The Benefits of Recapitulation Practice and How to Engage It (Rick Lewis)

Every time we tell a story, something new can enter our heart. Sharing a story with others can help us regain a piece of our humanity. Being in the present and letting go of the past can be a spiritual ideal, but if we trace back things that happened we may find buried aspects of ourselves. A spiritual act can pave over the past. Rick tells stories of his experience with recapitulation, of being an entertainer at corporate events, and of starting an online writing group. Looking at the past can bring us into relationship with what has actually been and allow for healing. The reality we’re in is only apparently separate from the past and future. Ego wants to create distance between who we want to be and who we are. There is joy in being honest with oneself and others. Sometimes we don’t want to write about ourselves or see what has gone on. Sharing life stories is group recapitulation practice, which is bonding. When our experience is acknowledged by another person, we get to integrate it. If it is toxic, it is defused when held by the matrix of a writing community. We generally don’t open to the present because we’re too busy surviving it. Taking time to recall what transpired, we live it for the first time. What’s important is doing the work of being undefended to our truth. Once that occurs, the benefit of being around a person—whether a teacher or not—is felt and their past is irrelevant. In looking at the past, we get clues about how our machine works and also get to remember the beautiful, sublime gifts we’ve been given. It’s possible to review the past to solidify a sense of self, which isn’t helpful on the path; yet we may be blind-sided by parts of ourselves we seek distance from. The internal work we all do is unique. Rick Lewis is a national speaker and the author of 7 Rules You Were Born to Break, The Perfection of Nothing, You Have the Right to Remain Silent and other books.