That who I am is not who I thought I was!
And as an artist, it has been exciting and validating to watch how my inner process is continually reflected in my paintings, without any conscious intention to do so.
Some friends of mine started attending a retreat group in CA, and I began reading Hameed’s books. I attended a few Diamond Approach weekends in 1994 with Alia Johnson in NY. When Duncan Scribner started the first Boston group in 1995 where I lived, I joined that group.
I was at a time in my life when I was feeling a certain flatness and discouragement. I had always been searching for something to fill an emptiness even at a young age. I had a deep thirst that I couldn’t name and when I started in the Diamond Approach I felt as if I had found a drink of water. I felt supported and encouraged in my search. I recognized an integrity and an intelligence in the work. I felt at home.
I was challenged by the invitation to come out of hiding. Each inquiry exercise required that I speak up and it was difficult for me. Overtime I discovered my own thoughts, insights, questions and a voice to express them. That old flatness began to open up into more dimensionality and aliveness.
Kodah and Me, story and illustrations