Category: Healing Trauma

We’ll Meet You There!

“Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.  And when our souls lie down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about.”            – Rumi

You are warmly invited to our next monthly on-line Pause for Presence gathering on Saturday 21st November.  This time it will be 15 minutes longer to give us a bit more time for resting in Presence and heartfelt sharing.

Underneath the turbulence of today’s events there is a lot of intense anxiety, anger and despair swirling around in the collective thought/emotional energy field.  You may well have noticed that it takes a strong rootedness in a deeper dimension inside you to not get sucked into these emotional energies.

This deeper dimension is always alive, at peace and free – untouched by the swirling of thoughts and emotions at the surface.  Like the depth of the ocean – alive, still and undisturbed by the waves at the surface.  Yes, you still feel the emotional waves, but also sense the aliveness and unperturbed-ness of the depth of your Being.

As you may know, in our gatherings we often call this dimension “the underlying field of living Presence” – a sense of the aliveness felt within the body and around us as a nourishing Presence that holds and constantly resources us.  The idea is to “lie down in that grass”, letting yourself rest in the felt sense of the aliveness of “just being”.  Being together in this way creates a palpable energy field of group Presence which allows you to experience Presence in a much deeper way than if you were on your own.

The format of our 90-minute gathering will be simple.  After a brief guidance into Presence (for those who need it), we silently come to rest in “this underlying field of Presence”.  There will also be time for any heartfelt sharing that wants to happen.

The details:

  • Time and date: Saturday 21st November from 4 pm to 5.30 pm GMT.
  • Venue: Zoom video conferencing platform. If you have no experience with Zoom, please let Cecelia know for necessary guidance.
  • Fee: £15 (by bank transfer) or £16 (by Paypal which includes £1 Paypal fee). It includes a free audio-recording of the guided sessions.
  • Email Cecelia Clegg at ceceliaclegg44@gmail.com to register.
  • If you are unable to attend, you can still register to receive an audio-recording of the guided sessions for a £5 fee.

We’ll meet you there!

Addie van der Kooy and Cecelia Clegg (UK Wholebody Focusing trainers)

To comment or read others’ comments, click here and go past the end of the post

 

We Want to Dance with One Another

I awaken to a sense of myself; me, and then you, coming from that sense in the warmth in each other. This podcast explores this question with some surprises that speak from themselves better than I could if I tried to!

by Kevin McEvenue

We Want to Dance with One Another!

There is a pattern in these podcasts; they end with a question as though there is something more to be added and yet I don’t know what that is. And there is a sense that this is enough for now. Just accepting that; it is as though it seems to want time and space to fulfill itself in its own wisdom.

In this podcast entitled: We Want to Dance with One Another, I awaken to a sense of myself; me, and then you, coming from that sense in the warmth in each other. This podcast explores this question with some surprises that speak from themselves better than I could if I tried to! And then they open a door to something else that wants my attention. What stops me?

Once again, I am using my own exploration of giving voice to my own direct experience of an issue that is dear to my heart and perhaps to yours too—how to feel connected to myself and to life outside in ways that satisfies us and brings so much more to life around us when we can.

Guiding Suggestions: Please remember to become grounded in yourself first before you listen to make room another person’s experience.

What comes to me is appreciating that Gene Gendlin spent his whole life exploring what is already there from the get-go. What is already implied—the whole of it, being felt in our body, waiting for it to be more fully realized. It becomes the story of our life and how that is acted out—and its possibilities.

As Gendlin said, “Although basic to living, implicit knowing is often overlooked precisely because it is implicit.”

That is what I am doing here, right now: having a sense of what is there, being felt in my body, pausing, allowing what is being felt in me the space it needs to find the words to form, and then words come in speech. For me this is a demonstration of ‘felt sensing’ in action.

 

Photo Credit: Michael Lux

To leave or read a comment, click here and go past the end of the post

An Invitation to Pause ….

“Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there. And when our souls lie down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about” – Rumi

It is becoming quite obvious that the world as we know it is rapidly changing and that we are facing an uncertain future.  In challenging times like these, it feels increasingly important to take time to experience a dimension in us that is not touched and affected by what is going on around and within us.  This inner dimension does not disconnect us emotionally from what is happening but it allows us to rest and resource ourselves so that we can stay open and be more fully present to Life in the midst of so much contraction into anxiety.

