Focusing, developed by Eugene Gendlin, an American philosopher and psychotherapist, is a simple mind-body technique of directing and holding your attention to something that you can sense in the body. Focusing starts with sensing a specific body sensation or sensing something vague and fuzzy in your body.
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Sometimes you have a distinct pain, stiffness, itch, or other sensations.
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Other times, you may sense something that is unclear; something that is just out of range of your ability to say what it is, but something that seems to want to bubble up into your conscious mind.
Like most people, you try to get rid of an uncomfortable sensation. Maybe you ignore it; maybe you do some deep breathing exercises or say a prayer; perhaps you have a drink, smoke a cigarette, or eat a piece of chocolate. If it is a pleasant sensation, you may be equally uncomfortable if you are not accustomed to experiencing pleasant sensations.
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With focusing, rather than ignoring the sensations or distracting or soothing yourself, you simply pay attention to your body sensations to reveal what is percolating just below the conscious level of awareness.
If you pay attention and listen to your body in a neutral, nonjudgmental way, you can then conduct an appreciative inquiry to find out what your body sensation may be revealing to you. In following your body sensations, you realize naturally what you need now—what wants to be released and what wants to emerge.
Focusing is direct access to the wisdom of the body.
It is a remarkable process and a tool to use to develop your self-awareness and to proceed through the 4-Step process described in my book, Flourish! 4 Steps to Release Your Inner Sage.
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I use this amazing process as much as possible in my life, and I am teaching it to my clients and students as often as I can. Focusing is an essential tool in your inner wisdom-seeking treasure chest.
Please feel free to contact me and we can set up an introductory session either in person or by telephone.
Sandy
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