In this episode we being with a little impromptu visit from my favorite cats: Coal and Leo.
Then, we practice together.
Self-spotting — a practice drawn from Brainspotting, developed by David Grand. We explore what it means to come in and down before you go anywhere else. A phrase I first learned from somatic therapist Deidre Fay. We also explore the idea of awareness as beginning to consciously attend to our body sensations, our thoughts, and our emotions and how cultivating our awareness helps to develop discernment, differentiation, and the ability to savor dark roast and deep conversation within ourselves.
HOMEPLAY: (A term from Deb Dana) I invite you to practice this week. Once a day (or as many days as you wish) give yourself five to ten minutes for self-spotting. Not to arrive anywhere in particular. Just to practice coming in and down and notice your thoughts, emotions an sensations.
If you’d like you can download the Self-Spotting Guide with video.
Poem for the Week: “Start Close In” by David Whyte
NEXT WEEK: 8:30 a.m. ET Next week looking at what you notice specifically awareness of what fills you and what depletes you.
Until then — may your dark roast be rich and flavorful, may your conversation with yourself be deep and compassionate. Take care and see you next week.
CREDITS & GRATITUDE:
Deidre Fay // Deb Dana (homeplay) // David Grand / Brainspotting // David Whyte, “Start Close In,” River Flow: New and Selected Poems, Many Rivers Press
If you’re in the middle of grief and all the logistics of preparing for or settling someon’s affairs, you can find A New Path: A Practical Workbook and Planner for the First Year of Grief and Settling Your Person’s Affairs here. Available at bookshop.org to support your favorite local indie bookstore.
