Reader Q&A: Holly Hackwith

Several months ago after hosting a SIDES book gathering for me in Omaha, Holly Hackwith sent me this sweet note:

Dearest Diane,

Even though I knew the SIDES book gathering would be fun because, after all, it was you, Diane — it was more than that.

You read from your latest book, made a few comments about your experiences and then asked the group about their own experiences with the other side.

Amazing stories of signs and direct communication (visual, verbal, scent) from the other side emerged.

But, my reaction? Gee, how come this never happens to me?

Upon bringing that up, Diane and the group laughingly, sweetly and gently provided insight.

So what was the insight?

We all learn and communicate in our own perfect way.  I happen to learn in huge, record breaking leaps. Leaps that are euphoric, dizzying and electrifying simply because, up to that point of illumination, I most likely resist and test this change.

Is that communication with the other side? Well, in my own perfect way — yes.

The other side, for me, is part of the collective spirit/God/positive energy. The learning and healing leaps I take are, to me, simply another form of The Divine Power (call it Mother, God, Yahweh, whatever) joyfully manifesting itself in me — just as that energy from the other side through loved ones visited some of the other women in the group.

It was a lesson in acceptance that helped me love and accept my experiences as valid, too.

You helped me stand in my truth. You make me feel so important and valuable in my quest for enlightenment. My grasp of life purpose ebbs and flows. Sure, I act like I’m all together, but my heart is not so brave as I’d like.

Much love and gratefulness,
Holly

I was moved by Holly’s genuine kindness at the gathering and wanted to chat more so we started a more in-depth email conversation — that conversation, as it turns out, tells the story of what SIDES and the book gatherings I do are all about.

Go ahead, listen in:

Diane: Why did you decide to sponsor a book gathering?

Holly: Well, it’s kind of like throwing a party:  you never know who will come and how it will turn out. So I just said, “ What the hey!” and did it (with my friend, Linda Arena)!

Remind me — how did we first get acquainted?

Some of the most down to earth Connections Group buddies loved your work, which pushed me to contact you.

I remember, after meeting you, that you really made me accountable. There are times ( like right now) that I am sheepish to admit to my laziness and lack of commitment to progress. You don’t judge — you just fire me up to get over that “hump” of inertia. You can charm a cranky lion!  Your energy and authenticity just ring through the air.

You know, I was pretty skeptical about this Tarot Card thing before meeting you. Well, the cards are pretty amazing, but it is, you, the card reader who has the mental health education and the movement therapy background. A man I once dated came to you and his comment was that the cards are your alternative vehicle for some extremely competent counseling.

You mentioned you had an insight at the gathering: “We all learn and communicate in our own perfect way. I happen to learn in huge, record breaking leaps.”

Looking back at your experience during that gathering, how has your new awareness informed your life now–what has changed in you as a result of that experience?

As a result of reading SIDES and attending the book gathering and learning how, even from the other side, people still keep improving and overcoming earthly weakness, I was able to accept my own weaknesses.

Your father explained how that worked in one of your conversations.

Ultimately, it did two things for me:

• Reminded me that I’m OK. I am flawed and more comfortable with it. Interactions and reactions with, and to, other people constantly reinforce (to me) that synergy is the best way for me to be my best! I am more open to being synergistic with others people whose talents compliment and/or supplement my own.

• Taught me that loved ones on the other side are still them, but even better! I hesitated to reach out to the other side as I still saw those loved ones as all too human and fragile. We all have our limits, but I no longer hesitate to ask for guidance and love from the other side.

So, how is the divine manifesting itself these days?

Hmmm ….. it ebbs and flows with my consciousness about it. The last 6 months I have been willful vs. mindful, at loose ends vs. goal directed. The definition of my life’s intention is beauty and order.  The conversation I recently had with you and the “divineness” you bring out in me gave me a momentous insight:

MY LIFE’S INTENTION IS ALSO MY LIFE’S PURPOSE: Beauty and Order.

How are you being more loving, accepting and validating of your experiences? What role does your inner critic play in life now?

I am more comfortable being me. I accept my faults; I’m comfortable with my talents and do not hesitate to seek others with complementary strengths.

While still self critical, I now seek help instead of quietly being ashamed.

What encouragement would you give to folks who might be contemplating sponsoring a book gathering?

A book gathering can turn into something surprising intellectually and spiritually. If not, then hopefully the snacks will be outstanding! 🙂

 

Holly Hackwith is the owner and operator of Corporate Art Co. For 25 years, she has provided consulted with corporations to help them acquire & plan art collections, as well as curation and documentation services.