Rumi’s poem above is an invitation to rest in this dimension – sometimes called “the underlying field of living Presence” – a sense of the aliveness felt within the body and around us as a nourishing Presence that holds and constantly resources us.  The more often you make time and space to felt sense this energy field of Presence or Being, the more you activate it and the more it can begin to emerge as a resource in your Focusing and daily life.

To “lie down in that grass” together with other people is what our monthly on-line Pause for Presence gatherings are all about.  It creates a palpable energy field of group Presence which allows you to experience Presence in a much deeper way than if you were on your own. Opening up to Life together in this way can also be “an oasis amidst all the world chaos of this present time”, as a recent participant described it.

The format of our 75-minute gatherings is simple.  After a brief guidance into Presence (for those who need it), we silently come to rest in “this underlying field of Presence”, letting ourselves “just be” – “beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing”.  There is also space for any sharing that wants to happen.  Our next on-line Pause for Presence gathering will be on October 17th and if you feel a “yes” to join, you are warmly welcome!

The details:

  • Time and date: Saturday 17th October from 4 pm to 5.15 pm BST (British Summer Time).
  • Venue: Zoom video conferencing platform. If you have no experience with Zoom, please let Cecelia know for necessary guidance.
  • Fee: £10 (by bank transfer) or £11 (by Paypal which includes £1 Paypal fee). It includes a free audio-recording of the guided sessions.
  • Email Cecelia Clegg at ceceliaclegg44@gmail.com to register.
  • If you are unable to attend, you can still register to receive an audio-recording of the guided sessions for a £5 fee.

See you soon!

UK Wholebody Focusing trainers Addie van der Kooy and Cecelia Clegg.

To leave or read a comment, click here and go past the end of the post

The Doors of Perception

Today’s theme is on the nature of perception and how it seems to be a first response, a reaction coming from outside my world. What happens in me when I sense that or look for that? What do I do?

By Kevin McEvenue

September 28, 2020

The doors of perception, a direct experience of something that keeps knocking on my door for attention.

This is the beginning of a new series I am proposing, something that has become a daily practice in my life that perhaps might be useful in other people’s lives too?

In the spirit of Wholebody Focusing and Heartfelt connecting, I want to give voice to something as an experience of a mind-body expression as it pauses to give space for words and thoughts to come together to form what is happening inside me right now. It seemed to come from a different place of thinking; thinking directly from a felt sense of an experience, rather than thinking about an experience that engages into a thought about what, why or how, etc. It really is a very different activity and seems to come from a very different location in the body, and very difficult to describe in words. Do you appreciate that there can be a difference between the two?

These are themes that come in me from time to time that seem to want my attention. They just want to be noticed and for me to make space for them to do so. To being felt, giving it some breathing room for it to inform me in some new way for my own well-being.

Today’s theme is on the nature of perception and how it seems to be a first response, a reaction coming from outside my world. What happens in me when I sense that or look for that? What do I do?

Do I image it first? Do I sense it first? Do I look for a right action? Or do I just act because I must?

This is what I am exploring today as my natural process in coming to know something freshly. Maybe you would like to join me here, something happening there in you too? Perhaps just the sound of a voice that points to something familiar?

Intunement 1: Creative Experience in Felt Sensing
Photo Credit: Michael Lux – Naples 2012

To leave or read a comment, click here and go past the end of the post

Black Lives Matter Mural and Holding Both

I have begun to exit from my total COVID-19 lock down. My husband is a person at high risk for severe complications from COVID-19. We decided to stick to strict social distancing and other recommendations to keep both of us safe. Since New York City has reduced the number of infections significantly to below 1%, I’ve been venturing outside more.

During the height of the virus in New York, there were so many people protesting the death of George Floyd. We watched it from inside. A few days ago, I walked with a friend to Union Square in Manhattan, a central starting point of most demonstrations. There I found a colossal mural supporting Black Lives Matter. I was so moved by it I began filming with my cellphone to get a sense of it. I eventually went back with my video camera to record the experience. Here is what I found.

The artists divided the mural into two parts. On Union Square East, there are Black people’s names on grey painted plywood who have been killed by the police in the US and other countries. Feet and legs are moving forward from different cultures and places. It was, at once, a memorial to their lives and a celebration of their spirits. The grey tones also help one’s grief.

