I am a recent transplant to the Oregon Coast, married with two adult daughters, a potter, an episcopal priest, a lover of questions and ‘inarticulating’ (see my website, www.inarticulating.com). I began my explore of focusing decades ago when a mentor of mine handed me a scrap of paper with the words, “Eugene Gendlin, Focusing” written on it. He thought it was something I might be interested in. I remember him pressing this paper into my hand. It meant nothing to me and I tossed it into my bag. That paper kept turning up until years later when my mentor had passed, the paper turned up again, and I looked it up. I havent turned back. I became certified as a Focusing Professional in 2012. At some point, it became important to me to understand who Gene was and what it was that led him to create Focusing. Focusing was life changing, yet I had the sense that there was more to it, and I wanted that ‘more’. My adventure with A Process Model began. Who would have known what a life-changing trek that would be and still is. Interrupted by a life-threatening health crisis, I was surprised and sobered by my strong desire to return to A Process Model as soon as I could. It felt like something to live for! What a strong thing to say! There was a sense that this was more to me than an intellectual study of philosophy, but a lifeline to a different way of experiencing and being here. I am grateful to Rob for being a rugged, patient, enthusiastic and kind sherpa, deeply familiar with the mountain terrain, yet ever alert to new sightings. I look forward to stretching my learning of APM through facilitating discussion together.
