“It is in the spaces between thought and experience where Sandy shows us life and wisdom happen."
"I can't say enough for the wisdom within Sandy's book 'Awkward Moments Bloom'. She has taken the process of Focusing and opened it to the experience of a child and the child within us adults. As I read through the pages, I joined their journey. I was able to witness and hold space for the experiences of her characters and as such I received such an opening in me. It truly is in the simplicity of our focusing practice that big changes happen. The simplicity of pausing and becoming still to live from our bodies not our minds comes through on each and every page. A child can do this, as can us old children at heart. It really is this easy, when we let go of the stories in our minds and follow the wisdom of our bodies. I encourage teachers, therapists, guidance counsellors to follow the Smartview Stories and keep these books close as they work with the 'littles' in their lives. It is a treasure to be shared. Thank you Sandy for bringing the simplicity into our awareness and removing the veil of complexity we create in our minds."
~All the best, diane stadnichuk, RSW, MSW
Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada.
“It felt like being in a focusing class where I feel eager, open, and sensing varying sensations.”
~ Mary Mie, Focuser, New York, USA
Smartview Stories model ways that families and communities can support each other in feeling safe and finding ways forward in these times of change.
“I felt a sense of intentional contemplation throughout the story. In many ways, this narration was a form of social story to help model the various focusing skills and practices.”
~Steven Lin, Elementary School Principal, Pennsylvania, USA
We imagine one might read these stories many many times. With repetition, we may find ourselves practicing these skills in our own lives.
“Your stories are wonderful! You weave authentic emotional reactions with physical reactions (wet and shivery, doubt-worry) within the story. You have described many strategies and focusing tools very well (come home to your breath) and they are embedded naturally as the story unfolds. Love it! It IS hard to be brave when other people do not understand you. Not alone truly is precious. So much of the story is relatable to almost all kids.”
~ Cindy Anderson, Retired Reading Teacher, Maryland, USA