Dancing with TOB

By Diane P.

Hi, my name is Diane and I have always treasured my faith. I was married at 22 but unfortunately divorced at 36; my annulment followed a year later. I have been blessed with two beautiful children, a daughter who is 25 and a son who is 22. As a successful banking executive, I am grateful for my faith because it has helped me balance my career as well as my family and spiritual life.

I have always sought a greater understanding of my faith as well as ways to improve my family and personal relationships. I have read many books on relationships, belong to a women's Bible study group, and sought counseling prior to my divorce and when my son struggled in high school. My journey to improve myself as a mother, daughter and friend has instilled in me a desire to change and transform society's view of male/female relationships, sexuality, marriage and parenthood.

As a result of my work with the Florida Steubenville Youth Conference, I became aware of John Paul II's Theology of the Body and later attended a presentation on Theology of the Body in my home diocese. I was intrigued and exhilarated by the presentation and felt that I had found the agent of change and the guiding force I was looking for over the years. I signed up for Theology of the Body Institute's TOB 1: Head and Heart Immersion course immediately.

TOB 1 was everything I expected and more. The week was an intense, spiritual and emotional experience. In preparation for the course, I read Christopher West's Theology of the Body Explained and Heaven's Song and the time investment was well worth it! My understanding of what was presented in those books grew during every day of the course. As I participated in the lectures and discussed the topics with my fellow participants, I could not help but be more and more inspired. The word “immersion” was truly accurate. By starting the day with Morning Prayer and the Rosary, sharing every meal with amazing people, experiencing the high paced and intense theology sessions, participating in Mass and ending the day with Night Prayer, you truly leave behind your daily life and immerse yourself in the theological and spiritual. Personal and spiritual growth is a part of each day.

The most significant personal experience of the week occurred during the talent show held Thursday evening. The session on the sacrament of marriage and receptivity inspired me to write a short literary piece as well as choreograph a short dance. I wrote about God, relationships, the gift of self and how the Waltz can mirror the concepts we learned in TOB. As I sat in class, the words flowed from my heart and mind onto the paper. I spent Thursday afternoon between classes completing the choreography on the short solo Waltz routine and inspirational writing; I truly felt the Holy Spirit move me as I prepared to perform my routine.

I was shaking with emotion as I read my writing in front of the entire class. I felt such personal and spiritual warmth as I danced a solo Waltz signifying my wait for the man to share my life. I was encouraged by all of the presentations, songs and dances by other classmates. The depth of emotion and talent that evening was amazing. We all bonded and grew in our appreciation of the Lord that evening.

As a result of attending the course, I met three new friends from my hometown; including a couple that runs the local Theology of the Body engaged retreat. I have decided to work at their retreat, and I will have another opportunity to read and perform my piece on the waltz and TOB. In addition to working that retreat, I will be offering ballroom dance lessons in my hometown. I will include a TOB lesson on how dance, the Holy Trinity and relationships intertwine.

Theology of the Body has changed my view of the past, is impacting my present and is forecasting a brighter future ahead. I have had the opportunity to share some of what I learned with my daughter and have sent her materials on God's Plan for a Joy Filled Marriage since she and her boyfriend are getting engaged shortly. She has been away from the Church, but is at least willing to discuss a Church wedding again. She and her boyfriend have participated in some deep conversations with me. I hope I am learning the art of proposing and not imposing.

My son is at a crossroads in his life. My new appreciation for TOB and my research on spirituality has led to me some literature that I hope will help him. I have read the book Wild at Heart (Nelson, 2001) about manhood, fatherhood and Christianity as a result of my connection with Christopher West and Dr. Bob Schuchts' works on TOB and healing. I am also happy to say that my ex-husband is willing to learn more about TOB and has started reading Wild at Heart to share with my son. I hope both of them can heal wounds and grow in their spirituality.

I am working on myself and growing in my relationships with others and with God. I look forward to finding someone to share my life. I know I will when God feels it is the right time. I know I needed to learn the lessons of TOB prior to entering a new relationship. I feel so blessed to have been introduced to TOB. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of Theology of the Body at the TOB Congress in July. I truly feel that TOB is the key to turning the tide in the Church and in society back to God's plan for a joyful, intimate union with Him.

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Diane attended the February 2010 Head and Heart Immersion Course. She is Vice President and Alternate Group Manager for Comerica Bank's Private Banking Division in Florida. She graduated magna cum laude from Adelphi University with a BA in Finance and Marketing. Diane received her MBA with honors from Florida Atlantic University in 2008. She is the proud parent of two children and is active in her community of Palm Beach County, Florida. She has been President of Palm Beach Pan-Hellenic, St. Clare Home and School Association, Opportunity, Inc. Early Learning Center and American Business Women's Association. She has also served as the FBA State Lending Chair and as an Executive Board Member for Junior Achievement. She is currently active with Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, Steubenville Florida Youth Conference Board, Women of Grace ministry and is the Vice Chair of the Board of Governors for Northwood University.