NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2024

Hello Reader,

My wife Meg and I are both in the habit of self-observation (tracking our inner thoughts and inner experience) throughout the day—so oftentimes our evening conversations involve sharing a nugget or two of observed inner “triggers” - where someone or some situation really got us all stirred up inside.

Sometimes we try and unpack the cause of it and glean what the lesson is for us, other times we just share and hopefully laugh at our folly.

Gurdjieff would call this practice “telling on yourself.”

Recently, it dawned on me to start combining these “mirror moments” to parts work.
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An example.
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At my church, there is an individual who is roughly my age - let’s name him 'Bernie'. Bernie is new to the community and in my judgmental opinion is seeking attention—from the flashy way he dresses to some over-the-top interactions we’ve had.

It’s subtle, but it BUGS me.

I spent half of my “inward reflection” during the service last week glancing over at Bernie to see what sort of shenanigans are going on. I try to unhook and “let it be” - but despite my efforts this internal irritation persists. Ha! Smiling at my annoyance and laughing at myself helps takes the edge off a bit.
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Enter parts work.

Bringing my curiosity to this unfolding - I talk to the part of me that used to do a TON of “attention seeking.”

The part of me that STILL does a ton of attention seeking.

I ask the part what it is afraid will happen if I don’t get attention. It answers - I’ll be a nobody. I’ll disappear. I’ll be ignored by the world.

Oof.

I ask this part how old it thinks I am - single digits. Suddenly, my breathing relaxes and the mood of irritation shifts.

The little kid in me, desperate to BE SEEN and to matter - feels okay, feels understood.

And like magic, the charge around Bernie is totally lifted - replaced by an outpouring of understanding and compassion.
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WE ARE MIRRORS FOR EACH OTHER—not to reflect our flaws but to reflect the gaps in our love.
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The more deeply I love all parts of my self, the more I find myself surrounded by people I love.

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Now Accepting New Clients

I love this work. I love sharing the tools I have learned; helping my clients navigate their inner world and then watching that ripple out into their external world in remarkable ways. And I also remember feeling SO NERVOUS to begin my inner exploration. It might not be time. But if you are feeling that call - what the Gurdjieff work calls "magnetic center" pulling you towards working on yourself - then I would love to explore with you.

I do Virtual Sessions as well as In-Person, and I also have packages available. Full details are on my website www.josephmach.com.

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Upcoming Workshops & Talks

Oct 24 - ReConnect Open House, Bio-Energetics Workshop 12pm

Nov 2 - Ruby Retreats Open House, Intro to Bio-Energetics and IFS 11:30am

Nov 9 & 10 - Austin Studio Tour, Art Show 12-6pm

Nov 10 - Center for Spiritual Living - Talk 10am (Streaming and In-Person)

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Music Update

Meg, Wilder and I recently traveled to Huntsville, TX to celebrate the union of Cole & Mae! They are two dear friends and my BANDMATES in Mystic Revival. Many of our band rehearsals involved discussing our inner challenges and dreams - and I watched both of them do a lot of work around partnership and love. In a magical turn of events - turns out it was right under their noses! I'm so happy for both of them and grateful to witness and celebrate their love.

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​Listen to Mystic Revival on Spotify​ Joseph's indie-folk sound healing band

​Listen to White Buffalo on Spotify​ Joseph's americana-folk solo debut

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Art Update

BIG NEWS Nov 9-10 I will be opening the doors of my home and studio to share my art and celebrate with this wonderful community for @austinstudiotour 2024! Since moving to Austin almost 10 years ago, it has been on my bucket list to be part of the tour and I'm so very excited for the opportunity this year. More details TBA but we'll likely have a little opening party on the 9th as well as some guided meditations and snacks throughout the weekend. Mark your calendar!

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I'm so glad we get to stay connected in this way and I'm grateful that you are in my life. Feel free to share this with anyone in your life, and I would love to hear how you are doing.

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