Around the corner On East 15th Street was something completely different. There were quotes by leaders of African American rights’ struggle on how to change these unjust situations from various decades. Once again, the plywood was grey, but the messages were is a bold and strong font. Not a scream, but a steady, honorable voice of encouragement to those who will struggle against this gaping in wound our society that has not yet been replaced with equal positive regard for all.

Here is what you will see if you come to New York City and walk around Union Square.

https://vimeo.com/manage/454220287/general

http://https://vimeo.com/454220287

https://vimeo.com/manage/454220287/general

To leave or read a comment, click here and go past the end of the post

Embodying the “We Space” On-Line Workshop

On-Line: 16 September 2020

How do we stay present in the  important relationships in our life? How do we stay connected to ourselves in the small and large moments that make up these relationships? What is possible when we slow down and take time to establish these connections in a deep and embodied way?

In this workshop Ruth, Bruna and Julian invite you to explore these questions by embodying  the “We Space.” This is a process of relearning how to be with yourself, with another person and with something that is greater.
It asks us to slow down and come into a deep and embodied connection with ourselves and each other. Once that connection is established we are capable of contacting the collective space in a more meaningful way.

Ruth, Bruna and Julian aim to reawaken the body’s  innate ability to communicate, sense , inform and  intuit.  They are also working towards a deep felt understanding of connection. These are fundamental human faculties. Practicing and relearning them can guide and support us through these chaotic times. They look forward to sharing this experience with you.

About the Facilitators

Ruth Friedman works as a well-being and stress management coach. She is also a Certified Whole Body Focusing Trainer with the Focusing Institute, New York. Ruth’s work is informed by her own life-long journey of self-discovery and awakening. It is the wish to share these gifts that motivates her work. She has been running workshops since 1998.

Bruna Blandino
 is a Certifying Coordinator of Focusing and a Wholebody Focusing Trainer for the Focusing Institute, New York. She works as a Psychosynthesis Counselor and teaches Focusing and Wholebody Focusing in Italy where she lives.

Julian Crotti started his career in Australia as a performing artist working in physical theater, dance and film. Since moving to Germany he has cultivated a practice centered on Whole Body Focusing. He has been studying and applying the technique for five years and it has inspired a new approach to his creativity as well as inspiring a series of workshops he has been offering to his local LGBTQ community.

Payment

Please make payment of €10 via PayPal to https://paypal.me/andyjwhittle. If you do not wish to use Paypal, please let us know when you register and we will send you information for making a bank transfer. Proceeds from the workshop will be donated to charity.

Joining the Workshop

We will use Zoom, the on-line conferencing software, to give this workshop. If you have not already done so, you can download the Zoom app to your computer or telephone free.

A day or two before the workshop, Andy will all paid participants the link for joining the workshop.

Date and Time

When Wednesday, 16 September 2020; Session will start at at 18:55 and the workshop will begin at 19:00 (18:00 BST, 13:00 EDT time). Please log in early.

Want to Attend?

Please reply to your invitation e-mail or follow this link to sign up for for this workshop. Please also make payment via Paypal (see above)

To leave or read a comment, click here and go past the end of the post

Sintomi-La chiave di volta per prendere contatto Symptoms-the Key to Making Contact

Sintomi-La chiave di volta per prendere contatto.

Attraverso il Focusing, andremo a scoprire un nuovo approccio per portarci ad ascoltare i Sintomi
che il nostro corpo ci trasmettere quotidianamente a fronte di disagi, malesseri, disturbi.

Andremo ad onorare il Sintomo ospitandolo in uno spazio ampio, inconsueto spesso intangibile.
Il Sintomo è un indice: Segnale di una irregolarità del funzionamento ideale di un organismo, di cui conoscendolo meglio, sarebbe opportuno ascoltarlo al ne di farlo funzionare al meglio.

Non è un segnale da ignorare o pensare di eliminare senza permettergli di esprimere la sua voce.
Patrizia Mataloni, Paola Schiesaro hanno unito le loro esperienze e competenze iniziate nel 2017 per consolidare un approccio strutturato, organizzato e ripetibile,
nell’ambito di alcuni disagi che il nostro corpo aronta ogni giorno.A chi è rivolto?

