Meet Rick Diamond of Virtual

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Diamond.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was a college English teacher in my first career. I’ve always loved literature, stories, myths, and art. The moment when a student saw something about themselves or the world in a new way? That’s the good stuff. I had a series of spiritual awakenings in my 30s and, seeking more insight, I studied at a seminary and entered ministry. I was a traditional minister for ten years, and I loved connecting with people and spirituality. I got my doctorate in organizational leadership, and became a seminary teacher. Then I was invited to collaborate with some very creative people, and we began an innovative faith community that I led in Austin, Texas, for 17 years. I also began studying Indigenous spirituality, sacred masculinity, breath work, plant medicine, Eastern spirituality, and non-dualism. About three years ago, I took a hard stop. I realized that all those things I loved – spirituality, story, myth, and personal development – were actually one thing. And I started my Story Work practice.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh gosh, no. Not smooth. Bumpy. Hazardous! I think one of the biggest struggles in my early career was how fully I identified with the work I was doing; I had attachment to doing a good job, being a good teacher, being a good pastor, being helpful, being strong, all that American stuff. I had to undergo a lot of ego deaths. Things not working out the way I wanted, or on the timeframe I had in mind. People projecting their stuff on me – disappointment, God issues, parent issues, lack of clarity, on and on – and feeling shame and frustration. Because I was doing it too. Everybody does. Awakening to that reality about ourselves is freeing – but it doesn’t make the work of clarity any easier. Plus, I was a college English teacher for a decade; that’s a lot of papers to grade, a lot of faculty meetings, not much money. Then I was a minister for thirty years; that’s a lot of people to please, committee meetings to handle, expectations to manage, and you’re also trying to keep the institution going and also be on a spiritual path. It’s a hard gig. I was also dealing with my own pain from my dysfunctional family of origin and a difficult first marriage. And, y’know, raising kids and living in the world and paying bills, all while trying to create something meaningful: it can feel like struggle every single day.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Story Healer. That means I help people identify the stories, beliefs, worldviews, and biases that have guided them to where they are in the present moment, in order for them to find the courage to decide if they want to change the story. I do this with individual clients but also with organizations and companies. And I lead retreats and workshops, and lead in-person and online circles where people learn to live from their Hearts. I’m known as a dynamic communicator. I love engaging people and seeing their eyes light up as they awaken, question, and grow. And Story Work is a new modality, bringing together lots of threads, so I’m enjoying putting that out into the world and seeing how it goes. So far it’s been hugely successful. I’ve got clients from all over the US, Australia, the UK, and the Middle East. I’ve also got a big following of extremely interesting, curious, courageous people on Instagram. We teach each other a lot!
I’m most proud of the way I’m showing up in the world, as a spiritual being having a human experience. I don’t try to fix anyone’s problems; I’m not the arbiter of wisdom. I’m a facilitator; you’re the medicine. Your Soul knows what it needs to uncover and explore.
What sets me apart from others is that I speak “church” but I’m not a religious professional; I have been part of academia but I’m outside the strictures of that world; I bring many skills to my work, and I have the ability to let go and see what happens.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love many books – Michael A. Singer’s “The Untethered Soul”; R. G. Shore’s “The Ocean Inside Me”; Bob Peck’s “Original Sin Is A Lie”; Byron Katie’s “The Work”; Richard Rohr’s “Everything Belongs”; Mirabai Starr’s “Wild Mercy” … so many more. I love Rumi’s poetry. I’m following a bunch of brilliant people on social media – go to my Instagram and check out who I’m following. Great resources.

Pricing:

• Single Story Work Session $222
• Story Work Package of 4 Sessions $777

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drrickdiamond.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrickdiamond/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrickdiamond
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-diamond-9336322/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drrickdiamond