The Transformational Power of Groups

Posted October 5, 2018

“We are having a crisis of disconnection – humans in western countries report being more lonely, untethered and scared than ever before. True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world.”
-Brene Brown

I talk to many women in my coaching practice who feel very alone in their pain and confusion. They may wonder whether there is something wrong with them; if there is any hope for them; and why they can’t seem to change. And they’re frustrated.

Having someone to talk to face-to-face, who is a neutral and supportive person, not a friend or family member whom they are afraid will judge or reject them, is extremely helpful. I see many women overcome issues of low self-esteem and self-worth, lack of confidence, fears around standing up for themselves, speaking their truths and feeling valued. So I find one-on-one coaching to be extremely transformational. I am often blown away at how quickly my clients make changes in their relationships to themselves, their goals, and to others in their lives.

Earlier this year, as I set off to lead two different extended groups for women, I wasn’t quite sure if they could top the experience that women were having in private sessions. But now that they’ve completed and I’ve started a new group, I have to say that I’ve again felt pretty amazed by the feedback I’ve received and the connections I’m now witnessing.

You see, there’s something very magical that happens when women come together to share from the heart. Even though they may show up with a lot of fear and trepidation about being judged or not fitting in, what they all seem to find is that showing up with willingness; being open to learning; and being vulnerable is a great key that unlocks the door to their fears, low self-esteem and isolation.

As they listen to others’ stories, they realize they are not alone in their struggles. And as they get the courage to share, they realize they can be seen and heard in their vulnerability and great things come from it. They feel comforted by the group support. And because the groups are guided and held with a clear intention for personal growth and learning, people seem to show up even more openly than when the groups are peer-led. At least that’s been my experience over many years of facilitating women’s groups and participating in peer-led groups.

Last night in my new cycle of the Embodied Radiance Group, my heart filled with joy as I watched the women (in our 3rd meeting) planning a gathering before the next meeting. Many of them are there to make friends, and with the focus of the group on intimacy and creating deeper connections, well…that’s what was happening – and relatively quickly! We finished on such a sweet note that nobody seemed to want to leave, even though it was late. I always take that as a great sign!

We’re born to connect and we thrive when we have deep and meaningful connections. There are even studies proving that supportive relationships are the strongest factor to living a long a healthy life. And yet many of us are starving for meaningful connections. We may have deep wounding that gets in the way of our ability to be open to intimacy.

These groups hold a safe space for women to explore themselves spiritually, emotionally, sexually, psychologically, and energetically. And through their sharing, the participants are finding that they are more alike than they are different. They are clearing some of the obstacles that get in their way of making deeper contact with others. And from this place, true connection comes so much more easily.

I feel my heart expanding as I write this, sitting in my office where the group met last night. I am soaking up the beauty that is possible when we make true connections. And I feel so very grateful that I have followed my heart into this line of work and am getting to facilitate and witness the opening of hearts right before my eyes.

May all beings experience the incredible beauty and abundance of an open heart!

P.S.
For those of you curious about the next group, the Rock Your Relationship Online Coaching Group for Women is starting on October 15 and I’m super excited about it!

Early Pricing ends 10/10 and this is the lowest it’s going to get – ever!

P.P.S. I’m offering a few FREE Relationship Breakthrough Sessions for any woman wanting some clarity on her relationship obstacles and next steps towards relationship harmony, but spots are going fast. Sign up for a spot here.

And if you want an online community support for your relationship, with coaching from me, check out our
Healthy Relationships Sisterhood Facebook Group here: