Throughout this year, I’ve found myself continually inspired by the practitioners who make up the NICABM community. And if you’re reading this, that means I’m talking about you.
As practitioners, we dedicate ourselves to helping people transform their lives. It can be a challenging endeavor, but it’s worth every ounce of effort.
But every now and then, it might be nice to take a moment to put things into perspective and see if there’s anything we can do different, or perhaps better. That’s why I thought I’d share something I wrote . . .
. . . as we’re wrapping up another busy year of accomplishments, and preparing to begin anew, I hope you’ll be motivated to take some risks and dream big.
A Prayer for Pioneers . . .
By Ruth Buczynski
May you have big dreams, far beyond anything you can imagine today
May you trust that you have special gifts and vow to share them with the world
May you walk side by side with your fear, and know that being afraid is human
May you refuse to give up in the face of uncertainty or “something different”
May you learn how to say no and when to say yes
May your discomfort with complacency eclipse your fear of failure or the unknown
May you resolve to just “go for it” even when the world tries to hold you back
May you never settle for “good enough” when you can have much more
May you find fulfillment in your successes and motivation in your failures
May you leave the complaining to sissies and never back away from a challenge
May you cast off the shell that keeps you from blossoming, and never crawl back into it – no matter what
life throws at you
May you never be limited by anyone, not even yourself
May you find wealth in love, happiness, and success
Remember, it’s folks like you who have the gift to help make a real difference in the world.
I encourage you to go, get out of your comfort zone, and take action today. Set out on a journey; make your dreams a reality.
I hope this inspires you, and I’m curious…
…what are some of your “big dreams” for the future? Is there an important project you’ve already gotten started on? Just leave a comment below.
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RUTH this is a wonderful poem ! Had no idea you were so talented !
Thank u!
Carol
Beautiful Ruth. Thank you. This prayer is a keeper!
I’ve begun using EMDR in my practice.
I hope to expand my practice this next year; and we’ll see what God has in store for me to do.
I have written a children’s book that I hope to have published in 2014.
I also have another book I am s l o w l y working on. Lol
Thank you for your prayer….so much!!
Thank you too Ruth !
For your comimitment, your inspiration, your kindness !
Zoe
Since all words from all thoughts and dreams are energy, wasting them on complaining is unintelligent, especially when the world has never needed pioneers, in every walk of life, as critically as it does today. I love your poem, and salute the courage of the tremendous support you so freely provide anyone who taps into your message.
I have hidden myself behind the veil of fear for too long and gird into action today with the dream I have harboured for quite some time. That dream is to launch an all loving, all powerful, all compassionate feminine energy through the medium of story, film, and any vehicle I can think up, that will inspire each and every one of us Dames to believe in our potential that we have humbled to the patriarchal model of existence. The same model that has so sorely fallen short on happiness, and is long on stife and stress. Not a single one of us, male or female, has not felt the dearth of something so deeply yearned for, yet seems elusive in todays reality. And I believe it is all predicated on the feminine energy taking that loving stance, and occupying as much space in this world that the men have historically used as their rite of passage. I don’t know what, where, and how I’m going to do this, but I know WHEN.
Now…..for its all any of us really have.
Thank you Ruth, and a Merry Christmas Too :-))
Thanks for this prayer, Ruth, and for giving me a place to voice and share my big dream. I’ve been bringing the “self-regulatory” practices of yoga to people who are experiencing grave illnesses and injury for 12 years. Lately I’m working a lot with Veterans, conducting yoga research through our VAMC here in Indpls. We know that the huge majority of our homeless adults are veterans. I dream of reaching and empowering these folks with yoga practices that are real and helpful to them. I plan to collaborate with organizations that already exist, because I’ve learned one can do much more when part of a “we”. And I want/need to work with like-minded people for my own happiness as well as getting the job done. I envision yoga sessions created for this group happening all over town, with well trained trauma-sensitive yoga teachers/therapists, supportive clean facilities and the wonderful group dynamic that evolves when people come together to do something meaningful and helpful.
