April Micro-Blog
A ‘Meaningful Circles Online’ workshop in March, followed by an in-person Council 1 course down near Horsham, West Sussex, in April - it’s been a busy time (in a good way!). Just drawing breath now before a fully booked Council 2 course in Lancashire May 9th-11th :-)
I always enjoy sharing the approach and technical methods I figured out during the pandemic and have been refining these last 5 years - ways of making Zoom feel like a conducive physical space that we share, where there’s a centre in the centre, and we all sit in a circle around it (all of us seeing the same order round the circle).
Tech video-conferencing settings without these adaptations feel so… 2-dimensional, so cold, so distancing. I love using my 4 decade background in IT to see something like Zoom as just a collection of features and options that, if selected and tweaked with care and with a strong intention, can be made into a setting where the magic of Council can really take place and really be felt by the participants.
Here’s how it can look and feel:
The Council 1 down in Horsham near the South Coast of England, was a chance to make a first visit for me to this part of the world and to plant a seed of Council. Hopefully this will be the first of several visits to nurture a community of people drawn to the spirit and values of the Way of Council.
The venue was a converted 17th Century barn, which had a lovely peaceful feel to it and a spacious garden filled with flowers and trees - and birds singing their heads off! Spring had sprung and the Sun shone on us all weekend.
Here are some reflections on the course by those who took part:
“The depth of vulnerability of shares and the safety that fostered them. The questions and answers in group and even at lunch were rich with insight and practical pointers. The other participants each brought so much to the experience. The beautiful grounds and environ. The depth of experience and sincerity of our trainer. Great modelling by our trainer.”
“One of the best trainings I’ve ever been on. An experiential journey that not only equipped me with excellent tools to facilitate groups, but importantly a real trust in their efficacy. This has given me the confidence and inspiration to integrate this practice in several spheres of my life. Go for it!.”
“I think you are an amazing trainer – thoughtful, compassionate, empathetic, humble, caring and considered. I learnt so much over the weekend and had a wonderful, deep and moving experience.”
“DO it! – it is a weekend of spaciousness, hope, friendship, kindness and open heartedness. And you will never forget it and have acquired life skills that will transform the lives of those around you!”
“The trainer was perfect in tone and demeanour. Teaching was crystal clear and he constantly checked that everyone was on board and up to speed. As a less able member of the group I felt seen and supported in all my needs and that is both rare and commendable-thank you !”
“If I had the opportunity to say anything to those considering the course, it would be, just do it- you won’t regret it and it may even change your life!”