More words of wisdom from Lee Mortenson and Carol Kirkland...
Once you've talked about your inner life at a
seminar and felt some of the relief of digging
it out, there's a desire for more... and not
many places or people who are as interested
as you might be to talk openly and share from
a vulnerable place.I wonder if HAPA is interested in digging out all the PTSD and worse that many former Hyde students and their families have had to cope with, consequent to the "magic of growth" that "working the Hyde process" entails...
HAPA Issues from Lee & CarolOccasional thoughts from Lee Mortenson & Carol Kirkland on Hyde, HAPA and life beyond the campus walls
The Willingness to Dig DeeperOne of the participants at the recent Woodstock Relationship workshop said it in a way that I heard loud and clear: "I've never been able to talk with anyone the same way after Hyde. Hyde families are willing to get under the surface and dig in deeper."
That's been our experience as well. Of course, that's what happens at Hyde. We all come here with our kids and then find out that we need as much work as they do... maybe more. And there's nothing like working with your family to bring out the dark side that we've carefully hidden from everyone... even ourselves.
The interesting thing is that a lot of folks get hooked on the experience. They've looked elsewhere for opportunities to get past their veneer and finding a "doorway" inside is not always easy to find amongst the clutter at the mall and the office.
Once you've talked about your inner life at a seminar and felt some of the relief of digging it out, there's a desire for more... and not many places or people who are as interested as you might be to talk openly and share from a vulnerable place.
That's not to say that you can't start something. I've noticed that it doesn't matter how formal the setting, when someone starts to speak from a more vulnerable and open place, other folks start to listen and respond...
and the opportunities for many of us are limited.
So, what's a HAPA to do?
First, there's regional HAPA groups that develop out of Hyde parents that still want to meet and talk in a way that is different. While energy fluctuates for local gatherings, it may be on the rise again now. Regional meetings honoring the contributions to Laurie and Paul Hurd are in the offing and they are a great chance to network with old Hyde acquaintances and get something going.
This year there are a series of HAPA events (more to come) that allow HAPAs to dig in a little deeper with like-minded folks. You can go fishing with Rich Truluck up in Maine, join Claire Grant for a Women's Renewal weekend on the beach in North Carolina, or attend a residential Relationship workshop at one of the two campuses. And, starting this month, there will be an opportunity to network through the
www.HAPAonline.org web site. Check out our HAPA-2-HELP-U online group, where you can ask for help or see if there's someone in your area who is willing to join you in digging in deeper!
Lee E. Mortenson
(You can write to Lee at
[email protected])