Thanks for all you do, Ruth ~ NICABM has been such a blessing in my life since I discovered you and attended the final 4 conferences in Hilton Head 😉 (I miss them terribly but do understand 😉
Here’s to all of our dreams in 2014 and beyond!
Nancy
Thank you Ruth for this prayer it is so true and wonderful, always a challenge. I will surely cherish is through my own journey of private practice and professional growth.
Thank you also for the opportunities you provide practitioners through out the year to increase knowledge and stay connected to others.
Best wishes for you in the new year.
Thank you for this prayer/poem and all the wonderful inspirational articles. What great ‘Dreams’ I have seem in the comments. I do wish you all well for 2014. I am excited to hear that Elizabeth will be taking Mindfulness into schools as this is something that interests me. Next year I am planning Meditation and Mindfulness sessions at a Hospice Day Centre, this will be a great honour for me.
Best Wishes.
I am in the beginning steps of creating a private union to provide homes and services to those who are homeless. There are many steps required. Beginning is encouraging.
yes, a big project, working it’s way from improbable/impossible into what I call the f***-it zone. That’s the zone where the external and internal chorus of nay sayers lose the power to stop the unfolding, where what I dream of doing, those dreams that just won’t/don’t fall away, becomes something that I did…
impatience with the process always stops before the creation manifests into the physical. perhaps this dynamic is really about acceptance… writer’s speak of how their projects ‘take on a life if their own’, never finishing quite as the artist intended, but finishing, seeing the light of day, nonetheless.
thanks so much for your dedication to bringing subtle energy into the greater social awareness, much appreciated.
Thankyou for sharing your prayer, I feel inspired, such a blessing.
my big dream is to spread mindfulness through the school system, starting with my local school where I am teaching an 8 week curriculum to teens called .b.
i have just heard that a 14yr old boy hung himself in the school grounds a few days at another school in our county of Pembrokeshire. May all children who suffer from despair and self hatred experience kindness and love and tolerance and patience and joy in their lives.
Beautiful, at 89, I just want to be mobile, functioning and independent.
Wishing you a 2014 filled with many unexpected joys, may it be your best year yet. For you deserve it.
Frederica Y/ Daly
Retired psychologist
Albuquerque, NM
I got inspired and motivated while reading the poem….and then!….a word trigger…! I no longer feel inspired and motivated…must personally go deep within why this is so…..
I am currently building a private practice in mindfulness-based equine assisted therapy to help people with PTSD and mood disorders. I use very special horses called “Akhal Tekes”, a rare breed from Central Asia.
We are so Blessed to have YOU!
What Thought Provoking Inspiration.
It is FASCINATING to see from the Feedback ALL of the Gifts of Focus for Healing it has offered!
How Kind & Brave You are to offer such a Personal Gift to us all!
It is true that We are more afraid of Who we TRULY ARE, if we ALLOW Ourselves to BE!
MY BIG DREAM, (I actually have two) that I am currently working on, is highlighting some fundamental flaws in the delivery of some of the Information within the Education System to our Extension/Gifted Children. Currently there is a misnomer around the fact that these Beautiful Minds & ALL of the Intricacies involved, are all Functioning on the Same Level at the Same time (Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual)! This leaves them vulnerable and susceptible when faced with traumatic information, e.g. studying Wars and Disasters. I feel that there has been a confusion between being “bright” and able to cope with the more sensory aspects and being able to accurately articulate what the impact is on them! Also whether they have support to deal with what comes up. I have a Plan that I believe will assist, so I am working on that over the Summer (in NZ) Holidays to present a possible solution to this problem!
Thank You for allowing me the Space to Express My BIG DREAM!
And THANK YOU & YOUR TEAM for ALL that You Do!
YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION!
Arohanui (Deepest Love)
Tricia
Thank-you Ruth
My big dream is to have a Global Ban on Fracking. To have this become a reality I will continue to do what I can to educate the masses about the horrendous carcinogenic and radioactive air emissions from fracking along with the truth about the thousands who have tainted water due to fracking. U.S Congressman Tim Ryan and other corrupted politicans who have been touting the corporate propaganda of the gas and oil companies need to be held accountable for their irresponsible and unethical actions. And yes I and a growing movement of others we will continue to march forward despite dealing with the most wealthiest companies in the world. In the end the truth always prevails.
i
Thank you so much, fabulous Gratefully received
Dear Ruth – Thank you for this timely prayer. It’s just right to bid the old year farewell and welcome a time of growth, creativity, and joy.
