Today I taught a part of the Focalizing Practitioner Course about the Curious Observer, which is an essential part of embodiment work.
The curious observer is the part of us that approaches life from a non-judgemental point of view, without an agenda, without any shame or blame, and especially without trying to figure things out.
Embodying curiosity is almost like beginner’s mind… looking at each moment as brand new… not bringing any meaning making into anything.
Not only is it important to embody such curiousity during client sessions to create and cultivate a safe space for healing to occur — but also it’s important to embody this as a way of life for the practitioner.
When we approach trauma with curiosity, we allow those parts of ourselves that we’ve banished away with shame, to welcome back towards us so we can actually shed it some light in order to be able to heal it.
It’s really quite simple.
And its quite revolutionary.
It goes against how we’ve been raised.
Our whole lives we’ve hid those parts of us that we are ashamed of, wearing masks, covering things up, pretending… never wanting to look at them or let alone have anyone else see these parts.
Perhaps others cannot handle them or turn away from them.
In a safe space, through cultivating curiosity, we allow an opportunity for these parts to come forward, have a place and be acknowledged and seen (for maybe the first time) and met with compassion.
When we start to remove these masks, these veils, these traumas — we allow our authentic selves to shine. We create space for more beauty and magic to enter our lives. A life of true freedom.
Can you imagine a world, where we don’t turn away from our traumas, but meet them with love and curiosity — and then befriend, transmute and heal them?
This, my friends, is our embodied future.
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From preparing to teach today about the Curious Observer, I was really able to grasp the concept so much more. This post is just a taste.
I’m really enjoying stepping into the role of teacher, something that — if you asked me a few years ago — I NEVER thought I could be.