The force that carries forward our plans for positive creation is a soft-flowing soul movement—desire without a “must”.
The Pathwork Guide explores how our desires can either create fulfillment or block it—depending on how we hold them. As we move toward our divine center, we must uncover the inner layers of confusion, resistance, and unprocessed feelings that distort our natural soul movements. Central to this work is understanding desire.
Desire itself is not the problem. The issue arises when desire becomes rigid and turns into a demand—when it carries a hidden “must.” This tight, forceful energy creates anxiety, frustration, and ultimately disappointment. In contrast, a healthy desire is relaxed, open, and free of fear. It allows us to deeply want something while also accepting the possibility of not having it.
A key obstacle is our resistance to pain. By refusing to feel disappointment or loss, we create inner tension that fragments us and blocks growth. True strength comes from being willing to feel pain without distortion, which allows us to respond to life with clarity and integrity.
The chapter also highlights the importance of self-honesty—owning our negative traits instead of projecting them onto others. As we release blame and embrace truth, our inner movements soften. In this openness, desire becomes a creative, life-affirming force rather than a source of struggle.
Jill Loree is the founder of Phoenesse and a longtime student of the Pathwork teachings. She has studied the Pathwork Guide’s material since 1997 and completed four years of training to become a certified Pathwork Helper.
When she first encountered the Pathwork teachings, she described the experience as “walking through the doorway of an AA fourth step and finding the whole library.”
Through Phoenesse, Jill writes and teaches about personal transformation using the spiritual psychology found in the Pathwork lectures.
Her books present these teachings in clear, accessible language to help readers apply them in everyday life. Her work focuses on helping people move from the struggles of duality toward the peace of inner unity.
Raised in northern Wisconsin, Jill began her professional career in technical sales and marketing before discovering that her true calling lay in spiritual teaching and writing.
She lives in New York with her husband, Scott Wisler, who now works with her in sharing these teachings around the world.
