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We participate in Benestrophe meetings to heal ourselves and to support others in healing themselves. The process of coming together is the means by which we heal the pain of separation. By gathering regularly with other co-creators of Benestrophe, we experience the healing miracle of Love.
Our meetings are where the magic of Benestrophe happens. That is where we literally transform separation and fear into Wholeness and Love. The purpose of Benestrophe meetings is to allow co-creators of Benestrophe to share with one another effective ways to work the Twelve Steps of Benestrophe.
The remainder of this chapter contains a number of suggestions regarding the specifics of starting a group and conducting meetings. These suggestions, although optional, are based on processes that Benestrophe groups have used that have been effective.
Sharing Benestrophe is Benestrophe. When we introduce others to the joy and benefit of participation in Benestrophe meetings, we are not only enhancing our own experience, but speeding the transformation of consciousness on a global scale. The desire to heal our planet one Heart at a time is the essential motivating factor in forming groups and facilitating meetings. Initiating a Benestrophe gathering of two or more individuals is one of the most creative activities a person can perform. The positive rewards of doing so reach into every aspect of life. Sacred Relationship and Sacred Touch are experienced firsthand at Benestrophe meetings.
Benestrophe meetings provide a space where we step outside the pressures of everyday life and strengthen ourselves by sharing our vulnerability with others. Through these gatherings, we experience emotional support and joyful interaction.
We cannot overcome the fearful conditioning of the mind without support. Participation in Benestrophe meetings is an important element in the commitment to transform our lives. Alone, we easily get caught up in struggles and obligations. By ourselves, we easily forget that Life is a Perfect expression of the Universe and meant to be enjoyed. Benestrophe meetings allow us to directly experience our Oneness with other individuals who share our vision. Through the art of Sacred Touch and the vehicle of Sacred Relationship, we leave behind the pain of separation and venture forth into a lifetime of healing, fun and fulfillment.
There are two primary aspects to consider when discussing the subject of Benestrophe meetings. The first involves how to start a group. This includes matters such as securing a meeting place, announcing your group to the community, and attracting people to meetings. The second aspect involves conducting the meetings themselves. This includes matters such as establishing the format and facilitating the processes. Both of these aspects are discussed in detail in the remainder of this chapter.
Starting a Benestrophe group is easy. Anyone can do it. All you need is a place to gather and the desire to begin. Groups are usually launched by nothing more than someone inviting a small circle of friends to get together and read The Vision of Benestrophe. Benestrophe meetings offer an easy way to heal ourselves and to assist others in healing themselves. The word sponsor defines the person who takes responsibility for creating and maintaining the group. How this responsibility is administered varies widely. The sponsor determines the content of the meetings and may serve as the primary facilitator if he or she desires. Although the facilitator of a meeting can change from time to time, the sponsor retains ultimate responsibility for the organization and functioning of the group and its meetings.
Let’s say you want to sponsor a new Benestrophe group. No forms or paperwork are required. Once you are clear about your intention for the group, you simply declare that the group exists and proceed to organize the particulars. The moment you begin, you are the sponsor of the group.
The first task is to name your group. Any name that aligns with your focus will do. For example, you might call your group the 'We Are One Benestrophe Group', the 'Children of Light Benestrophe Group', the 'IAMUS Benestrophe Group,' or the 'Anonymous Angels of Benestrophe Group.' Keep the name of the group impersonal by not including anyone’s name in it.
A suitable meeting place should be secured. There are two categories of meeting places: public and private. A public meeting place is any location within a public building or facility. This could be a church, school, theater, municipal park, or hotel conference room. With a public location, the sponsor may need to pay a rental fee. A private meeting place is any location that is not normally accessible to the public. This will usually be someone’s home, but could also be an office or some other place of business. A number of our groups have been provided meeting space by the Unity Church or a similar venue.
Like most aspects of Benestrophe, selecting a meeting place involves no hard and fast rules. You can try one way and then change later. Many sponsors elect to start their group by meeting at peoples’ houses. Others prefer to start at a public location so that new members feel comfortable at first and then move to a system of rotating hosts later. Do whatever feels right for you.
