What we’re about
WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT FOR A FULFILLING LIFE?
Community--deep connection and mutual acceptance with other people.
WHAT'S THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL OBSTACLE TO THAT FULFILLMENT?
Fear...of rejection, disapproval, judgment, etc.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM?
Come to the Radical Acceptance Experience to find out!
---------------------------------
All of us want connection with others, but fear too often keeps us from it. Still, the need remains, with a profound longing to feel deeply accepted.
Through a series of highly effective exercises, we will move through the fears that keep us from the remarkable experience of “radical acceptance”. To be seen for who we truly are, to come out from hiding and express ourselves fully, is indeed a remarkable thing, and one we all must work toward if we are to become whole. That’s what this group is for.
The exercises we will be engaging involve different ways to powerfully, but also gently and respectfully, move through the fears which hold us back from deep connection. In the safety of the container, this means practicing different ways of expressing ourselves--truths that we may feel guilty or ashamed to share, wants and needs that we may have been taught to hide.
Exercises include: Sharing private thoughts (a la "A Course in Miracles"), mirror work, eye-gazing, reparenting, "the Warrior's Stance", and more.
Of course, everyone will proceed according to their readiness; no one will be pushed to go faster than they choose. Still, the understanding in this group is that moving through such fears is the key to profound freedom, joy and the true meaning of "radical acceptance".
While this can be challenging, let’s not forget how important the need is. Again, no one would be asked to go anywhere they’re not comfortable going or to do so before they felt ready and willing. Participation in any aspect of this would be completely voluntary. The good news is the exercises are surprisingly gentle and safe. And don’t forget, it’s all about discovering greater fulfillment, love, connection and some serious fun in the process!
Please understand that this is a group that recognizes we all have fear of different sorts. One of the biggest obstacles to getting free from fear is the defense that says we don’t have any fear. To repeat, in this group we will be facing the fear of opening up to others to share our deep, authentic selves. If you are interested in creating community in a different way, this group would not be for you.
Similarly, we are asking for a real commitment if you join. Meetup groups are notorious for having lots of people sign up and few that actually show up. In order to accomplish the profound sense of acceptance and fulfillment this group is designed for, regular attendance is essential, so others can depend on your support and you can depend on theirs. This, too, is a key ingredient for a group that works. (Of course we understand when things come up to make it unavoidable to miss a session here or there…just asking that your commitment to attend is sincere!).
Here are the details:
Our first meeting will be at the Luddington Library in Bryn Mawr on Saturday August 9th from 10 a.m. - noon. At the end of the meeting, we'll discuss what the optimal schedule would be for ongoing meetings. Please understand that we may not be able to accommodate everyone's schedule, and come prepared to be as flexible as possible.
There is no charge for participating.
After the group has "gelled" and our bond is strong, we might choose to include in our sessions what I like to call “High Play". This could look like whatever we as a group decide on. Possibilities include: Sharing new exercises for healing and growth, music, poetry, other spiritual practices that evoke a sense of wonder, beauty and awe, drumming, chanting, dancing...anything that supports the experience of enjoying our freedom to be who we truly are and soak up the goodness of life with others committed to doing the same.
It's also possible that the group may choose to include an informal potluck lunch after the formal session is concluded. This has been a really nice addition to the experience in the past.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
Because it can be difficult to create a group that truly "works", each person who’s interested in attending will be asked to answer a few screening questions. This is not meant to exclude anyone—it’s simply a necessary step to ensure that the group functions at a high level and that we’re all a good fit for this kind of work.
Please answer the questions thoughtfully, and understand that, if we are not able to invite you to participate at this time, it is only because we are trying to ensure that good match between the purpose of the group and what you are looking for. The decision would not be personal, and we would encourage you to create your own group based on your needs and interests.
You'll see the questions during the sign up process. Unfortunately, if we don't get real answers to the questions, we cannot consider you for the group. Thank you again for your understanding!
Upcoming events (1)
See all- The Radical Acceptance ExperienceLudington Library, Bryn Mawr, PA
WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT FOR A FULFILLING LIFE?
Community--deep connection and mutual acceptance with other people.
WHAT'S THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL OBSTACLE TO THAT FULFILLMENT?
Fear--of rejection, disapproval, judgment, etc.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM?
Come to the Radical Acceptance Experience to find out!
---------------------------------
(PLEASE NOTE: There are questions at the end of this description that must be answered to be considered for membership in this group. This is to help ensure that everyone who attends is serious about making this group the deeply meaningful experience it is intended to be).All of us want connection with others, but fear too often keeps us from it. Still, the need remains, with a profound longing to feel deeply accepted.
