What mistakes and misconceptions had left us lonely and empty and unprepared for the present crisis, facing a kind of pain that we had never experienced before. Developing and applying the Search principles, we began to gain greater self-knowledge, acquire a more solid faith in ourselves, and make increasing progress in finding freedom and direction. The principles we came up with are not subtle or complex, but they cover the basic aspects of living. We must recognize our dependencies on others to discover if we are living honestly as ourselves or in a kind of self-imposed prison, living up to someone else's expectations out of desperation. If they remain frozen beyond change or examination, personal development remains stagnant.
Communication is the core of all relationships.
After we had formulated and tested the ideas on ourselves, even though we were still healing, we began giving Search Workshops nearly five years ago. We did not want the groups to be threatening or abrasive, attacking or judgmental, because such approaches had not benefited us. The twelve principles are twelve concepts that apply to daily and long-term growth. Their value depends upon each individual's personal commitment to face life as it is with persistence and patience, humility and laughter. The Search Workshop provides the context of a supportive group, a living, growing community of other gentle people.