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Where & When
For the Video Web Conference class, we will be utilizing a program called Zoom. You will need to download it onto your computer or phone to join us via video. You can also attend audio only via your phone. You’ll be in a conference space with myself as teacher, one-two assistants, and a group of friendly fellow learners from all over the world. With video, we will be able to see each other. We will use breakout rooms for our paired exercise during class.
Video Web seminars work amazingly well. Hope to see you here!
CREATING SPACE FOR LASTING CHANGE: LEVEL 1 FOCUSING
In this Introduction to Focusing, you will learn a practical step-by-step process that moves you toward your well-being with any life issue, on your own & in partnership, now & in the future. Focusing includes a variety of relational mindfulness skills. We begin here with the ground upon which all the other skills more easily grow from. We learn here to exercise our Self-in-Presence muscle. This class provides you with a structure to practice this way of being.
Self-in-Presence is a space of radical acceptance you learn to create where change can safely emerge. If you have heard the phrase, ‘neurons that fire together, wire together’, this gives you another feel for what we are practicing here. This is ultimate self-care supported by the structure of this class. You will learn to let go of some of the ways of relating that Western Society has encouraged for a more authentic satisfying sense of being in this world. You will get better at creating a sense of safety within yourself despite the chaos of the world around us. And you will come to understand more deeply and clearly how your brain and body do what they do for you and why they sometimes don’t do something for you.
Our motto in this class is Empowered Focuser, Relaxed Companion. The Focuser is always in charge of their inner process. We unlearn western cultural habits of fixing and setting others straight and how to be what is most needed as a listener. Time spent Focusing with a partner actively rewires our neurons so that our brain/bodies can more effectively function at their highest potential for us. Because these Presencing skills are not prevalent in our society in general, most of us crave simple radical acceptance. We are good enough.
If you are ready to empower yourself in these relational ways (and so much more!), then I invite you to bring the magic of Focusing into your life! This workshop is offered in six 2 hr sessions over a period of 2 months. If there is enough interest, we'll follow this with a Level 2 weekend class that starts up sometime after the holiday season. Focusing practice between sessions with others in the class is highly recommended.
LEVEL 1 VIDEOCONFERENCE FALL WEEKEND SESSION
6 Sundays - Starting Sept 15
1pm - 3pm EST AND/OR 3:30-5:30pm EST, indicate your preference
Sept 22, Sept 29, Oct 13, Oct 20, Nov 3, Nov 17
Prerequisite: Guided Focusing Session
Course fee $120 (or $75 if you are repeating and have previous similar experience)
Register By: Monday, Sept 16
Prerequisite: a Guided Session with a certified Focusing Professional, preferably within the previous year. My First-time Guided Session Fee is $75.
This class utilizes The Focusing Student's and Companion's Manual, Part One by Ann Weiser Cornell and Barbara McGavin. The manual is optional, however highly encouraged. You will receive information on how to order one from Focusing Resources for approximately $25.
This class is essentially Inner Relationship Focusing with some neuroscience and embodiment additions.The skill set we work with in Level 1 includes:
- Creating a space within that welcomes a fresh ‘felt sense’
- The various ways our body might communicate with us beyond words
- Forming relationships with what comes up
- Staying with them
- Sensing when they change
- Sensing what fits and doesn’t
- Being with one body sense even as you’re sensing something new arising
- Enjoying positive feelings
There will be lectures, demonstrations, question periods, group exercises and paired exercises. You will be paired to practice a Focusing exercise with another participant or a class assistant each class session. There will also be an additional paired homework exercise between sessions that will take approximately 45 min. This additional exercise is usually done over the phone or videoconference. Please plan to attend all sessions for the full time of the meeting. Missing one class is still easy to keep up with us. If you miss more than one class, we'll talk about ways to make it up or it may be best to repeat the level.
Contact
Registration Information and Price
Register by Weds, Sept 11.
Note this class has a prerequisite of a Guided Focusing Session with a certified professional.