It seems that both Dorothy and the Scarecrow have learned something themselves from Reich and Feldenkrais. They are both now more fully aware of the important role played by a positive, empowering self-image—as well as the need to not just believe everything a “good fairy” is saying to them. They might even be aware that Glinda the Good reminds them of someone in their own past life in Kansas. Perhaps a bit of positive (but uncritical) transference had occurred—especially for Dorothy as she was overcoming the trauma associated with being caught up in a house-lifting tornado.

There is one other important lesson learned by Dorothy (and perhaps also the Scarecrow and Tin Man). The support of other people is needed when we embark on a major journey of discovery and self-renewal. We are truly returning to “home” when that home is filled with people in our life who are appreciative and supportive of our journey in a variety of ways. I turn to the nature of this support in our fourth and final essay in this essay.

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References

Bergquist, William (2003) Creating the Appreciative Organization. Harpswell, Maine: Pacific Sounds Press.

Bergquist, William (2020) “Leadership and Anxiety: Containment and Metabolism I: Anxiety in a VUCA Plus Environment. Library of Professional Psychology.  https://psychology.edu/library/leadership-and-anxiety-containment-and-metabolism-i-anxiety-in-a-vuca-plus-environment/

Bergquist, William (2023a) Oiling the Tin Man’s Armor and Healing His Heart I: The Nature of Energy and Anxiety. Library of Professional Coaching. Link: https://libraryofprofessionalcoaching.com/concepts/managing-stress-and-challenges/oiling-the-tin-mans-armor-and-healing-his-heart-i-the-nature-of-energy-and-anxiety/

Bergquist, William (2023b) Oiling the Tin Man’s Armor and Healing His Heart II: Reich’s and Feldenkrais’ Preparation for Treatment. Library of Professional Coaching. Link: https://libraryofprofessionalcoaching.com/concepts/managing-stress-and-challenges/oiling-the-tin-mans-armor-and-healing-his-heart-ii-reichs-and-feldenkraiss-preparation-for-treatment/

Bergquist, William and Agnes Mura (2011) coachbook: A Guide to Organizational Coaching Strategies and Practices. Sacramento, CA: Pacific Soundings Press.

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Damasio, Antonio (2005) Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. New York: Penguin.

Feldenkrais, Moshe (2010) Embodied Wisdom: The Collected Papers of Moshe Feldenkrais. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

Grabher, Alfons (2010) My Feldenkrais Book. Bregenz: Austria Grabher Press.

Klein, George (1967) Peremptory Ideation: Structure and Force in Motivated Ideas, Psychological Issues, vo. V, No. 2-3. New York: International Universities Press, pp. 78-128.

Moore, Thomas (1994) Soul Mates. New York: HarperCollins.

Reich, Wilhelm (1972) Character Analysis (3^rd Expanded Ed.) New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Sapolsky, Robert (1998) Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. (2^nd Ed.) San Francisco: W. H. Freeman.