Closing your eyes to see: Using the power of Focusing to connect with your inner world

When we close our eyes, the world around us disappears. For a moment, we are cut off from the sights and sounds of the outside world. But what many people don't realize is that this act of closing our eyes can also help us to connect with our own inner world.

When we focus our attention inward, we are able to connect with our inner world in a deeper way. This can help us to understand our emotions and feelings better, as well as to connect with others on a more meaningful level.

Focusing is a method developed by Eugene Gendlin that emphasizes listening to the "felt sense" -- the unspoken, sensory experiences that bubble up from within. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the method of focusing and how it can be used to deepen our connection with ourselves, our inner world, and the landscape of our emotions.

What is Focusing and what are its benefits?

Focusing is a method that helps us to connect with our inner world in a deeper way. When we focus our attention inward, we are able to connect with our emotions and feelings in a more integrated and meaningful way.

When we focus on our inner world, we are tuning in and listening to the sensory experiences that bubble up from within.

How to use Focusing in order to connect with your inner world

If you want to try Focusing, there are a few things you can do to get started.

First, Focusing is a practice. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. The more you listen, the more you will hear. One classic way to begin is through something called the "body scan."

The body scan is a form of meditation that involves focusing our attention on the sensations that we feel in our bodies. It can be helpful in deepening our connection with ourselves, as well as in managing stress and anxiety. So, let's give it a shot!

Diving into the body through a Focusing technique called the "body scan"

Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. You may want to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to help yourself relax.

Once you're feeling relaxed, bring your attention to your body and the sensations that you feel in your body.

Start by focusing on the sensations in your feet. Notice the way that they feel against the surface upon which you are sitting or reclining. Notice the temperature of your feet, and the feelings of pressure, warmth, tingling, and so on.

As you focus on each area of your body, allow yourself to simply experience the sensations without judgement. Allow yourself to be open to whatever you feel, without trying to change it or make it go away.

When you reach the top of your head, take a few deep breaths and then release them slowly. Open your eyes and take a few moments to reflect on what you experienced during the body scan meditation.

• What are the different colors that you see when you focus on your inner world?
• What images do you see in your mind's eye?
• What shapes and textures do you feel within?
• Are there any sounds that you hear when focusing inward?
• Do any movements or sensations stand out for you?

When we focus in this way, we are able to connect with our inner world in a deeper way. We can understand our emotions and feelings better, as well as connect with others on a more meaningful level. Focusing can help us to access a part of ourselves that might be hidden from view when we are focused on the external world.

This can help us to understand ourselves better and to connect with others on a more profound level.

How Focusing can help people connect with themselves and others

Focusing has helped people in a variety of ways. For example, it has been used to help people:

• Access their creativity
• Overcome writer's block
• Enhance their communication skills
• Improve their relationships
• Process and make peace with difficult emotions
• Access previously hidden parts of themselves

Some people have even used Focusing to help them connect with other people who are no longer alive, such as deceased loved ones.

One example of how Focusing has helped someone to connect with themselves can be found in the story of a woman named "Sarah."

Sarah had always been a very analytical person, and she tended to rely on her intellect and logic rather than her intuition or emotions. As a result, she often felt disconnected from herself and from her own feelings.

However, after taking a Focusing workshop, Sarah began to experiment with focusing in her everyday life. She was surprised to find that by simply spending time focusing on her body and its sensations, she was able to connect with herself in a deeper way.

She discovered that she could access parts of herself that she had previously been unaware of, and that this new level of self-awareness allowed her to better understand her emotions and feelings. Sarah also found that by focusing on what was bubbling up inside of herself, she was better able to connect with others. Her relationships became more meaningful because she could connect with herself and so people could sense where she was better – and she became more attuned to others as well.

How do I learn more?

If you're interested in trying Focusing for yourself, there are many resources available to help you get started. Here are a few suggestions:

• The Focusing Institute: https://www.focusing.org/
• The Center for Focusing: https://www.centerforfocusing.com/
• Focusing Resources: http://www.focusingresources.com/

Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding of what Focusing is and how it can be used to connect with your inner world. Give it a try and see what happens!

Photo by John Towner on Unsplash