Many couples tell me that after their Imago weekend they experience a "glow" similar to their romantic love days together. Many of those couples also report a tendency to not use their new skills during this period because things feel "so good". Later, when the glow begins to fade, usually about 2 1/2 to 3 months down the road, they look back and regret that they had not taken advantage of that window of opportunity to begin putting their new tools into place.

Quick Take Home "To Do" List!

1) TONIGHT: Begin the 20 Dialogues in 20 Days at home practice program tonight!

2) THIS WEEK: Post the BCR you agreed to and your partner's Caring Behaviors list in a place you will see them often. Begin gifting your partner with at least one Caring Behavior a day for the next week.

3) THIS WEEK or NEXT: Continue working on your Conscious Relationship Vision. Put the date you set with your partner to discuss and co-creat your joint vision on your calendar! Protect that time & follow through!

4) NEXT MONTH: Make a date with your partner to sit down for an hour or so to discuss your progress. That would be a good time to explore a) the back section of your manuals, 2) the Couples Workstation website and 3) some of the options below for keeping your work going.

Keep paddlin'!     Barbara

Ways to Keep Your Connection Strong!

     Let's face it, few of us jump out of bed in the morning exclaiming, "My day won't be complete until I have stretched into a new, uncomfortable behavior to heal my partner's wounds." Giving up old ways of relating, "stretching", etc., are hard work which most of us tend to avoid. Thus, most couples find that some type of outside support really helps to keep the process moving.

     Here are some great ways to keep your connection to each other and Imago strong!

1. 20 Dialogues in 20 Days!        Free!
Research tells us it takes at least 21 days of daily practice to to form a new habit. So click here to get started with "20-in-20" - an Imago Dialogue at-home practice program and your path to solidifying the new tool you learned this weekend. Be sure to read all FAQ's at the bottom of page. Congratulations: you are now officially in "Dialogue Training!

2. Therapy. To those of you who are already working with a therapist, I want to send you my congratulations for making this level of commitment to your relationship. Your marriage/ relationship is precious - makes sense to treat it that way!

I encourage anyone who may be considering this step to give it a try, as it is a powerful choice for follow-up after the weekend.

3. The Couples Workstation - first month free!
The innovative Couples Workstation is an interactive web based tool offering couples a way to work on and strengthen their relationship in the privacy of their home. Each spouse has their own private “workstation” where they can “analyze relationship frustrations, create an “action plan” for their relationship, focus on deepening and strengthening loving interactions and then receive email reminders about the information they and their spouse have entered. It's a little like having an Imago therapist living in your home! Please check out the Workstation - the first month is free, after that, it's only about $15/month.

4. Couplehood as a Spiritual Path (CASP)   Free!
Check out this terrific program for churches online. Consider starting your own lay led group at your church. (We've been told that a version for synagogues is in the making, but not yet available.)

5. Imago Connections -  Free!
FREE monthly e-newsletter, designed to keep your relationship in shape! Each issue features an Imago therapist talking about the work, profiles a couple talking about their relationship journey, and gives you a relationTip.
Click here to view a sample issue and/or subscribe.

6. Join continue2connect! - $60/month
Continue2Connect is a program run by Imago International for couples who have attended a Getting the Love You Want (Imago) Workshop. Membership enables you to attend monthly telephone classes, currently held on the first monday of each month. These classes are presented by leading Imago teachers, including Harville Hendrix, Helen LaKelly Hunt and members of the Imago International Faculty. Click here for more details. $60/year

7.Through Conflict to Connection  $49.95
Consider purchasing this 60-minute documentary-style movie which includes footage of actual couples experiencing Imago therapy. Designed for couples to use in their homes as a supplement to their work with an Imago therapist, or as a way to get started on their own, the DVD and 2 workbooks can be purchased for just 49.95. See a 7 minute Teaser and information on how to order here.

8. And lastly, Read!
Check out Barbara's recommended Reading List.