🔍 Finding Your Touchstone Memories
In Module 4, you identified your presenting problem and how you react. Now we trace that reaction to its source using a technique called the Floatback.
The Floatback Technique
The Floatback uses the body and emotion as a thread back through memory. Rather than searching your history cognitively — “when did this start?” — you use the felt sense to find the root.
- Bring your presenting situation to mind. The specific scenario from Module 4. Let yourself feel it a little — not fully, just enough to contact the edge of it.
- Notice the body sensation. Where do you feel it? What does it feel like? Let yourself stay with that sensation.
- Notice the emotion. What is present? Fear, shame, helplessness, rage? Let the emotion be there.
- Notice the belief. In this moment, what does this situation say about you? “I am _______________.” Let whatever arises come — do not edit it.
- Float back. Holding that sensation, emotion, and belief, let your mind float back through time. “When have I felt this before?” Do not search — let the memory come to you.
- Go to the earliest. If a memory comes, ask: “Is there something earlier that feels the same?” Keep going until you reach the earliest representative memory.
That earliest memory is your touchstone memory. It is the root of the network.
The Floatback can surface unexpected material. Have Calm Place and Containment ready. If the process brings up something too activating to hold, use Containment, close the session with the Lightstream, and continue another day. Do not force this work.
Write: My touchstone memory is _______________. I was approximately ___ years old. The feeling I had then that I still carry is _______________.