Al’s Example

Here’s what happened in a therapy session a few days ago: the client and I began the session both with the same yet unspoken idea that the session needed to be about “sitting with” the difficult emotions that she is experiencing. But before we got to that, we were processing some insights she had from our  previous session as we entered the arena where Al and Dancer were hanging out. Just then, Al laid down in the middle of the arena. The client asked if she could approach him and I suggested she try. She walked over and pet his face and he swiveled his ears a bit but made no motion to rise. She and I instinctively sat in the sand next to Al and that’s when we both revealed our thoughts about exploring the idea of “sitting with” things. Al’s silent example of being still, staying put, and relaxing into the space resonated with the client as she spoke about sadness and grieving. She described that “being with” these emotions is really hard but feels more “right” than running away or avoiding them.

After about 20 minutes, Al got up. He shook off the sand and moved out into the paddock looking for some hay. Another lesson: we need to be in the hard places to learn and grow, but we don’t stay there all day, we move on, we participate in the day. The client and I also got up with much for both of us to think about.IMG_0193

Top