Question 21:  What if I forget my passwords?

Your password for the Institute can be reset on the signup/signin screen on the Institute site. Your Ning passwords are not available to me. Passwords for content, video and audio must be reset by me. Email meandpete@asn.com for a password reset.   Please have your paypal reciept or transaction number ready.

Question 22:   How long is my membership in the group/workshop?

Most workshops will be posted on a quarterly basis and will be good for 120 days (3 months). You can enroll at any time during the 3 month period.  The Workshop may be offered at a later quarter, but you would need to re-enroll. Special workshops may be offered at different times during the year. Your membership in the Ning Network will be ongoing and will not expire. A group message will let you know that the end of the quarter is approaching. It is your responsibility to download class materials before the workshop is removed.

Question 23: How do I know when my membership is up?
It is your responsibilty to mark that date on your calendar. You will not get an indivual notice, though you will get a group notice though the workshop letting you knw you have a week left.

Question 24:  Who can participate?
These workshops are available to all ages though the material is geared towards adults and may not be appropriate or suitable for teens and children who have yet to fill that shadow bag behind them.  For those under 16, please assess your maturity level.  For that matter, all ages need to assess their maturity level in terms of their own path of initiation and self awareness.  These workshops are not for the faint of heart.  I also swear sometimes, and foul language may not be appropriate for all.  These workshops are open for all levels of experience, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, nationalities, sexual orientation, etc.  And though I try to be equal, much of this work is geared towards, and written for, women. In my vast experience, that is typically who signs up for inner work. And while I try to direct these online workshops to both men and women, there will probably be instances where men will have to focus on their inner feminine, or translate the assignment the best way they can in order for it to make sense. Even though I have written the assignments and I am the one leading, you are really giving yourself your own assignments, as each indivual will internalize and translate each assignment to suit themeselves.

Question 25: What do I need to start? Do I need a lot of expensive materials?
All that you need are some basic materials: a book to alter, some pens, glue stick, a few colors of cheapie acrylic paint and a paint brush. Don't go out and buy lots of expensive materials. I give a complete list of supplies in lesson one of the workshop, but they are not mandatory for the process. Each workshop will have a complete list of all required materials.

Question 26: How can I get more in-depth, more personal direction such as personal assignments designed specifically for me and the work I am embarking upon?
I have a one on one Private coaching program. For more details check out my etsy store.

Question 27: I’ve never done anything like this before. What if I can't write and I don't have an art background? Is this an art program? is this a writing program?
You don't need any art or writing experience, just an openness and willingness to access the symbols from your unconscious for dialogue and healing. And you don't need to know how to do that.  I will guide you through this. Extreme Visual Journaling is the combination of words with images so in this workshop, we put the two together.

Question 28: What is the Tribal Council ?
The Tribal council is the "group forum" and it will be housed inside each specific Workshop group page. Here we will post details of our process, assignments, etc. I have specific questions to help you pariticpate in the Tribal Council. I moderate the Tribal Council and do my best to answer your questions, though it will not be possible for me to answer each and every one. For private coaching, please see my description at my etsy store.

Question 29: How do I post to the Tribal Council? How do I upload images?
Ning offers excellent help pages about posting and uploading to the Institute for Extreme Journalism web site.

Question 30: I want to participate in tribal council but I am intimidated. My work isn't as good, cool, interesting, smart, pretty or as emotional as everyones else's.
The great thing about my workshops is everyone is in the same boat. Whether advanced or beginner artist, writer, journaler, or extreme visual journaler, we will all be equal. We will all be intimidated at first, that's natural. But once you get started, the sharing of voices will become your favorite part. I have specific assignments that will make it easier. Don't be nervous- it will be okay. And no one HAS to participate, thoughi do encourage it.

Question 31:  I would like more input in the Tribal Council, or Group Forum from the instructor.
I can only answer general questions and will do my best to moderate the group, though I can’t answer each and every individual or personal question.  I will try to answer your questions as they pertain to the group. If you feel you need more help, please contact me for private coaching.

Question 32. Someone hurt my feelings in the tribal council.
I'll do my best to moderate the group and watch out for you. I’ll pay careful attention for abuse of any kind and unkindness, but it is hard to know what everyone wil take personally. What I think is silly, may be a real heartbreaker for you, and vice versa. Please contact me directly at meandpete@msn.com with any issue that is not covered in the tribal council. In the Tribal Council, we want to keep our focus on the work itself and process.
Tribal Council is not your personal therapy. Abuse of tribal council by any member constitutes immediate grounds for expulsion from the program.

Question 33: Can I copy someone’s artwork from the Tribal Council or flickr and use it in one of my journal pages?

Any artwork posted to the Institute is shared content, but ownership of the artwork is still held by the artist. Any unethical use of another artist's work will lead to expulsion from the group.  We need to respect our work and each other. Besides, you don't need another's work for your backgrounds or imagery, you have plenty of your own that we will develop in the workshop!

Question 34: How do I choose my book?
Within the workshop, I share some of my vast collection of books, and give you guidance in a video about what to look for in a book to alter. You might have the perfect book to alter in your bookshelf right now. See info on choosing a book.

Question 35: What if scary things/emotions come up for me?

Everyone needs to assess their ability to navigate dangerous psychic territory: the realm of our most precious gifts. Everyone's level of self awareness is different. Our experience is relative.  I encourage you to push through- to not stop when you get scared, but to forge onward. When I work, I am often in a torrent of tears, but if I hold on and hold out, my tears become a healing river that will be reflected on my pages. It is all right to cry.  And scream.  And yell. And get angry. That's what your pages are for.  They are not just for pretty happy stuff.  And remember, you can always close your book. You will keep yourself safe in your book. I imagine things will come up you are not prepared for. If you have never done this kind of work before, you may need extra support: you may need to ask friends or family or resource centers in your town for references for some kind of therapy or group therapy program to assist you and guide you through these new, yet rewarding, experiences. Inner work is not for everyone in that you may not be ready. You will know when you are ready, though that doesn't make it easier.

Question 36: Where is my class?
Classes are stored on a centralized server, and details on how to access them will be sent after your enrollment and fees have been processed.

And Remember, Protect yourself and your vision like it is your own child: it is.