Simple yet profound, Byron Katie’s Inquiry is a powerful approach that allows us to challenge self-defeating thoughts and transform anger, depression, and judgment into empowering change in our lives—freeing us to live more fully and with more joy. Gently and lovingly inquire into troubling thoughts -- thoughts like "I made a mistake" -- "I need him to love me" -- "She should respect me more" -- "I need to figure out what to do." Leave feeling lighter and freer and more in touch with your compassion for yourself and others.

The inquiry circle is an opportunity to learn how to shift the way we experience our life and relationships with The Work’s four questions. These questions initiate an organic inner process as we let them fall within, into the place of deeper knowing, allowing us to open to genuine love and connection.

Our Format

1. Group inquiry.

2. Individual inquiries with a partner.

3. Debrief as a group.

If you are new to the work, please review the "instructions" on this website link before we meet:
https://thework.com/instruction-the-work-byron-katie/.

As facilitator, your role: ask the four questions, along with relevant sub-questions, and facilitating turn-arounds. Stick to the format of the inquiry, rather than offering other "helpful" feedback from other practices. Below are a list of the four questions and some  sub-questions.

As the one doing the inquiry: it is helpful to choose a particular situation that disturbs your peace in mind, and isolate one thought to which you will apply the 4 questions and turnarounds. If you have isolated your one thought in the form of a sentence, it will be easier to start the inquiry with your partner. If you haven't done this, you'll be doing this with your partner first, then do the inquiry process. Please note: each person will have the role of facilitator as well as being the one doing the inquiry.

The Four Questions and Sub-questions

Q1. Is it true?
Q2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
Q3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?

Sub-questions (ask ones that seem helpful, don't need to ask all of them):

• What images do you see, past or future, and what emotions or physical sensations arise as you witness those images?

• How did you treat the other person?

• How did you treat yourself?

• Do any obsessions or addictions begin to appear when you believe that thought?

• When did this thought first occur?

• Who's business are you in when you have this thought?

• What don’t you notice when you’re having this thought?

• What do you get for holding on to this thought?

• What fears arise when you think of letting go to this thought?

Q4. Who would you be without that thought?

Turn arounds:
The Original Thought: Paul doesn’t listen to me. Turns around to:

• I don’t listen to myself.

• I don’t listen to Paul.

• Paul does listen to me.

For each turn around, find examples.  Consider how each turnaround you find is as true as or truer than the original judgment. Find at least three specific, genuine examples of how each turnaround is true for you in that situation. This is not about blaming yourself or feeling guilty. It’s about discovering alternatives that can bring you peace.

A donation of $5 - 10 is requested. Payment options:

• Paypal (vickilapp@yahoo.com)

• Venmo (@Vicki-Lapp)

• Zelle (vickilapp@protonmail.com)

• Drop cash at Bead Inspirations, 1544 Park St., Alameda, CA 94501

• Drop or mail check made to Vicki Lapp at Bead Inspirations, 1544 Park St., Alameda, CA 94501