Shame, depression and competition keep us from talking to each other even when we are going through the same situations. Those who have gone through other economical depressions may be the only ones who can come close to understanding just how chaotic things seem to us. But sharing is the only way we can slowly drop our masks. We can learn to love our true selves. No more pretending, only self-knowledge and acceptance.
One thing we fear the most is facing life's tragedies alone. Find others who will listen and love you through this crisis. Create a group in your area. Put up announcements on community bulletin boards, tell family and friends, or use free event listings in your local newspapers. Contact public buildings and ask if there are free meeting places. Make arrangements for two different times in the week and ask anyone calling you (do not share your last name or address, please, it may not be safe) to choose one time for the first meeting. If the times do not fit a few schedules, you may want to try to arrange for more than one meeting a week. Limit groups to six to eight people when possible.
Use the meeting guidelines; ask the group if anyone wants to add to the list. Ask those who attend to make a commitment to the eight weeks of the exercises in the workbook. Explain that it will be tempting to quit when the work gets difficult or they are feeling especially vulnerable. This work takes stamina but it is worth it. Work together to do each chapter. Rotate the group leader by asking at the end of each meeting who wants to chair the next meeting or remind the scheduled person that they agreed to chair the next meeting. Encourage each member to chair at least once. Share phone numbers or E-mail addresses so the scheduled chair can call and find someone to replace them.
Strive to support and encourage one other and not act in a competitive manner. It will take time to stop comparing ourselves to each other. Allow everyone to use the meeting as a safe place, without criticism and rejection. Everyone needs to feel comfortable to examine their choices, voice feelings, to share and rehearse new self-images. "Do unto others, as you want them to do unto you." Do not be guilty of forcing your idea of what someone else should become. It is their responsibility to develop a spiritual relationship with their own Creator and to listen daily for the unfolding of their path. Criticism should be avoided at all cost.
After completing the workbook, celebrate completing a cycle of the steps together. Have members decide if they want to continue and work through the workbook another eight weeks. If not, encourage individuals to meet on their own and consider developing another group if your needs have not been met.