Introducing Murphy, my facilitation Groodle

Caring for our community has been an increasingly strong theme this year. Last week I was grateful to facilitate sessions with staff at Royal Melbourne Hospital, where I trained many years ago, and with Geelong Adventure Specialists.

Murphy (my accredited therapy and facilitation Groodle, a Golden Retriever x Poodle cross) was right there with me, so I'd like to introduce him properly.

Murphy is a calming presence in the workshops I facilitate. He has a way of reading the room. Sometimes he'll wander over and visit people one by one. Other times he'll settle at the feet of someone in particular, often the person who needs it most to feel more emotionally and mentally present.

I don't direct him, I trust where he goes. People soften, their breathing slows, and conversations that felt stuck often start to move.

Once, in a hybrid workshop, Murphy walked over and sat right in front of the camera, as if he'd sensed the person dialling in from Queensland and wanted to connect with her too. It brought a big smile to her face, and it reminded all of us in the room to include her. Presence, it turns out, can travel through a screen...

For teams who experience a lot of pressure, the permission to pause and connect matters even more. Caring for others starts with being cared for, and sometimes a warm, furry companion is the simplest way to remind us of that.

Murphy is always optional and low-key. If you'd prefer not to engage with him, that's completely fine.

If you'd like Murphy to join your next session, get in touch.

Murphy and I are sending care your way. 💜