third space
finding solid ground… when you’re navigating the unknown
Navigating uncertain terrain.
Six years ago, I was diagnosed with an ovarian tumor the size of a cantaloupe. I was (understandably) scared.
I work with metaphor with my clients. The metaphor that showed up was an image: I saw myself walking through uncertain terrain, but there was solid ground under my feet.
The image said:
This is the landscape I’m walking on now. As long as I have solid ground under my feet and I’m centered in my body, I will be safe, even though I don’t know what lies ahead. I can move as fast or as slow as I would like. I can rest when I want to. I don’t need to push. There is nothing scary around me. Only uncertain terrain.
The surgery was successful. They removed the entire tumor which was still encased in its sac. But I’m sharing this little story for two reasons:
- If you’re going through a scary or uncertain situation right now, finding your metaphoric place of “solid ground” will help you through it.
- Our minds can make us crazy scared, but there’s deep metaphoric wisdom under the surface. Why not trust it?
The teacher is a point of access to something beyond the teacher.
For most teachers who love their work, it’s more than a job. It’s a creative outlet, an opportunity to share what you love, and an opportunity to grow.
That’s the way it’s been for me, anyway.
Burnout is common in the helping professions, but when I approach teaching as a cauldron for my own growth, I stay renewed and inspired.
When I teach, there’s a “third thing” present that’s bigger than me. I’m being held and led by Something greater.
The “third thing” is doing the teaching.
The philosopher Peter Kingsley wrote, “The teacher is a point of access to something beyond the teacher.”
When the weight of the situation is all on our shoulders—when we feel we must be perfect, have all the answers, and be “in control”–it’s exhausting.
And terrifying.
But when we find and access the “third thing”–the place of mystery–we have fresh space to breathe into. We can be present in a whole new way.
Being a teacher in the traditional sense presents an uncomfortable polarity. On one side is the teacher who’s expected to be in charge. And on the other, are students who’ve come as empty vessels, waiting to be filled.
This polarity of naturally brings tension…and pressure. And annoyance from students.
But when we honor the “third thing,” we bridge the dichotomy between teacher and student. Beauty, grace, and inspiration are present in the room. We get to participate in mystery.
Somewhere in the Bible is the phrase “two or more are present, there I am in your midst.” I don’t consider myself to be a religious person, but I’ve always taught with this in mind. There is a third thing that is present when I teach and that third thing brings beauty.
Don’t search for a solution. Open space for it.
The educator Maxine Green once said: “I find that, when a space is provided, something rather wonderful can happen.”
Empty space allows things to evolve in an organic way. It creates room for what we DON’T know and can’t expect. Empty space allows Something greater to come through us.
So next time you’re stuck, don’t search for a solution.
Instead, open space for it.
Creating space is the first step toward transforming anything.
Starts September 22! Entering Visionary Space Shamanic Pilgrimage
Online shamanic pilgrimage for artists, visionaries, healers, social change agents, mystics & scholars of the non-ordinary.
Thursdays September 22nd, 29th, and October 6th
11 am – 1 pm PDT / 2 – 4 pm EDT / 7 – 9 pm UK / 4 am – 6 am (Friday) AEST
$217 includes recordings, ebook, handouts, and the opportunity to work individually with Kim
NOTE: We’ll be meeting on Zoom, so you can live anywhere in the world and still participate. Recordings and handouts will be sent to all registrants.
This 3-week seminar is a deep dive into the mysteries and divine intelligence of visionary space. Behind our thinking mind lies a field of intelligent energy—a non-cognitive realm where we can tap Divine wisdom, receive guidance and answers, meet our spirit animals and teachers, shift into our highest selves, and co-create with Something Greater than us.
Visionary space is a potent realm of non-ordinary intelligence that is not OF us…its wisdom lies beyond our ordinary, everyday rational intellectual capacities. In this field of Divine wisdom, each of you will receive the gifts, clarity, and direction that you most need. You’ll be able to viscerally feel its vibrational intelligence moving through you.
Each week, we’ll explore visionary space from a different lens:
Personal: during week one, you’ll experience a significant shift of being as you energetically align with your true Divine path.
Relational: during week two, you’ll explore personal relationships, as well as your relationship with the Divine. You’ll understand ‘right alignment’ and what throws you off-kilter.
Planetary: the final session will be devoted to looking at our gifts and talents on an even broader scale. Even if you’re not a social activist, issues such as climate change, the rise of extremism, the threat of nuclear war, and other international crises are energetically distracting and disorienting. What is happening below the surface? And what is your role to play?
In addition to mystics, artists, and pilgrims of the non-ordinary, anyone who is interested in taking a deep dive into their own experiential process and inner world is warmly welcome.
You will:
- Own your deep knowing.
- Open new channels of non-cognitive wisdom.
- Expand your range of creative possibilities and potentials.
- Experience a breakthrough and shift in your sense of ‘being’
This is deep work—it’s not about floating on the surface of spirituality and creativity. We humans need a strong connection with Spirit to open visionary spaces and pioneer new work. Please join us.
“Kim’s work is pioneering.” ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, New York Times bestselling author of Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
“I got more out of one group session with you than YEARS of therapy.” ~ Maria M., writer
“I’ve attended many prestigious programs over the last 20 years, but you are the real deal. With you, I receive images that are profound and life-changing. My life and sense of ‘being’ are shifted. My world is awake in a completely different way.” ~ Sheila R., coach and therapist