I want to say how much I value Focusing in these difficult times.
It is giving me enormous support on a personal level.
I am sure that everyone can benefit as much as I do, even though you may already have support systems in place, such as mindfulness, meditation, support of family and friends, and connection with nature.
This is adapted from an interview I did recently with Amy McCormack for Thresholds, the quarterly professional journal of BACP Spirituality division.
Focusing naturally lends itself to supporting spiritual practice by developing the capacity for grounded aware presence and empathy for yourself and others… When I am being in nature, I have a sense of connection.
When I am Focusing, I find that the more present I can be and the more grounded awareness I can bring to my Focusing, then the more my Focusing can flow. They are interconnected.
Although I rarely make it explicit, for me Focusing is inherently a spiritual practice. As well as meditation, Focusing helps me to stay centred and grounded. It encourages compassion for myself and others.
If I’m experiencing challenging times in spiritual life or daily life, I have the practice of Focusing to support me.
I have returned inspired from a meeting of Focusing professionals in Europe. We met in Aegina, a beautiful island close to Athens, and collaborated in developing our lively European Focusing Association.
Our dear colleague and friend, distinguished writer Campbell Purton got us started on exploring what do we mean when we talk about the body. He is a philosopher, and helped us to think deeply about what Gene Gendlin was referring to when he talked about the body.
Sometimes big, overwhelming feelings can sweep over you, especially if Focusing is new to you.
You can always check with your felt sense, by asking, ‘does it feel OK for me to be with this?’ And then wait and see what comes. Two things can happen…
I have found Focusing has helped me enormously in my work as a therapist.
…You can use Focusing to ground yourself in the present moment, becoming aware of how you are, and what you are bringing to the therapy space. It helps by increasing self awareness, and allows issues to settle, without you being taken over by strong feelings, or needing to push them away.
Present moment awareness
J asks ‘How can I stay more in the present moment? I know that being in this state of immediacy is the best way to be, but somehow I’m moving ahead, making plans, and I miss being in the moment.’
It sounds like you have a lot going on in your thoughts. And we do need to plan ahead, but it can get in the way…
‘Should I have my eyes open or closed while doing Whole Body Focusing?’
A. asks ‘In your experience do most people doing Whole Body Focusing, focus with their eyes closed or open? I was just curious as there is the invitation to sense in to the environment around at the beginning and I imagine that can be done more easily with eyes open.
‘Afraid of being overwhelmed’
A Focuser asks: ‘As someone new to focusing, I’m finding it can be quite a scary time. On the one hand, I’m very excited and energised, and it feels transformative. On the other hand, the new habits aren’t yet established, and this new way of being with feelings (which I may have been ignoring for most of my life) can feel frightening…
‘I sometimes feel locked into the past’
Katrina writes, Although I feel comfortable with myself, I sometimes feel locked into the past and remain unhealed with certain things or issues. I would like to find a way where I am grounded in my body and supported by my environment…
Contact Fiona
T: 01626 821110
M: 07799 027332
E: fiona@fionaparr-focusing.co.uk
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