Expectation, Self-Expression, and Communication (EEC)

a long-term program with

Christine Price and Sharon Terry

and guest teachers TBD

 

In GAP, we work with both self-expression and communication, making a distinction between these two terms. We are designating self-expression as allowing expression to emerge without particular concern about the impact on others. Expression, which could be any combination of breath, sound, movement, and words, is directed by inner experience and not focused on attunement with another person. This can include forms of physical and emotional discharge, sorting mixed feelings, exploring taboo expression, and is a significant part of some “open seat” sessions.

 

We use the term communication when we express ourselves with a primary interest in being heard by the other person. This means that we are attuned to communicating our experience clearly while taking into account the other person’s experience and attuning to what may facilitate their ability to receive what we are sharing.

 

Dealing wisely with reactivity (our own and that of another) is a significant factor in communication. Awareness of expectation is vital in understanding reactivity. This program will include a focus on the effect of expectations-  on communication,  in our relationships, and on our attitude in life.

 

What is GAP Study Abroad?

The GAP Study Abroad program is not intended as a substitute for therapy. This is a long-term exploration focused on a certain topic. We gather as a community of people in the educational model to support each other is our curiosity and discovery. As always, the essential practices* are the foundation of whatever we do. They will be an integral and daily part of this course.

 *GAP essential practices:

Taking our Seat: grounding and connecting to support

Basic Breath Practice: being in touch with the movement of breathing

Continuum of Awareness: noticing sensation, perceptions, and thoughts

Chris Price and Sharon Terry met in 2015 in the Wellbeing Project, an international project that included participants from many cultures worldwide. A few years later, they piloted a long-term online Gestalt Awareness Practice program designed to include people from many time zones. They called it GAP Study Abroad: A Distance Learning Program In Gestalt Awareness Practice

“Abroad: in different directions; over a wide area. “millions of seeds are annually scattered abroad in circulation, widely current, in the air, here, there, and everywhere”

Since then, they have offered these in-depth virtual programs annually focusing on various themes. This has enabled full participation for people who could never have attended a program of this length in-person. The length of each program allows the creation of a community where participants offer support to each other over time. The word “study” is intentional in the title because this program includes experiential process and didactic exploration with reasonable amounts of reading and journaling. Participants agree to daily practice because GAP Study Abroad programs are also designed to help incorporate practice in students’ daily lives.

 This program relies on previous experience with Gestalt Awareness Practice. Participants must have completed a recent introductory workshop in GAP as well as an intermediate or another intensive program that involves open seat. We ask prospective participants to consider whether this program is appropriate for them in terms of structure, time, and financial commitment. This group does not work well for people who dislike connecting primarily through zoom and who struggle with ongoing zoom fatigue.

As the work is both personal and congregational, participants must commit to full engagement (see below). By registering, participants agree to attend all aspects of the program, including all webinars. In the case of an unavoidable absence, listening to the recording and arranging to do the exercises before the next meeting is expected. Without that level of involvement, the impact of the course is reduced for everyone. We will arrange an interview with each applicant to ensure that this participation level is realistic.

Required elements of the program

• Daily Practice
• Independent Study Practice (ISP), including working with your advance directive in written form
• Webinars
• Partner Practice
• Small group session (triad)/ individual open seat
• One Monday night essential practice session each calendar month (your choice of Monday)

 

Optional

• Office hours (once a month)
• Meditation in action days (once a month)

 

Course Time commitment (approximate):                                                                                      Monthly hours

• Program days                                                                                           7 hours
  • Webinar Dates
  • In person
• Partner practice once a month 2 hours
• ISP average up to 2 hrs a week* 8 hours
• 1 Monday evening drop-in at least, each month (your choice of Mondays)

1 hour average

Minimum monthly hours:       18 hours

 

Course one-time events:

• Triad small group with leader                                                      5 hours
• Individual session with leader** 1 hour

Additional hours over the entire course:                4.5 hours

 

*Independent Study Practice times include daily awareness practice and requested reading.

**Additional individual sessions are available with Sharon for a $100/hour fee for Study Abroad students (discounted from $120/hour).

 

———-

Dates

 

Webinars

July 13 and 14

August 11

September 8

October 6

November 3

December 7 and 8, In-person, Aptos CA

 

Triad Small Group

• TBD per your schedule

 

Individual Session

• TBD per your schedule

———-

 

Teachers/facilitators

Sharon is the ongoing leader and administrator of this program. As co-leader, Chris’ emphasis is on curriculum development and independent study design. She will be co-leading the webinars. Sharon will facilitate Office Hours and Monday evening essential practices. Chris and Sharon will divide the triads and individual sessions. When Life intervenes, Chris and Sharon will fill in for each other as needed.

 

———-

Eligibility and application

Prerequisites: Intro to GAP, Intermediate, and participation in long-term study programs or other programs (e.g., Dreams, invitationals) is required. Once you indicate interest, we will contact you to discuss whether you meet the eligibility criteria and if you do, direct you to the registration form.

———-

Tuition July to October*

$2400

$400 is due as a nonrefundable deposit upon acceptance as part of registration to the program.

 

Payment options:

• $400 per month on the 15^th of each month – July, August, September, October, and November.
• $1000 on July 15 and $1000 on October 15
• $2000 on July 15

 

*If you have a financial challenge, please indicate that on your application form. If you need a different payment option, discuss it with Sharon – all proposals are welcome (except giving us your firstborn …unless they are a great admin assistant… then we might discuss that, too).

*Independent Study Practice times include daily awareness practice and requested reading.

**Additional individual sessions are available with Sharon for a $100/hour fee for Study Abroad students (discounted from $125/hour).

To apply, fill out this form.