A few other details should be decided upon by the sponsor. Membership in a Benestrophe group may be open or closed to the public. Closed groups may gather by personal invitation only. Groups that are open to the general public publicize their activities. This is normally done through advertising, either by placing ads in local media or by distributing flyers that announce the time and location of meetings. Here again, the sponsor can act upon his or her personal preferences.
The regularity of the meetings should also be considered. The sponsor may prefer a regular weekly schedule, with members meeting at the exact same time and place every week. Or the sponsor may prefer to hold meetings on an irregular basis. Some groups conduct both regular weekly meetings and special celebrations or intensives at other times.
Keep in mind that there is more than one correct way to organize a Benestrophe group. Although this chapter contains many suggestions, the sponsor of a group is always free to accept them or not as he or she sees fit. A particular group may come up with a style of meetings that does not resemble anything like what we discuss in this chapter. That is fine, as long as the spirit of Benestrophe is present and The Vision of Benestrophe is read at meetings.
If you elect to keep your group private, perhaps limit the group to a specific number of members, your advertising might involve nothing more than mentioning it to a few acquaintances. Simply inform those who you think would be interested that you are starting a group and when and where you will meet. Tell them a little about the focus of the group, and be sure they understand that they are personally selected and are invited to attend.
If you elect to draw members from the public, you may choose to make your advertising a little more extensive. Start by telling your friends and acquaintances. In some cases, that’s all that is necessary. That will be enough to start the ball rolling. A small core of enthused individuals who subsequently tell others can often lead to a large and vibrant group of people.
If you are new in town, don’t know many people, or want to begin your group with a large turnout, you may choose to advertise in the media. A small classified ad in a local newspaper usually works well. Copies of The Vision of Benestrophe or a simple flyer to distribute around town is also effective. Any mention on radio or television is good. Most local radio and television stations make such announcements as a public service without charge. Local computer bulletin boards usually allow the posting of messages without charging a fee. Many local church and social organizations will be responsive to your efforts and will be happy to publicize your group.
Make your advertising message simple and to the point. State that a new group is forming and supply the time and location. Give a local phone number so that people can contact you for additional information. That’s all there is to it.
If you use your creativity, you will find there are many ways to publicize your new group with a minimum of effort and expense.
Some sponsors conduct initial advertising, get their group going, and then drop all publicity They prefer to either limit their group to a specific number of people or let the group’s word of mouth bring in new members. Other sponsors continue to conduct some form of ongoing public- ity This can be a regular classified ad, run maybe one week per month, or some other form of advertising that continues indefinitely. Depending on the budget of the group, such ongoing advertising should constitute only a small percentage of the funds available. You can do a little temporary advertising for new members at any time, whenever you find attendance could use a boost. Once your group has been meeting regularly for a period of time, you can better determine the needs of the group regarding new members.
Sooner or later, the moment comes when people, of their own free will, choose to arrive at your selected meeting location to take part in the healing process of Benestrophe. It is a time of celebration, a time to rejoice. Your efforts at publicity have paid off; people are responding to the message. Allow your natural enthusiasm to show as you receive your guests. Welcome all those who show up and thank them for coming. Most people will be cheerful and enthused, eagerly awaiting their new adventure. Take comfort in the fact that they will not be disappointed.
Make sure all details regarding the meeting room are ready for your guests before they arrive. Have necessary items prepared ahead of time. If you are planning to do a process involving paper or writing, have the paper and pencils ready to go. If you need to supply drinks, have the cups and pitchers set out in advance. Whatever else is needed, be sure to take care of the details well before the scheduled time of the meeting.
Start on time! This is a critical element in creating successful and meaningful meetings. How you conduct your meetings relative to this one principle can set the tone for everything else you do in your group for the duration of time your group exists. In actual practice, this may require some diligence on your part. Over a period of time, this policy creates a more functional group. Word quickly spreads that people need to arrive on time, and they will. A Benestrophe meeting is an exciting event. Many people look forward to the meeting far in advance. New people come with open Hearts and high expectations. The natural energy of the group is often sufficient to shift everyone’s attitude in a positive and beneficial direction. Benestrophe is a celebration of Sacred Relationship.
