Group practice can be beneficial to all ITP practitioners. But Kevin and Michelle Skillen get to enjoy the benefits of sharing their meaningful practice under the same roof. Learn more about what motivates and inspires them.
Can you describe yourself in 25 words or less?
Michelle: Spiritual Seeker, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, author, colorist, ITP Practitioner. I love reading, writing, cooking, and being with my family.
Kevin: Contemplative, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, teacher, mentor, volunteer, ITP Practitioner. Also I enjoy reading, journaling, gardening, hiking, and helping others with spiritual practices.
How did you become involved in ITP? And are you currently a member of any ITP group?
Kevin & Michelle: We are members of ITP Palo Alto. During COVID, through our participation with Companions on the Journey Community, we met Michael Choy, and he introduced us to the group and the practice in 2021. We have been participating in Saturday morning programs and retreats ever since.
Within your practice, what insights have you experienced that have made the biggest impact in your daily life?
Kevin & Michelle: The biggest insight for both of us is that we could maintain an on-going physical practice where we weren’t able to do that with other modalities. It also provides tremendous support, motivation, and community, as well as friendships worldwide.
What ITP practice resource/exercise/quote has been most helpful in your transformative journey?
Michelle: The Kata has been most helpful to me on my journey. This has been one form of exercise I have been able to do on a consistent basis.
Kevin: The integration with all parts of the practice wheel, deepening the impact of service to the community at large.
Have you participated in any ITP programs and if so, what resources or teachings have benefitted you most from the experience?
Kevin & Michelle: Yes, we have participated in the Ki of Cooperation and ITP Pathways to Practice along with Seekers & Sages and Evolving You programs. We also participate in and facilitate programs for the Palo Alto group and their retreats. All of these programs benefit us by giving us opportunities for growth and deep reflection. We also enjoy the invitation to the EVO Webinars run by Barry Robbins—they are truly physically and spiritually uplifting and informative.
What is one affirmation you currently have/or had that has been particularly helpful in realizing your own extraordinary capacities?
Kevin: My current affirmation is “I am enough without having to be perfect.”
Michelle: My current affirmation is “I am strong and flexible in body, mind, heart, and soul.”
Do you have any favorite books, podcasts or newsletters that align with and support your practice?
Kevin & Michelle: We read a variety of books, but some of our ITP favorites are The Life We Are Given, Living an Extraordinary Life, Mastery, and Golf in the Kingdom. Other books include Loving What Is by Byron Katie, Finite and Infinite Games by Dr. James Carse, Power vs. Force by David Hawkins. We also enjoy Dave Asprey’s podcast, “The Human Upgrade,” Simon Sinek’s podcast, “A Bit of Optimism,” and various Gaia TV programs.
What ways have ITP and this practice supported your work/engagement in the larger community and world?
Kevin & Michelle: The practice has helped us to support an on-going service commitment to a women’s correctional facility in Colorado where we live.
What brings you joy these days?
Michelle: I really enjoy being retired and being my own authority! I love being with the new additions to our family: grandchildren, great-grandchildren, etc.
Kevin: I also enjoy being retired and love spending time with all our family. Other things that bring me joy are gratitude and integrating the micro-moments of happiness into my life and practice.
Any additional comments you would like to add about ITP?
Kevin & Michelle: ITP gives us an opportunity to enlarge our consciousness through world-wide relationships and meaningful practice. It has become a family and community that we love.