The Power of Witnessing

​One of the major concepts in family constellation work is the idea of belonging. We belong to an original family system when we are born, and eventually create and belong to a family system of our own as we reach adulthood. A constellation session typically begins by looking at who and what is a part of the family system.  Often we find, at the root of many inherited familial patterns, someone or something that has been excluded from the family system resulting in a sense of "stuckness" that impacts the entire system for several generations. Through the simple act of acknowledgement, though, healthy restoration of the family system can begin to occur.

Surprisingly, the concept of acknowledgement can be difficult to understand, and the question arises "How can we truly acknowledge someone or something?"  By definition, to acknowledge means to recognize and accept the truth or existence of something. In family constellation work we call this witnessing without judgement from a place of compassionate neutrality.  Not only can the impact of witnessing apply to traumatic events, but also as a new way to see individuals. The power of being seen, acknowledged and accepted can heal many wounds. 

In 2015,  I attended the U.S. Constellation Conference in San Diego, California and was fortunate to hear Edward Tick, Ph.D., the Executive Director, Co-founder of Soldier’s Heart and author of  Warrior’s Return: Restoring the Soul After War, speak about his healing work with veterans and PTSD.  During the workshop he repeatedly brought our attention to the importance of individuals being able to share their story with silent and compassionate witnesses.  He asserts that this enables the individual who is carrying the burden to "share the load" with others inviting in space for healing to occur.

This month, in our mini-constellation exercise, we will experience being witnessed and witnessing another from a place of compassion.

In addition, we will close our circle this month with an opportunity to witness and acknowledge the global community from a place of compassion.