Fully Embracing RC Theory
I am teaching a monthly class in which we challenge ourselves to read RC theory and strengthen our understanding of it beyond the pieces we easily rely on. In particular, I hope to help folks who came into RC since Harvey Jackins’s death become more familiar with the foundation of our current work.
In last night’s class we had a mini-session in which we each identified a piece of RC theory that we particularly cherish, rely on, and share with others. Then we came back together and each of us had three minutes to present our piece of theory. I had two re-evaluations:
1) I accept that people are good. However, I’ve fallen into the habit of remembering that only about people close to me. In other situations and when heavily restimulated (for example, when fighting with a boss or reacting to political leaders), I don’t consistently keep it in mind. How would my perspectives and actions change if I were to do so (without falling into pretense or being naive about the seriousness of distress recordings and the damage they do)?
2) I know that theoretically we can “clean up” distresses completely. However, I’ve fallen into the habit of settling for small gains. What if I could keep in mind that RC is about more than draining the most persistent restimulations, that it’s possible to aim higher and set out to do so [move toward doing so]? What if I went into sessions deciding to do everything necessary to live ever more freely, boldly, and powerfully? How might that impact my willingness to make time for sessions, and how I use those sessions?
Monrovia, California, USA
Reprinted from the e-mail discussion list for RC Community members
(Present Time 189, October 2017)