Systemic constellations create a living dynamic map of an issue within a certain system and are a practical, respectful and often profound way of illuminating the dynamics in coaching, organisational and other relational systems. The map (made up of ‘representatives’ – people in workshops, or objects in onetoone coaching) which a constellation creates, allows coach and client to access the wider system, see the hidden forces at play and identify new paths to lasting resolution. The … Read more
Inner Team Aligning the voices inside yourself
In order to grow authentically and spiritually especially if you uncover uncomfortable truths about yourself it is essential to discern the different voices within yourself, to understand their nature and their deeper message. Then we can begin to learn about how to let them work as a team and integrate them into our personality and viewpoints. And if we learn how to integrate conflicting voices inside ourselves then our ability to do this in outer relationships and situations is likely … Read more
The Practice of Forum Building transparency and authenticity in community
In the practice of Forum, we come together in ongoing groups to share deeply and authentically what is alive in us. With skillful facilitation, an atmosphere of safety is created, which enables us to step out of our comfort zone and into deeper levels of vulnerability and creativity. We also start to see ourselves as an integral part of the whole and not an isolated fragment. As witnesses, we build the capacity to hold more of the richness and diversity of human experience without being … Read more
Rank Understanding how power and privilege operate within and between individuals and groups
Amy and Arny Mindell, in Process Work, have outlined 4 types of rank and power (social, psychological, contextual and spiritual) and the signals that flow from those who have ‘high rank’ and ‘low rank’ in different situations. This is married with an understanding that rank is fluid, situational and by no means fixed. Developing rank awareness then becomes a lifelong, almost spiritual practice, leading to the development of mature, integrated and competent individuals and … Read more
Pro Action Cafe Bringing the wisdom of a group to the support of an individual’s task, project and vision
using a blend of World Cafe and Open Space processes, we can create dynamic, creative and fluid spaces in which we support each other to interrogate more deeply the plans and projects we are already working on. Focusing on questions such as, ‘What is the deeper question you are addressing?’ or ‘What is missing?’ can enable us to go deeper into the true nature of our vision. It also helps to maximise the contribution of group members, who actually love to support one another given … Read more
Participant Facilitation Group members can also support the formal facilitation
We need to put in practice the facilitation skills we have access to when we are participating in groups. We can serve the group process effectively by listening to every voice carefully, expressing ourselves clearly using the techniques of a non violent communication approach, by being focused on the topic, by asking the right questions in the right moment and building … Read more
Open Space Convening meetings on what interests us most
Harrison Owen created a social technology that enables people to convene meetings about the topics that are most alive in them and allows for crossfertilisation of ideas. Participants make sure they do what inspires them most, as they move between the spontaneously emerging landscape of conversations and interactions arising from the group. References: www.openspaceworld.org Handout on Open Space Submitted by: Kosha and Robin … Read more
Non Violent Communication Connecting Communication
Non violent communication was developed by Marshall Rosenberg, and invites to practice empathy with ourselves and the others by focussing attention on four components observation: an observation specific to time and context is recommended the facts instead of an evaluation of meaning and significance feelings: emotions or sensations, free of thought and story careful: “I feel I did not get a fair deal.” is not a feeling! needs: universal human needs, instead of particular strategies … Read more
Empathy The ability to really understand others
To step out of the assumption that mankind is “evil” and that people have bad intentions helps to really understand people’s motivation and intention. This means understanding on a rational but also on a heart level. If you reach a level of connection where your heart begins to warm to them that’s what it is. It is like putting yourself into the shoes of another person, role or societal group and not only knowingthis role or acting like this role but really to feelit. Understanding … Read more
Conflict Transformation Theory and Practice of Working with Conflict
Welcome conflict and embrace it as an inevitable part of human experience. See the other as yourself and sense the feelings and needs that underpin the outer expression. Create a sense of safety, possibly by bringing in a facilitator, in order to hold a bigger perspective and allow winwin solutions to emerge. Bring compassions to the conflict and see it as an opportunity for learning and deepening intimacy. Would you rather be right or happy? References: ● Exercise: Working with … Read more
