“you long to surrender all control so that you can be possessed by love.” - David Deida, Dear Lover
Week nine: three stages of loving
This week we explore David Deida’s “Three Stages of Love,” applying our open to each one with practical examples.
intention
please read from dear lover
Chapter 23
please be prepared to share
An honest assessment of which stage(s) of love you are currently in with details if possible. (Note: it is rare to be a constant Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3 woman in all moments/relationships.)
questions for contemplation + discussion
What is your initial response to the three stages of love wisdom in this chapter? Does it resonate or activate you in any way?
When was the last time you gave someone you love your open love even though they were hurting you? What happened and what was the outcome?
Deida says the first step to becoming a Stage 3 woman is to love yourself, where is this love for yourself today? Are you fully in-love or are there areas you are still working on loving more deeply? Explain.
How do you personally “practice loving beyond yourself?”
How have you weakened or guarded yourself in the past? (Stage 1 and Stage 2) Be specific. What was the circumstance? What was the outcome? Do you have any judgement about this aspect of yourself?