Chris Brockman, Jun 4, 2009, 10:04AM EDT

Karen,

           I couldn't agree more with your recent email.  It seems to me that the focus of this group is clearly contained in its name:  gentle READ.  It also seems to me that sharing and conversing about things we've read (especially "gentle' things) has a value in itself.   I don't get the propensity for posters on Gather to dump just anything on any group's site.  It undermine's the whole point of having different groups. 

            I think expanding the "read" part to include more than the original book is a great idea.  I started  the orignal book, but I confess her approach was just too new- agey for me.  I hope opening this group to other books will compel me and many others to post some searching and insightful comments about what we are READING. 

Karen E., May 19, 2009, 10:43PM EDT

Renda, I am delighted to hear about your change. It sounds like we were both longing for the same experiences. I love the solitude of the car between visits. I can play soothing music or just enjoy the quiet. It feels very right to be a guest in my client's home and respect their space and the integrity of their lives. What are your plans for new experiences?

Renda B~surviving the storm by dancing in the rain., May 19, 2009, 9:55AM EDT

Hi Karen. It's funny you should bring these questions up and this part of the book. Recently (and I'll write a post soon and publish it to this group), I have stepped away from the same ole, same ole and began a journey beyond. Somewhat out of my comfort zone, I'm exploring new trails.

I, too, have recently changed jobs and am doing home health (just this past week). The last time I did any type of home health was when I worked for Hospice (several years ago). Yesterday it felt good to be out of the confining space of a building and on the open road....seeing new territory, meeting new people, and being able to see patients in their homes.

Karen E., May 18, 2009, 9:42AM EDT

I finished the first chapter on the Silver Gate and can recognize the tendency to have "soul loss" related to lost dreams, journey fatigue or waning imagination for the journey to come. It was a good challenge to open my eyes again for new experiences. I have returned to an old job that I loved very much. I started back with Home Health Nursing and know that I will find it very fulfilling but what I want to do is to take better care of myself this time and not exhaust myself on the road.
Are any of you identifying Silver Gate lessons? I would love to hear from you. I send blessings today.

Karen E., May 4, 2009, 10:23AM EDT

I just discovered the conversation space!!! This is fantastic. Yes Chris, the book is a trace on the new age side but I think there is very good information here too. Julie, so sweet to see you here too. This section will be fun.

Chris Brockman, May 1, 2009, 6:19PM EDT

Karen,
I bought the book on Monday last and immediately read the forward, acknowledgements, and the Introduction. I am not nearly so New Agey as this book promises to be, but I offer the following from the Intrduction to anyone who is having doubts about participating.

"May our journey through the eight gates of initiation liberate us from the disparaging stereotypes of aging, and light a new path for future generatins. May we be the ones to reclaim and model the dignity, grace, and authentic power that true elderhood confers...May our conscious legacies and wise stewardship make the world a better place."

Indeed.

Julie L., Apr 27, 2009, 2:34AM EDT

Happy to be here!

Chris Brockman, Apr 26, 2009, 2:40PM EDT

Hmmm...a reading circle with some of the roundest characters I know? Count me in.