Systemic Constellations: Revealing Unconscious Patterns
Capturing the Essence of Constellations
We begin with an unusual story of taming wild elephants. Although it may seem unrelated to the exploration of releasing outdated patterns and working with systemic constellations, it offers valuable insight. Just as young elephants are captured and tethered, we too can be constrained by hidden patterns that restrict our life choices.
Individual Patterns
Imagine an individual who grew up in their family-of-origin with an unconscious pattern of being “the peacemaker.” This pattern served them well in navigating their family’s dysfunction, but in adulthood, it limits their self-expression and ability to sustain long-term relationships. How can they express anger when their pattern demands peacemaking? Constellations offer a path to breaking free from this limiting pattern.
Organisational Patterns
Consider an organisation plagued by a cycle of leaders in a specific position who either get fired or burn out. The organisation blames these leaders, but maybe there’s a systemic pattern at play. Constellations reveal hidden dynamics, shedding light on the organisation’s history and its impact on the role. This understanding can redirect energy towards thriving rather than just surviving.
Uncovering Unconscious Patterns
These patterns often elude our conscious awareness, entwining themselves into the fabric of daily life. We excel at justifying these patterns, maintaining the status quo. However, if we’re open to change, constellations can unveil these unconscious patterns, offering us alternatives.
Setting Up Constellations
The process begins with a dialogue to identify dissatisfaction or desired change. Then, we physically represent relevant aspects of the situation, using people or objects as representatives. The constellation allows us to explore emotional dynamics, relationships, and broader contexts. It’s an experimental and systematic observation, often revealing insights through spatial layout.
Observation with Curiosity and Inclusion
During a constellation, we observe where energy flows, who connects with whom, and who is left out. These physical representations often reveal hidden emotional connections. For example, leaders in our earlier scenario who consistently fail might be isolated and sad however this isolation may connect to unresolved grief within the organisation. Bringing in a representative to embody these deeper links can unlock hidden tensions.
Recognising and Transforming Patterns
Once we name and understand these patterns, we can begin the work of replacing them with updated thinking. The peacemaker learns that anger can be expressed safely, and the organisation acknowledges unresolved history. This process is akin to installing updated “software”, allowing for personal and organisational growth.
Beyond Blame and Victimhood
In constellations, everyone and everything has a right to belong. We don’t seek blame but aim to understand why things are the way they are. Recognising suffering can be an essential part of the releasing process. Constellations offer us the opportunity to free ourselves from limiting possibilities and even rewrite what’s possible.
Unlock Your Potential
Research on neuroplasticity shows our brains can create new neural pathways, enabling us to rewire ourselves. “The Brain That Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge explores this remarkable plasticity of the human brain. Case studies reveal how the brain can rewire itself to overcome challenges, from recovering from injuries to adapting to new experiences.
Constellations can help us identify and transform patterns holding us back. If you’re interested in exploring this transformative process, please reach out.