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A Taste of Enchantment - October 16, 2003

 

"Dedicated to helping you find delight and feel good about yourslf."

Produced by Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein, Psychologist, Steps-to-Happiness Coach,

and Originator of THE ENCHANTED SELF®

  

 

... to the mid-month publication of The Enchanted Self's e-newsletter!  This month, I would like to share a lovely story about how we all need to belong. Enjoy!

 

 

The Enchantment of Tribes to Belong To
Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

 

I am remembering and have a desire to share with you, a beautiful story told to me by a young lady. It was the end of the World War II and her dad was returning home. He came from a very close network of Italian families that lived near each other in New Jersey.

He had a ride back from where his ship had docked. Of course he was filled with emotion as he came closer and closer to home. Suddenly, about five miles from home, he asked to be dropped off. He had decided to walk the last few miles himself and give himself time to emotionally "arrive". He wanted to savor every moment of coming home! This was a time to feel the essence of the town he came from, to savor pleasant memories of growing up as he walked and to allow his anticipation to build even further. Every step took him closer to friends and loved ones! He looked at every tree. He enjoyed every house he passed. He didn't even feel the weight of his duffel bag flung over his shoulder. He took his time walking.  His parents knew that he was coming home soon, but they didn't know exactly when. Thank G-d he was alive! That knowledge was enough to sustain them.

Meanwhile, as he walked several people recognized him. Some called out "hello" and several ran up to him and hugged him. He was offered rides, but
refused. However, behind closed doors the magic began. As he passed by these people, the news was quickly transmitted on the telephone that he was
coming! Joe's son was home from the war. Pass the word. And they did.

By the time he got down to his street the street was filled with friends and family waiting for him. Would you believe several hundred? People shouted
and clapped. He was hugged and kissed. His bag was taken from him. Everyone wanted to be near him. "Make room for Joe and Rosie! For goodness sake, let them get near their own son!" He literally had to work his way through the crowd of neighbors and other relatives to fall into the arms of his mom and dad. How good it felt to be held again by the two people who loved him so much! And where was that pretty young woman that he meant to look up now that he was home? Oh, well, that would have to wait at least one more day. The rest of today was filled with fresh Italian foods, wine, hugs, stories and a place to come home too.

What a beautiful story. We all need a place to come home to--a place to be loved, to feel connected and with purpose. In The Enchanted Self I teach about belonging to tribes and how important it is. I even feel the energy of the tribe that this young man belonged to and I wasn't there. The positive energy was so strong that it not only filled his granddaughter--and could still be transmitted to me--and I hope to you.

He needed his tribe and his tribe needed him. He needed his time to re-enter. The energies connecting him and his tribe were so strong that he could not
just be dropped off. He had to re-enter slowly at first and prepared himself for the intensity of connection. His tribe likewise prepared itself by a wonderful signal system--smoke coming up in puffs on the desert. The system worked so well that by the time he arrived a celebration was already up and running.


Tribes are our gift to ourselves. They offer us a gateway so we can come back again and again. They offer us a signal system so that the important things
are transmitted in a timely fashion, and they offer us the welcoming arms that help us belong, feel appreciated and have a place.  May each of us have the gift of the right tribes in our lives.

 

Please give us the pleasure of sharing your responses.  They may be posted on the web site or in future issues of the newsletter.  You can also chat about this topic or create your own in The Enchanted Self e-group at the following URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/encself

Announcement!

I had the privilege of being quoted in the Ladies Home Journal's November issue. If you have a copy, you can learn more about my thoughts on page 190 in an article entitled On the One Hand ... But On the Other ... It is an article focusing on decision making and learning how to do it with confidence. Enjoy!

How to Order

 

To order my new version of RECIPES FOR ENCHANTMENT, The Secret Ingredient is YOU! Simply go to my site at www.enchantedself.com/ordering.htm It is inexpensive and fun! You pick the script style and the cost is only $2.95. Why not inspire a friend, relative or yourself this new year with a book that doesn't require getting to a book store or waiting for the post?  Don't forget to download your free gift! Simply go to www.enchantedself.com/ordering.htm.  Here’s how to order:

Tip: When shopping online use keywords "recipes for enchantment" and "enchanted self" to locate the books.

 

Forwarding & Reprinting

 

(C) 2000-2003 Copyright The Enchanted Self – All rights reserved.  Please feel free to pass this issue on to someone who might enjoy it.  The Enchanted Self Newsletter is copyrighted but may be quoted, reprinted, or distributed in whole or part without prior permission, provided the content is not changed and attribution is given including:

 

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

THE ENCHANTED SELF®

 

I also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as self-healing and professional psychology newsletters. However, I do ask that you contact me beforehand for permission and send a sample issue.

 

 

Have an "enchanting" month.  I wish you all many enchanted moments!