Tension Revelation!

By Keala Young, Atlan Centre, USA

We have learned at Atlan that having a foundational Agreement Field of our Community Agreements is essential, yet in some ways agreement is only the beginning. We equally need Practices to support us in embodying our Agreements. Like Attunement, Tension Revelation is one of those practices.

Shared Understandings:

• Tension is natural within communities, teams and all relationships. Humans have many needs and perspectives and working with others may bring personal issues to the surface
• We recognize tension and challenges can be opportunities to clarify, to deepen relationships, to clear false beliefs or expectations, or to redefine something that is no longer serving individuals or the group’s needs
• If not appropriately navigated, conflict can demoralize a group and limit efficiency
• We acknowledge that we are each responsible for our experience and that we are inter-connected with others through our shared experience. Each word, thought and action is an agreement made between ourselves and life, ourselves and each other. We hold ourselves accountable for our experience and are considerate of others in our choices
• We strive to not only resolve conflict, but also to learn how to appreciate the greater wisdom that the tension reveals
• We value clear agreements and we commit to abiding by the those agreements, ensuring that we are working together with mutuality and understanding
• Through our recruitment and on-boarding processes, our members are actively placed in, internally chooses, and are appropriately considered for the functions and responsibilities we hold within the community, team or organization
• Proper pathways exist for us to step into our highest potential, to work in ways that are supportive of our capacity, encourage our interests and passions, and inspire us to be personally accountable and flexible. If we realize that we are either unhappy or not fully capable of fulfilling a function, we have tools to work towards finding a solution, evolving a function of our participation, or to consider a different path forward.
• The natural cycle of rupture and repair creates clearings that can lead to breakthroughs through which individuals and teams will find new coherence and mutual benefit
• Through rhythmic peer-to-peer and personal review processes along with regular team check in’s, there are opportunities to express feedback, reflection, needs and requests. This encourages growth, supports clarity and empowers us each to receive and offer valuable insight

Phase 1: Awareness of Dimensions of Tension

• Tensions exist across a number of dimensions, and oftentimes simultaneously.
• Through identifying the Dimensions of Tensions – we “Name it to Tame it” and find ourselves with a better “handle” or two to hold it with.
• One helpful framing for the dimensions we work with are based on the “Seven work conversations” from Collab. They are:
  • Personal
  • Interpersonal
  • Purpose
  • Strategy
  • Operations
  • Business Model
  • Governance

Phase 2: Sitting & Sensing with Tension

• Taking a few breaths or a few minutes to breath can help settle the nervous system
• Scanning the body-mind for the shape and dimensions of the tension can help with honing and distilling

Phase 3: Calling a Circle for Tension Revelation

• A Tension Revelation Circle can be One, Two or more people.
• It’s important that everyone participating has the awareness of the process and a commitment to personal accountability and the community agreements
• A facilitator may be named in advance or chosen at the opening of a circle depending on the intensity of the tension and the needs of the participants.
• Based on the intensity of the tension, more care and preparation may be required, and in some cases a Restorative Circle may be a more appropriate process.
• Agreement for the location, duration and facilitation of the circle is agreed by all attending (if there are people unwilling to attend see the Restorative Circle Practice.)

Phase 4: Convening a Tension Revelation Circle

• An Attunement is held, and the circle is opened.
• If the circle is not complete at the agreed upon time the circle can consent to extend the time or schedule another circle for completion. It is important to honor any agreed upon time boundaries established in advance.

Phase 5: Completion and Celebration

• As part of the completion there is an opportunity to make commitments toward repair or to name any necessary actions that may be needed going forward.
• There is a closing round for appreciations and completion
• We call it revelation, because when it is done with depth, there is an authentic and palpable energetic relief and genuine sense of communion and embodiment of our Community Agreement of Lightening Up