Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.

Jane Howard, Families

One of the realizations I had in the last year, is that we can have sudden transformations of consciousness, but to achieve lasting transformation in our lives requires practice.
The grooves of our old patterns tend to be deep, and even when we go through an experience of Truth, it is hard to not fall back into them when we are back into our ‘normal lives’. For the experience to lead to actual transformation, it has to be followed by consistent practice until the new understanding becomes embodied and we have new grooves through which we flow.
Change is challenging enough in itself, and when we feel alone in the effort it can feel nearly unachievable. But when we gather with others who are on the same path, the work gets easier and more enjoyable: we have fellow travelers with whom we can share an otherwise lonely journey. We see that we are not alone in the struggles we go through. We learn from the experiences and insights of others. We are witnessed in our growth. We have friends to hold our hand through the tough parts. To share their light when we are disheartened. To cherish us when we need it. When we gather in a joint effort, so much potential is created. We can do so much more together.

Yet, the inner work group that had been so strong, has been getting few participants this past year. We heard that one of the main reasons for that is that the group lost its cohesiveness, and that it is hard to do real deep work when there are different people every time, including people that are just beginning Heartwork. And we also hear that the hybrid format as it has been is not working for many. Yet, we had some great virtual events last year, and an amazing in-person retreat in October, and we hear a desire for community. A desire for steady groups. That the work is maintained over time, where you have community and support. So we want to shift how we do things at the Heartwork Institute, so that we can be this community that is there for each other. Because we care and because being liberated makes us powerful and we can accomplish beautiful things together.

So, do you know the poem “Love Dogs” by Rumi? If you haven’t here it is:

One night a man was crying,
“Allah, Allah!”
His lips grew sweet with the praising,
until a cynic said,
“So! I have heard you
calling out, but have you ever
gotten any response?”
The man had no answer for that.
He quit praying and fell into a confused sleep.
He dreamed he saw Khidr, the guide of souls,
in a thick, green foliage,
“Why did you stop praising?”
“Because I’ve never heard anything back.”
“This longing you express
is the return message.”
The grief you cry out from
draws you toward union.
Your pure sadness that wants help
is the secret cup.
Listen to the moan of a dog for its master.
That whining is the connection.
There are love dogs no one knows the names of.
Give your life to be one of them.

RUMi

So, for all the ‘Love Dogs’ out there, whose hearts are crying out for connection and union, we want to create a space where we can be a community, practice together, share life, and belong. A container to gather with other committed Heartworkers, who are taking this path seriously and also want to be in community. We want a community that weaves virtual and physical, meeting in person whenever possible in the different places where Love Dogs gather, and maintaining consistency and integrity over time and space with the use of virtual spaces and tools. Where small cohesive groups meet consistently in the form that works best for them, and where the groups also meet as part of a larger community. Where we can support each other in the ways we can and need. And we want to do this in a way that the cost is not a barrier for anyone.

This is a group intended for those that have experienced the growth possibilities that Heartwork offers, who have used the Heartwork tools, and who are longing for a community to share this journey of opening to live life fully and authentically. If you are one of these Love Dogs and want to be part of this community, fill in the form in this link, and we will set a date for our first meeting where we can begin to co-create our community. If you can’t make it to this first meeting, don’t worry. We will send you the topics beforehand so that you can send us any comment or opinion you might have. We will send you the recording of the meeting so you know what happened, and so you will also have the opportunity to vote on any of the polls conducted. We are full of ideas and can’t wait to begin living them with you.
If you feel you don’t know the practices quite yet, don’t worry. Soon we will begin an introductory course where you’ll be able to learn them. If you are interested in that, click here to learn more about ‘The Yellow Brick Road’ group, so that we know you are interested and can let you know when that happens.

For more information or to Sign-up, email us at awakentheheart@gmail.com

Blessings and Love,
Dale