The setting was Ards Friary in Donegal, Ireland. The natural beauty of this place established the environment where 15 strangers gathered to explore the process of BioSpiritual Focusing over 6 days.
The weather was beautiful and invited us to rest in the splendours of nature – surrounded by 200 acres of woodlands and set directly on the beach.
As we explored the foundations of the process, it became apparent that each participant was different in their experiences and understandings of Focusing and BioSpirituality. It was encouraging to see how each person began to take responsibility for their own process – living from where they were now, rather than where they wished they were.
As our bodies began to sense the safety of the group – we were gifted by the individual stories that each person courageously shared. It is miraculous to witness how our willingness to share our vulnerabilities creates the space for grace and transformation. As Fr Ed often said, “That which we protect from our own knowing, we also protect from God’s grace.”
The energy of the group shifted palpably on the 3rd day when we experienced a new exercise created by Louise and Joe Colletti called “Your Affection Timeline”. The impact on the group was that of recalling experientially the gifts of love and gentleness on their journey, and many commented that it was also an exercise in gratefulness. The direct impact of this exercise was how it facilitated the holding of “the affection teacher within” in a more fluid and natural manner.
As a facilitator, it is so exciting to witness the shift in energy that emerges organically when the community of those gathered comes to the fore and they begin to carry and support one another. The individuals become a community of love and healing. It is also interesting to see the physical transformation in the participants as they come home to themselves, to one another, and to the beauty of nature.
An aspect of this experience that also played a crucial part was the community and staff of Ards Friary. The Franciscan Capuchin community in Ards welcomed us into their home. Their hospitality and kindness, and the way that the group were treated by all the staff added to our sense of being at home. And of course it is important to mention how well we were fed – I was glad that there were so many beautiful walking trails to work off some of the wonderful food.
I am forever grateful for this life enhancing experience, and I carry each of the participants gently in my body, thankful for how they have gifted my living in their own unique ways. I needed to sit with an inner sense of loneliness as we went our own ways, but that has shifted into a sense of how privileged I am to share this gentle and life enhancing process.
by John Keane
