Offerings, Gifts and Invitations
Shifting Terrain
As we move past the Solstice into July, I find myself asking: what is this moment asking of me?What kind of terrain am I in and what is the appropriate way of moving through it?
Over the past two weeks clients have been speaking about known structures and norms dissolving at the same time they are finding themselves in new terrain. What used to be consistent and reliable now feels fluid, hazy, or out of reach.
As these structures shift, they're finding themselves in new terrain - both inwardly and outwardly. The dynamics and structures that used to guide how they moved through their day no longer look or feel the same as they did a few years ago.
In most cases, the terrain is not smooth. Due to the impacts within their local economy, polarization in their communities, city and country, the wars around the world, the funding that used to sustain their work coming to a halt with the changes initiated by the Trump administration, or significant shifts in their personal lives, knowing how to find their way has become increasingly challenging.
At the same time, these clients also describe new perspectives arising and subtle shifts within their being. The new terrain also invites shifts in relation to their sense of power, identity, and purpose.
Sometimes, they're not even conscious of these shifts. Initially, they'll describe a sense of disconnection, an out-of-jointness with what was and what is arising now in their personal and professional lives.
Although these shifts are often paradoxical, unsettling or subtle, arising with the volume of a whisper, they seem to offer clues about the way forward.
As we move past the apex of the Solstice, one theme that is rising to the surface is this:
The terrain we are facing inwardly and outwardly - is calling us forth in new and forgotten ways.
I want to explore this theme in two ways. The first is to offer you a question, and the second is to share some experiences I have had in relation to this theme, as a kind of field notes.
When you look out at this moment in your life, what do you notice about the qualities of the terrain? In other words, is it smooth and spacious, hilly, dynamic, cluttered, quiet, busy?
Given the sensory experience of this terrain what approach and way of engaging is it calling from you?
Below are some notes exploring my experience of the terrain arising in the span of a day.
I share my experience in case these reflections might help you make sense of where you are in your wayfinding journey and chart your course through whatever terrain you may be facing.
Field Notes: Living the Question
Without a gap, how would I know my reach?
Walking up the stairs, I noticed my energy rising. I had been up since 4:00 am, so this surge caught me by surprise. It was evening, but the sun still shone brightly in the sky.
Although today started with a sense of lack - it was at this moment that I looked back and noticed how something within me had leaned forward to engage with this space of 'lack' throughout the day.
Not enough sleep, not knowing - each of these created a space within me from which I had no choice but to engage.
With a box of deserts in my right hand, I was making my way up from the lower courtyards of one of the squares here in Victoria. I was on my way to have a picnic with my husband and one of his childhood friends.
As I made my way to the final stair, I wondered if the gap and sense of being stretched was, in fact, necessary.
Without a sense of being stretched, how could I ever know my capacity?
I've had friends and elders tell me that the greatest medicine in many of life's crucibles and catalytic endeavours - ranging from parenting, launching a business, to surviving in the wilderness - is learning what you're made of, coming into contact with a knowing - that can sustain you when you feel stretched.
In other words, in order to grow, we have to stretch.
I thought about how knowing isn't just something we comprehend from standing back and observing experiences from the outside. Today, I experienced firsthand how knowing arises through immersion, from getting to know our edges and the contours and topography of our being.
The truth was the lack of sleep - the sense of there being too much to do allowed me to lean in and explore my reach - the extent to which I could bridge the gap between what felt probable and what seemed possible.
I walked down the sidewalk, and as I made my way to the curb, I looked down to see a gap in the pavement in front of me.
I thought about walking down the sidewalk as a child. How I would pay attention to the gaps between one slab of concrete in the next. How I would try my absolute best to not step on these cracks. To achieve this I would take giant steps, jump and direct the majority of my focus down toward the ground. As a result I would miss seeing the sky above me and all the life happening around me.
Today I stepped right on the gap. It was the very thing that called forth my capacity and reminded me of what I was capable of.
At this moment in your life, what gaps and constraints are present?
If these could be used as resources, leverage points for being stretched or of fruitful resistance how would you engage with them?
What I’m Reading: Waking, Dreaming, Being, Evan Thompson
In this book Thompson explores how the self is a changing process, not a static thing.
Contrasting the difference between when we are awake and asleep he describes how, when we are awake we identify with our body, but if we let our mind wander or daydream, we project a mentally imagined self into the remembered past or anticipated future.
As we fall asleep, the impression of being a distinct self that is separate from the outer world dissolves. He goes on to explore meditative states and what becomes possible when we let go of the tethers to our sense of self and identity.
I found the insights in this book connected with the reality of how dynamic our sense of self can be. Reading Thompson’s words reminded me of one of my teachers Lily Vassiliou who would say: “You are a process not a problem”.
Drawing upon neuroscience, philosophy, and personal narrative Thompson describes each of these processes and transformations, bringing depth and insight to some of life's profound questions.
Sensuous Knowledge, By Minna Salami
In this book Salami explores the concept of “sensuous knowledge” – a form of knowledge that is registered through the senses, embodying emotional intelligence, intuition and a deep-rooted connection with both the natural world and transnational Black feminist ways of knowing. Sensuous knowledge stands in stark contrast to and challenges more Eurocentric and Patriarchal views of knowledge and truth. Drawing upon a ser outlines a more holistic and interconnected way of seeing the world by prioritising Black women’s lives, experiences, opinions, politics, emotions and stories.
Below are some examples of practices inspired by Salami’s work:
Embodied reflection
Before making a decision, pause and notice any physical sensations in your body. For example, do you experience tension, warmth, contraction, or expansion?
When reading or learning something new, ask "How does this feel in my body?" alongside "What do I think about this?"
Critical questioning of dominant knowledge systems
Ask "Who benefits from this being considered 'truth'?" when encountering established ideas
Seek out books, articles, and perspectives from marginalized voices on topics you're exploring or studying.
Question why certain forms of knowledge (academic, scientific) are valued over others (experiential, indigenous)
Pattern Literacy: Group Supervision for Practitioners (Therapists, Facilitators, Coaches and Guides)
Thursday, July 24th, 8:00-10:00 am AEST - 3 spots left
Friday, July 25th, 8:00-10:00 am AEST - 2 spots left
Pattern literacy is a 2-hour group supervision session. During the session each participant will have the opportunity to bring a question or case they wish to explore from multiple angles. The session is called Pattern Literacy, because hearing multiple cases can help hone our pattern recognition; our ability to notice themes across diverse cases and expressions of human experience. I have been offering these sessions through my PhD studies because they are one of my favourite spaces for learning. Each session I am struck by the depth of participants' work and the wisdom they share with others who are present. Learn more and register here