Finding Your Querencia
In bullfighting, there is a place in the ring where the wounded bull goes to feel safe. If he can reach this place, he can gather his strength and re-engage. From the point of view of the matador, once the bull has found this place of wholeness he cannot be defeated.
This safe, empowering place is called the querencia.
This beautiful Spanish word, not easily translated into English, refers to a place:
- that is safe, a sanctuary
-from which one can speak one's deepest truths
-where one can center and renew one's strengths
-for which one's heart yearns
-of ease and freedom
-that feels like home
There are times in life when we become wounded like the bull - disconnected from ourselves, strained in our relationships with others and otherwise struggling to cope. We may feel unsure of ourselves, doing things we don't intend to do. We may feel overwhelmed by our emotions or we may feel numb. In our querencia we are able to gather our strength and find an inner stillness that is more secure than any temporary hiding place.
The purpose of therapy is to help you find your querencia. In the bullring, the matador's strategy is to very carefully deny the bull the time and space he needs to find querencia. In therapy, you are offered the conditions that allow you to listen to your inner truth, help you to gather your strength, reconnect with your inner resources and take wise action towards what you most value in life.
Excerpts adapted from Indira Kate Kalmbach (elephantjournal.com)
This safe, empowering place is called the querencia.
This beautiful Spanish word, not easily translated into English, refers to a place:
- that is safe, a sanctuary
-from which one can speak one's deepest truths
-where one can center and renew one's strengths
-for which one's heart yearns
-of ease and freedom
-that feels like home
There are times in life when we become wounded like the bull - disconnected from ourselves, strained in our relationships with others and otherwise struggling to cope. We may feel unsure of ourselves, doing things we don't intend to do. We may feel overwhelmed by our emotions or we may feel numb. In our querencia we are able to gather our strength and find an inner stillness that is more secure than any temporary hiding place.
The purpose of therapy is to help you find your querencia. In the bullring, the matador's strategy is to very carefully deny the bull the time and space he needs to find querencia. In therapy, you are offered the conditions that allow you to listen to your inner truth, help you to gather your strength, reconnect with your inner resources and take wise action towards what you most value in life.
Excerpts adapted from Indira Kate Kalmbach (elephantjournal.com)
