Benita A. Esposito – Page 2 – The Esposito Institute

Your Authentic Life Deep Emotional Healing Retreat 2015.

November 21, 2013/in Events/by Benita Esposito

Starts Saturday, May 30, 2015.

Lake Chatuge, Hayesville, NC

Explore, Excavate, Express your Authentic Self.

Unresolved emotional wounds decrease your self-esteem, self-confidence, and ability to create healthy personal and professional relationships. Even though you are successful on the outside, you may feel empty on the inside … a lack of wholeness … too little inner peace.

You may have experienced trauma, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. You may have experienced the anguish that comes from having an emotionally distant parent.

You may yearn for intimacy, but you are afraid of it at the same time. You may attract emotionally unavailable people. You may not know how to communicate to resolve conflicts so your personal and professional relationships flourish.

Your intimate relationship may suffer because you cannot be as emotionally close or as sexually open as you would like.

The part of your brain that tries to protect you might have become stuck in survival mode: fight, flight or freeze. This can generate a number of symptoms including emotional reactivity, anxiety, depression, chronic worry, self-sabotage, pessimism, procrastination, OCD, substance abuse, and emotional eating.

What Makes My Retreats so Powerful?

You can experience major transformation in a compressed time. Private counseling sessions of 55 minutes just do not allow for this kind of deep healing. In this retreat, we have many hours to explore emotional material, peel away layer after layer, allowing you to shine more and more brightly. While you will benefit from my 3 decades of professional counseling expertise, the most powerful healing force is the Holy Spirit. You can achieve 6-12 months worth of progress in one weekend.

The Promise of the Retreat

Receive insights so compelling that you naturally flow into effective action instead of getting bogged down in self-defeating patterns. Allow God’s love to flood you, heal you and release wave after wave of creativity. Bask in the sweetness of spiritual intimacy, drawing ever closer to God, our source of rich and deep healing. Experience rigorous yet gentle leadership tailored to your unique learning style. Enjoy the healing power of Nature in the beauty of our mountain lake: Lake Chatuge.

Can you answer “yes” to any of these questions?

Retreat Venue View, Young Harris, GA. Photo by Benita Esposito

SELF-AWARENESS: Do you find yourself repeating unhelpful patterns even though you don’t want to? Do limiting thoughts and “monkey-mind chatter” create worry? Do you suspect that unresolved emotional wounds may be sabotaging your relationships? Do you procrastinate or avoid conflicts? Before you can co-create flourishing relationships, you must know your Authentic Self and love your self. I will help you dig deep to examine your patterns, become more conscious, and heal emotional wounds so you can be set free.

RELATIONSHIPS: Married: Are you frustrated with conflicts that repeat over and over? Singles: Do you wish you could experience a truly fulfilling relationship? Or, do you have a strained relationship with a child or parent? Learn how to remain true to your Authentic Self and set healthy boundaries for self-care. Communicate in ways that help everyone feel safe: safe to open, safe to explore, safe to grow.

CAREER: Do you want to create a meaningful career that reflects your Authentic Self? Are you frustrated because you do not receive appropriate compensation? Do you sense the creative reservoir within, but you don’t fully express your gifts in the world? I’ll help you excavate the wisdom that already lies within you so you can shine as your Authentic Self in your career.

HEALTH: Do you experience physical illness or pain? Do you sense there might be an emotional or spiritual component that needs to be resolved? When you heal the psycho-spiritual root, more often than not, the pain lessens or disappears. Your body heals faster. I am an emissary of God, and I’ll help you uncover the core cause of the dis-ease and experience God’s healing grace.

SPIRITUALITY: Do you feel called to your next step of spiritual growth? Is divine discontentment knocking at your door? Experience the sweetness of spiritual intimacy nestled in unconditional love. Jesus’ greatest commandment is to love God, and to love each other as ourselves, as Christ loved us. That means that you must fully love your self. I will help you uncover your true identity in Christ.

I respect your beliefs, including all spiritual paths that advocate love. Enjoy being part of a group that co-creates enough safety so you can do DEEP healing and explore, excavate and express your Authentic Self.

Pre-requisites: A minimum of 3 private sessions is required to prepare you for this retreat. Call now to schedule your appointment: 770.998.6642.