When guests arrive, whether they know it or not, they are in for an experience that can change their lives. A Benestrophe meeting, no matter what specific rituals or processes are performed, is always an expression of the healing power of Love. As members arrive and take their places within the group, allow yourself to feel a sense of gratitude for the joyous and wonderful celebration that you are blessed to be a part of.
The purpose of Benestrophe meetings is to enable cocreators of Benestrophe to share ways to complete or live the Twelve Steps. To have an effective group, there are certain technical aspects that must be addressed. 0nce a sponsor has selected the group’s name, he or she may notify Benestrophe Central in order to place the name on file. Benestrophe Central can also be informed of the sponsor’s first name, address, and phone number; whether the group is open or closed to the public; whether Benestrophe Central may disclose the sponsor’s first name and Phone number to potential new members; and the names and addresses of members who wish to be on Benestrophe Centrals mailing list.
This contact is optional. Since the Benestrophe fellowship is a self-organizing network, the sponsor is not required to reveal this information if he or she, for some reason, Prefers not to. We suggest, however, that all sponsors do so, since Benestrophe Central can serve the group through the dissemination of information only if it knows of the group’s existence. Keep in mind that group donations to Benestrophe Central are mandatory.
At present, and for as far into the future as we can see, Benestrophe and Benestrophe Central is strictly non-profit, donations appreciated but not required. Enjoy Benestrophe and your Benestrophe Group. Please keep us informed of your progress but don't send money. Thanks
Rev. David E. Howell
In this regard, the sponsor does not have the option of shunning contact with Benestrophe Central. (The details of this financial obligation are spelled out in detail in our Seventh Tradition.) In theory, a sponsor could send the group’s monthly donations to Benestrophe Central anonymously, never revealing the specifics of his or her group. However, the interests of all groups and members are better served by informing Benestrophe Central of the group’s activities. Honoring the principle of anonymity, Benestrophe Central neither sells its mailing list to other organizations nor discloses the identity of its members.
As expressed in our Ninth Tradition, we maintain the minimum amount of structure necessary for the smooth functioning of our fellowship and its individual groups. Whenever possible, structure is minimized in order to favor the Self-organizing power of Love. Flexibility is maintained in all matters, including the format and structure of group meetings. Structure is viewed merely as a useful tool, as something available for us to use in order to improve the efficiency of our Benestrophe activities.
In the purest sense, the Benestrophe network of groups has no hierarchy. When everyone supports everyone else, the harmonious participation of the members creates the healing miracle of Love. All interactions between Benestrophe sponsors, members, and Benestrophe Central are guided by the principle of Trust.
The following are some general guidelines on the art of conducting meetings. Remember that these suggestions are entirely optional, as are all suggestions regarding meetings. But they have proven effective over time. Sponsors are encouraged to use these suggestions if they so desire.
Seating: The facilitator should make certain there is ample seating for everyone who attends. When preparing for the meeting, it is best to error on the safe side; it is better to have too many seats than not enough. Ideally, participants should be seated in a circle whenever possible. This allows everyone to make eye contact with everyone else. It is best to have the seating arranged so that everyone sits at approximately the same height. This is important when there are eye-contact processes conducted at the meeting. Seating must be comfortable. We focus attention better when our spines are straight.
Length of meetings: The sponsor decides the length of the meeting. For most groups, an ideal length of time is anywhere from one to two hours. If the circumstances of the group change, new agreements about meeting content and starting/ending times can be agreed upon. The important thing is that the parameters be set intentionally rather than by default. Meetings that just start and end whenever, are not conducive to healing Energy
Confidentiality: All discussion and sharing within the context of a Benestrophe meeting is strictly confidential. Members should be reminded of this fact by the facilitator whenever appropriate. Aware that our inner strength lies in defenselessness, we openly share our vulnerability. The healing power of Love manifests far more readily in an environment protected by the safeguard of confidentiality
Idle chatter: We do not judge, label, gossip, or give advice. When to speak is superfluous, we remain silent. We listen with the Heart and offer support to others. We do not attempt to counsel or solve problems. The transformation that happens within the individuals in our groups is brought about by acceptance and deep relaxation.
