Where did this practice come from?

I  have been interested in finding ways to connect with my essential Self for as long as I can remember. It has been a journey with many chapters, a variety of methods, many books and teachers.

The practice of  Shared Witnessing was born when I fell in love with a wonderful woman several years ago. I knew right away that if this relationship had any chance of flourishing I would have to show up in a different way than I ever had. My usual defenses were coming up, and I felt deeply motivated to not let my unconscious  fear rule this time.

I asked my partner to sit opposite me, face to face, with instructions to please not say anything and let me just talk, to let me express what was going on inside without interruption or comment--to simply listen.

This was a simple enough request, but for me it was an enormous risk. I wanted to be with this woman, but if I really shared how vulnerable and afraid I was, I felt sure she would not want to be with me. The decision to risk the relationship and be deeply vulnerable and honest with her became a portal to Self connection as well as a deeply intimate and nurturing relationship.

The same fears did come up as they always have, but being able to share them in a relatively  safe structure made a huge difference in my connection with myself, allowing for deep intimacy with my partner; it worked!

And there was a surprising benefit to doing this practice. As I focused my attention inward and shared my present moment experience  I noticed a deepening in Self awareness. Describing surface layers of experience uncovered deeper core beliefs such as "no one would love me if they really saw me."  Once I reached that level of awareness and acceptance I found that my beliefs, fears, and concepts of self dissolved away, leaving me profoundly free, in deep Peace, and connected with Self.  I discovered my most powerful, direct  portal to Presence!

Alas that relationship did not last, but the practice of sitting with others and sharing present moment experience took root and has evolved into Shared Witnessing.

We now practice in pairs and groups, in person and on the telephone. Our vision is to make Shared Witnessing available to all, as a path to healing and Self- awareness.

Thank you for your interest!

Eric Sucher