Click here to ask Benita to contact you for your free complementary interview.

Location: My home overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Chatuge, bordered by the Chattahoochee National Forest in Young Harris, GA. Two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga and Asheville.

Retreat Activities

You will complete a questionnaire before the retreat telling me exactly what you want to create in your life. I will design processes to meet your specific needs. The agenda remains fluid throughout the retreat so that we optimize results for everyone.

There will be several types of experiential learning formats to facilitate your deep transformation, depending on what is needed.

(1) I will coach you while the group learns vicariously. You will receive my undivided attention to make deep change. Group members learn more than they ever thought possible by observing someone else being coached. We have plenty of Q&A sessions to answer all your questions.

(2) Several people who have similar issues will participate in a process at the same time, with Q&A at the end for maximum interactive learning.

(3) We will have one long Breathwork session which will create deep spiritual-psychological-emotional-physical transformation. (Click here to read two client stories about breathwork.) (4) Short lectures, written exercises, hand-outs, movement to music, mindfulness, relaxation, body-awareness activities, and didactic conversations.

FAQs – Breathwork. Read this before applying to attend this retreat.

FAQs – What is it like to attend a Retreat?

Saturday

Group 9am – 12:00pm

Break 12 – 2:00pm

Group 2:00 – 6:00pm

Dinner 6:00 – 7:30pm

Group 7:30 – 9:00pm

We will take one long break during the afternoon to exercise at the Lake, meditate, nap or deepen friendships. It’s your choice.

Prerequisite: New clients must have at least 3 private sessions. This can be in person, on the phone or video-conference. Retreats are intense, so I need to make sure new people are prepared.

Reserve your seat. Space is limited. This small intimate retreat consists of 3-6 people. If we have 3 people, we will meet Saturday only. If there are 4-6 people, we will meet on Sunday as well. Please reserve both days on your calendar, allowing for flexibility. Questions? Email: Benita@EspositoInstitute.com

Tuition: $450.00 (Meals and lodging are on your own.)

You may choose to stay overnight. It is optional.

List of hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and hermitages with majestic lake views. *

** Want to save money on lodging? There are two private bedrooms available in the apartment in my home @ $39.00 per night. Please contact me for reservations. After the bedrooms are filled, you may sleep on a deluxe air mattress in the living room (overlooking the lake and mountains) for $25/night.

Registration: Pay with your credit or debit card on PayPal.com. Or mail a check to: The Esposito Institute, P.O. Box 1074, Young Harris, GA 30582. Cash is fine, too.

NOTE: If you are allergic to cats, please let me know. I have one cat who will not be in our meeting space if it is a problem for you.

Enrollment is by invitation only. For an interview, schedule a phone appointment with Benita Esposito. Complete the “Contact” form and tell me you want an interview for the April retreat. Or call 770.998.6642. Click here and complete the Contact Form.

Note: Every retreat is different and is designed to meet the needs of the specific participants. Some people like to attend retreats year after year, deepening their growth, and renewing friendships with other participants.

(This retreat will be offered again in October, 2015.)

Benita A. Esposito, MA, LPC

Facilitator: Benita A. Esposito, Christian Healer and Licensed Professional Counselor

Refund Policy

If you paid by PayPal, there is an additional 3% service fee which will not be refunded.
• 26 or more days before the retreat, there will be a full refund minus a $50 processing fee.
• 15-25 days before the retreat, there will be a 50% refund, minus a $50 processing fee (your deposit).
• No refunds 0 – 14 days before the retreat.

Testimonials

Last night while soaking in the hot tub, I had a mental slideshow of past retreats and how transformative they’ve been for me. For many years there’s been a deep ache inside of me because my father didn’t affirm me. This unresolved pain caused great difficulty with my romantic relationships. During the breathwork session at the last retreat, while I was in a dreamy state, I appeared as a radiant bride and my Dad finally gave me the adoration I have wanted all my life. Now six months later, I still feel the love that was planted in me during that retreat. What a priceless journey, worth more than gold! – T.H, Entrepreneur