It’s very kind of you to share this with us.
Peace and love going forward.
Kathleen Hunter
Thanks for this very lovely reflection. Certainly does put me on the right page.
Thank you Ruth for the lovely poem and sentiments leading us into a new and inspiring year.
I am re-envisioning an old dream of a Single Payer Health Care System which I once actively worked for and perhaps will take up the cause anew.
The path you’ve chosen to foollw is most definitely a prescription for a healthy, happy life, Loran, and I’m still grateful to you for sending some very helpful, inspiring information at a particularly downtime in my life — which thankfully has passed. I hold good thoughts for you and send lots of love and thanks!Sylvia
What a sweet holiday wish! Thanks for who you are, Ruth.
Hello Ruth,
I just loved your poem! It indeed is inspiring. I have been mostly lucky, I call it blessed, but on November 19th I as in a car accident which totaled my car, and injured me right in the sternum and ribs…the injury’s are enough to stop me in my tracks from doing many things I love, and top of the list…the work I do which are hands on practices.
Your words, and dreaming bigger than I know now are really important to me. Life did throw me a temporary stop message…but I intend to use this time to dream anew. Thanks again for the poem!
Rupa
Dear Rupa,
I am praying that you are feeling better and recovering from this trauma of this accident. Sometimes, it takes alot for us to STOP and TAKE CARE of OURSELVES!!!
This too is my story. Five years ago, I had a failed C3-C7 neck fusion surgery that has completely changed my life. Our bodies not only suffer from the many physical issues but from the soul and spirit too!
Some days, I just can’t do much at all and feel out of control of my life. It’s OK to have these days! Since I have nerve damage too, I have many days that I do not feel well or connected to my body. A few good days make up for all the bad ones. My husband, family and great friends and talking helps me to cope.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for light, love and healing,
Linda
I too reacted to the word sissies, associated as it is with homophobia and with defenses against vulnerability. In a similar but less intense way, I reacted to the word complaining. Its pejorative use implied an absence of acceptance of the inevitable back and forth energies of life and the understandable frustration at moments of stuckness.
My Big Dream is to see the new Obamacare include LPCs in Texas in-network privileges and for Medicare to also accept Texas LPCs. I get calls from seniors who lack the resources to pay out-of-pocket for therapy when they are going through life adjustment issues and it breaks my heart to turn them away.
I find it very interesting that a large percentage of comments were people COMPLAINING about the complaining verse. Get the big picture folks or write your own poem.
Hey Ruth, Just noticed how some people must find the critical. Sorry, I appreciate what is, what comes to me as is, because it is a gift. again, thank you for your generosity.
Good Job.
Thank you Ruth. This is quite wonderful and hit the spot for where I am today, as well as a good friend.
Good Job.
Dear Ruth,
I very much appreciate the wonderful educational events you’ve created with the NICABM webinars. I always try to arrange my schedule so that I can see them in ‘real time’ since I can’t afford to sign up for the ‘Gold Packages’ you always offer.
After decades of working in a variety of capacities in the field of social services: as a domestic violence perpetrator-treatment therapist, as a chemical dependency counselor, as a youth-violence reduction specialist, and most recently as a mentor for pre-adolescent boys from extremely challenged families (that job ended when the agency I worked for lost 95% of their funding)…
My particular ‘big dream’ is tied to my recent discovery of how much I enjoy working with preschool-aged children. I’m currently pursing a degree in Early Childhood Education and loving every minute of it!