Activities: In Benestrophe meetings, we touch, hug, dance, sing, laugh, cry work, play, and breathe together. Whatever activities we pursue, as long we perform them in the spirit of Love and understanding, we transform separation and fear into Wholeness and Love. Gazing into each other’s eyes, we merge into Bliss.
We suggest that Benestrophe meetings be structured in such a way as to have three distinct parts:
The three-part format has proven to be an excellent way to structure meetings.
Opening rituals bring the group into focus, establishing the mood for what is to follow in the meeting. Although only the reading of The Vision of Benestrophe is required to qualify any meeting as a Benestrophe meeting, most groups open meetings with several distinct rituals. The following format is suggested for beginning meetings.
The first thing the facilitator does is read the preamble to those at the meeting. The exact text of the preamble is:
The Twelve Traditions of Benestrophe foster community Our common welfare comes first. Individual and planetary healing emerge from Sacred Relationship. Benestrophe groups are autonomous and self-supporting. We do not endorse or oppose causes. We are not allied with any nation, politics, religion, or institution. We remember our common purpose by reading aloud The Vision of Benestrophe at meetings. To protect our fellowship from the influence of our egos, we maintain anonymity with the media. Anonymity fosters humility, ever reminding us to place principle above personality, cooperation above competition, and take our guidance from Love.
We suggest a short meditation as the second phase of opening rituals. This is a period of inner focusing, which helps release concerns of the day and connect with the inner Self. This meditation may be guided or silent. Typically, the facilitator begins by asking everyone to close their eyes and relax into a safe space. He or she then guides them though a series of visualizations, such as through various parts of the body or through various healing scenarios. Most groups choose to end the meditation with an image of global Unity This meditation may last several minutes or longer.
The next part of the opening rituals could be the all- important reading of The Vision of Benestrophe. This reading is required for every Benestrophe meeting. The Vision is read in order to clearly inform newcomers-and remind everyone else-of the principles upon which Benestrophe is based. The proper method of reading The Vision is to give everyone a copy and then proceed around the circle with each person reading one paragraph aloud. If there are few members present, say five or so, each person will end up reading several paragraphs, since the reading will rotate around the circle several times. If there are many members present, say more than twenty, not everyone will get a turn at reading a paragraph, since the reading will be completed before a single rotation around the circle.
The Vision should be read slowly and everyone present should pay close attention to the words, reading along silently while it is being read aloud. For many of us, the reading of The Vision of Benestrophe represents a time of rededicating ourselves, a time to concentrate our energy on healing our planet through healing ourselves.
Another element of the opening rituals can be personal introductions. Simply go around the circle, with each person introducing himself or herself. Introductions may be brief. Many people prefer to give their first name and identify themselves as a co-creator of Benestrophe. For example, someone might say My name is Susan, and I’m a co-creator of Benestrophe. If the person wants to, he or she can follow that with a short statement about themselves, such as what brought them to Benestrophe or how they are feeling that day They also can relate some interesting story or event that happened to them recently as a result of using a principle of Benestrophe. The facilitator should take care to keep the introductions reasonably brief, making certain that no individual participant rambles on.
Other popular opening rituals are chanting along with Robbie Gass’s tape titled Om Namaha Shivaya, followed by a hug-a-thon where everyone hugs everyone else.
The opening rituals can last anywhere from fifteen minutes to forty-five minutes. Afterward, members feel calm, centered, relaxed, and ready for the second part of the meeting.
Important elements of Benestrophe meetings are the processes and assisted stretches we perform. The sponsor should realize that it is impossible to fit every beneficial process into a few short meetings. With all the available processes and assisted stretches, we must select the ones we most want to do, time permitting. The best approach is to select a single process or series of stretches for a meeting and leave the remaining ones for some other time. Allow your intuition to guide you as you direct the course of your meetings and select which processes to do.