“By working with Benita Esposito over the last eight years in one-on-one and in group settings, I have deeply explored the outer reaches of consciousness, and the inner depths of my body-mind-soul-emotions. Via strong empathetic connection with me, Benita has intuitively guided me and coached me through issues so I can create healthy personal and business relationships. I benefit most from group retreats where there is a mixture of people’s energies. The extended time to work on things is crucial to digging deep and making major changes, while the beautiful Nature settings give me the soothing arena I need to process the experiences. Jump at the chance to be involved in a retreat as often as possible – that is my recommendation. If a retreat doesn’t suit you, choose another format. It is an honor and a privilege to have Benita as the co-creator of my true destiny and journey towards my Authentic Self.” ~ L.S., Software Engineer

“As we closed the retreat on Monday, I felt, probably for the first time in my life, a deep grief that I would be leaving a group of people, and a deep desire to continue to be a part of your lives, and have each of you be a part of mine. This is one of the gifts you have all given me this past weekend. My path in life has been a solitary one, and I mostly liked it that way, but at the same time I felt lonely, isolated, and different. I never before realized how much I wanted to share myself with others, and to share their path and their experience.” E.W., Software Development Consultant

“My cheek muscles have been sore since I returned from the retreat. Could this be from smiling so much that it hurts? I have to say, when I left the retreat I had some good gut wrenching cries of loss and now…. wow, I do believe that joy is here. I am walking around singing, laughing, and just having fun with myself. I want to spread this around.”- M.F., Technical Trainer

“I just wanted to thank you again for hosting such a wonderful and inspirational weekend retreat. I continued to ride the wave all the way home! As I reflected on one of the weekend’s more intense moments I found myself crying tears of despair, but they were instantaneously transformed into tears of joy as I instinctively felt comfort from the Divine. Thanks to your guidance, I now know how to access the healing, the answers, the wisdom and the love.” ~B.M., Computer Programmer

“I had never really even entertained the idea of doing a retreat. Scared me to death. This time I had some help coaxing me to go, but I knew I would do it anyway. Once my spirit decided it was the place to be, then it was so powerful that I had to surrender. So far it’s been one life changing experience after another. Right now I am flying. Can you tell? I mean high! I feel like running up this path barefooted if I have to. What an amazing life I have!” – V.S., Psychotherapist

Click here to read stories from past retreats and FAQs.

“When you polish your facet of the diamond, the whole diamond glows more brilliantly.” ~ Benita A. Esposito, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

For your complementary interview:

Email: Benita@EspositoInstitute.com. Phone: 770.998.6642

Your Authentic Self–Definition

September 30, 2013/in Articles, The Transformational Journey/by Benita Esposito

I’m often asked, “What does it mean to be your Authentic Self?

Does it mean that you are happy all the time? If you aren’t happy all the time, does that mean you have not arrived at being truly authentic? Does it mean that you are never afraid? No, not at all.

Here’s my definition of what it means to live as your Authentic Self.

1. You are continually growing into the divine blueprint God designed for you. No two snowflakes are exactly alike, and neither are we. You use every situation to become more conscious on all levels: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. Read more

Breathwork Q&A

June 23, 2013/in Body-Mind-Spirit Healing/by Benita Esposito

Can you relate to any of these situations?

1. You find yourself getting emotionally triggered, and you wish that didn’t happen.

2. Your relationships are damaged. You and your partner don’t know how to resolve conflicts so you don’t feel deeply loved and respected.

3. When you get emotionally triggered, you don’t deal with it constructively. Read more

Breathwork Description

May 31, 2013/in Body-Mind-Spirit Healing/by Benita Esposito

Are you looking for a major boost to propel you into your full potential? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you’ll want to explore Breathwork.

Do you want to …
1. Heal emotions from grief, trauma, neglect or other family of origin issues?
2. Transform unproductive patterns in your relationships, especially emotional reactivity?
3. Develop a deep, rich spiritual connection so you access divine love and guidance? Read more

Newsletter May 2013

May 19, 2013/in Newsletters/by Benita Esposito

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Be compassionate. Speak up. Reach out.

Blairsville, GA Office

Do you know someone suffering from depression, grief, trauma or anxiety? It’s pretty common. One in four adults will experience some kind of mental health difficult challenge during their life.

