The surprising power of group listening and reflecting, even when the speaker is not Focusing.

Here is our blog post for May 2, 2025, entitled “Focus on Accomplishments,” by Barbara Dickinson.  In this blog post, we start a discussion of accomplishments, how to track them, how to celebrate them, how to use them to boost self esteem, and how to recognize in them the positive impact we have on others.

Having a group felt sense together and share what comes to them can create a very deep and accelerated learning environment.

This is the introductory post to a series on expanded applications of Focusing.

When we start with the understanding that Focusing is a natural process, facilitated when certain conditions and environments are present, we can use this understanding and our Focusing skills in many areas outside of self-help and personal growth.

"Inside-Me Stories" is a valuable tool for teaching children the skills they need to navigate the social and emotional challenges of life. By learning to understand and express their emotions, children can build stronger relationships, improve their communication skills, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-esteem. The book's focus on experiential learning and its use of interactive storytelling make it a fun and engaging way for students to learn social and emotional skills.

To bring movement, practice movement. I invite you to explore some of these movements if you are looking for ways to practice embodiment of small action steps from your Focusing process. 

"We're in this together' is a favorite phrase in how I self-mentor my inner space. It developed and strengthened as I wrote Smartview Stories books where I experience it as a useful way of expressing the elemental "Being With" essence of Ashamaya, the Inner Companion representing our larger self. We're in this Together. This is easy to say. Important are the qualities of being we ARE when we say these words. Most of our world cultures encourage fast responses. As much as I naturally prefer a slower pace and more space, I've also found myself easily swept along juggling life's daily demands best I can. For much of my life, when my fast juggles crashed, I would first find a friend...

Here is our blog post for December 25, 2024, entitled Update on “Sundays with Gene - A Memoir” Help for Helpers Presentation, by Barbara Dickinson

By the very kind invitation of Lynn Preston’s “Help for Helpers,” Barbara gave a presentation recently about the Memoir. You can find the video of that presentation on the Help for Helpers Channel on YouTube.

One of the gifts of Focusing is to be truly heard by another person. In this blog post, we talk about the conversational habit of responding to another person with our own stories, feelings, or reactions, and how Focusing helps us become better listeners. Asking, or reflecting, with empathy can bring us into a better relationship with the other. Read on!

Conflict! It is a part of everyday living. Most people do not love it. Many people are afraid of it. Some people have skills to process conflict successfully -- meaning the relationship between the two people in conflict survives and thrives. Many people have weak skills and suffer broken relationships after conflict.