DISTINCTIONS

FALL 2024

The Triadic Dance: A Path to Vocation

by Adam Klein

I am not what many would consider a “good” dancer, as my wife and daughter will readily attest. Yet there’s something about dancing that has always called to me. Whether it was making music videos with my brothers as a child or finding myself drawn to the dance floor at celebrations, the pull of rhythm and movement speaks to something fundamental in my being. Perhaps it’s because dance, at its heart, is not about perfection but about relationship – with music, with others, with ourselves.

The Three Partners

We often think of dance as something we do with a single partner or alone. But what if life itself is an intricate dance with multiple partners, each one teaching us something essential about who we are and who we might become? I propose that our deepest vocation – our unique way of being in the world – emerges through what I call the triadic dance: a continuous, flowing engagement with three distinct but interrelated partners.

This dance requires a particular kind of presence, one that cultivates three distinct forms of receptivity. Like learning different dance styles, each form of receptivity has its own rhythm, its own way of moving, its own wisdom to impart.

Dancing with Our Inner Landscape: Intrapersonal Receptivity

The first dance begins within. Like a dancer feeling the initial stirring of movement in their body, intrapersonal receptivity is about opening to our internal rhythm – the subtle pulses of emotion, intuition, and bodily wisdom that guide us. This is where we learn to distinguish between the movements that feel authentic and those that are merely mechanical repetitions of others’ dances.

In this internal dance, we are both the music and the dancer. Our thoughts provide one rhythm, our emotions another, our bodily sensations yet another. Learning to move with these internal rhythms – rather than fighting against them – creates a foundation for all other movement in our lives.

Dancing with Others: Particular Receptivity

The second dance extends outward to specific others – partners, friends, family, colleagues. Like partners in a tango, we learn to read subtle cues, to move in harmony without losing our own balance. This interpersonal dance requires what we might call particular receptivity – an attunement to the unique energy and direction of specific others.

This dance teaches us through contrast and resonance. When we truly open to how others move through the world – their perspectives, their ways of being – we discover new possibilities within ourselves. Sometimes we find ourselves naturally moving in sync, other times we notice resistance or discomfort. Both experiences are valuable teachers. The synchronicity shows us aspects of ourselves we might want to develop further; the resistance often points to places where we need healing or growth.

Dancing with Life: Field Receptivity

The third dance partner is life itself – the vast field of being in which all our movements take place. This requires what we might call field receptivity: an openness to the larger rhythms and patterns that move through existence. Like a surfer attuning to the ocean’s swells, we learn to sense and move with forces larger than ourselves.

This is perhaps the most subtle and profound of the three dances. It invites us to recognize that we’re always dancing on a floor not of our own making, to music we didn’t compose, yet paradoxically, this is where we often find our most authentic movement. This dance teaches us about trust, surrender, and the art of working with rather than against the currents of life.

The Integration: Finding Our Unique Movement

These three dances – with self, others, and life – are not separate performances but aspects of a single, integrated movement. Like a jazz musician who must listen to their own instrument, the other players, and the overall flow of the music simultaneously, we are called to maintain awareness of all three partners.

Our vocation – our unique way of being and contributing to the world – emerges not from mastering any single dance but from the dynamic integration of all three. It’s in the space where self-awareness meets relational attunement meets cosmic participation that we find our truest movement.

This doesn’t mean the dance is always graceful. Sometimes we step on toes, lose the rhythm, or find ourselves momentarily frozen. But even these moments are part of the dance, teaching us something essential about ourselves and our place in the greater choreography of life.

Living the Dance

The triadic dance isn’t a destination but a practice, one that evolves as we do. Some days we might feel more attuned to our internal partner, other days to our interpersonal connections or the larger field of life. The art lies not in maintaining perfect balance, but in staying responsive to the changing rhythms and needs of each moment.

As we continue this dance – listening inward, moving with others, and flowing with life – we find ourselves naturally expressing our vocation. Not as something we achieve or accomplish, but as something we live into, movement by movement, day by day. This is how we discover and embody our unique contribution to the great dance of existence.

