Simply put, Tracking is Paying Attention to verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication.
In the group, we hold the intention to be receptive and responsive to what each person is experiencing in the moment. This requires a capacity to let information come to you rather than you go out to get it. At first, we may only have hunches, guesses about what is happening inside another. However, with practice, we start to perceive more directly and learn how to check this out with the other. The information we receive is often telling us in large or small ways that the individual(s) feel seen, heard, received, safe or not; and how this matches or challenges their internal beliefs about themselves, other people, groups and the world. It is as if the ‘mind of the body’ speaks a special language we can learn if we attend to the non-verbal aspects of communication. Notice what you can notice about the following:
Tracking the Geometry
In this movement of focus of attention from oneself to others in the group does a lot to help us move from me to we/to broaden awareness of the whole.
Flying fish: a moment of magic when the group gels
Spark: delicious energy that could go into conflict or could fall in love
Swirl: not getting to the point, disorganization, not landing on the truth
Internal squeeze: Someone in the group uncomfortable, holding back
5 friends: where along this spectrum is the group? What does the group need to reach the next level?
Hot spots: tender, vulnerable topics that trigger members of the group
Near and far: who is resonating with the topic, who is neutral?
In and out: paying attention to who is included, and who is left out
How might you see yourself using these concepts when working with a group?
This is a preview excerpt from Mukara’s upcoming book, MatrixWorks: A Life Affirming Guide to Facilitation Mastery.
