The author of The Pull recognizes the sensitivity of the topic of relationship in today’s world. Our approach, for many, has widened in recent decades. So these teachings, offered by the Pathwork Guide about 50 years ago, may sound narrow to some people.

But the underlying reality of who we are, as human beings, has not changed. The forces of activity and passivity exist in every person—and always will—regardless of how we understand our gender and/or orientation.

In this Preface, Jill Loree addresses this issue and encourages all listeners to have an open mind in hearing these messages. These teachings are designed to help guide all of us through our journey of self-discovery. And all people, no matter where we are on our path, are included.

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The Pathwork Guide introduces a central force shaping human life: a powerful inner pull toward connection, pleasure and unity.

At its core, this pull is the creative life force itself. It moves us out of isolation and toward genuine contact with others. Life, pleasure and union are not separate aims—they are one and the same movement toward wholeness.

Yet we resist this pull. At a deep, often unconscious level, we fear that surrendering to love and pleasure will lead to annihilation. To protect ourselves, we divide body from spirit and begin to distrust our own instincts. This creates an inner conflict: one part of us longs for connection, while another pulls away in fear.

This resistance distorts the life force. Pleasure becomes entangled with pain, leading to cycles of hurt, fear, guilt and withdrawal. The more we oppose this natural movement, the more suffering we create.

Healing begins by recognizing that our instincts are not enemies, but expressions of a divine current. When we learn to trust this inner flow, we restore harmony between body and soul.

True union does not erase us—it expands us into more of who we really are.

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The Pull, Chapter 1: The Cosmic Pull Toward Union
Read Original Pathwork® Lecture: #149 Cosmic Pull Toward Union – Frustration

The Pathwork Guide explores frustration as the opposing force to the natural pull toward pleasure, connection and fulfillment.

Frustration begins early in life, when we cannot immediately satisfy our needs. If we fail to mature beyond the infantile demand of “I want it now,” we develop a rigid, intolerant attitude toward delay. Ironically, the less we tolerate frustration, the less capable we become of experiencing real pleasure.

We typically react in two ineffective ways: either we force fulfillment through tension and demand, or we give up through resignation and denial. Both approaches block the natural flow of life.

True fulfillment requires a relaxed inner state. The key is learning to let go—not to give up, but to release the inner tension that insists on immediate gratification. This creates a receptive inner climate where pleasure can arise naturally.

Anger, self-pity and urgency can feel temporarily energizing, making it tempting to stay tense. But real satisfaction comes from trust, patience and inner flexibility.

When we stop fighting frustration and allow life to unfold, we align with a deeper current. In this state, love, pleasure and fulfillment are no longer forced—they emerge organically from within.

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The Pull, Chapter 2: The Counter-Pull: Frustration
Read Original Pathwork® Lecture: #149 Cosmic Pull Toward Union – Frustration