Episode 41 of The Living Process, with guest Sigríður (Sigga) Þorgeirsdóttir

THE BODY THINKS FOR ITSELF.

In this episode I enjoyed talking with Sigga, who is a professor of philosophy at The University of Iceland and one of the founders of the Embodied Critical Thinking and Freedom to Make Sense projects.

In our conversation, Sigga and I touch on what it’s like to teach embodied reflection to philosophy students, the importance of critical thinking, and the prevalence of the inner critic in academia in the form of ‘the imposter syndrome’.

We also discuss various aspects of Artificial Intelligence and our experiences of using it, comparing it to human thinking and processing.

The Body Thinks for Itself. Episode 41 with Sigridur Thorgeirsdottir (Sigga):

https://youtu.be/DzR3oV-8YTE?si=ung8YLPycoa-NUft

The Living Process - all episodes and podcast links: https://www.londonfocusing.com/the-living-process/

TLP YouTube video channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC0TgN6iVu3n9d9q2l43z1xBMYY3p9FQL

Sigridur Thorgeirsdottir (Sigga)

Sigga studied philosophy in Boston and Berlin and has worked at various universities, specialising in the philosophy of embodiment, feminist, and environmental philosophy. She is one of the founders and the first chair of the United Nations University GEST-Programme at the University of Iceland and was also part of the group that ran the Nordic Gender and Philosophy summer schools. Sigga leads an Erasmus+ training program on methodologies of embodied critical thinking and understanding in cooperation with seven European universities (www.trainingect.com). She has published two books on this topic: Embodied and Elemental Thinking for a New Era (Springer 2024, co-edited with L. Škof and Sashinungla) and Practicing Embodied Thinking in Research and Learning (Routledge 2024, co-edited with D. Schoeller and G. Walkerden). This research has developed into “Freedom to make sense: Embodied, experiential and mindful research“.

She emphasises women’s contributions to philosophy and focuses on transforming the field and discipline of philosophy itself in light of feminist/queer knowledge.

https://english.hi.is/staff/sigrthor

Indigenous Therapy with Focusing, with Shirley Turcotte. The Living Process with Greg Madison

Episode 40 of The Living Process features special guest Shirley Turcotte. Shirley developed and spread a very successful integration of Aboriginal cultural practices and Gendlin's Focusing process.

In our conversation we touch upon the importance of a relational view that includes the ongoing support of relatives and ancestors and the significance of nature and the environment. Shirley introduces the depth of experience of Aboriginal trauma and genocide and how to respectfully work with such immense issues in a therapeutic context. At the end of the conversation we discuss how the IFOTs trainings are totally oversubscribed and Shirley is not available for teaching or contacts at present, so if you are interested in this approach please look for IFOT videos on Youtube.

Shirley Tucotte episode 40: https://youtu.be/4i1dRkDMPhk

The Living Process - all episodes and podcast links: https://www.londonfocusing.com/the-living-process/TLP

YouTube video channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC0TgN6iVu3n9d9q2l43z1xBMYY3p9FQL

Shirley Turcotte, a Canadian Métis psychotherapist, is highly respected for her development of Indigenous Focusing-Orientation Therapy and her work with trauma, abuse survivors, and Indigenous genocide. For many decades Shirley has been active in restorative justice programs for her community. She is recently retired and no longer available for teaching or speaking events.

#thelivingprocess #focusing #gendlin #indigenous #IFOT #trauma #genocide #justice

Alex Lyadov

Focusing on Business Therapy

Episode 39 The Living Process with Greg Madison

In this episode, our guest is Alexander Lyadov. Originally a chemist, Alex has worked in advertising, private equity, wealth management, and venture capital. We discussed the challenges of the business world and the importance of carefully interpreting Focusing language to avoid alienating business people. Alex also shared how Focusing helps maintain a relaxed attitude without a plan or knowing the session’s direction. He primarily works with company founders and emphasises the importance of a clear vision before further work can begin. Alex incorporates a sensitivity to spirituality, the importance of ritual and myths, into his practice. He lives in Kyiv, Ukraine, so we touched on the global significance of what is happening in his country.

Episode 39 with Alexander Lyadov: https://youtu.be/g3JtLZNUp7U

The Living Process - all episodes and podcast links: https://www.londonfocusing.com/the-living-process/

TLP YouTube video channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC0TgN6iVu3n9d9q2l43z1xBMYY3p9FQL

Bio: Alexander Lyadov is a business therapist who helps founders in transition unlock exponential value. With 30 years of experience in business—most recently as managing partner of a $50 million private equity fund and board member across industries—he now focuses on what truly drives growth: the founder’s inner world.

Blending psychology, systems thinking, anthropology, and mythology, he has developed his own method called Business Therapy. Through his daily essays and one-on-one sessions, Alexander explores how inner transformation shapes companies, communities, and the world.

⁠https://alyadov.com/about-me-eng⁠