Too many people suffer needlessly. Well-meaning family members may think their loved one is just being lazy moping around the house, when in fact, they are clinically depressed. A high-achiever may believe they work best under pressure. But when they live with anxiety for several years, it may result in heart disease. Trauma from abuse (physical, verbal, emotional and sexual) may result in anxiety, addiction, depression or thoughts of suicide. People often think they come through hurtful experiences unscathed, but rarely is that true. Emotional eating and top the list of symptoms that are only the tip of the iceberg. We must look deeper for the true cause and heal there.

It’s not only individuals who are affected by mental illness. Marriages and parent-child relationships can be ruined when people don’t have the ability to be truly present with their loved ones.

People who grow up in families with turmoil, yelling, icy emotional distance, abuse and frequent criticism are at greater risk for mental illness. If you are a highly sensitive person, you are more susceptible to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

You can help stop the needless suffering in your family by removing the stigma of asking for help. If you suspected your loved one had heart disease, you wouldn’t think twice about telling him or her to go to the doctor.

Smyrna, GA Office

Share these videos to educate your loved ones. Sometimes, people think they are weak if they have to ask for help. But actually, it takes more courage to reach out for help than to do nothing and continue to suffer. Calling a professional is a sign of strength. You may contact me by clicking here.

Mental Health Awareness Month PSA

Representative Schlossberg speaks on legislation for Mental Health Awareness Month

Remember: When you take care of yourself, you help all those around you. What we do (or don’t do) impacts others.

Are you looking faster progress than private therapy alone? Attend these intensive retreats where you have many hours to dive deep into healing.

Retreat Venue, Young Harris, GA

Deep Emotional Healing Retreat 7/13/13.

Explore, Excavate, Express Your Authentic Self.

Do you find yourself repeating unhelpful patterns even though you don’t want to? Do limiting thoughts and “monkey-mind chatter” create unwanted worry? Do you want to create a relationship that finally works? Unresolved emotional wounds can sabotage your best intentions.

“Annual Beach Retreat” Aug. 31- Sept. 5, 2013.

“Create the Life of Your Dreams” 5 nights at the beach.

Dig deeper than ever before. Heal at depth so you can make your fondest dreams come true! Register early. Tuition increases monthly. Panama City Beach, Florida

Contact Benita A. Esposito, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor to inquire about private psychotherapy or intensive retreats. In-person, phone and skype appointments are available.

Deep Emotional Healing Retreat

May 19, 2013/in Events/by Benita Esposito

This Semi-Private Retreat has a maximum of six people.

Unresolved emotional wounds decrease your self-esteem, self-confidence, and ability to create healthy personal and professional relationships. Even though you are successful on the outside, you may feel empty inside … a lack of wholeness … little inner peace.

You may have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse. You may have experienced the anguish that comes from having an emotionally distant parent.

You may yearn for intimacy, but be afraid of it at the same time. You may attract emotionally unavailable people. You may not know how to effectively communicate to resolve conflicts so that your personal and professional relationships flourish. Your intimate relationship may suffer because you cannot be as emotionally close or as sexually open as you would like.

The part of your brain that tries to protect you might have become stuck in survival mode: fight, flight or freeze. This can generate a number of symptoms including anxiety, depression, chronic worry, self-sabotage, pessimism, procrastination, OCD, substance abuse, and emotional eating.

Lake Chatuge. Photo by Benita Esposito

The Promise of the Retreat: You’ll experience rigorous yet gentle leadership tailored to your unique learning style to ensure your success. You’ll receive insights so compelling that you will naturally flow into effective action instead of getting bogged down in self-defeating patterns. You’ll be in a safe place so you can allow Love to flood you, heal you and release wave after wave of creativity. Bask in the sweetness of spiritual intimacy, drawing ever closer to the Divine, the source of all healing. Your transformational journey will be accelerated in this beautiful Nature setting: the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking Lake Chatuge.

When: View the retreat schedule for current dates.

Where: Young Harris, GA. Enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking Lake Chatuge.

Breathwork is the primary activity of the day. It helps you access memory, emotion and spirituality in a profound way.

Click on the following links to learn more about what happens in breathwork:

Breathwork Q&A.

Breathwork Testimonials: Relationships, self-esteem, physical healings, career success.

2 Client Stories about their Breathwork experiences in our Annual Florida Beach Retreat

Healing Abuse. In Susan’s Breathwork, God showed her where the abuse pattern started: at conception.

Healing Trauma of an abortion and open-heart surgery.

