About Relationship and Family
President Obama's inauguration may issue in a new era of relationship - at least that is what we are standing for.
We don't know about you, but we have had a sense that, as a nation, the last few years have been characterized by separation and discord, both externally and internally. In his inauguration speech President Obama said, "That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age."
Where in your relationships - and your families - have your personal or individual attentions, desires and concerns displaced relationship-based and relationship-enhancing actions?
What fears have been driving you in the direction of discord and separateness?
Take some time and update your partner and your family on the fears and concerns that have been on your mind and in the way of experiencing peace and ease in your relationship.
"Something opens our wings,
Something makes boredom and hurt disappear,
Someone fills the cup in front of us.
We taste only sacredness."
Rumi
With our love,
Sandy and Lon
What's New?
We are engaged in and evaluating a program for couples that may prove to be a useful and effective way to continue the support and enhancement of your relationships. Three couples who have participated in our workshops have joined us in this program to assist us in the evaluation. We will update you from time-to-time on our progress.
Coming Attractions
Our third series of teleconversations for the continuing exploration and support of relationships and families will begin on February 25. We will be exploring the nature of stress, with the intention that you gain some insight and release in the stress that occurs in relationships and families. The calls begin at 6:00pm Pacific Time and end no later than 7:15pm. The cost is $75 for the set of 3 conversations. Please call us for details and to register.
Please do not delay in registering for the Relationships & FamiliesByDesign workshops of your choice - especially Los Cabos in March and April because the resort has informed us that they do not have many rooms left.
Go to our website, www.familiesbydesign.com, for details and contact us really soon to register.
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Something to think about…
Arguments…and the stress they bring
What is it about us that requires us to demand that others get our point of view?
What She Heard
What is it about us that makes us even think that they could get our point of view?
What He Said
From our July 2008 Newsletter:
"Just as it is impossible to see out of another's eyes, it is not possible to have exactly the same point of view as another; a relationship is seen and experienced from at least two different places, two different views. And even though they may be similar, they will not be the same. To argue with others in order to get them to have your point of view is like trying to teach a pig to sing. It will frustrate you and annoy the pig."
At best you can get an inkling of another's view, another's world, by listening to him/her. Trying to convince others of your view just gets in the way. (The roots of the word convince are "intense + to conquer", lit. to acquire what one seeks with force, hostility, battle).
Listening to others, without trying to change them or their view, may not only be a powerful expression of respect and appreciation, but may also be the opportunity to learn something new about them and the world you share.
Are you willing to be open - now?
Our best wishes for you,
Sandy & Lon
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