From the novel:
Doug smiling: “I wanna tell y’all I’ve been sleepin’ in the basement since I got back. That was the only place I felt safe. Last night, I came upstairs and slept with my wife.” Hoots and Hollers (HH) from the group!
Doug: “I ain’t gonna lie. I didn’t sleep too well, but it’s a start.”
Jett: “I’m still carrying my knife with me everywhere I go, but this past week before I went to bed, I didn’t check the perimeter outside the cabin but one time.” HH
Ace: “I went to two AA meetings last week and I asked my girlfriend to marry me.” HH.
Chad: “I had a date last night. It didn’t work out, but at least I tried. That was a big step for me. Melinda helped me on the drive up today. I’m going to selectively remember that I took the risk and forget that it didn’t work out.” HH.
Doc: “That’s a good example of tweaking your Center in whatever way works.”
Anna: “My husband and I are going to see Doc for counseling and I think we have a chance of working it out. Wednesday night, we made love.” Tears rolled down her cheeks and she struggled to get it out. “I let him see me naked for the first time since I lost my arm. He said all the right things and I was even able to have an orgasm.” HH.
Rob: “I finally let my mom and dad have a welcome home party for me and I did pretty well. I only drank three beers. Several of my family and friends thanked me for my service and instead of wanting to punch them in the nose, I said, ‘No problem.’” HH.
Frank: “I can’t think of one specific thing to tell you. Remember when we first started the group and I was desperate for help saying that I didn’t know what to do. The desperation is gone and I do know what to do. I feel like I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m gonna be okay.” HH.
Doc: “You guys are getting it done – one step at a time, one moment at a time.”
* * * * *
The most important goal when you are struggling or wanting to make changes in your life is to get Centered and stay Centered. Your most important goal in life everyday every moment is to get Centered and stay Centered.”
Open your notebooks and find the notes on Group Goals; Traits of the Centered State; Your True Self at Center; Focker’s PTSD; and your Symptom Checklist. Take a few minutes to look them over and I want you to find situations that may be especially challenging for you. Notice that I said situations rather than problems. I sometimes still slip and use the word problem, but since acceptance is one of the Centered traits, there is no such thing as a problem at Center. There are only situations.
Your Focker will think that is a screwed up concept. He will think that is ridiculous. Everyone has problems. At Center, they simply don’t exist.