Closing The Consciousness Collaborative
Ah, the end of an era. Just over six years ago, I birthed The Consciousness Collaborative. It's been one of my babies, receiving my nurturing care, energy, and love.
My intention: to create a network of helping professionals, passionate about their work, excellent at their chosen discipline, and engaged in their own personal growth work, allowing them to hold a deeper, safer space for their clients. I state, without reservation: mission accomplished!
Along the way, I've been privileged to meet dozens of interesting practitioners. Those who shared my vision, became members. These amazing individuals have shared themselves through hundreds of workshops, thought provoking articles, free teleclasses, tasty and healthful recipes, and thousands of hours supporting clients in their journey toward self awareness. Within the network, members shared all manner of experiences, from fun team-building events, to countless ideas, business resources, and on-going encouragement.
I feel both lucky and honored to have invited such capable practitioners to become a part of this network, in a common effort to serve our greater community. And, the time has come for me close the door on this adventure and open a doorway to the unknown.
Long ago, I committed to walk the talk. On-going growing and stretching is inherent in that contract with myself. The forms include: regular coaching, meditation, trying new and scary things in my business and personal life, and a willingness to walk away from things that no longer fit who I be. Rarely do any of these examples feel easy, yet, when they are in alignment with my essence, they always feel "right."
Before embarking on my 18 day stay in Costa Rica, I set this intention: "I seek clarity for the next step of my path to my highest and best use." Then I surrendered to the magic.
Throughout my stay in the rainforest, I practiced living into the unknown. Amazingly, the retreat participants paid to be led by someone who had no idea what they were doing. Here's what I mean: I've led lots of groups, and depending upon the teachings, I may or may not have an outline for our time together. For this entire seven days, I had a "menu of options" designed to remind me of what might serve the group, but I did not have one single day planned. I truly didn't know what we would be doing. The magic came from living into the unknown, allowing the jungle and intuition to guide our way.
In turn, I only used 30% of my menu items. All other activities were developed on the fly, inspired by a moment, as we attuned to our environment. When the formal retreat ended, my personal retreat began.
I answered the monkeys howls with a practice of deep soul listening. I used my pendulum as a tool for clarity of message, and when I received an answer that felt uncomfortable - "closing The Collaborative, really?!" The jungle sent me a squirrel (the first time I'd ever seen one in Costa Rica), which represents "Gathering" in Native American medicine. Upon reading the prose of this medicine, I learned: "If something no longer 'grows corn' for you, then it is time to let it go." And then I knew, my highest and best use no longer included serving and directing The Consciousness Collaborative. As a result, the network will shut down at the end of this month.
I announce this with both gratitude and excitement. I thank all of the practitioners who have contributed to this prestigious group. Your gifts, wisdom, and energies have been delightful to experience. To each person receiving this email, you make up the community we strive to serve. I feel honored for the trust you placed in us; from sharing your favorite Quotes of the Week, and dialing in for teleclasses, to each self-care appointment you booked with one of our members, and every group workshop you participated in. You allowed us to grow with you, as we walked beside you on your path.
Lest there be any confusion ALL of The Consciousness Collaborative members will continue in their respective modalities.
With much love and appreciation,
Joanne Lutz