Reflections of my first year of M.E.T.A.

As it is drawing to the close of the first year of my Comprehensive
training here at M.E.T.A. as well as completing my Interpersonal
Skills Training, I want to make note of what I got out of these
amazing experiences.  I entered into these programs based on a leap of
faith.  It was not rational for me to move away from my technology
focused project management “career” (my series of jobs did not make up
a career) to this touchy-feely unknown world of M.E.T.A., especially
Comp.  It was scary to make such a commitment to spend a significant
amount of time, money, and effort in order to enter into this foreign
place of non-analytical and non-corporate way of doing and being.

But you know what?  I feel at home here.  This is where I belong.  The
amazing hearts and talents of Donna, Jon, Jessica and all the teaching
assistants have created a safe bubble for vulnerability and greater
learning, something I have craved for in my life.  I look forward to
every weekend I have Comp and IST and feel renewed each time.  This is
a place where I can safely, fully be myself.  This is a place where I
can practice my authenticity, being in touch with my heart, and to
allow my Organic self to emerge so I can bring that more to my world
away from M.E.T.A.

I cannot help but notice how all my classmates are getting in touch
with their preciousness, their Organic selves.  I delight in how each
of us notice and practice the positive changes that we are exhibiting
both to the outer world and with our inner world.  I love how some
shared that they have spoken up from their big “I” to honor their
Needs.  For me, I find myself more at Peace with where I am at in my
life and that I am not as Attachment anxious.

So as we are winding down for both trainings, I know I will miss being
in such a gathering of mindful ease and (safe) fragmentation every
month (for me it is twice a month not counting my small group sessions
and informal practice sessions).  I treasure my classmates for they
are my teachers, my friends, my comfort and my irritation, in other
words, my family.

I am grateful for the whole hearted support from them, directly or
indirectly, consciously or inadvertently.  This experience with all of
you has been literally life changing.  Thank you.

Metta,
Mark Hashizume, June 12, 2012