This project has mainly been structured around five methodological approaches. Since the project’s origins in the Embodied Critical Thinking (ECT) initiative in 2018, Focusing and Thinking at the Edge (TAE) have been core practices within the team. Through the years mindfulness, micro-phenomenology, and artistic inquiry have as well become increasingly important components of our work. Each module was led by specialists from our collaborative organisations with extensive expertise in the respective approach.
Focusing:
Our first module took place between April and May 2025 and comprised six sessions, including a think tank. Focusing is a philosophical practice developed by Eugene T. Gendlin (1926–2017), based on his philosophical and empirical research as a member of Carl Rogers’ research team.
Within the project, the module was introduced and facilitated by a team of Focusing trainers and coordinators: Akira Ikemi, Donata Schoeller, Greg Walkerden, Guðbjörg R. Jóhannesdóttir and Monika Lindner. Read more about Focusing.
Date: 15.4. – 27.5.2025
Mindfulness:
Our work continued in September and October 2025 with Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training (MBTT), a mindfulness programme designed for university lecturers. The module consisted of five online sessions led by Mike Sandbothe, Lisa Hojczyk and Angela Meyer. Read more about MBTT.
Date: 4.9. – 9.10.2025
Thinking at the Edge (TAE):
In November and December 2025, participants were introduced to Thinking at the Edge (TAE), a practice derived from the Focusing process that supports the development and articulation of concepts emerging from tacit or felt understanding. The six online sessions were facilitated by a team comprising Kevin Krycka, Tara Breitenbucher and Karen Halsey. Read more about TAE.
Date: 20.10. – 1.12.2025
Micro-phenomonology:
In February and March 2026, we dedicated a module to micro-phenomenology, a research method that draws, among other influences, on Focusing and seeks to investigate lived experience in fine-grained detail. The six online sessions were facilitated by Claire Petitmengin, Katrin Heimann and Guðbjörg R. Jóhannesdóttir. Read more about micro-phenomenology.
Date: 10. 02. – 17.03.2026
Art engaged methods:
The project culminated in a face-to-face event in April 2026 dedicated to artistic inquiry. Over the course of three days, participants explored the potential of a range of artistic practices—including music, somatic approaches, languaging, and art in nature—to enrich academic work and research. The programme was designed and facilitated by a team consisting of Julia Lockheart, Jenny Roche, Gunndís Ýr Finnbogadóttir, Lovísa Eiríksdóttir, Guðbjörg R. Jóhannesdóttir and Monika Lindner.
Date: 13. 04 – 29. 04. 2026