Through a series of highly effective exercises, we will move through the fears that keep us from the remarkable experience of “radical acceptance”. To be seen for who we truly are, to come out from hiding and express ourselves fully, is indeed a remarkable thing, and one we all must work toward if we are to become whole. That’s what this group is for.
The exercises we will be engaging involve different ways to powerfully, but also gently and respectfully, move through the fears which hold us back from deep connection. In the safety of the container, this means practicing different ways of expressing ourselves--truths that we may feel guilty or ashamed to share, wants and needs that we may have been taught to hide.
Exercises include: Sharing private thoughts (a la "A Course in Miracles"), mirror work, eye-gazing, reparenting, "the Warrior's Stance", and more.
Of course, everyone will proceed according to their readiness; no one will be pushed to go faster than they choose. Still, the understanding in this group is that moving through such fears is the key to profound freedom, joy and the true meaning of "radical acceptance".
While this can be challenging, let’s not forget how important the need is. Again, no one would be asked to go anywhere they’re not comfortable going or to do so before they felt ready and willing. Participation in any aspect of this would be completely voluntary. The good news is the exercises are surprisingly gentle and safe. And don’t forget, it’s all about discovering greater fulfillment, love, connection and some serious fun in the process!
Please understand that this is a group that recognizes we all have fear of different sorts. One of the biggest obstacles to getting free from fear is the defense that says we don’t have any fear. To repeat, in this group we will be facing the fear of opening up to others to share our deep, authentic selves. If you are interested in creating community in a different way, this group would not be for you.
Similarly, we are asking for a real commitment if you join. Meetup groups are notorious for having lots of people sign up and few that actually show up. In order to accomplish the profound sense of acceptance and fulfillment this group is designed for, regular attendance is essential, so others can depend on your support and you can depend on theirs. This, too, is a key ingredient for a group that works. (Of course we understand when things come up to make it unavoidable to miss a session here or there…just asking that your commitment to attend is sincere!).
Here are the details:
Our first meeting will be at the Luddington Library in Bryn Mawr on Saturday August 9th from 10 a.m. - noon. At the end of the meeting, we'll discuss what the optimal schedule would be for ongoing meetings. Please understand that we may not be able to accommodate everyone's schedule, and come prepared to be as flexible as possible.
There is no charge for participating.
After the group has "gelled" and our bond is strong, we might choose to include in our sessions what I like to call “High Play". This could look like whatever we as a group decide on. Possibilities include: Sharing new exercises for healing and growth, music, poetry, other spiritual practices that evoke a sense of wonder, beauty and awe, drumming, chanting, dancing...anything that supports the experience of enjoying our freedom to be who we truly are and soak up the goodness of life with others committed to doing the same.
It's also possible that the group may choose to include an informal potluck lunch after the formal session is concluded. This has been a really nice addition to the experience in the past.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
Because it can be difficult to create a group that truly "works", we are asking everyone to answer a few screening questions to make sure this is the right group for you. This is not meant to exclude anyone—it’s simply a necessary step to ensure that the group functions at a high level and that we’re all a good fit for this kind of work.
Please answer the questions thoughtfully, and understand that, if we are not able to invite you to participate at this time, it is only because we are trying to ensure that good match between the purpose of the group and what you are looking for. The decision would not be personal, and we would encourage you to create your own group based on your needs and interests.
PLEASE ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS IN A MESSAGE TO THE ORGANIZER:
1) What draws you to this group? What resonates with you about the Radical Acceptance Experience, and what are you hoping to gain from participating?
2) Have you done any personal growth, emotional healing, or spiritual work before? If so, please briefly describe what kinds of practices, therapies, or communities you’ve engaged with.
3) How comfortable are you with emotional vulnerability, either one-on-one or in a group setting?
4) The group requires a sincere commitment to attend regularly.
If you like what happens at the first meeting, are you willing and able to commit to very regular attendance (barring unexpected circumstances)?
If not, what might get in the way?5) The focus of the group is on facing fear as a path to connection, freedom, and joy. How do you feel about this focus? What, if anything, might make it challenging for you?
6) Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself that might help us understand who you are and whether this group would be supportive for you right now?
7) PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a therapy group. Do you consider yourself emotional stable and mature--i.e. are you able to reliably take care of yourself emotionally if challenges arise?
Thank you for your thoughtful answers!
