Notes from NYMF March 31, 2017 Meeting

“Focusing to Center Us in Turbulent Times” with Diana Scalera

Thirteen participants gathered on a dark and stormy evening to experience the natural forces of gravity, air, movement, and stillness as part of our focusing process.  According to Diana, these forces are always available to us and do not discriminate among people. During the discussion periods, Diana pointed to how these could also support us in our daily life, especially in these turbulent times.

The evening included two experiential exercises.  The first exercise was a continuation of Diana’s attunement.  She asked us to pay attention to how gravity, air, and movement help us to stay connected to ourselves. She also pointed out that stillness can be part of movement.  We did this exercise individually, sitting or standing as felt right to each person.  During the subsequent discussion, in response to people’s comments on their experiences, Diana provided additional information on working with energy.

For the second exercise, people could choose to work alone, with a partner, or in a small group. After the exercise people reported their experiences.  Some people worked together with their resistance to gravity.  Others had satisfying experiences of the movement of energy between them. Diana pointed out that movement can expand what focusing is and that we can ask our bodies to show us how we are connecting with ourselves.  She drew connections between people’s experiences in the exercise and what they faced in daily living.

The participants agreed that the evening had been stimulating and inspiring.  Several expressed the wish for more evenings like this.

​Notes prepared by Susan Deisroth and Diana Kirigin