend retreat in Steamboat Springs this October and invite you to join us!

Some words are so appropriate, like the word “retreat.” Indeed, I felt re-treated: treated yet again, by the week I just spent with my Sufi community. Having participated in many retreats for many years (including with other groups and on my own), I feel so enlivened and expanded each time, without exception. I found this recent retreat to be particularly refreshing, nurturing and powerful. The various practices we engaged in, alongside of the warm relationships, opened so much internal and communal spaciousness.

The Great Stupa at Shambhala Mountain Center

About a hundred members of The Sufi Order International (SOI)  gathered June 20-27 at Red Feather Lakes, CO, nestled in the midst of splendid mountains and valleys about 25 miles west of Fort Collins, to participate in an annual summer camp. We were hosted so graciously by Shambhala Mountain Center, a well-established Buddhist community that welcomes people from other traditions. Sufis and Buddhists share some strong commonalities; perhaps the main mutual belief involves the essential unity of all creation.

About half of the week was devoted to activities such as seminars and leadership training and group singing and dancing. The last half involved a silent retreat, replete with prayers; eliciting and embracing numerous Divine attributes; and mystical “journeying.”

One of the trusting deer at Shambhala Mountain Center

I’ll share a tiny sampling of some special moments: the trusting deer, rabbits and birds that allowed people to come within several feet of them; a hummingbird (representing joy) that twice flew into our meeting room during particularly “high” group experiences; an impassioned dance performance depicting the life of a very courageous World War II martyr from our ranks; attending an awards ceremony for 17 SOI members who contributed a dazzling quantity and quality of service to our Order; and meeting a number of people for the first time who by the end of the week felt like brothers, sisters or close cousins.

One of the richest and most beautiful rituals (a consensual sentiment) we periodically perform is a “Universal Worship Service.” This service, which was lengthened and embellished at the end of camp, is designed to honor and respect all religions and traditions via brief scriptural readings and songs from each discipline.  A candle is then lit to honor the specific religious tradition.

Each of our bodies contains an extraordinary number of miles of capillaries. Our inner spiritual “landscape” is literally endless. Every time I partake in intensive spiritual learning, practices and ancillary activities, my realization (certainly not mine alone!) of infinite consciousness is reinforced—usually with a big “smile in my heart.” I am most definitely re-treated!

-Jim Sharon

Photos by William Green Photography

I hope everyone is getting as excited for our retreat as we are. It will be a great opportunity to start off the new decade on the right track without your past holding your back. Here is a little teaser about what to expect:

SPRING WEEKEND RETREAT:  April 23 – 25

3 P’s:  PRESENCE, PURPOSE AND PEACE

Facilitated by Jim Sharon, Ed.D.

Licensed Psychologist, Certified Life Coach and Retreat Guide

You are invited to join a small group to experience a rejuvenating, enriching weekend retreat at a deluxe hotel in an elegant setting.  The retreat involves a wide variety of practices (interspersed with a lot of rest) specially designed to expand your sense of presence, purpose and  peace in daily life.  These 3 P’s are foundational qualities of vitality, love and fulfillment.  Most activities will be completed in solitude; a few will be done as a group.

Get a sense of the retreat at the upcoming RETREAT SAMPLER (see description below).

Primary Retreat Benefits:

• Experience centeredness and renewed vitality
• Garner inner strength, resilience and flexibility
• Enhance life balance
• Clarify what is most important and meaningful to you in life
• Realize your special virtues
• Develop goals aligned with your core commitments
• Deepen your appreciation of your inner beauty

When: Friday, April 23, 7:00 pm – Sunday, April 25, 1:00 pm
Where: The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center
200 Inverness Drive W., Englewood, CO 80112
Tuition: $1175 if registered by April 10; $1295 after April 10
A $250 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your slot.

A payment plan is available upon request.

Fee includes:

• Pre-retreat meeting to acquaint you with the retreat process
• Printed materials
• Luxury hotel room for each person and five full meals
• Retreat guidance:  15 structured hours in five 3-hour blocks
• Group debriefing during each meal
• Post-retreat consultation for personalized follow-through
• Special discounts for optional continued coaching

Information:
Contact Jim Sharon: (303) 796-7004 or docjimsharon@yahoo.com

Register Now:
Register for the Spring Weekend Retreat online at Eventbrite or send a check payable to:
Energy for Life
6162 S. Kearney Street
Centennial, CO 80111

RETREAT SAMPLER

This seminar will provide a taste of the weekend retreat.  You will engage in various practices that activate awareness and growth in each of the “3 P” retreat themes described above.

You are welcome to attend the Sampler without registering for the retreat.

When: Thursday, March 18, 7:00 – 9:30 pm
Where: The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center
200 Inverness Drive W., Englewood, CO 80112
Tuition: $25 by March 15^th; $30 at the door

Fee may be applied to the April retreat or to an individual coaching session

Register Now:
Register for the Retreat Sampler online at Eventbrite or send a check payable to:
Energy for Life
6162 S. Kearney Street
Centennial, CO 80111