Writings From the Edge
Writings From the Edge 
Featured: A poem by Glenn Fleisch

"The context of this poem: It emerged at the end of a retreat that I co-lead with Doralee [Grindler Katonah], called Transformational Focusing. The retreat is a journey to reconnect with our living body, the body of wholeness and spirit. On the final day, we invite everyone to create something that expresses what they would like to take with them after the retreat has ended. We called it 'creating your totem,' something that symbolizes and embodies the energy, feel and spirit of the journey - so that it can be carried forward into our ordinary life and everyday world.
 
So this poem represents my totem, a continual reminder of staying awake and aware on the path, to keep trusting the spirit and energy of the body - and not fall asleep or become numb. It has been an invaluable resource, my ruthless companion. Interesting that 'ruthless' is usually defined as: cruel, without mercy or compassion, etc. Yet in another sense, I can feel it as a powerful force that does not want to be filled with regrets or remorse. This place wants me to develop courage and inner strength to live more fully, to feel more, to be more embodied and express more openly, compassionately. It kind of implies 'no excuse,' take full responsibility for your living and being."
 
- Glenn Fleisch

Being Ruthless on the Path  

There is a stirring, a rumbling
It wants me to be ruthless
to follow the path of heart and passion.                                           
It says, "You know what you desire... what is true
be ruthless in its pursuit."
 
Time is short - the passing hours will run out.
What then?
When there is no more time,
there is only what you leave behind.
What will it be?
It will follow you - will it truly be your gift?
You know it will be filled with regrets - so much pain pain
of the unfulfilled spirit - the soul that didn't speak...
so grab it now with all you've got -                                            
stay one-minded, point your compass toward the horizon
and let your spirit free to find the way.   
 
So I'm here now - your ruthless companion
I will be there when you stray      
reminding, pushing, to stay on the path.
This is important! I won't let you forget me!        
And I won't stay quiet anymore!  
Be ruthless - on your journey. For only you can walk it,
or leave those footprints unmade, those steps untaken.
And that would be a terrible loss,                        
Humanity needs you, depends on you,
generations before and after awaiting your fulfillment.
                                                     
Glenn Fleisch, Ph.D. is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice for 35 years. He has been a Focusing-oriented Therapist for nearly 20 years, as well as being a Wholebody Focusing Coordination with the Focusing Institute. Glenn has written extensively on FOT and WBF, as well as leading/co-leading workshops/trainings/ retreats worldwide. He is currently offering WBF seminars online. For more information, contact glennfleisch@aol.com. You can also listen to listen to Glenn's conversation with Serge Prengel below.

This new newsletter section, Writings From the Edge, features submissions by members of the international Focusing community. If you would like to learn more about submission options, contact Suzanne Noel at recoveryfocusing@gmail.com.
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