Joseph Nicholas Mach is an accomplished musician, visual artist, Gestalt coach and meditation enthusiast based in Austin, TX. He studied for 5 years with Steve Flynn, MA/CMT, training in Gestalt therapy, bio-energetics, Reichian therapy and qi gong. In 2023 he founded InnerWork ATX, an organization dedicated to sharing and teaching these profound tools through private sessions, group workshops and retreats.
The Courage To Let Things Be Smashed to Pieces
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NEWSLETTER - DEC 2024 Dear Reader, For so many of us, 2024 has been a year of heartbreak. “God speaks to us in the events of each day, and his message is written out for each of us.” -Frederick Buechner
Last week, I was driving through South Austin on a Craiglist treasure hunt (a new big kid bed for Wilder!), and I took a turn through a big development on Dittmar. On the left side of the road was a normal suburban neighborhood with nice sidewalks and broad streets. On the right side of the road was a huge sprawling subdivision that appeared to have been abandoned mid-construction. Hundreds of windows were smashed and broken and there was graffiti all over the walls and fences, total contrast with the pristine neighborhood just across the way. It felt like a scene out of a dream. And, as I drove, it produced a feeling in me. I couldn’t place it right away. It wasn’t the common gripe of “oh the graffiti, what an eyesore.” (I generally enjoy graffiti and have respect for the fortitude it takes to blatantly make your mark in the world). No, this feeling had joy in it. There was a smile tucked under the driving by. Upon reflection, what struck me is - it takes COURAGE to abandon things that are no longer in alignment. Even if everyone sees the fallout. ESPECIALLY if everyone sees the fallout. To abandon ideas before they have taken shape also requires a certain surrender - but something already in progress?? It takes a huge dose of courage. To pause, listen and trust what is calling to you, even when it "sets you back" or doesn't follow linear logic. This has been a year of letting go. Old identities, old ideas, half-built empires. These things require grieving. It takes slowing down, inner noticing. And my secret smile? Hearing the angels whisper - I'm so proud of your abandonments. Your missteps. Your growth. Their gentle applause from the sideline, ushering us towards the next turn. May your New Year be full of peace, strength, and wiggly wisdom. Now Accepting New ClientsI 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. Upcoming Workshops & Talks1/7/25 Tools to Integrate Psychedelic & Ecstatic Experiences Workshop at Kuya Wellness, 7pm MusicArt
As always, 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. |
Joseph Mach
Joseph Nicholas Mach is an accomplished musician, visual artist, Gestalt coach and meditation enthusiast based in Austin, TX. He studied for 5 years with Steve Flynn, MA/CMT, training in Gestalt therapy, bio-energetics, Reichian therapy and qi gong. In 2023 he founded InnerWork ATX, an organization dedicated to sharing and teaching these profound tools through private sessions, group workshops and retreats.
NEWSLETTER - AUGUST 2025 Hello Reader, Today I want to share a recent God-wink I experienced. Because walking the spiritual path can sometimes feel discouraging - and for me, acknowledging moments of synchronicity and grace can provide counterweight to the difficult moments. Difficult moments--such as traveling home on a crowded airplane with a toddler after spending 10 days visiting with family. My wife and I are sleep deprived. I feel fried. My patience has already been maxed out multiple...
NEWSLETTER - JULY 2025 Hello Reader, For most of my 20’s and 30’s, my primary occupation and identity was that of musician/songwriter. As such, one part of my mind was always scanning my surroundings for clever phrases or potential song titles. Every once in awhile I would feel a big ol’ lightbulb go off and the idea would nestle itself into my creative psyche. Most of my best songs came about in this way. About 9 months ago, I was reading David Hawkins Power vs. Force, and in one section he...
NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2025 Hello Reader, A phrase I often heard my teacher, Steve Flynn, use was “become a clearing.” He would say it with a deep, expansive resonance. I heard the words, but more importantly, I felt the words. This past week, my family and I spent the week at Ruby Retreats in Wimberley, TX, house-sitting for some dear friends. One of our daily tasks was to take their two pups on long morning walks around the 100-acre property, visiting the cow pasture and the grotto and through...