Healing an Eating Disorder. This client was not focusing on healing her eating disorder. It occurred as a side-benefit.

Reserve your seat now. This small intimate retreat consists of 6 people. A minimum of 3 private sessions are required before attending this retreat. Participation is by invitation only. Complete the Contact Form for a complementary 10-minute interview.

NOTE: If you are allergic to cats, please let me know. I have one cat who will not be in our meeting space if it is a problem for you.

Cupids Falls, Young Harris, GAReserve your seat now.

Retreat FAQs

TESTIMONIALS

“I had never really even entertained the idea of doing a retreat. Scared me to death. Once my spirit decided it was the place to be, then it was so powerful that I had to surrender. So far it’s been one life changing experience after another. Right now I am flying. Can you tell? I mean high! I feel like running up this path barefooted if I have to.” – V.S., Psychotherapist

Last night while soaking in the hot tub, I had a mental slideshow of past retreats and how transformative they’ve been for me. For many years there’s been a deep ache inside of me because my father didn’t affirm me. This unresolved pain caused great difficulty with my romantic relationships. During the breathwork session at the last retreat, while I was in a dreamy state, I appeared as a radiant bride and my Dad finally gave me the adoration I have wanted all my life. Now six months later, I still feel the love that was planted in me during that retreat. What a priceless journey, worth more than gold! – T.H, Realtor, Health Coach

“By working with Benita Esposito over the last eight years in one-on-one and in group settings, I have deeply explored the outer reaches of consciousness, and the inner depths of my body-mind-soul-emotions. Via strong empathetic connection with me, Benita has intuitively coached me through issues so I can create healthy personal and business relationships. I benefit most from group retreats where there is a mixture of people’s energies. The extended time to work on things is crucial to digging deep and making major changes, while the beautiful Nature settings give me the soothing arena I need to process the experiences. Jump at the chance to be involved in a retreat as often as possible. It is an honor and a privilege to have Benita as the co-creator of my true destiny and my journey towards my Authentic Self.” ~ L.S., Software Engineer

Lodging: click here for a list of hotels.

Facilitator: Benita A. Esposito, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

To inquire about counseling services or intensive retreats, click the Contact Us form. Enter your question and comments. If that does not work, enter your contact information in the “comment box” on this site.

Refund Policy
*There will be no refunds within 30 days of the event. Cancellation must be writing. Fax to 706.896.0031 or email to Benita@EspositoInstitute.com.
* 31-45 days before the retreat, there will be a 50% refund, minus a $35 processing fee.
* 46 or more days before an event, there will be a full refund minus a $35 processing fee.

Mother’s Love

May 12, 2013/in Prose/by Benita Esposito

Your mother’s love,
Strong and deep
Wrap around
My joy and tears,
Heart to heart. Read more

Deep Emotional Healing Mini-Retreat 11/16/13

March 8, 2013/in Events/by Benita Esposito

Explore, Excavate, Express Your Authentic Self

Even though you are a high-achiever, there’s probably at least one area of your life that you would like to improve.
We’re all on a journey towards expressing more and more of our Authentic Self. As we develop greater personal and spiritual mastery, our outer life reflects the shining results.

What do you want to improve in your life?

RELATIONSHIPS: Do you long for healthy relationships, but dysfunctional patterns keep cropping up? Do you want to change your part of the pattern so you can finally BE healthy in relationships, and experience the kind of love you have always wanted?

CAREER: Would you like to experience the joy, emotional support and financial remuneration you desire? Would you like your job to be an expression of your spiritual calling? Do you sense the creativity within you, but something holds you back? Do you want to leave a legacy to make the world a better place?

HEALTH: Do you experience illness, pain or weight issues? Do you sense there might be an emotional, spiritual or life-style component?

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT: Even though you are a high-achiever, do you sometimes feel an emptiness way down deep inside? It might feel like anxiety. Do you want to feel whole by developing greater spiritual intimacy?

PERSONAL MASTERY: Do you want to increase your ability to create the life of your dreams? Do you find unhelpful patterns repeating themselves even though you don’t want them to? Do limiting thoughts and “monkey-mind chatter” cause you to worry? Are you eager to increase self-awareness and express your Authentic Self in every situation?

