Student again

I’m a Processwork student

Wednesday 24 February 2016: Abbot Martin accepted my request to pursue studies for a diploma in Processwork.

Beginning as a student again

‘On Friday 19 February 2016, following several days of Processwork training at Force for Change (Cfor) I awoke in the early morning with an ache at the front of my head that remained with me. Later that morning I was reading aloud from the Bible at the first liturgical service of the monastic community that day in Ealing Abbey church. I read the text, “The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20 verse 21). Reading this text aloud elicited a response of a throbbing chest and slight tearfulness in my eyes.

When I returned to my seat again I became aware that my headache was diminishing and leading to a desire to propose a difficult and important research proposal. It is a difficult topic for me and for other members of my community and it would be much easier to avoid, deny or delay. Further reflection led me to greater clarity that my process of following my emotions, anxiety and curiosity was leading me to this “thick darkness” where God might be.’

Study: pre-preparation

In a pre-preparatory phase from October 2015 to June 2016 I undertook the one year training in Group Facilitation. In February 2016 he enquired whether it would be possible to apply to be accepted into the Diploma in Processwork.

Study pre-preparation: Completing the PW foundation year

In a preparatory phase of initial networking from March to June 2016 I began a research proposal, and set up some small, supportive groups; ‘Restorative circles‘, Virtus Lectures, Seeking Life. He planned a one day conference on Lay Monastic Communities for psychotherapists, social activists, young leaders, facilitators, entrepreneurs, secular and religious leaders, survivors, family members.

Study Year 1 as a Processwork student

In October 2016 James is admitted to study for the International diploma in Processwork at RSPOPUK in Belsize Park, N. London. He completed and transitioned to the Diploma

With others he planned a national one day conference on The Contribution of Spiritual Communities to Public Life for psychotherapists, social activists, young leaders, facilitators, entrepreneurs, secular and religious leaders, survivors, family members.

1 June 2017 with Lea Misan James set up small group “Little People” that aims to address issues and establish a National  one day conference on 21 October 2018, “Remembering: The Circling of Neglect and Abuse”

Study Year 2 as a Processwork student

22 October 2017 at Processwork Intensive several participants offered to work with James on, “Neglect and Abuse of Children by Adults”.

November 2017: With others he planned a 36 hour colloquium and a national one day conference on “Growing into Connectedness” 21 October 2018.

February 2018: I was invited to join Deep Democracy London and I am focussing on work at Ealing Abbey

Study Year 3 as a Processwork student

© Ealing Abbey, James Leachman, O.S.B.,  30 October 2018