My Work With Diane Bardwell Masters
Diane is my wife, my beloved, my deepest friend, and my partner in all
things, including my work. I say "my" work, but it is, in many ways, "our" work. Though I generally take a more active or directive role in
our groups and trainings, I don't do so in a solo fashion, for I always
feel her with me in such work, whether she is sitting still, simply
deepening (and keeping a keen eye on) the healing space in which the
work unfolds, or whether she is working directly with one or more group
members.
What she brings to our work is a deeply compassionate, strongly
grounded presence, as well as considerable skill in guiding others
through their pain and obstacles into a deeper, more authentic and
integrated life. Like me, she works not from behind a preset
methodology, but from an intuitive sensing of what's needed moment to
moment.
When we are working together, we not only bring our individual
abilities to the work that needs to be done, but also our relationship,
the presence of which contributes greatly to the work being done,
according to many group participants. There is no effort in this, for
it's simply a matter of us being with each other in the presence of
others; we are not holding ourselves apart as an example of the far
reaches of relational intimacy, but rather remain simply present in
deeply connected mutuality and love for whatever work is needed.
Without Diane, I would have very likely burned out from all the work I
do and feel so compellingly drawn to do. Through her, I am deepened and
softened and reinforced in my commitment to being of authentic service
to others. If you work with us, you may see me out front more, but you
will also see Diane right there, just as involved as I am in the work
being done, contributing deeply not only through her heartful presence,
but also through her insights, intuitions, and loving openness.
I am grateful, day after day, that she and I are together, and that we
get to do this work together; we didn't consciously plan it thus, but
it has felt utterly natural to evolve into working together. There is
no retiring from this; as long as we can function, I'm sure we'll be
doing our work, however much it evolves, with others.