My Work With Diane
Robert Augustus Masters, Ph.D.
"Diane is my wife, my beloved, my deepest friend, and my partner in all things, including my work. I say "my" work, but it is, in many ways, "our" work. Though I generally take a more active or directive role in our groups and trainings, I don't do so in a solo fashion, for I always feel her with me in such work, whether she is sitting still, simply deepening (and keeping a keen eye on) the healing space in which the work unfolds, or whether she is working directly with one or more group members.
What she brings to our work is a deeply compassionate, strongly grounded presence, as well as considerable skill in guiding others through their pain and obstacles into a deeper, more authentic and integrated life. Like me, she works not from behind a preset methodology, but from an intuitive sensing of what's needed moment to moment.
When we are working together, we not only bring our individual abilities to the work that needs to be done, but also our relationship, the presence of which contributes greatly to the work being done, according to many group participants. There is no effort in this, for it's simply a matter of us being with each other in the presence of others; we are not holding ourselves apart as an example of the far reaches of relational intimacy, but rather remain simply present in deeply connected mutuality and love for whatever work is needed.
Without Diane, I would have very likely burned out from all the work I do and feel so compellingly drawn to do. Through her, I am deepened and softened and reinforced in my commitment to being of authentic service to others. If you work with us, you may see me outfront more, but you will also see Diane right there, just as involved as I am in the work being done, contributing deeply not only through her heartful presence, but also through her insights, intuitions, and loving openness.
I am grateful, day after day, that she and I are together, and that we get to do this work together; we didn't consciously plan it thus, but it has felt utterly natural to evolve into working together. There is no retiring from this; as long as we can function, I'm sure we'll be doing our work, however much it evolves, with others."
"Robert and Diane create a sanctuary; a non-intimidating place of safety and trust in which there is freedom to let flow what wants to flow, unencumbered and without judgment and yet received fully. There are not too many people I trust like this."
Jessica, Sarasota, Florida