All these challenges can be symptoms of unresolved emotional wounds that decrease your self-esteem, competence and ability to create healthy personal and professional relationships. The part of your brain that tries to protect you when you are in danger has become stuck in survival mode. This can generate a number of symptoms including pain, anxiety, depression, procrastination, OCD, addiction, and emotional eating. You may not know how to effectively communicate to resolve conflicts so that your relationships flourish. Your intimate relationship may suffer because you can’t be as emotionally and sexually open as you would like.

The Promise of the Retreat: You’ll experience rigorous yet gentle leadership tailored to your unique learning style to ensure your success. You’ll receive insights so compelling that you will naturally flow into effective action instead of getting bogged down in self-defeating patterns. You’ll be in a safe place so you can allow Love to flood you, heal you and release wave after wave of creativity. Bask in the sweetness of spiritual intimacy, drawing ever closer to the Divine, the source of all healing. You’ll increase your intuition and hear the voice of the Holy Spirit more clearly. You’ll learn how to allow your energy to flow freely, and open your heart after being wounded. You’ll strengthen your ability to feel even the most difficult emotions, while staying present in your body. When you stop abandoning yourself, you’ll receive more love into your life. You’ll be able to truly forgive, instead of just thinking you should. You’ll deepen your ability to be emotionally intimate with your loved ones.

You’re transformational journey will be accelerated in this pristine Nature setting: the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Chatuge.

WHERE AND WHEN: One Saturday, November 16, 2013. 9:30am-6:00pm. Young Harris, Georgia.

Breathwork is one of the primary activities of the day. It helps you access memory, emotion and spirituality in a profound way. Click on the following link to learn more about what happens in breathwork: 2 Client Stories

Reserve your seat now. This small intimate retreat consists of 5 – 8 people. To apply, call 770.998.6642 or email Benita@EspositoInstitute.com. A minimum of 3 private sessions are required before attending this retreat.

Tuition: $175.00. (Singles and couples welcome. Couples receive a $20 discount.)

Early Bird Discount: $150.00 by October 13, 2013

Retreat FAQs

TESTIMONIALS

“I had never really even entertained the idea of doing a retreat. Scared me to death. Once my spirit decided it was the place to be, then it was so powerful that I had to surrender. So far it’s been one life changing experience after another. Right now I am flying. Can you tell? I mean high! I feel like running up this path barefooted if I have to.” – V.S., Psychotherapist

Last night while soaking in the hot tub, I had a mental slideshow of past retreats and how transformative they’ve been for me. For many years there’s been a deep ache inside of me because my father didn’t affirm me. This unresolved pain caused great difficulty with my romantic relationships. During the breathwork session at the last retreat, while I was in a dreamy state, I appeared as a radiant bride and my Dad finally gave me the adoration I have wanted all my life. Now six months later, I still feel the love that was planted in me during that retreat. What a priceless journey, worth more than gold! – T.H, Realtor, Health Coach

“By working with Benita Esposito over the last eight years in one-on-one and in group settings, I have deeply explored the outer reaches of consciousness, and the inner depths of my body-mind-soul-emotions. Via strong empathetic connection with me, Benita has intuitively coached me through issues so I can create healthy personal and business relationships. I benefit most from group retreats where there is a mixture of people’s energies. The extended time to work on things is crucial to digging deep and making major changes, while the beautiful Nature settings give me the soothing arena I need to process the experiences. Jump at the chance to be involved in a retreat as often as possible. It is an honor and a privilege to have Benita as the co-creator of my true destiny and my journey towards my Authentic Self.” ~ L.S

More Testimonials

Lodging: If you care to stay overnight, click here for a list of hotels. Register early.

Food: Bring a sack lunch and healthy snacks.

Facilitator: Benita A. Esposito, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor

To inquire about counseling services or intensive retreats, click the Contact form. Enter your question and contact information.

Refund Policy
*There will be no refunds within 30 days of the event. Cancellation must be writing. Fax to 706.896.0031 or email to Benita@EspositoInstitute.com.
* 31-45 days before the retreat, there will be a 50% refund, minus a $35 processing fee.
* 46 or more days before an event, there will be a full refund minus a $35 processing fee.

When Gratitude is Difficult

November 22, 2012/in Prose/by Benita Esposito

I sit perched upon my mountain high, surveying the land below.
How peaceful, how serene.
I love it so.

