Thank you Margaret for your statement on Ctalk:
"The main thing I think when you do systemic work is to keep in mind the
question of the client and not assume too quickly that they want to change the
situation as it is. And of course stay in tune with the spirit that guides the
system anyway."
Although your posting may not imply "Spirit"- it does encourage me to post
agreement with, and gratitude for Michael's posting regarding the "Two-Spirit"
people. At times there can be a painful sense of isolation for gay/lesbian
individuals- or they may be excluded to some degree by their family and I have
in a constellation explained to those in the Circle the Native tradition of
acknowledging the destiny/calling of those who are Two-Spirited. I then
sometimes feel compelled to ask participants in the Circle to listen and see
if any of those in the person's ancestry who were also Two-Spirited, (or who
had a deep understanding and acceptance of the Two-Spirit people)- would like
them to stand as their representatives behind the person who is gay/lesbian.
It is clear in this organic constellation that this is not a new phenomenon,
and there is a movement in the whole of the Circle as some are "called" to
stand as a gay or lesbian ancestor in support of the person who is Two-Spirit.
My foundation is not in psychotherapy, which until the mid 70's considered
homosexuality a mental illness. My foundational tradition is based in Native
American philosophy and the teaching of very ordinary elders. (Many things are
considered in some way ordinary/natural- and everything is considered in some
way holy- a view point which often invites paradox or duality as norms in
creation.)
We are all on a journey and in constellations we have the opportunity to stand
with someone for a moment to support their journey. There is nothing to fix,
but there are many things to honor.
Thank you Chris for your earlier posting of caution. And Vinay, thank you for
teaching from your heart.
All My Relations,
Francesca