The most challenging part of our training is understanding the language of the body as expressed through gestures such as clenching of the fist, looking down or away, holding of tension, alteration in blood flow to the face or other body part. Because we have learned from earliest childhood to withhold facial and body expressions such as attraction, revulsion, disappointment, joy, we are often misread and misunderstood by one another. An exquisite sensitivity must be developed to sense and respond to subtle exchanges of energy and posture that are really screaming to be seen and heard.

“I am triggered” is a most common expression nowadays – but for Gestaltists the remark is only the beginning of an exploration, not an invitation to stop the connection. Staying with the connection to ourselves and to the other is called the Gestalt Cycle of Life.