As I ponder the meaning of Thanksgiving,
I wonder, “What does it really mean to be grateful?”
What is the Heart of gratitude?
When am I most compelled to reach into the deepest part of myself and there, too, find gratitude?

It is easy in times when everything flows smoothly.
And that is wonderful, indeed.

But even more, to be grateful for the hard times,
That is when gratitude is most difficult.

Can I find the gifts in the sorrow?
How can I be thankful for a thousand losses?
All the times I felt unloved.
All the times I tried so hard, and success eluded me.
All the times I thought I was going in the right direction
And one more time, I arrived at the end of a road where the sign read, “Dead End.”

How can I be grateful for that?

I look deeper inside, and deeper yet still
I wind my way through the gauzy maze.

Home.
What is Home?

My Home, my true Home, lies in the heart of The Beloved.
He reminds me that I am beautiful in his eyes.
He holds me when I am scared.
He encourages me when I am shy.
He lavishes me with gifts of the spirit.
He brings me challenges so big that I either sink or soar.
He connects me with people who have hearts of gold
And sorrows all of their own.
He gives me opportunities to be of service.
He reminds me that receiving requires the strength to be vulnerable.
He holds me back when I’m eager to dive in when He knows the water is too rough.

Sometimes I get so frustrated with Him because I have mind of my own.
He cautions me. He disciplines me. I stamp my feet.
He makes me do my homework long past the days when school should have been over.

Sometimes, I am so weary.
Sometimes, I am worn out.
Sometimes, I give up.
And then I look deeper
And deeper yet still,
And I find Him once again, my Beloved, holding out his arms to me
Inviting Intimacy.

Intimacy with my Beloved.
The Beloved.
My one true Beloved when all around me squalls in tempest.

I turn to Him,
And He to me,
And we gaze into each other’s eyes,
one to the other,
And all the world falls away.
All the striving and stress.
All the worries and fears.
All the goals and aspirations that define me
Melt away like butter sliding off a hot knife.

All alone with my Beloved
And He with me.
Inside.
Inside, He awaits for me
All the time
Waiting, waiting, and watching
Patiently,
For me to find my way Home once again.

My Beloved.
My best friend.
Jesus.

Benita A. Esposito, MA, LPC
11/22/12

Background
This prose poem sprang forth after listening to the poet Dana Gioia interviewed on National Public Radio, Asheville, NC on Thanksgiving morning 2012. Paraphrasing, Mr. Gioia said, “If you can accept your sorrows, they can become your gifts. Find the gifts hidden in the sorrows.”

For the last few days, I had been contemplating sending a special mailing on Thanksgiving Day. I wanted to write on this very same theme, and I just happened to turn on the radio at the precise time of this interview. That’s how the Holy Spirit works.

I love hearing and reading others poems, and I love writing and reading my own. I don’t have confidence in my skill as a poet although I’ve written poetry for 30+ years. Most of the time, when I contemplate writing poetry, the inner critic’s voice scolds me, “You can’t write. It’s won’t turn out well. You can’t do this, so don’t bother.” After listening to this litany again today, I almost started a google search to find someone else’s poem to share with my friends on Thanksgiving Day. But another inner voice coaxed me, “Just sit and write. You can do this. See what comes out.” So I sat and wrote, and line after line flowed just like it usually does when I stop my busyness long enough to listen. With a little editing, this beautiful gift came into full living color to bless us today, and for many years to come. This is the kind of writing, the mutual creation of The Holy Spirit and Benita Esposito in intimate partnership, that I love the most.

God bless you and your family on this Thanksgiving Day and all year long.

Special thanks to:

(1) Dana Gioia for his inspiration this morning on National Public Radio. Visit http://www.danagioia.net/poems/

(2) Father John Rice, my favorite spiritual teacher who encourages me to develop a relationship with Jesus as Intimate Friend. Thank you, John.

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Marriage Story: From Cold War to Resurrection

October 7, 2012/in Articles, Marriage, Relationships/by Benita Esposito

“Our Journey Together With Benita A. Esposito”

In the following story, you’ll see how a distressed couple on the verge of divorce transformed their marriage in six months. The story is told by the wife. Scroll to the end to read about the breakthroughs and what worked in therapy.

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