Therapy, Spirituality, Autism & Dialogue
The launch of a new professionals’ group
Join this new practice group which brings together therapy, spirituality, autism and dialogue.
What we know as Mindfulness is rooted in ancient Indian philosophy – and I see its core aim as non-dual awareness. Advaita – literally meaning ‘not-two’ describes the inherent nature of reality as it is, free from the overlays of conceptual thinking, judgments, interpretation, personal biases, emotions or preconceived notions. This approach, I have long believed, is an antidote for a highly sensitive person surviving in the chaotically fragmented and insensitive modern world. It describes the original thematic of Autism Dialogue groups – in aiming to unite autistic and non-autistic – in a socially compatible, non-dualistic way. It also goes some way, ontologically, to describe autistic filtering differences, and as philosopher Erin Manning suggested:
“Autistic perception is the direct perception of the forming of experience.”
There are also direct links to Gestalt therapy and coaching practice, which was originally influenced by its founder Fritz Perl’s interest in Zen.
Practising mindfulness – by observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attachment or judgment – allows the mind to settle into deeper states of consciousness, the ultimate goal being unification and interconnectedness with self and environment, not rejection of it. This is very achievable, because it is our natural state and birthright. In another step towards creating the ‘Mindfulness for Autism’ (M4A) programme, I created the workshop as a fun experiment and with a powerful urge to feel that unification and ‘dissolving of self with other’. Because trained (and many student) therapists and coaches are highly tuned already, I think this was achieved in both our shared meditations and dialogue. For therapists, counsellors, coaches who are looking to deepen their practice or learn about a simple yet profound method for enhancing the ‘being’ in human, I encourage you to come to the next session – look out for dates in the next newsletter.
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