The Shepherds’ Way

Before you began your journey into the labyrinth of your Story, you were stressed and anxious. You felt as though your thoughts were non-stop with worry, sorrow, stuck-ness, and even deeply and functionally depressed. We all were. Once you began shepherding your story with the support of a shepherd, you have developed as a person. You’re more self-aware while not being self-absorbed. You feel lighter. Your health has improved. You’re making more time for things you love. You’re making friends again like you used to do. Your mind feels more like your friend than this thing that kicks you around and criticizes. You’re less reactive. You’re kinder. You sleep better. Unknowns don’t bother you as much. You judge less and feel more, and your feelings have great value. You can work with them, express them compassionately, and you can turn them into songs, poems, stories, music, and dance–our ancient gifts for sustaining life.

You have uncovered your Shepherds’ Way. You understand how to be a story shepherd because you have shepherded your own. Everyone’s story is entirely unique–tragic in its own way, beautiful in its own way. Once you have found your Shepherds’ Way, you have what you need to help others. You listen. You feel. You feel when your story needs attention and make the space to attend to it. It is not daunting anymore. You have explored the echoes of the eloquence within us, and you understand its language, because it’s yours.

Because the storied life requires sensitivity and kindness, Shepherds’ Way gathers and experiences provide shelter and refuge from a world in transformation. Some people have found this path, and many more have yet to begin. They are terse, unkind, controlling, and they try to make you feel less-than because you are open and vulnerable. It is okay. You can engage it without it clobbering you. You understand how far we all have to go together. There are days, though, when you need to be among shepherds.

These gatherings, in-person and virtual, support us all as we proceed.