This second part of Benestrophe meetings is where we touch, hug, dance, sing, laugh, cry, work, play, meditate, and breathe consciously. We cannot do all there is to do in every single meeting. Most groups perform only a few of these elements in one particular meeting and leave the other elements to be included in a future session. The decision of exactly what processes or stretches to perform in which particular meeting is made by the sponsor.
This second part of the Benestrophe meeting is called processes and assisted stretches.
When deciding what activities to include in a particular meeting, the sponsor has three basic approaches. He or she can facilitate:
A wide variety of processes are available to select from when planning a meeting. A sponsor can devise a process on the spot or allow one of the members to select the process. One practice that works is to determine in advance who will facilitate this second part of the meeting next time. This responsibility can rotate among members and may include:
One example of an effective and powerful process is the I Love You Process. Start by dividing the group into pairs sitting facing one another. Spread the members of the group out much as possible. Each person makes eye contact with his or her partner while holding opposite hands. Partners should sit close together with knees touch-ing. Then, each pair takes a deep breath and after exhaling whispers, I love you. The two people continue back and forth, alternating for three minutes. This process cre-ates a deep sense of merging. Anything that helps us awaken to Love is fair game. The Benestrophe format is limited only by the imagina-tion of the sponsor and the willingness of group members. Experimentation is encouraged. By maintaining a sense of adventure, we keep our meetings alive and exciting.
Because Sacred Touch is the means by which we heal the pain of separation, physical contact is central to the Benestrophe experience. Touch is an effective way of get-ting into alignment with our Self and communicating with others. Through Sacred Touch, we nurture ourselves and comfort others. We express affection and relieve tension. The art of Sacred Touch allows us to lighten up and enjoy Life. Massage and bodywork get energy flowing and release the fear we normally carry around in the form of sore muscles, migraines, stiffness, and other ailments. Sacred Touch is the cure for what ails us.
The massage circle is a favorite process that expresses the miracle of Sacred Touch. The group forms a circle with each person standing behind another. Every person mas-sages the neck and shoulders of the person in front of him or her. This lasts for about five minutes. Then, at a signal from the facilitator, everyone does an about face and mas-sages the person who was behind them a moment ago.
Sacred Touch is a wonderful way to offer Love. We all need release and healing. We benefit greatly from being lovingly massaged by the rest of the group. An alternative in larger groups is to have those who are unable to reach the person being massaged to offer energy by touching the backs of those who are giving the massage.
Groups often complete processes or begin or end their meetings, with a hug-a-thon. This is a simple process in which everyone hugs everyone else. It can continue for as long as the facilitator cares to let it. Sacred Touch feels heavenly for all involved. It is a blessed gift we have at our disposal to enable the healing Energy of Love to move through us and transform all those it touches.
A dynamic means of expressing Sacred Touch is through the practice of assisted stretches. These are a series of simple yet powerful body exercises performed with a part-ner who helps in the process. Within the context of a Benestrophe meeting, assisted stretches are a perfect way to share Sacred Touch and produce deep physical, emo-tional, and spiritual transformation.
The chapter that follows this one describes, in detail, a collection of assisted stretches that are suitable for use within Benestrophe meetings. The sponsor is encouraged to read through the chapter and carefully study it before practicing these procedures in his or her group. The stretches are not difficult; nearly anyone can learn easily. Under knowledgeable guidance, members derive immense benefit from the regular practice of any or all of these assisted stretches.
Since part of every Benestrophe meeting is usually set aside for processes and assisted stretches, the sponsor will need to make a determination regarding the type of activity to use here. The sponsor can lead the group through a series of processes over the course of several meetings, or the sponsor can do nothing other than assisted stretches. The choice is entirely up to the sponsor and the individual members of the group.
