All Inquiries are "open" questions: they can be answered by anybody and there is no "right" or "wrong" answer. The thing is to find YOUR answer. The answers may surprise you if you are truly present. They may also change as you keep digging, as you evolve, or as you work with a new partner. 

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For all techniques: 

Use a timer. Sit facing each other. Chose a question. Decide on a time frame (suggested time is stated for the different inquiries on the pages "Inquiryfrågor 1" and "Inquiryfrågor 2". Make gentle eye-contact. Start the timer and begin the Inquiry.

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After the Inquiry, don't discuss it; keep a respectful space around the work.

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THE THREE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES:

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• The repeating-technique (or traditional tecnique) is used for most questions: Sit facing each other. One of you asks the question and listens to the answer, the other person answers. During the allotted time you may have the question repeated as many times as you wish. The person asking says ”Thank you” each time the question has been answered, even if it is repeated many times. After 10 min you thank each other, then change over and the other person receives the question.

 

• Revolving technique: Keep the time frame stated (usually 15-20 min), but keep exchanging the question between you. One asks, the other answers; then change over immediately instead of repeating the question; revolving technique works like a loop, freely within the time frame. You may want to try a time frame of 30 min or longer for a single question, it can be quite enlightening! This way you put light on each others issues and you may find surprising and interesting new answers.

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• Satori technique: Originating from the Zen-tradition, working with Koans. A Koan is a question that cannot be answered but somehow addresses what is "behind" the persona. The intellect is useless and sometimes a "gap" in the personality structures becomes available, opening up to something entirely new. The framework for Satori questions is a bit ceremonial, very "clean". Chose a koan you wish to work with, it can be the same Koan for both of you but you can also use different ones. The time frame is 40 or 50 min. One of you ask the question, the other one has five minutes to answer. The question may be repeated several times during the five minutes, if needed. After five minutes you bow to each other, then change over. This pattern is repeated until the whole time is up: if you have chosen to work 40 min, each of you get to answer the question 4 times. You find the Satori-questions on the page "Satorifrågor"

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GOOD TO REMEMBER:

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• Only talk about yourself. If you have to refer to your partner: say ”my partner”, don’t say ”you”.

This is a great way to learn how  to own your issues and stop blaming others for what you may experience. It also makes the environment safe for both parties during the Inquiry. 

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• When you ask the question: learn how to listen. Be open and receptive to whatever shows up in your partner. No need to nod or agree, just be a witness and a mirror to the person you are working with. Keep your space in a loving way. Be aware of what goes on inside yourself while listening and include that when it is your turn to answer the Inquiry.

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• When you answer the Inquiries: Don't think that you know the answer; ask yourself as if you are completely new each time. Don’t be afraid to expose anything you find, and be aware of your body, sense it from the inside as you go along.

 

• Your body is the key! Sense it from the inside as you work. Let it communicate with you. Observe and allow movements and put words on as much as you can. Be curious and friendly towards yourself! The more authentic you can be, the more impact your expressions will have; both for yourself and for anybody witnessing. It is truly inspiring to be close to someone who can speak their truth without blaming anybody.

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• Working with silence: Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where nothing seems to happen. This is a great place for some extra curiosity! Even a silence can be described, because there are so many different kinds of silences. Some come out of fear, or from resistance - this can be felt in the body and described. Some come from spacing out - also possible to describe. If you feel numb - go on describing numbness. And sometimes we just feel quiet, peaceful and spacious - also possible to describe in words.

 

•  Be gentle and open, welcoming anything that wants to show up.

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•  Make sure you use the correct wording and that you answer the question as it is put. There is a reason why the question is as it is, so don’t change it. Include any frustrations!

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•  All Inquiry-questions are in English. You may translate them if possible, but sometimes the essence gets lost in translation, so best is to ask in English. As you answer you may play around with the meaning in your native language.

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You may also discover that it is great to return to an Inquiry you already did, perhaps with a new partner. You will keep evolving with the work!

Any resistance is a good indicator that you found a potent Inquiry question! Be friendly and curious. Sometimes our most profound fear is our own greatness! Explore all the scary parts, make friends with them so you don't have to fight them any more.. It is our effort to NOT feel what is going on inside that keeps things the same! Anything you truly experience changes by itself through your presence, and Inquiry is a great help for that.

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