How did you become involved in ITP? And are you currently a member of any ITP group?
I met George Leonard in the 1980’s when I was using an art studio in the gallery underneath his Mill Valley Aikido Dojo. I was curious at the thuds and sounds coming through the ceiling. I went up and met George and a few students. A seed was planted. Several years later, I heard about the very first experimental ITP group, but I was living abroad at the time and couldn’t explore further. Somehow a copy of The Life We Are Given fell into my hands a few years later. I joined an off-shoot group of ITP in San Francisco in the early 2000’s, where we met once a week in a psychotherapist’s office. Pam Kramer came in and presented one night and she knocked my socks off with her energy and enthusiasm, yet deep calm. I thought “I want what she’s got” and followed her to the CITP group in Mill Valley, where Pam was a member. One of the great joys of my life has been my friendship with Pam. Mill Valley CITP was a large group and I was re-introduced to George, Michael and the teachings of ITP. There were so many interesting people and ideas in the group. I started exploring yoga, meditation and eastern thought in high school, influenced by my older brother, and it has been a lifelong journey. ITP has been another wonderful resource that has fostered my growth and evolution. I am sticking with it!
I am not currently in a group though I recently completed a six-month Integral Leadership Course. It was excellent, and I highly recommend it!
2. Within your practice, what insights have you experienced that have made the biggest impact in your daily life?
The practice of caring for every aspect of the self -- body, mind, heart and soul -- has profoundly affected me. Balance is so important to my life. The curiosity, openness, humor and learning involved in this path are very engaging. I have met so many wonderful people through ITP, and many have become close friends. I love the positive spirit and attitude -- it is truly a big tent practice with members from many backgrounds.
3. What ITP practice resource/exercise/quote has been most helpful in your transformative journey?
Every practice has relevance and meaning, from staying current, finding joy, exercise and affirmations to awareness of the hara, body wisdom, Kata, meditation and service to others. I love that it covers all aspects of inner and outer life, including LET and exercises from Aikido practice.
There have been many quotes. Some of the sayings I love are: “Take the hit as a gift,” “We are all students and teachers to each other,” “The religion of no religion” and “Expect nothing, be ready for anything!” So many gems. And of course Ramakrishna’s famous saying “The Winds of Grace are always blowing; you just have to raise your sails.”
4. Have you participated in any ITP programs and if so, what resources or teachings have benefitted you most from the experience?
I’ve had several years of Mastery, San Rafael and Mill Valley CITP groups, Integral Leadership, Ki of Cooperation, conferences, lectures and others. I love the energy and wisdom of the groups, especially the focus on affirmations, which have always been powerful for me. Every aspect of the teachings is transformative. I love that the body, mind, heart and soul – all aspects of the self – are covered.
5. What is one affirmation you currently have/or had that has been particularly helpful in realizing your own extraordinary capacities?
My all-time favorite affirmation that came to me in a dream is “A Divine Fire Burns in my Soul, Illuminating my Way.” It checks all the boxes for me, and I use it every day. I have had affirmations around physical and mental strength, stability, focus and health. I have also written affirmations for specific situations which I’ve found very helpful, like caring for ill family members and personal challenges.
6. Do you have any favorite books, podcasts or newsletters that align with and support your practice? Please share with our community.
The Life We Are Given is a classic, and the updated Living an Extraordinary Life written by Christina Grote and Pam Kramer is my bible. I love poetry and read widely. I am in the process of re-reading George and Michael’s books. I fondly remember that as a teenager my first spiritual books were Be Here Now, Siddhartha, Bhagavad Gita and Autobiography of a Yogi. I am so grateful for the resources we have available.
7. What ways have ITP and this practice supported your work/engagement in the larger community and world?
I have my own small daily practices of kindness, generosity and supporting others to be their best. My mother taught me to care about others and to be a good friend. I am forever grateful for the gift she gave me. ITP has taught me to have gratitude for my life and all the blessings, to notice beauty in the world and others, to listen deeply with my ears and my body. I have been very moved by the people I have met in and through the practice, and the sense of connection we share.
8. Any additional comments you would like to add about ITP?
I am retired now, but my last profession was as a small event chef and caterer. I had the great privilege to cook and organize food and drink for many ITP conferences, galas and auction dinners. I enjoyed creating beautiful and healthy feasts for my friends! For me, cooking was a deep service and act of love for my community.
Several years ago I worked a few mornings a week helping Annie and George Leonard when George was near the end of his life. My dog Sierra and I would stay with George so Annie could go out. Every day George would find something nice to say about me and my dog! I prepared breakfast and lunch for him, and he often invited friends to join. Some days we went out to appointments, we worked on his writings or he would play the piano. It was an honor and something I will never forget. It makes my practice so much sweeter to have had the opportunity to spend time with George and Annie. They were the real deal.