Practice of the Quarter

Receptive and Responsive Heartfulness

The following two practices support our capacity to be in a state of receptive, surrendered awareness. They are in their own way heart centered practices, holding within them an ancient intention of “locating the mind in the heart” and living from a place of surrendered responsiveness.

Awake Awareness as described by Loch Kelly

Centering Prayer as described by Cynthia Bourgealt

Practice, 20 minutes once or twice a day.

  • Releasing a thought; how to simply ‘let it go’
  • Identifying what is a ‘thought’ in centering prayer
  • Exploring attention versus intention Encountering common challenges (or practice opportunities)
  • Consenting to the presence and action of God
  • Using a sacred word to symbolize your intention

Poem of the Quarter

When I Rise Up

by Georgia Douglas Johnson (1880-1966)

When I rise up above the earth,
And look down on the things that fetter me,
I beat my wings upon the air,
Or tranquil lie,
Surge after surge of potent strength
Like incense comes to me
When I rise up above the earth
And look down upon the things that fetter me.

Book of the Quarter

The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three: Discovering the Radical Truth at the Heart of Christianity

by Cynthia Bourgeault

Weaving together Guirdjieff’s metaphysical “Law of Three” with Christianity’s concept of the “Holy Trinity,” Cynthia Bourgeault invites readers in an alchemical wonderland. It’s really a tour-de-force of how new entities, solutions, movements are created and distilled in a new dimension. She brings such clarity and enlivening energy to what can be a dense or difficult process to grasp.

The first two thirds of the book are focused on the “Law of Three,” its universality and the aid it brings in understanding who to be and how to engage with the three forces of affirming, denying, and reconciling. She then weaves this with Jacob Boehme’s mystical vision about the underlying dynamics that give rise to love in the world. He writes, “Love is itself the issue of a process whose eternal, hidden building blocks are in desire (affirming), pain (denying), and anguish (reconciling).” The first two thirds of the book alone are worth the read in opening to the possibility of generativity in the world, and cooperating with the “Law of Three.”

The final portion of the book dives into how the “Law of Three” opens up the dance of the Trinity from being a mere theological premise to a living dynamism actively unfolding the cosmos.

The book is a soul nourishing, expansive feast.

Book reviewed by Adam Klein

News & Updates

Welcoming our new Event and Customer Care Coordinator

As the new Event and Customer Care Coordinator, Uzma Shaikh, is a Bay Area native with a passion for continuous learning and development.

Uzma supports two important aspects of our work and community – she meticulously coordinates the smooth delivery of our in-person classes and events; she also brings a dedicated lens of care and service to our students and faculty, answering questions and providing a seamless and friendly customer experience.

We warmly welcome her to the team, knowing her dedication and hard work enables us to bring this important work to the world!

Exciting transition for our new Registrar

Previously the Production Manager for NVW, Leah Anne Whitson has now stepped into the Registrar role, a position she is excited about and at which we know she will excel.

She has lengthy experience in course registration, updating and integrating systems and assisting students. Her keen attention to detail is a wonderful strength, but it’s her passion for helping others that stands out.

Join us in welcoming LeahAnne to her new role as Registrar!

Celebrating Jessica Phillips: A Decade of Stewarding Integral Coaching

For ten remarkable years, Jessica Phillips has been the heartbeat of New Ventures West. As our Enrollment Director, and a graduate of the PCC, she’s done far more than manage the enrollment processes—she’s transformed lives through her deep understanding and communication of Integral Coaching.

Jessica knows each student by name, seeing beyond administrative details to the unique human journey of personal growth. Her patient, brave, and caring approach embodies the true spirit of our work. She doesn’t just guide enrollments; she creates pathways for profound personal transformation.

Her dedication extends to playing an instrumental part in shaping our programs, connecting with countless individuals, and bringing a deep, compassionate vision to everything she does.

Her commitment has elevated our mission, and made New Ventures West a darn fun place to work!

Jessica, thank you for ten extraordinary years of inspiration and growth.

