Meet the Team: Amelia Pape & Glenn Dahl
Posted on May 6, 2020
We recently connected with our board members to ask them about why they joined our board and support the work our organization is doing. Their responses are SO great! Below, we are spotlighting two of our board members – Amelia Pape and Glenn Dahl. We hope you will join them in supporting The Insight Alliance by making a contribution or becoming a monthly giver. Donate today: https://donorbox.org/theinsightalliance-lifeline
Amelia Pape
1. What first excited you about being part of our organization?
I was intrigued by the idea that something as simple as our state of mind could make such a difference in our lives, but I didn't fully grasp the power of this understanding until I experienced it for myself. I had the opportunity to do an intensive with Anna, and it profoundly changed my relationship with my partner and my general ability to weather the ever-changing nature of my own mind!
2. What has sustained your interest in the organization?
Knowing what a big impact this understanding had on my life made me want to share it with others. Then, I had the chance to visit an Insight Alliance group in a correctional facility, and I saw the power of this process at work. Women and men who had been burdened by negative labels for much of their lives were realizing that they were so much more than that. I was inspired by them, their resilience, and their ability to overcome hardship with a lot of joy.
3. Is there anything new you have seen about yourself by learning the understanding we teach in prison?
I've been able to notice my emotions more without reacting to them. But, sometimes I still react, and I've been better about giving myself permission to do that--to be imperfect. I think I'm generally more patient and kind to myself. And that is life-changing!
4. Why do you think our organization is important in the world?
We each have so many qualities that make us unique, but it's powerful to also realize that we share one common characteristic: that we have the ability to understand our own minds and then, without years of study or painstaking work, we can change the way we engage with the world. If everyone really, deeply understood that, we'd realize that we have everything we need.
5. What's most surprised you in being part of the board / organization?
It doesn't seem surprising in hindsight, but at the time, I was amazed to see how much we could accomplish as a tiny, start-up organization. The strides the Insight Alliance has made in less than two years is incredible. And, I think it's a direct result of believing that things will happen as they need to happen, and that we can make plans but hold them all lightly, which gives space for emergence and growth. In other words, we don't get in our own way very often!
Glenn Dahl
1. What first excited you about being part of our organization?
I see the Insight alliance as a cost-effective way to help incarcerated individuals. I also think the same principles can be put into action for anyone.
2. What has sustained your interest in the organization?
Seeing the amazing growth of The Insight Alliance. And, the dedication of those involved has been gratifying.
3. Is there anything new you have seen about yourself by learning the understanding we teach in prison?
I have learned to be much more patient.
4. Why do you think our organization is important in the world?
If everyone could see that they have the tools for inner peace within them, the word would be a much happier place.
5. What's most surprised you in being part of the board / organization?
I think I am most surprised by the wide acceptance of the principles. I have seen very few people just totally dismissing it as a bunch of “woo-woo”.