The irony is that when I graduate, I’ll be eligible to earn: something barely above minimum wage! And the only reason I can actually afford to take such a job is, that I’m getting social security! I find this alternately amusing – and kind of a damning statement about our national priorities…
So my ‘big dreams’ involve working to influence the kinds of shift in our national priorities away from (in Bucky Fuller’s language) the “Killing-ry” we’ve had no problem funding over the last 60 years, towards a “Living-ry” priority that re-defines our understanding of what constitutes “National Security”…
…away from the definition we’ve had since the Cold War: being the biggest, baddest, military power the world has ever seen…with the will to use our might against anyone we disagree with…which has resulted in our expending TRILLIONS of dollars on our military that we could’ve used in far better ways…at home AND abroad.
So I dream of living in a country that believes that ‘National Security’ is about seeing to it that every single child gets off to the best possible start in life…with the kinds of social support systems that all other developed nations offer their citizens.
Since you asked for feedback re: your poem : I loved your poem – until I came to the rather jarring line: “May you leave the complaining to sissies…”
As someone who has been researching treatment of shame for decades, I hope you can find a way to express your encouragement in a more positive light. I find that any language that sets up an ‘us smart people who know better than complain’ agains ‘those poor saps who are still caught in their backward, complaining ways’ is…not helpful.
The field of psychology has always had an unfortunate tendency to use terminology that creates distance between therapists and non-therapists…a couple of examples: TA’s use of the term “Rackets” (the wiser TA therapists I’ve known always use the term ‘substitute feeling’ instead of the more pejorative “Rackets”)…and the term “Secondary Gain” is another example. Using either of those terms always seems to me to set up a “gotcha!” kind of dynamic…that impedes, rather than furthers, empathy between people.
Just one man’s opinion…
p.s. It occurs to me that NICABM might consider putting on a webinar dedicated to an exploration of shame dynamics in human experience.
Thank you for taking time to write some words of inspiration, wishing you Happy Holiday preparations and a blessed Christmas!
Yes, I too would prefer to leave out the comment about “may you leave the complaining to sissies”….For one, I love to complain AND still think about never backing away from a challenge.
So, love the Prayer, will simply cross out the sissies part and move on down the road.
Thanks for this.
I like to replace the word ‘complaining’ with the word ‘venting’ 🙂 There is a huge difference! Venting serves the purpose of release, before the re-gathering of ones energy and resources to meet the challenge. When one complains, they ‘spin the wheels’, stuck. 🙂 Make sense?
Lois, retired therapist , USA
Ruth,
If you take out the line, leave the complaining to sissies, I will be very glad I have the original in my bookmarks. I find it empowering! Does anyone really like themselves when they are complaining?
I experience a door closing and being free on a new level when I read it. Thank you.
We’ve times when we need a friend who will ‘Let Go’ of their ‘on board’ values and simply take note of our tale . . . does your pliable faith offer you a human who will listen yet not judge nor find cause until your ready? But . . . but, are pliable faiths ( beliefs ) secure, safe, comforting?
I have recently submitted a proposal for a 1 year pilot program, Holistic Health and Wellness Program at my hospice organization. This is a “big dream” of mine. I want to be part of the paradigm shift about the way the west views health, wholeness and wellbeing. This is an ambitious project but I am being called to move forward. I am trusting that I do have special gifts and I am vowing to share them with the world. Your “Prayer for Pioneers” touched me deeply. Thank you.
Cher,
I live in the Sacramento area, and am a supporter of hospice programs. My mother died in a hospice home in Fresno a year ago, and I continue to make contributions to that wonderful home. I only wish we had one here in Sacramento. I would love to be in touch with you, and will hold you and your mission in prayer.
Blessings on the journey,
Tanda
First stanza, last line 6, “being afraid is human.”
Fourth stanza, first line, “leave the complaining to sissies.”
WHAT???
From what cultural/parental/negative message did the pejorative “sissies” migrate into this kind and encouraging prayer?
I am not a professional in the field, but have been following you for years. Can’t thank you enough for all the good info you provide. It has been a very positive influence in my life.
Happy Holidays…….you deserve the best!
Not sure about the reference to “sissies” but I love the rest of it
DITTO
perfect timing on this one.. thank you very inspirational
Would like you to know that I am about to start on a project, that will change my life…for the better or worse.Have applied for a big loan from a bank..which should be sanctioned in a month.Getting the technical experts and my personal team ready. High on confidence but a nervous fear also there.