Seasons of Change

Insight 3: We Live in a Body – May I respectfully seek awareness and connection.

We have ushered in a new year and are preparing for the change in nature’s seasons from winter to spring. Although change is often said to be the one constant thing in life, it can still be uncomfortable and even activating for certain parts as it brings uncertainty and a variety of thoughts and emotions.

In parts work we approach each situation with compassion and curiosity and seek to balance the needs and desires of all parts in ways that are not threatening to the others. The Board of Directors for PATH operates as the core self for the organization and all of the individual members, facilitators and teammates are like our parts, all with a positive intent despite the impact that may inadvertently be caused. PATH is the body in which we all come together and the primary goal is to grow and thrive together.

PATH as an organization and family system itself encountered its own experience with the challenges of change in 2023 as we faced some issues within our leadership team that ultimately resulted in the departure of several team members including our former Executive Director. In some cases we must respectfully ask a part to step back if its behaviors are causing harm to the system and we found this to be necessary within our leadership team in order to maintain our commitment to the values and principles that make the PATH community a safe place. Rest assured that decisions of this magnitude are approached mindfully and carefully, and while the Board members made multiple attempts at resolution, in the end the difficult choice was made to part ways with some beloved team members to best serve the whole system.

Some members have reported receiving unsolicited email communications from former PATH personnel which is not only a violation of the law, but also against our privacy policy. PATH is currently taking formal actions to attempt to cease these activities and ensure that no further offenses occur. We deeply apologize for any harm this may have caused and ask for your patience as we continue to navigate the parting in relationships. In the meantime, please feel free to unsubscribe from any communications that you do not wish to receive and take the actions needed to care for your system.

Recovery doesn’t always work out in the way or the time that we might hope as was the case here. Nevertheless, we continue to renew our commitment to harmony and balance within the system. PATH leaders and facilitators have continued to host our weekly meetings in service to our valued members, while also working to care for the wounded, activated parts. This season has undoubtedly brought about a range of thoughts and emotions and there is still some uncertainty ahead as PATH rebounds from this unexpected change and charts a new course ahead.

What we can say for sure is that our commitment to fostering a community were we grow and thrive together is unwavering. Our core values and principles remain intact and we will continue to use the IFS model and mindful self-compassion as our cornerstones to healing addiction and its underlying trauma. We also want to expand our resources and offerings to better support people from all backgrounds and experiences in courageously creating the lives their hearts desire.

To help us change for the better and build awareness and connection with the body, we ask that you take a moment to complete a brief survey to share about your experience with PATH, where we might improve, and what additional support needs or programs you would like to see in the future. New seasons are surely approaching and hearing your perspectives and insights will help us align our direction with the people that mean the most to us—our members. Thank you for all of your contributions and your presence, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.

Click here to complete the survey: https://forms.gle/yRUaSY8XD4fV8hcz7​