Meet Rick Diamond | Story Healer and Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rick Diamond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rick, how does your business help the community?
The Story Work I do helps people and organizations find clarity about the stories and beliefs that guide them. So much of the time, we’re unaware of the patterns that create the systems or rhythms we’re in. We aren’t sure why we react as we do, we aren’t sure why we choose what we do. But when people see the messages that tell them who they’re supposed to be, they wake up. They see themselves and the world around them. When we awaken, we’re like Neo, seeing what The Matrix really is. And my experience is that the vast majority of people who have awakened, use their awareness to make themselves and the world better. They ask questions about everything from family systems, to wellness, to social justice. It’s exciting to be part of that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was a college English teacher for the first ten years of my career. I loved the moment when a student’s eyes would light up as they saw themselves in a poem or essay or story or myth. Then I had a series of spiritual experiences that led me into professional ministry. I loved seminary, learning about sacred texts and traditions. I worked in traditional churches for a decade, and I enjoyed teaching and exploring faith with people, but something was missing. My own beliefs kept expanding and evolving, and eventually my spirituality overflowed the banks of religion. So in 2004, I started a scruffy faith community in Austin, Texas, where everyone was invited to contribute. It was an experiment in response to the idea, “If a group of people said their only job is to love the world, what might that look like?” We were workers for justice, we celebrated all persons, we made art, we had silent retreats, and everyone’s questions and journey were heard and valued. I led it for 17 years. I also led many retreats and courses, taught for seminaries, did a lot of men’s work, and learned about non-Western religious and spiritual traditions, including Indigenous spirituality. I kept growing and expanding.
In 2019 I could feel that my time as a pastor was ending. I had run out of juice as a “helper,” and I took some time off to make art, study, and wander around northern New Mexico. Out of that space, a realization emerged: Everything we do, and everything we think, is guided by the stories that shaped us. I could see it plainly: in religion, in politics, in family systems, in education, in advertising. And I also had a series of personal awakenings that assured me that there is something within each person that isn’t a product of anybody’s story or conditioning or programming. It’s the Self within, that we were created to be.
I began to build Story Work as a tool for helping people connect to their deep knowing, their true self, by seeing the stories that guide them. In my first year of business I helped a fledgling seminary with its strategic plan, led two large men’s retreats, and slowly built a client base. Now it’s year 2 and I’m leading two men’s groups, I’ve led one retreat and have 2 more in the works, I have a number of clients I work with on a regular basis, and I’ve met some truly inspiring people from all over the country. It’s very exciting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What I’ve enjoyed in and around Denver includes heading up to Rocky Mountain National Park, going to the Botanic Gardens, and I’m a big Meow Wolf fan, so Convergence Station is on the list.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m immeasurably grateful to my wife, Christina Wisdom, who actually embodies wisdom. She’s been extremely supportive as I’ve ended one career and started this new one, giving insights and encouragement every single day.

Website: www.drrickdiamond.com

Instagram: @drrickdiamond

Linkedin: rick-diamond-9336322

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