REFLECTions

Reflections
REFLECTions by Lynn July 13, 2006

Reflective idea’s spring forth to my conscious awareness, as I continue to enjoy Brigid Ting’s Level 3 “T.T. in the Garden” workshop held on July 8 + 9, 2006. My many on going ah ha moments, began to surface before the weekend and continue on as I struggle to write this, noticing my need to get it perfect by selecting the perfect words that say what I mean them to say. So much for, “keeping it simple”, “being detached from outcome” and following the rule of “not using 2 words when 1 will do”.

I have discovered that it is easier to document someone else’s story, partly because I am not emotionally invested. So, as I again re center, I will choose to get on with ‘it’.

The steps of T.T. can be useful tools for writing. Especially when documenting a profound experience that we are emotionally attached to, such as documenting a T.T. case study.

Centered and grounded, I can objectively document coming from a place of detached non judgment with no expectations of outcome and a clear intention with conscious attention.

Assessing, reassessing, clarifying, readjusting and rewriting thoughts that are presented.

Unruffling / Modulating by rebalancing, smoothing out the rough edges. Taking away what is not needed and adding to what is needed. Creating a balance, a streamlined report that captures the essence of the event.

Stopping, when there is nothing more needed to be said.

These steps can also be used during conversations, developing our ‘sustained centering’ muscles as we practice active listening. Re centering when we notice we have tuned out and have no idea what was just said. Or when driving / walking / cycling by being in the moment, actively aware of the present, instead of missing the journey from point A to B. A valuable exercise is, to do an assessment of our centering process.

Let’s become more consciously aware of our assessing and re assessing process that we are automatically involved in, in every moment. Noticing when we slip into judgment for example.

Practice rebalancing by streamlining our conversations. Remembering “less is best”.

Actively enhance brainpower by engaging in reading, writing, creating. Do crossword puzzles, memorize things, take courses, play music, sing. Do something new / different each day. Learn and use a new word everyday. And the list goes on….

Language is also part of the T.T. process and T.T. steps can be used to analyze language.

Centered and grounded, we keep our words short and simple, avoiding over explaining. It might be wise to take time to center before dialoguing with a client. Setting aside ego and facilitating the client’s process.

Assessment skills continually monitor client’s responses. Assessment includes total communication experience – ie. body language, what’s not said, etc.

Unruffling / Modulation – listening to and adjusting to client’s needs. Listening to and honoring client’s process. ie. touch / no touch. Offering suggestions and giving client permission to accept what they want.

Stopping dialogue and getting on with T.T. Honoring self. ie. Choosing not to do T.T.

The T.T. assumption that energy follows thought is another segment of language worth looking at. Confirmed by reassessing, directing energy flow with our thoughts changes the energy field.

It stands to reason, that this power of thoughts applies to all our thoughts. What we think manifests. ie. Negative self talk – I can’t relax, becomes a truth. Our body hears this and obeys. We are right.

“Repetitive” thoughts are like nagging ourselves into creating what we ask for.

Developing language skills means examining what we want and don’t want. Changing our thoughts and spoken words to reflect the reality that we desire. Taking an honest assessment and reassessments of ourselves.

Making changes. Keeping it simple. Small changes / shifts / steps. ie. sitting in a different place, picking up glass with other hand, opening door with other hand. Anything that will remind us that we are making a bigger change. Setting ourselves up for success. Using affirmations for example. ie. “No blame, no guilt, no regrets.” Changing language, ie “should” to “could”. Being patient and gentle with ourselves. Treating ourselves like we would like others to treat us. Treating others like we would like to be treated by others. Letting go of judgment and expectations, blame and guilt.

Using the tool of our breath to connect. It’s free and always with us.

Observing. Noticing the coincidences that surround us. Learn from networking and sharing with others. And just as in T.T., ending with a dialogue, getting feedback. Finding out what works and what doesn’t.

So, I invite you to share your assessments and your own reflective stories.