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Dear Armen,

This letter comes to you out of my true exuberance for the possibilities in this world, largely due to your involvement in my personal world lately. We haven’t known each other for that long, but I feel like it’s been much, much longer. The first time I heard you speak at the Dragonfly Center, I knew you had something special to give to the world... But at the time I didn’t think it had anything to do with me. And then, put on the spot, I froze in our group practice. Anxiety, shame, and social retardation were just a few of the feelings running through my being in the time that followed.... The biggest help during this embarrassment, whether you knew it or not, was a set of “undulating hips” doing their best to loosen up the room, and the newfound possibility of us meeting to talk later that week.

Zoom ahead to Now: The idea of helping myself and others through assisting you with your work has been presented... Ha! This is exactly the kind of relationship that I have been looking for from the world, and didn’t even know it! Life is beautiful. I am thankful.

During the past 2 weeks, it’s been hard for me to grasp the fact that you are not judging me, and that you wish nothing but to provide a space in which I can grow at my own pace... but I am understanding this more clearly everyday. Your constant mode of compassion and understanding means so much to me. Progress may seem slow to the both of us, but believe me, seeds are being planted and germinated that will grow strong for the rest of my life... and they will branch directly into the lives of those that I interact with from here on out... From the micro to the macro...

You are truly an invaluable addition to the human race. I hope to continue learning and growing, however slowly, in your presence and with your guidance. My ears and heart are open and my hands are available to aid you in helping others like you’ve begun helping me...

-a friend
Seattle, WA
Dec. 25, 2009