Becoming
When I first began the AIP course, I was 23 years old, I had no idea how impactful and life changing the course was going to be for me. I became a very different person when I finished the course to when I started.
Things that get in the way
I recall specifically wanting to stop twice throughout the two year journey. A few months into it, I didn’t know if I could afford to do the course anymore. I ended up sorting out my finances, made saving for the course a priority and realised it was possible. This was the start of me managing my finances successfully.
The second occasion, was when we were a few months away from finishing the course! I had an ‘idea’ or a ‘temptation’ to move to the UK. I remember feeling sad I wasn’t going to finish the course but thought moving to the UK was something I was meant to do.
After some further consideration and help from the facilitators, I realised I was in an illusion and the truth came pouring down from my higher self. The idea of not finishing the course suddenly felt so stupid and crazy and the allure of moving to the UK felt far less enticing, more like a whim to take me off my authentic path. I decided to go for a holiday and came back ready, and grateful to keep going.
Challenging the ego
There was and continues to be so many valuable learnings. Uncovering and recognising my ego out of balance was a huge discovery for me and continues to be so to this day. Not letting my ego rule my life and trip me up is an ongoing challenge.
The AIP really helped me mature my self. It was a great support and guide to me as I entered into my young adult years. It was difficult to show every week sometimes (back then they were weekly classes), yet I always did except for a couple of holidays.
I found it a challenge not to let my ego dominate me in every class. It was a genuine discovery to realise that I wanted to be the centre of attention, to talk even when it wasn’t necessary. The course helped me to find further balance, to observe and listen more, it took quite some time for me to work through it.
A lot of self reflection after class helped this along, learning to listen to my feelings when I wanted to speak up and differentiate between an ego fuelled comment or a genuine helpful share. The way I spoke and the language I used also changed as I moved from my ego leading to my whole self being considered and included.
The support and absence of judgement from Kerrie and Zoe made entering into the depth that AIP can provide possible for me. Facing hard truth about myself can be embarrassing and painful. To be guided and supported through that with respect and non judgment is, I feel, a rare and incredibly important part of the AIP.