Weekly Practices

Every Monday morning from 7:00 – 7:30 AM Pacific Time, Sahar Azarabadi, PCC leads 30-minute sessions where she offers various practices (e.g. sitting, movement, song, poetry, etc.). It has been a gentle and holding space for our new friends and alumni, and we can’t wait for more of you to join in.

Everyone is welcome (bring a friend), no prior experience with practices or coaching is needed!

Register here.

Looking Back

In September we proudly sponsored the 9th annual Mindful Leader Summit in Washington D.C. Alumni and friend, Mo Edjlali, Founder & CEO of Mindful Leader, and team, put together a wonderful summit filled with insights, great connections, intriguing talks, and actionable practices.

While Jessica Phillips and Karen Kininsberg welcomed and connected with visitors at the booth, Faculty Member Vernita Parker held the audience’s attention as she discussed “Leading from the Ground of Wisdom.” Here’s what she has to say about the experience:

“It was an absolute joy connecting with the Mindful Leader Summit attendees and offering them a taste of New Ventures West by inviting them into a few embodied practices that support leading from a place of solidity and grounded wisdom. The cherry on the cake was reconnecting with New Ventures West friends that I hadn’t seen a long time. It was a wonderful experience!”

We especially want to thank our graduates Cathy Raines, Kathy Vizachero, Lena Qiu, Root Schermerhorn, Susan Riggs, Sarah DeWitt, and Shefali Mehta for showing up and volunteering their time to coach summit attendees who wanted to get a taste for Integral Coaching and a little help from our generous alumni. The summit was a success!

 

Around the World

Centre for Coaching South Africa

The Centre for Coaching is delighted to announce the graduation of our 2023 Professional Coaching Course coaches.

We wish them well as they continue to share their gifts, creating impact and transforming lives.


Graduate News

“It is the time you have spent with your rose that makes your rose so important.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

 

Dear Graduates,

This season I would like to share with you a reflection on love, vulnerability and presence.

In the simple yet profound quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, lies a fundamental truth about authentic connection — it flourishes in the stillness of devoted attention and care, not when we are rushing around. It is by dwelling patiently and openly in a space with someone, and by consciously allowing ourselves to be permeated and affected by their presence that something magical happens.

The innate longing for a profound, soul-stirring connection lies in the depths of every human heart, and nonetheless, so much can get in our way. It is so easy to miss this and get caught in the busyness of everyday life! We fail to recognize the ever-present love that is our essential nature when we get attached to obscuring thoughts and feelings that sometimes show up.

When that happens, we feel fragmented and separated from others, we are blind to the divine presence that exists within and everywhere. The way back to connection? It starts with looking inwards and being brave enough to show up as who we truly are.

Our Graduate Community is special because it’s safe to be vulnerable here. Deep and authentic friendships flourish because we have learned to believe in the possibility of being met by a loving gaze no matter how imperfect, uncertain, or confused we happen to be. All are welcome here and we have all been there.

When we come together, whether one-on-one or in a group gathering, there’s always a sense of respect, kindness, and shared growth. We see the divine in each other because we understand we’re all connected, and each of us is an expression of the same infinite being. Kindness flows naturally when we recognize an interconnectedness that is already there. Each interaction becomes an opportunity for us to see more clearly, love more deeply and express more fully the truth of who we are.

We are captivated by that which we cultivate. It is the quality of our presence and our willingness to tend to one another that transforms the spaces we inhabit and reveals so much beauty. Love is the constant background, the natural condition of all experience, as spiritual teacher Rupert Spira says.

I wonder: when was the last time you felt immersed in the field of love?

We are all naturally and perfectly connected. We just need to keep reminding ourselves daily, moment by moment.

Ólafur Arnalds – Saudade (When We Are Born)

 

With love and attention,

Marcia Poppe
NVW Graduate Community Steward

Graduate Congratulations!

Welcome New Graduates!