The important thing to remember about processes and assisted stretches is that they can trigger powerful responses among members. Do not try to fit too much into one meeting. The facilitator must leave plenty of time for sharing and integration after this part of the meeting has finished. Sharing constitutes the third part of the Benestrophe meeting.
The third and final part of our suggested Benestrophe meeting is the part where sharing takes place. No matter what has occurred during the processes and assisted stretches portion of the meeting, all Benestrophe groups require some time for an amount of verbal and emotional sharing. Members are encouraged to speak from the Heart rather than from the head, from experience rather than from opinion or belief.
The sponsor or facilitator begins the sharing, thereby demonstrating the appropriate depth of disclosure and length of time per person. Some groups choose to take turns around the circle, while other groups are less formal. The time allowed for this part of the meeting may vary considerably depending on how much time remains before the group is scheduled to end.
In every case, a member shares only when he or she feels like doing so. While everyone is encouraged to participate fully in each meeting, there are times when a member may choose to pass during his or her turn to share. This is always acceptable. No one is ever made to feel pressure no matter what activity they choose to decline from participation. If appropriate, the facilitator can give those who have passed a second opportunity to speak after the rest of the group has shared. Sharing from the Heart what we have experienced in our group is a rewarding and jubilant part of the Benestrophe experience.
The facilitator should take care to gauge the time involved in the sharing portion of the meeting. A skillful facilitator will gently direct the flow of Energy so that the individual sharing does not carry on past the time for the meeting to conclude.
Since we usually begin the meeting with a series of opening rituals, many groups elect to use some form of ending ritual to unify the group’s Energy and create closure. The recommended way to achieve closure is for members to form a circle and link hands. Again, place the left palm up, right palm down. Alternatively, members can put their arms around those on each side.
Most groups have one favorite way of closing, as well as an abridged method of closing for those meetings where little time remains. The most common single element involved in closing rituals is the recitation of The Declaration of Interdependence, the last paragraph of The Vision of Benestrophe. Time permitting, a song can be included in the closing ritual. As members leave the building and continue on their way, the sponsor should wish them well and thank them for coming. Members will usually discover that parting is more difficult than they had anticipated, since the closeness and merging that occurred during the meeting has created a climate in which they want to remain with each other for a while longer. If there are any time constraints on the meeting facility, the sponsor would be wise to usher the group outside or to another location. Otherwise, the sponsor can allow the members to interact with each other for a period of time.
Benestrophe meetings are an experience that can last a lifetime. The healing and transformation that takes place within the group is valuable beyond measure. Everyone should be invited back to the next meeting and encouraged to bring others who they feel would be open to the experience.
One additional item that must be interjected at some point during the meeting is the matter of finances. Since each Benestrophe group is self-supporting and every group has expenses, we mention this fact and pass the hat. A simple statement from the sponsor is sufficient, such as:
There are no dues or fees, but we do have to pay rent... While many groups operate on the basis of donations, some groups set dues or mandatory payments of some sort. Groups are free to handle their finances as they see fit. Good business decrees that passing the hat at least one- half hour prior to the end of the meeting so as not to miss those who need to leave early.
This is also the time when practical considerations should be addressed. For example, the facilitator should solicit volunteers for the next meeting (if any are necessary) and give individual members the opportunity to make any announcements relevant to the group. After the meeting has concluded and members have gone home, the sponsor should record any relevant information about the meeting. This can include the amount of funds collected so that the monthly ten-percent donation to Benestrophe Central will be accurate. Afterward, the sponsor and members can look forward to the next scheduled meeting, when the Benestrophe experience continues.
Benestrophe attracts many talented and creative people. The wise sponsor views every willing person in the group as a potential resource of Energy Some groups have periodic organizational meetings to find out the direction the group wants to go and to take a survey of the skills and resources available. Such a survey invariably yields talent that individuals are eager to share. Artists, musicians, bodyworkers, practitioners of healing techniques, and those with intimate knowledge of certain spiritual paths abound. The sharing of our gifts is an intrinsic part of creating community. We strongly encourage a format flexible enough to encompass all that members have to offer. An unwritten tradition dictates that members respond to requests from the sponsor for help.
