laura@dovetail.org.uk | 07748136293
philip@dovetail.org.uk | 07766713450
Laura
If you were in front of me now, one of the first things I would ask you is this: Who are you now? Tell me about yourself. And it wouldn't be unusual for you to hesitate, not know where to start, or not know the answer. As we go through life, many people accompany us, and every one of them has notions about who they'd like us to be, or what you should be for them. This is where not knowing ourselves begins. As we bend and move so that others like us, and feel comfortable around us, we may start to forget who it is we really are. This leaves us open to making choices we wouldn't otherwise make, and making decisions that please others rather than ourselves. Ultimately, this leads us to suffering, and splitting apart different aspects of ourselves as 'good' and 'bad'. My hope is to help you join those split parts together again.
Of course, it sounds simple, but is often not simple in practice. There are situations where life has dealt complex challenges and those need honouring and respecting before the work of healing can begin. When grief and trauma take hold of you, it can seem like they want to hang around forever, to dominate your life and never leave you alone. They need witnessing, which is where I come in. We will not side step them or try to usher them away; we will invite them in so we can begin to understand their presence in your life, like a crying child who needs hearing fully, and comforting before he or she can feel safe and happy again. We will then look at what might be emerging from these experiences that might help you as you move forward with your life.
The way I work will depend on you, and what you're comfortable with, but I like to use stories, drawing and poetry. We may not always stay seated, sometimes our bodies need to move to shift a thought pattern from a stuck place. But don't worry, I will always go at your pace and with your level of comfort.
To start you off, here is a poem. See where it takes you, maybe write some thoughts down about it if you feel like it. And request a call back, phone or email if you'd like to know more.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Rumi
