A Vision of Love, Flourishing & Growth
It's our answer to the question: "What is the good life and how are we to live it?"
...and every answer that seems to satisfy the desire to know, itself, eventually, will finally generate more questions. So, let’s be open about the fact that this is a “philosophical” & “artistic” approach to “therapy” that we are proposing.
A Heuristic First Impression of Our Vision of Love, Flourishing & Growth
Being in a settled state of graceful existing. Having gained from experience over time, filtered through careful reflection. Becoming wise and gradually more aware, animated by a passion for life. For all that, not immune to suffering, loss, and death. Aware of that limit, but not obsessed with it. Working productively and creatively from core potentialities. Surrounded by community, some friends & even anonymous others, being loved by some, loving others, and even just living in common with Others. A rooted resolve to engage problems and face fears. All of this as a communal creature belonging not only to the human world, but also to the natural world itself, and at the very least, always open to the question of the divine and attentive to those who believe.
A Question
How does one actually live such a vision?
We combine some key notions from the ancient wisdom of Aristotle with the insights of modern psychology to map out a path forward in a series of modules to address this question.
Accordingly, we begin with an open conversation about both “courage” and “prudence”. This interactive, iterative, and hand-written warm-up exercise brings us into a ready state for inquiry and growth.
Next we deploy a widely available modern personality test to develop a profile of each conversation partner.
Next we map out relationships in what we call a “creative constellation” to enable better appreciation of/for areas that you believe need attention and/or change.
Next we collaboratively develop an ability to reconsider, to reevaluate, and to deal with “evil” both in oneself and in others, as experienced. Especially noticing and identifying our own self-destructive behaviors, patterns of thinking, and ideation. Here we are asking a simple question: “What hinders me from flourishing?” “From changing my core behaviors?” While this does engage both philosophy and theology, we will not be undertaking either of those approaches at this moment. This practice is practical, more “psychological”, and utterly personal.
Next we assess where we are in the “adventure” of life from personal, interpersonal and communal perspectives.
After this process of reflective self-appropriation and conversation, all conversation partners will be equipped and empowered to “launch” by taking one simple step.