Southwestern College Santa Fe, NM
Amy Hautman Bates
I like Robert Waterman’s concept of “The Studio” – the sense that we are all one and share in one another’s growth. I feel the transformation of my cohorts and feel as though I am in a way, falling in love with them! Not just in Archetypal Psychology class, which happens to have a beautiful vibe, but in other SWC classes as well.
Seeing, feeling and being with people as they reveal themselves so deeply, is incredibly bonding. Having the group witness my experiences reflects and amplifies my own discoveries. The group also provides an offering of seeds spread from their psychic shifts, large and small. Being present with the vulnerability of my fellow man, I am less willing to keep my own perceived weaknesses secret. As I am laid bare, I am free. I surrender.
I had a dream of a newspaper with the headline “And Her Mask Fell Away”. Then, a few nights later, there was a powerful windstorm and in the whooshing of the wind, I heard a crash. The next morning I found a huge mirror that had been leaning against the shed outside, blown over in the night and shattered all over the ground. The bright sun glared brilliantly off the shards of glass. I appreciate the symbolism in that as I feel myself shedding my image. I am falling more in line with my authentic self.
I have worked my whole life to make the external me match the picture of myself that I think will be most accepted and valued. The picture is pretty. The picture is nice and comfortable and well constructed. I could live happily as this, for the rest of my life.
But I am more than that. It feels good getting to know my underbelly (and showing it to my friends).
