June 2006

Raewyn Cooper of Pittsboro, NC is the spokesperson for a rather unique group --- she is a member of a book class on Spiritual Philosophy that focuses on titles by the metaphysical philosopher, author and teacher Kathy Oddenino. In this interview, Raewyn discusses the insights into discovering a sense of self that she and her classmates have learned over the two years they've been meeting. She also describes how introspective, uplifted and optimistic they have all become as a result of their study.

Q: Does your group have a name and/or a theme? How long has your group been in existence?

A: Spiritual Philosophy book class: we have been doing these book classes for two years now.

Q: How many members do you have? How many men, how many women? What age are most of your members?

A: Our members range: 4 to 8 turn up consistently, 2 of whom are men. Our ages range from 42 to 75, the average is around 55.

Q: How often do you meet? Where do you meet?

A: We meet the first and third Wednesdays of the month in a private studio for 2 hours (7 - 9 pm).

Q: Do you eat at your meetings? What do you eat? Who brings the food?

A: We do not eat as this becomes a distraction.

Q: Who leads the discussion? Do you use reading group guides?

A: A graduate from The Institute of Metaphysical Studies leads the group. Guidelines are to read and discuss/answer questions to learn to "know thyself."

Q: What kind of books do you read?

A: We read Spiritual Philosophy books by Kathy Oddenino.

Q: How do you choose your books? Do you choose one new book at each meeting, or do you choose the books for a number of meetings ahead of time?

A: One of Kathy Oddenino's seven books is chosen for the length of time it takes to read it. These were chosen because a request was made by several people who were interested in learning about themselves. People wanted some guidance on studying the material, such as how to study the material and relate it to themselves. Also, Oddenino's books are practical and offer beautiful examples of truth.

Q: What were some of the best discussions or favorite books the group read?

A: In reading of the Laws of Seven (Joy of Health by Kathy Oddenino), we hit upon the concept/belief of "unworthiness." I have just been re-reading the chapter to find the sentence that set off this line of discussion, but to no avail. It is funny how that happens.

What came out of it were patterns that this belief was being expressed in past and present behavior. These are a few of the things that came up as participants contributed their thoughts and recognized patterns of behavior and speech:

Whatever I do, it is never good enough...or never enough (This is the victim).
Seeking approval (Wanting to be saved --- the flipside of savior).
I can never win for losing (this is "victim energy").
The harder I work the poorer I seem to get (also victim energy).
I have to protect what I have (hoarding).
I can't afford organic food, ...... fill in the blank. (Poverty consciousness).

These are a few examples that came up and were related to thoughts, speech patterns and actions. What this really is about is the feeling of inadequacy, which is living the poverty consciousness --- the concept of "not enough" that is an example of "victim energy." Love and money are both physical expressions of this, or a level of this "lack mentality." These are all beautifully addressed in Kathy's second book, Bridges of Consciousness, for those of you curious enough to learn about your own patterns and how to change the old tapes.

In looking at this, it really is about deprivation --- the feeling of being deprived of internal love and therefore feeling inadequate of creating what we want. This is like leaning hard into a door with one hand and trying to open it with the other. We go nowhere. This is a very small example of what the study of spiritual philosophy can do for us to open our minds and to give us tools to change. It is all choice.

We are reflective beings. Think of yourself as a flashlight reflecting light and only you can do it through the opening of the mind. We cannot look for the light external to self. This is the pattern of the fearful mind living its poverty consciousness. It was a wonderful book study class with receptive participants willing to examine and share themselves.

Q: How do you keep things fun?

A: The above description was indeed a fun evening as people discovered an image of self.

Q: What advice would you give to other reading groups?

A: Pick a book that you know and love and that offers a chance to "know thyself."

Q: Do you have any horror stories, amusing anecdotes, or other special tales to tell?

A: No horror stories to tell. I can say that the participants come to the book study from their work and by the time we conclude in 2 hours, they are all in a very upbeat mood and positive attitude.

Q: Is there anything else unique or noteworthy about your group that you would like to share?

A: To observe people "getting" a concept and finding a relationship to their lives, then actively changing a negative (thought/speech pattern, behaviour) to a positive is such a joy!