As part of IofCA’s quest to expand knowledge of different methods of creating peace within ourselves, our community, and the world, a Gesalt therapy expert Umma Thampu was invited to Armagh on Friday 22 August for an informal gathering. Gestalt therapy is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of awareness in the here and now, focusing on the individual as a ‘whole’ person encompassing body, mind, and emotions.
The 12 people who gathered had a stimulating conversation with Umaa and learnt about the Gestalt approach and experienced some of its processes which included deep reflections and dialogue. Umaa also outlined peacebuilding as an ’integral’ approach which very much resonated with IofC’s own approach of finding peace within as the path to bring peace to the wider world.
‘Sipping hot cups of cha and nibbling samosas, we got to learn more about "ourselves"; as we, the participants in the circle, were all welcomed to share our expectations of why we had chosen to be there, on a wintery Friday afternoon.’
‘Umaa’s approach was very engaging and one of the activities in the working session was responding to – “How many languages do you carry in your body?” This opened up an interesting discussion within the group as we all responded from different angles. One insight that was highlighted is the importance to understand the need to speak with elders within our community of origin, in their mother tongue, the language they naturally think, feel and operate with. Doing that transcends time, history and generations.’
Another question the group reflected on was ‘how many of you carry a heritage of ancestors displaced by war, poverty or colonisation?’ The group shared about the different journeys of their clans and the deep impacts it has had on them, as Umaa invited them to be more aware and sensitive to what they may be carrying through their roots and heritage.
There was lots of laughter and insightful 'aha' moments during the delightful afternoon. The organising team (Breakthrough Thinking team) look forward to further connections with Umaa including linking Umaa to the IofC community in UK, Caux/Europe and contacts in Sri Lanka.
