What if you find it hard to do Focusing when you’re feeling stuck in your life? Read on…
Ana Rosa writes:
I use Focusing with my clients, and for them it works very well. But my own use of Focusing lags behind.
When I get stuck or overwhelmed by an emotion that prevents me from successfully completing something, whether it is with a person, a goal, a painful memory that suddenly assaults me in the present… It seems there is something that prevents me from using Focusing.
I feel bad about that inconsistency.
Dear Ana Rosa:
It seems you are asking yourself to use Focusing at the moment of “hijack,” when an overwhelming emotion suddenly takes you over. And you find something prevents you from using Focusing at those times.
Actually, that situation is perhaps the most challenging use of Focusing for anyone… including me!
No wonder Focusing is more successful for your clients, because they are in a session with you, quietly recalling the emotional situation. It’s a much easier time for anyone to do Focusing.
What I recommend is that you do quiet, contemplative Focusing sessions, with yourself or with a Focusing partner, when you are not in the triggering situation.
Recall the time that you got overwhelmed and stuck, and invite a gentle, listening relationship with that part of you.
The more you do that when you have the time and space, the easier it will be to meet those times when they come up in the midst of life. You’ll be able to recover your balance more quickly when you do get overwhelmed.
To do Focusing in the moment you are triggered and overwhelmed, is possible… but it will be easier if you have spent time with your feelings and your parts when things are quiet.
