Hi Jack and all,
Whilst I respect the different approaches we all have towards facilitation
and the richness of the constellations field that is produced as a result,
I find it difficult to align myself with the idea of ritualising the
process of de-roling and creating a 'rule' around it, at the same time as
subscribing to the idea of systemic consciousness and field phenomena.
When I facilitate or train, I say to people that for me every single
representation is a gift; I am inextricably linked to the representation in
some way and particularly if I sit down after the constellation and am left
with something, then the gift is there for me to do with whatever feels
appropriate at the time. If I am able to stay open to what's there and
receive the energy with respect and openness then I will be enriched in
some way. At the same time, if someone doesn't want to stay with something
in that moment and specifically asks to be 'de-roled' after the
constellation, I don't argue with that. I respect their wishes and we do a
ritual similar to that described by Leslie Nipps.
But I do my best to convey to all participants that we have all entered
into this particular field at this particular time from a place of
inter-connection and that whether we are in the client seat, representing
or in the holding circle, we will all be affected by what happens in a
constellation. If we create a separation by doing these kinds of rituals –
as a 'rule' or under the leadership of the facilitator, then we fly in the
face of some of the essential aspects of what, for me, constellations are.
We step into a field and in that moment we become one with the field and by
virtue of being chosen for this representation something of us is
resonating with it. As soon as we start to question, is this me or the
representation we have moved away from presence to some extent. I tell
people not to worry about that but to trust what happens and go with the
flow. Then they become more present to the experience.
For me one of the most sacred aspects of constellation work is to witness
the murmurations of starlings where each and every bird flies together with
the flock 'as one' creating the most amazing shapes in the sky. In England
I am fortunate to live fairly close to a couple of places where these
murmurations happen in a most spectacular way each year and I take my
trainees there to witness this amazing phenomenon. This 'oneness' is
visible throughout the natural world. Why would we think that as human
beings we are any different?
We are all capable of being an axe murderer as much as we are capable of
being the most loving parent or innocent child and no matter what the
representation, there will be a gift, a message in it somewhere for us if
and when we are ready to hear it. So the process then becomes a circular
one – we are in service to the client and their field at the same time as
receiving the gift that that particular representation offers us.
In the Western world, the concept of individualism is so deeply ingrained
that I think it is extremely difficult for people to subscribe fully to
'group consciousness' and our concepts of 'right and wrong', 'good' and
'bad' make it difficult for us to fully inhabit our inner perpetrator.
I feel supported by Anngwyn St. Just's writing in this respect, as she has
done so much research into these systemic phenomena over generations and
the repetitions that can occur in such an uncanny way.
Warm wishes to all
Barbara
On 31 March 2017 at 02:37, Laure Porché laure.porche@xxxxxxxxx
[ConstellationTalk] <ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Jack and all,
All great tools that I also use. I will only add that in my beginning
speech I emphasize the importance of de-roling, using Fran's metaphor of
not leaving with the silverware when you're invited as a guest somewhere. I
also make it clear to the representative that they don't have to carry what
they represent fully, and that they can put it in a virtual backpack if it
becomes too intense.
Also, the importance of each representative giving back what's theirs to
the client at the end.
Thanks for raising the subject, as I've been to several workshop where
this wasn't taken care of at all, to usually distressing results.
Blessings on all,
Laure
On Mar 30, 2017 4:28 PM, "Heiki Eesmaa heiki.eesmaa@xxxxxxxxx
[ConstellationTalk]" <ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Jack,
I've been thinking about this question a lot as well.
As you wrote in your blog article, prior set-up is important. The downside
of a safe atmosphere seems to be that people go deeper into dynamics &
trauma as well.
Something to consider that I don't see used that often: mark the start of
representation with a clear ritual as well (as well as concluding ritual
for representations). There are differences between using various ritual
phrases e.g "You now are ..." vs "You now represent ..." The latter leaves
the representative freer and clearer in the role whereas the former is more
mediumistic, which sometimes correlates to the reps being shaken and out of
sorts.
all the best
Heiki
On Fri, Mar 31, 2017 at 1:51 AM, Jeffrey Rich jeffrey.rich@xxxxxxxxx
[ConstellationTalk] <ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Thank you, Leslie! I love that.
In my training with Francesca, she reminded us that representing is a
gift; we are invited into "the person's living room" for a time, and to
remain there afterward is a sort of trespass. It's like stealing a life
from someone else.
I am a shamanic practitioner who does a lot of similar work, and I use
various methods of grounding (physically going outside and standing on the
Earth), switching seats, etc.
For me I remind myself of the ways in which I am personally different
from the person I represented: "I am short; they are tall / I am gay; they
are straight" etc., which helps with the differentiation for me. I also
read this method somewhere and I cannot for the life of me remember where.
If anyone knows where this came from, please help me remember!
Physical activity, eating a small amount of food (Grapes, nuts, a little
protein, etc.) can help with this.
Sometimes the representation has been "sticky" for me and has lingered
despite my best efforts to let it go.
Hope this is helpful.
Best,
Jeffrey
Jeffrey Rich BS, LMT
www.shining-mountain.com ~ www.waterwillowmoon.com | (256)337-1699
<(256)%20337-1699>
Massage Therapist, Constellations Facilitator, Shamanic Practitioner,
Teacher
*"**What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"* ~Mary
Oliver
On Thu, Mar 30, 2017 at 4:37 PM, Leslie Nipps lnipps@xxxxxxxxx
[ConstellationTalk] <ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I can’t remember where I picked this up, so if the originator (or a
person who knows the originator) of this ritual is here, let us know! I
didn’t create it (although I’ve adapted it a little).
Immediately following the constellation, we all sit back in the seats we
had before we started. We go in a circle saying “My name is ________, and I
represented _______.” Each time the client looks at the person and simply
says “thank you.” If a person didn’t represent, they say “My name is
__________, and I was a witness.”
People LOVE this little ritual. On the rare occasions I forget, I always
get complaints. ;-)
The Rev. Leslie Nipps
Convivium Constellations - Founder, Practitioner & Trainer
“Trust as a Way of Life…”
www.conviviumconstellations.com
"Hasten to that which supports." - The I Ching
On Mar 30, 2017, at 10:15 AM, jack blackwell travelerjbjb@xxxxxxxxx
[ConstellationTalk] <ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
helping representatives release the energies they are holding for the
client.
I am curious about releasing immediately after a constellation
And also something thoughts on releasing after the entire workshop.
Your thoughts and wisdom are greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Jack Blackwell
------------------------------
Jack Blackwell (720) 458-5363
Connecting Spirit & Psychology ~ Creates Profound Insights & Healing
Family Constellation Workshops & Trainings, Group & Private Therapy
Offerings Learn more here: healingfamilytrauma.com
<http://healingfamilytrauma.com/>
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