Walking Alone, Together
What does this mean? To me it means that my life is a personal journey. In the end, I walk alone. I must assume responsibility for my life, for the decisions which will, hopefully, move me in the direction that I want to go.
I cannot rely on any other human being to meet my needs, run my life. I alone, in relationship with my Higher Power, am responsible for my life's journey.
I walk alone means that I am on a very unique journey of discovery into who and what I am as a one-of-a-kind human creation. No one else can take every step with me: not my spouse, my sponsor, my children. No one on this planet is prepared for the steps that are mine to take.
Together means that, while on my unique journey, I am accompanied by others. I am in relationships. I have the support and friendship of others just as I provide support and companionship to them. We offer love, we model strength, we help each other make the difficult decisions and find the courage for each next step.
Walking alone, together is about being here for one another, believing in each other, believing in ourselves. It is about sharing life's joys and struggles that others may find in our example the strength, ideas, and courage they need to do more than just survive in this world.
- Walking alone, together is about moving beyond the appearance of dependence and realizing our interdependence upon one another.
- Walking alone, together is about making a commitment to living life to the fullest and encouraging others to do the same.
- Walking alone, together is about exploring spirituality, creativity, healthy relationships, purposeful living, inner joy, and endless abundance.
- Walking alone, together is about helping ourselves and others discover the inner wisdom that we possess and using it to grow beyond perceived limitations and become the most amazing creature we can envision each and every day.
- Walking alone, together is an invitation to personal growth.
Here is one suggested format for a "Walking Alone, Together" support group
Opening song: Welcome to the Circle Whether or not your group has a musical leader or feels particularly musical, this sacred song by Trish Bruxvoort-Colligan, is an invitation which speaks directly to this group's purpose. You can find the music here. (See The River's Voice for more music by Trish and her husband, Richard.)
Reminder of discussion guidelines:
- Mutual respect: no cross-talk, no judgments
- The group starts and ends on time
- Anonymity: What you say here, what you hear here, let it stay here when you leave here
- This is not a 12 step group; it is not religious; there is no leader, no right or wrong answers. Anyone and everyone is responsible to bring the group back to focus if it strays
Introduce the topic: One person in the group, perhaps someone who volunteered the last time you were together, introduces the topic. This person may choose to share a poem, short article, personal reflection, or anything else that serves to bring focus for the upcoming time together.
Silence: Spend a few moments in silence. This serves to give each person time to honor their own process for bringing mind, heart, and soul to the NOW - to this place, time, and topic.
Discussion: Each individual shares items and ideas they've brought when and if it feels right. Share personal growth, challenges, struggles, questions surrounding the topic. The object is self-discovery, not "finding the answer" or giving advice.
Personal closure: Reserve at least five minutes at the end of the time together to allow anyone who is not feeling secure, safe, or grounded the time to ask for personal needs (a few moments of sharing, a person to connect with immediately after closing, ...)
Plan ahead: Discern the topic for the next meeting which might be an outgrowth of the discussion just ended, a personal request, or an item from an ongoing list of options that the group has compiled.
Closing song: Walking One Another Home This song by Jeanne Loehnis was the inspiration for the group name, Walking Alone, Together. You will find the lyrics, lead sheet, and if needed, a recording, on this site.