of the groups that I am part of I have initiated and convene several. This does mean that I have two hats on which does to some extent does mean that I have less freedom to speak my heart and mind. But it works, and I found them valuable places for my own exploration. .
I make it explicit but I am convenor not facilitator, I speak when my turn comes round.
Drawback of that is that in two of the 3 groups which I’m convening is that it has taken a long time for the exchanges to deepen; as I’m convenor, I do not intervene when people are interrupting, as I probably would if I was facilitating.
If you were to convene a group, I suggest that you identify an area of common interest which will bring people to the table. This has been the case in each of the groups that I am in.
Happy to discuss further if that would help. Happy to be in contact.
This makes me think about something I heard once: "the best gift you can give another human is being there"
When we are met where we are at and listened to we can feel heard, seen, understood, validated, accepted. Saying things aloud can make them feel less scary. Or indeed sitting in silence with others can be powerful.
Often our presence is enough - it isn't about finding the right or wisest or funniest thing to say - yet perhaps at times we feel pressure to perform rather than be fully present.
Thank you Laura, for making/taking the time to comment. I appreciate what you say. Yes I intentionally and thoughtfully bring the whole of myself. It seems to be a good way to live for me and I'm glad that it is helpful for other people too. You never know, maybe it could catch on :-)?
I appreciate you, Martin, and your generosity in convening these vital conversations. I enjoyed this piece, which makes so much sense to me. Thank you for being open about the emotional intensity of anxiety and the lows - by sharing your struggles and insights, I feel my hand is held as I uncover my own growing practice of making enough space for the light and depths of life. ♥️
Although I facilitate meetings and online graduate courses I find that I don’t have the community of support that I need. Participants feel safe in the spaces I create - in person and online - but I am unable to find a similar support circle for myself. My inclination is to start a meeting group but I am concerned that I will once again become the facilitator. Any advice?
Hello Amy, advice hmm let me think…
of the groups that I am part of I have initiated and convene several. This does mean that I have two hats on which does to some extent does mean that I have less freedom to speak my heart and mind. But it works, and I found them valuable places for my own exploration. .
I make it explicit but I am convenor not facilitator, I speak when my turn comes round.
Drawback of that is that in two of the 3 groups which I’m convening is that it has taken a long time for the exchanges to deepen; as I’m convenor, I do not intervene when people are interrupting, as I probably would if I was facilitating.
If you were to convene a group, I suggest that you identify an area of common interest which will bring people to the table. This has been the case in each of the groups that I am in.
Happy to discuss further if that would help. Happy to be in contact.
This makes me think about something I heard once: "the best gift you can give another human is being there"
When we are met where we are at and listened to we can feel heard, seen, understood, validated, accepted. Saying things aloud can make them feel less scary. Or indeed sitting in silence with others can be powerful.
Often our presence is enough - it isn't about finding the right or wisest or funniest thing to say - yet perhaps at times we feel pressure to perform rather than be fully present.
Thank you Laura, for making/taking the time to comment. I appreciate what you say. Yes I intentionally and thoughtfully bring the whole of myself. It seems to be a good way to live for me and I'm glad that it is helpful for other people too. You never know, maybe it could catch on :-)?
I appreciate you, Martin, and your generosity in convening these vital conversations. I enjoyed this piece, which makes so much sense to me. Thank you for being open about the emotional intensity of anxiety and the lows - by sharing your struggles and insights, I feel my hand is held as I uncover my own growing practice of making enough space for the light and depths of life. ♥️
Hello Laura, I am writing the 'PS' to the series and am looking through all comments, so I have read yours again. Thank you, for your thoughtfulness.
I wish you well with '... making enough space for the light and depths of life' Yes yes yes
Although I facilitate meetings and online graduate courses I find that I don’t have the community of support that I need. Participants feel safe in the spaces I create - in person and online - but I am unable to find a similar support circle for myself. My inclination is to start a meeting group but I am concerned that I will once again become the facilitator. Any advice?