Sharing responsibility for various elements of the meeting gives everyone an increased sense of involvement. Taking turns facilitating, leading the meditation, bringing music to share, helping set-up or clean-up, phoning people prior to meetings, and connecting with people who miss meetings are some of the ways in which members of a group can share in creating a positive experience.
Expertise is no requirement for participation. People who, for example, have never led a meditation may hesitate to volunteer, especially if several other members seem to be skilled at it. By asking for a volunteer for the next meeting who has never led a meditation, the facilitator creates a safe space for someone to stretch beyond his or her usual limitation and discover a new talent. Asking a shy member for suggestions in choosing meeting topics is another excellent way of accessing the wisdom and concerns of group members who are less outgoing. While Benestrophe is not about solicitation or confrontation, there are many ways a thoughtful and sensitive facilitator can empower each member to broaden his or her participation.
Members of Benestrophe groups support each other in a variety of ways, both within and outside the meeting. Perhaps the most basic way of support we have to offer one another is listening and responding from the Heart. Very often, a disclosure which appears to call out for a solution is only a call to be heard. In a Benestrophe meeting, we allow each person the space to share the Reality of the moment.
One way to determine whether an individual is ready for feedback from other members regarding a disclosure is to inquire whether there is any way in which the group can be of help. Our intent is to honor the vulnerability within each of us while remembering that the most vulnerable among us has strength and wisdom. Sharing experiences rather than opinions, philosophies, and beliefs is one of the qualities that makes the Benestrophe experience so powerful and transformative.
Sharing is critically important when a group member is in pain, either physical or emotional. Advice is not helpful; nor is being reminded of some philosophical truth. The willingness to simply be with another in a loving, nonjudgmental way is what is needed. That is the priceless gift we give through our Benestrophe meetings.
Gathering together with caring friends to celebrate Sacred Relationship opens our Hearts and keeps us involved in our Twelve-Step process. Being part of a healing community offers invaluable support in dismantling that which blocks our ability to experience Love in our lives. As we play together in our group, we maximize growth while coming to understand that the essence of enlightenment lies in our ability to lighten up.
Those who have experienced the joy that comes from working the Twelve Steps extend an invitation to others t~ join the celebration happening within the Benestrophe fellowship. By sharing what we have gained, our lives become fulfilled. Whenever Love is freely given, Love is unconditionally received.
This book serves as a textbook for directing the course of our meetings. The chapters on the Twelve Steps are intended as a guide for discussions and processes within Benestrophe groups. Co-creators of Benestrophe are encouraged to read and apply the principles contained within the pages of this book.
Should you decide to start a group and become its sponsor, you will embark on a journey which will carry not only yourself, but many others into new and uncharted territory Every bit of healing you obtain, every drop of peace and enlightenment that comes your way, will also bring with it a legacy of affecting others.
When people’s lives change, they, in turn, change the lives of those they touch. An avalanche is started, in which the Wholeness and Love that manifest in your group eventually comes to radiate into the lives of countless others. In time, the entire family of humanity will feel the effect of what we do. That is how the healing process that takes place within our Benestrophe meetings plays a part in the total transformation that is now taking place on our planet. That is how the miracle of Sacred Touch is healing the pain of separation.
The age of leaders has come and gone. We are but trusted servants. We are all unique expressions of the Universe who is using our talents to organize a group of individuals with a common purpose. That purpose is to teach Love by the way we live. Let’s not forget our purpose. Amidst all the technical stuff-all the details about meeting places, appropriation of funds and so forth-is the all-powerful healing Energy of Love. Love is the answer to every question posed by Life. Sacred Relationship is an easy and direct way to meet Love face to face.
We enter Relationship to heal ourselves and to support others in healing themselves. We gather together to fulfill this promise in our lives. The only requirement for belonging to Benestrophe is the yearning for Wholeness. By joining one another in Benestrophe meetings, we awaken to our true destiny. Through the miracle of community, we come to realize our goal of Unity, Freedom, and Bliss.
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