A tutti quei Focalizzatori

attivi che hanno voglia dimettersi in discussione, ascoltare empaticamente e approcciare in un modo strutturato eventuali sintomi che il proprio corpo segnala e che la nostra mente si riuta di ascoltare.

Come e dove s’ impara?

L’apprendimento della metodologia è prettamente esperienziale supportato da alcuni studi nei diversi campi di riferimento e necessita di essere insegnata la tecnica attraverso delle sessioni teorico/pratiche. Al termine di ogni corso verrà rilasciato un attestato di frequenza a completamento del Corso.

L’attestato può essere usato per crediti ECP.

Struttura del Corso e Date:
INCONTRI DI 2 GIORNI
modalità in presenza o anche via SKYPE/ZOOM

In presenza – 16/17 Ottobre 2020 Ore 9:00 -18:00 CEST Rivoli, Italy
OnLine – 07/08 Novembre 2020 Ore 9:30- 18:30 CEST
Min. partecipanti 6 Max 12
Luogo: LA CASA NELLA VIGNA Via Mongioie, 14/13 – Rivoli

Eventuali suggerimenti se necessario per chi volesse
fermarsi a dormire o non arriva da zone connanti.
Le Lezioni non possono essere recuperate frequentando parzialmente

Costo: 160€ se iscrizione eettuata e pagata entro il 30 Settembre 2020
Successivamente Settembre 180€.

Formatrici:
MATALONI PATRIZIA e SCHIESARO PAOLA, TRAINERS CERTIFICATO FOCUSING INSTITUTE NY
schpao@hotmail.it – 335.1247368
prempatma@gmail.com – 339.7439542

 

Through Focusing, we will discover a new approach to lead us to listen to the symptoms
that our body provides to us every day in the face of discomfort, illness, ailments.

We will honor the Symptom by holding them in a large, unusual and often intangible space.

The symptom is an index: A sign of an irregularity in the ideal functioning of an organism, of which knowing it better, it would be helpful to listen to them in order to support our bodies.

It is not a signal to ignore or think about eliminating them without allowing them to express their voice.

Patrizia Mataloni, Paola Schiesaro have combined their experiences and skills started in 2017 to consolidate a structured, organized and reliable approach, in the context of some discomforts that our bodies suffer every day.

Who will benefit from this workshop?

All Focuser who are active people who want to, listen empathically and approach in a structured way any symptoms that their body signals and that our mind sometimes fails to listen.

How and where do you learn?

Learning the methodology is purely experiential supported by some studies in the various fields of reference and needs to be taught the technique through theoretical / practical sessions. At the end of each course, a certificate of attendance will be issued to complete the course.The certificate can be used for ECP credits.

Course Structure and Dates: 2-DAY MEETINGS
in person and also via SKYPE / ZOOM

In attendance – 16/17 October 2020 9:00 am – 6:00 pm CEST (Rivoli, Italy)
OnLine – 07/08 November 2020 9: 30- 18:30
Minimum Participants 6 Maximum 12.
Place: THE HOUSE IN THE VINEYARD Via Mongioie, 14/13 – Rivoli, Italy

Cost: € 160 if registration is completed and paid by 30 September 2020
Subsequently September 180 €.

Teachers:
MATALONI PATRIZIA and SCHIESARO PAOLA, CERTIFIED TRAINERS FOCUSING INSTITUTE NY
schpao@hotmail.it – 335.1247368
prempatma@gmail.com – 339.7439542

 

To leave or read a comment, click here and go past the end of the post

Heart Holding Space

Taking the time, allow a fresh momentum 
to assault that crooked door
on rusted hinges.

Resting in the authority of your natural presence
allow yourself to come home,
emerge from this being you.

And yet still there’s that current
shunts you away from this –
a loping grey wolf
in the wilderness of your belonging.

Taking the time, allow a fresh momentum
to assault that crooked door
on rusted hinges,
crack its frozen joints,
charm its forgotten longings.
And let the discovery be enough.

Finding a heart holding space
for these abandoned places
of forest and caves,
the spell of your here & now blooms.
Let it be your home.

In the depth is the direction:
rising like spring waters,
welling up and filling out itself
in unexpected ways,

a new beginning.

 

This poem was a result of a session between barebody&soul and Addie van der Kooy.

To leave or read a comment, click here and go past the end of the post