I think about the panic/stretch/comfort zone awareness a lot, as well as the reactions to panic (I can’t remember what it’s called, but the one about avoid/withdrawl/attack self/attack others). I think these tools have made me more aware and relational in communication, as well as more aware and (hopefully) kinder when noticing others’ processes around these zones/responses as well.
Being in Flow, divining, strong, clear intentions AND working with the energy of what is alive in the moment instead of trying to force what’s actually happening to map onto my intentions.
The compass of reactions has been a tremendous tool in my life since attending the JAM. It has lead me towards expansion of self, and supported me through moments of conflict.
the embodied sense that i deserve to be happy. i was able to feel that for the first time in my life at the Jam, thanks to the love and support i received and the exploration that i did there. that feeling has been with me ever since. i also discovered that there is a community of heart/body/spirit-centered activists. people who are committed to their own health, happiness and spiritual development as a necessary step in any sort of effective societal change. these two things have profoundly changed my life and way of showing up in the world. they have given me hope.
I was introduced to clowning by Sukhmani during the jam. In the last few years(after I started working with the tribal and farming communities) … Clowning reawakened my inner child and the silliness of the act made me feel alive again. It helped me accept the external situations and respond to things in a thoughtful, genuine and playful manner.
The power of nature to hold space and ground and the attack self/attack others/ withdraw/distract framework have continued to be helpful. Having attended two wildly different Jams, I think I’ve come away from my total Jam experience a little sadder at the limitations that we have, just as people—that I have— to really see one another and show up in the ways another person might need. I realize that sounds pretty negative, but I think it’s enriched my understanding of how much subtext there is in any interpersonal interaction, and how much grace is needed.
So many…but some of the main is that there is time and space for me, and the practice and courage to take it, little by little. that my anger is welcome, that my wounds and processes if I open vulnerable, can help others to be themselves and show up with theirs. Something magical happens after 3 minutes of watching someone in the eyes..a veil falls down (the milling) that moment changed my life forever!