The Power of a New Attitude

Last night I gave a talk about my work in high school classes, where I have been developing an original “Relationship Education” curriculum. I traveled several hours out of New York City to speak with residents in a progressive suburban community.

Before I took the stage, one of the attendees spoke with me as I waited with several of my male friends.  She was an attractive woman who seemed to be in her mid fifties.  This woman told us that she had given up on relationships 20 years ago.  “They are just too painful,” she said.  “Now my relationship is just with my art work.”  I asked her to check in with me after my lecture, to let me know how she felt.

I addressed the history of relationships in contemporary culture; the language we use to describe them; family influence; women’s issues; men’s issues; ancient archetypes; the change in gender roles, and other related topics. My hope was to expand the context in which people think about relationships. I discussed respect for the feminine – not only in terms of women’s social rights, but aesthetically, psychologically and even spiritually — and at certain points I looked at the woman.  She seemed radiant.  I could see in her face that she was touched by what was being said.

My friends and I each had separate conversations with her afterwards.  She seemed so open and alive that we all felt  drawn to hug her and one of the men invited her to a brunch.  I have a feeling that her social life is about to change.  It seemed that a weight had been lifted from her.