Dear Friends,

Dear Friends,

I just received an updated version from Pastor Dick Dahl of the previous news item–please use this one in future to refer to this opportunity. Thanks–Pastor Kathy

THE RED BOOT WAY

Anyone who yearns for a deeper and more compassionate approach to how we engage with each other is invited to participate in a Red Boot Way group.

The Red Boot Way (formerly known as the Red Book Coalition) was begun by Molly Barker. The name was inspired by the gift of a pair of red boots from her two kids on her 50th birthday. Having participated in a Washington DC bi-partisan commission seeking ways to bridge the political divide in Congress, Molly decided the problem was bigger than Congress. It was all of us.

Molly traveled from Charlotte, NC to Las Vegas, Nevada listening to hundreds of people who talked about their fears, concerns and hopes. Many themes emerged from this wide variety of conversations and these became the foundation on which she created an 11 step program to give people a way to engage in honest sharing and compassionate listening. In the Red Boot 11 Steps we create places where people feel safe, connected, and loved.

I have been through the 11 Step program and have recently completed training to guide a group. It will consist of people who agree to meet once a week for an hour for eleven weeks. Each meeting focuses on one of the 11 Steps. which are listed below. The guidelines are to speak only for oneself by using words like “I” or “my” and avoiding saying “you” or “we.”  No one has to speak and can pass when their turn comes if they prefer. Participants are guided to avoid the urge to fix, save, advise, or correct anyone else, and simply to compassionately listen to what others choose to share.

Step One: I am essential to myself, my family, and my community. I matter.

Step Two: I possess the power to positively influence all those with whom I come into contact. I am empowered.

Step Three: I am wonderfully and imperfectly human, with my own story and experiences. I am transparent.

Step Four: I can choose what and whom I allow to influence my mind, body, and personal environment. I am intentional.

Step Five: I approach those I meet with positive intent and likewise assume they come to me with positive intent. I am open.

Step Six: I am more peaceful and centered when I take time every day to be in stillness. I am grounded.

Step Seven: I humbly put aside my own agenda and listen with my whole heart before responding. I am present.

Step Eight: I approach my life and those in it with wonder and curiosity. I am curious.

Step Nine: Expressing gratitude is essential to my well-being and the well-being of my community. I am grateful.

Step Ten: When I practice these steps on a regular basis I gain and experience compassion for myself and others. I am compassionate.

Step Eleven: Living my life as outlined in these eleven steps positively impacts my life and the lives of those around me. I feel a new and joyful responsibility to serve my community.  I am engaged.

If you would like to participate in a Red Boot Group, please contact Dick Dahl by e-mail (richard.dahl580@gmail.com) or phone (507/453-9861