Ullman’s
Commitment to Human Connectedness
Lloyd Gilden - Lifwynn Foundation |
Lloyd
Gilden, PhD, did brain research and taught psychology at
Queens College of CUNY in New York City for thirty years
before retiring from teaching. For the last ten years he
has been president of the Lifwynn Foundation while
continuing his clinical practice. He may be contacted at
kllg729@aol.com.
My
acquaintance with Monte developed through our
participation in the activities of the Lifwynn
Foundation, beginning in the 1990s. The Foundation was
predicated on the assumption that beneath interpersonal
conflict lays an innate disposition to social harmony.
Monte enthusiastically subscribed to this perspective
writing that “in each of us, there is an incorruptible
core of being that is sensitive to the way we hurt
ourselves or others, and concerned with undoing the
fragmentation that has resulted.” Furthermore, “our
dreams are constant reminders of the infinity of ways we
have managed to get derailed and, at the same time, they
provide us with the opportunity to get back on track.”
With sheer social genius Monte created a group dream
work process that carries group members in the direction
of awareness of their solidarity and connectedness. He
created a safe atmosphere with a non-intrusive process
that leads to the lowering of social defenses and
promotes a deep level of sharing and communion.
Monte radiated wisdom, calmness, and centeredness in his
being that encouraged group members to explore deeply
within themselves and discover their capacity for
similar feelings. It was an honor and a privilege to be
his friend and colleague, participate in his dream
groups, and benefit from his benign presence.
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