NVW PCC “Z”
November 30, 2023 — November 17, 2024

Anna Pereira, Lisbon, Portugal’s
Azeez Salami, Brooklyn, New York
Brendan DeWolf, Brooklyn, New York
Cat Lee, San Francisco, California
Jeff Connolly, Durham, North Caroline
Jerry Yepez, Mexico City, Mexico
Joann Schaefer, Valley, Nebraska
Keith Spear, Taos, New Mexico
Liam Clickenger, Emeryville, California
Linda Cai, Chicago, Illinois
Louisa Henry, San Francisco, California
Matilda Lee, Chevy Chase, Maryland
Meg Steele, Burien, Washington
Nicole Offerdahl, Oakland, California
Pavel Dmitriev, Bellevue, Washington
Sara Abbasi, Atherton, California
Tom Henry, Cathedral City, California
Whit Button, Portland, Oregon
Whitney Black, Portland, Oregon

NVW PCC “Y”
October 12, 2023 — September 29, 2024

Julia Harman, Dallas, Texas
Kay Streit, San Francisco, California
Kim Holloway Kripalani, Portland, Oregon
Lisa Van Dyk, Portland, Maine
Liv Coyne, Broomfield, Colorado
Madhu Kencham, Wuttemberg, Germany
Stacie Duncan, Bend, Oregon

NVW PCC “X”
September 21, 2023 — September 15, 2024

Andrea Dehlendorf, Oakland, California
Ben Crowell, San Francisco, California
Brad McMasters, Walla Walla, Washington
Curt Beckmann, Hayward, California
Daniel Guzman, Oakland, California
Elinor Itin, Mexico City, Mexico
Esther Saidman, Alameda, California
Jennifer Snow, Dallas, Texas
Lachlan Fletcher, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Lauren Utecht, Los Angeles, California
Lory Hefele, Portland, Oregon
Maddie Carnow, Emerald Hills, California
Molly Christiansen, Berkeley, California
Patrick Erker, San Jose, California
Stephanie Evans, Larkspur, California
Vanessa Pierce, Pueblo, Colorado

NVW PCC “U”
July 20, 2023 — August 25, 2024

Amy Larimer, Stanford, California
Bridget Mullins, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
David Storey, Boston, Massachusetts
Emily Tsay, Mountain View, California
Hannah Brooks, Chicago, Illinois
Krusheta Wiley, Baltimore, Maryland
Mustafa Hazim, Canton, Michigan
Robert Martin, New London, New Hampshire
Rose Blomquist, Palmdale, California
Silke Lampka, San Francisco, California
Theresa Arcano, San Mateo, California

Class Calendar

Professional Coaching Course
Begins December 5 (Blended/SF)
Begins February 20 (Blended/SF)
Begins May 28 (Montreal, French)
Begins June 26 (London, United Kingdom)

 

Foundations of Coaching
December 4 — 6 (Nantes, France)
December 10 — 12 (Virtual Pacific)
January 14 — 16 (Virtual Pacific)
February 10 — 11 (London, United Kingdom)
February 11 — 13 (Virtual Pacific)
March 20 — 22 (Montreal, French)

 

Engaged Pathway: Includes all Advanced Courses
(or select courses à la carte below)
Next Cohort Begins April 1, 2024

 

Thwarting the Inner Critic
Part 1: February 19 — 20, 2025
Part 2: March 20, 2025

 

Integral Group Development: Enact Transformation with Coaching and Facilitation
Begins April 9, 2025

 

Living More Unified: Deepening in the Relational and Integrating Streams
August 1 — 3, 2025 (In-Person / San Francisco)

 

Book Study Group
Begins January 28, 2025
Begins April 29, 2025

 

Free Meet the Leader
To Be Announced

 

Free Coaching as a Guest Client
November 23, 2024
February 1, 2025
April 26, 2025

 

The Integral Edge: Where Skills & Development Meet
December 12, 2024

 

Facilitating Coaching Circles
E-course available on demand.
Workshops scheduled upon request.

 

Coaching Supervision
Start any time.
Unless otherwise indicated, programs take place virtually in Pacific Time.
Workshops scheduled upon request.
For the full class schedule, see here.