Thematic Statements

 

'Thematic statements are a succinct statement of how a person characteristically functions in particular relational/situational context... meanings arrived at are usually not absolute, rather they are fluid, shifting and are built upon as the process of understanding continues over time’ [Miecat Inc., 2016, pp. 12].

 

Leaping off from the multimodal depiction, we were invited to work collaboratively through a process of reduction, creating a thematic statement. This statement begins with a description of the process and the phenomenological questions surrounding the process. With the aid of relational sharing, this process, like other processes, opened up a myriad of unknowns or lesser knowns. This illuminating process had such a fierce momentum, unearthing moments that were so surprising and exciting to arrive at. The experience was supported by Erica taking notes of keywords or phrases that I was speaking throughout the descriptive phase. We then moved into creating the thematic statement, and I saw the journey shift into a cooperative, co-traveled dimension. This process felt effortlessly supported and cultivated ‘relational dimensions of presence’ [Geller, 2013, pp. 182] that organically shifted and changes throughout. Even more so, I felt this clear moment where our energy co-existed, matched even. Margi Brown Ash describes this connection as a process of deep listening, ‘When a person listens they not only hear the words but they see the words being spoken. This relational space between is where people interact, it is rather like a dance in which they are constantly moving together, subtly responding to each other’s rhythm and posture. The dance is constructed between them and cannot be seen as the result of either person’s prior intentions’ [Brown Ash, 2009, pp. 24).  

 

My final thematic statement was;

 

 

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As previously mentioned, the most influential feeling associated with this process, is the fluidity of the above statement to change. How exactly can I notice my breath? What do I do when I notice my breath? Is there something more specific that I am wanting from a congruence of self, other and space? This thematic statement is incredibly articulate and considered, allowing for a strong visual and verbal reference point to ‘notice’ behaviour and when you notice that behaviour, it then becomes a choice, as to whether or not you continue with that behaviour..

I have had several moments post leaving Melbourne where I have been completely overwhelmed and clouded by how I truly stay present. In particular there was one night where I was at an event at the Foundry Studios [Brisbane] for an event ‘What’s out there.’ It was a gorgeous warm Brisbane evening and there was dhal on the stove and a fine selection of local organic wines on offer. There was a group of approx. sixty-five loves gathered in the space. In particular there were a few friends that I hold incredibly dear, two of which were sharing stories for the evening. I could feel the rush of energy and delight in my body - which happens frequently when overwhelmed, and whilst excited, usually means I leave with a foggy/disconnected sense of placement, I can’t really recall or understand what happened only how it felt. I took myself out around the side where no one was, and I looked up to the stars. I noticed my breath and I stood here for a long while, deepening my breath and connection to self. This simple moment that I chose to do meant that I experienced the evening, the relationships to others with a clearer sense of ‘spirit of generosity.’ In that, I felt my words shared, energy met, and time spent was authentically generous, not fuelled by a rush that tends to disorientate. This was just a small moment to articulate the process of 'choice' that comes after understanding or articulating your thematic statement.