How deep is ‘too deep’?

I went into this podcast project with a clear objective: to probe into other people’s lives (with their approval of course – and assistance!). However I hadn’t considered there might be any other outcome other than absolute bliss for all involved. Now I’m becoming aware that others may have seen reason for caution from the ‘get-go’. After each recording so far I have felt like I hit a nerve. And talking about the past can hit nerves. In talking with Nicky today, a professional Life coach, I’ve gained some clarity.

In ‘coming of age’ (as I feel I has been happening to me in my forties), part of what I have enjoyed is this sense of freedom, that I may leave this life without having fulfilled any of my preconceived objectives, and that it’s okay. I see how I am only a tiny fragment of a gigantic living tapestry being woven in real time. My experience in recent years has been a spiritual journey and has necessitated venturing into the darkness inside myself. I found I had hidden myself in the darkness a very long time ago and in order to reclaim my true self, I had to go there.

But not everyone has ‘had’ to do that. Not everyone has walked my path. Not everyone is me. And I do not want to live in a world where everyone is me. Our difference is our greatest strength.

Today, Nicky made me aware I need to create more space and freedom moving forwards, for other people, to choose the depth at which they converse in these podcasts. And I vow to do that. I want to collaborate in the truest sense. Although I need to ‘guide’ the conversation to a certain extent, so each person can focus on their story, I also need to allow others to lead me to where they want to be.

We are all works in progress. We are all learning by doing. Revisiting the past can be enlightening and interesting and can help us see where we are at and where we want to go. There are valuable lessons in sharing our journeys. But the depths we reach must be the decision of each storyteller and never the host.

I want to thank @nickyhammond_coaching for allowing me into her space and story today and for the guidance. I am learning so much through this project and I cannot wait to compile the finished product. A collection of stories and conversations we can all benefit from.