Letter to self.
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Dear Cass,
You are settling into the curiosity and unknown that this space unearths. These processes have allowed you to absolutely ‘be relational’ - to space, to others, to self. It asks you to slow down, to consider, to be mindful, to notice the inner dialogue, to imbue these ‘moments’ with a sense of importance or I guess articulation that provides scores - layers of information. These scores act as access points for further conversations or insights that are experienced, both in private reflection and in relation to another/others. This relationship [both with self and other] opens this third space of; new untold stories, new thoughts, new perspectives, new understandings and even little provocations that propel you off into a direction of further inquiry or intrigue.
The procedures evoke a strong, unexplored relationship to the creative arts as a conduit for relational ways of being in space. They, with their carefully considered frameworks are so clever and deeply intuitive to support the individual, the companioning process and even the group dynamic. They allow for the permission to share a description of your current sphere of understanding that is consistently challenged or engaged to allow for questions, thoughts and observations to float to the surface. They arrive in their fascinating complexity, existing in various languages [multimodal] that offer, I guess, this musical score. Not just one, but multiple. These multiple scores are there to support our understanding, one that honours that of the fluid mind. They are there, not to project a complete summation or resolve or place boundaries that box in this thought or identity in process, but to give access to the multiple landscapes of identity and how that always continues to evolve.
Coming to know my edge of learning
‘Which can allow for moments of relational depth to arise.’ [Geller, 2013 pp. 176].
I begin here. Because it was reading these words in Dr. Shari Geller’s chapter on Therapeutic presence as a foundation for relational depth, that I began to see visibility of the ‘third space’ that was beginning to emerge. That being, a space that is one of beginnings; a space that exists because of my practice, craft, prior knowledge & understanding. This understanding began to shift, meet, interact and change because of the points of difference that the Miecat space provokes.
'Being grounded in one’s self; immersed in the moment with the client; while connected to a larger sense of expansion; all while being in service of the client’s healing or being with and for the client' [Geller, 2013, pp. 178]. This is something that I have been particularly, challenged by. My training has primarily been in theatre and more specifically the moving body. This space [in theatre] is privy to immediate intimacy and a physical blurring of boundaries. The therapeutic space or rather the Miecat space, in comparison, challenges my relationship to self, space, to the multi modalities of the arts and to others in a very different way.
This space requires me to renegotiate my relationship with the following qualities;
Being relational; the role of language, the role of time, the role of space, the role of sharing, the role of listening, the role of reflecting.
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The process thus far has asked me to slow down, to give more spaciousness around everything that I contribute to the space [both physically, verbally and energetically], to notice what you are bracketing in and out of the space, to deeply listen, to reiterate and provide descriptions rather than projections or opinions and to be attuned to your partner in every way. These procedures are challenging in that they are re-training my understanding of how to ‘be’ in a space, how to then be in service to another or others. The pace at which my teachers are guiding and supporting me through these definite ‘edges of learning’ makes for a rich and dynamic interaction with this highly experiential and reflective learning space. I look forward to seeing these spaces have a symbiotic relationship in you, Cassie. I have had glimpses where my learnings at MIECAT have begun to influence my teaching space [lecturing Children’s and Young People’s Theatre at USQ, Toowoomba] my personal space [relationship with self] and my relational spaces [across all spheres].
Cassie, I appreciate your openness, curiosity and commitment to authentically and honesty in investigating this learning. To not only absorb, but to challenge and to grapple with the readings, the practical aspect and for utilising a space of reflection to deepen these inner whirlings. Thank you for your intense bravery to pursue this despite the distance and the fear of the unknown lurking about. You are going to ebb and flow with the relationship of vulnerability and empowerment, however one thing is absolutely sure - you will flourish.
Much love and gratitude,
Cass.