In his Four Quartets, T.S.Eliot wrote, “Humankind cannot bear very much reality.“ Upon revisiting these words from long ago, I am finding myself peering deeper into the counseling spaces we create; to see what works for a client. And each day, I am witnessing the possibilities within that very space. In other words, when realities too difficult to bear in the present moment are powerfully reframed by what works, then the ability to “bear reality” rests on one’s success history which then enables a preferred, experienced reality to revisit the present mind.

This all takes place when solution-focused practitioners work to mirror the client and pose questions that bring to the forefront exceptions, best hopes and what is useful. This undoubtedly requires discipline for our minds to stay in the present, absent of judgement and in love, completely connected to the work the client is doing to define their own desired outcomes. 

So, let’s ask ourselves the kind of question that marries future-minded work with the necessity for us to be present; all while being receptive to what the client notices. I am so encouraged by the thought that the future impact of the work we share truly exists in our capacity to be in that present moment. The challenge is to sustain this mindset without fail, all while cherishing a client‘s capacity for change; enabling O’Hanlon’s “land of possibilities” to take shape.

So what difference would it make for all of us, if we prioritize this present part of our craft? One deliberate attempt at preservation could be to incorporate mindfulness-based practice into our lives as a vehicle to sustain the essence of our solution focused work? Better yet, if that space with a client is a mindful practice in and of itself, then we can pose the same questions to ourselves, to take notice of what works for us, to endure, be patient, find the next question, and wait for a response?

Perhaps the answer to that reality of space is not only something we can bear, but also something that humankind will undoubtedly welcome as a result of our presence.