Similarly, this weekend I ran my Fail Is Not A Four Letter Word workshop with a small group of gorgeous people. Again, I saw that same connection formed. The diversity is huge – some are parents, some are teenagers; some are in relationships, some are not; some run their own businesses, some are employed, some are students, some are retired. The range of age, gender, sexuality, family situation, career choice, wealth and geographical location is wide. And yet as soon as you start asking questions such as: What are you scared of? What are your dreams? we find ourselves on common ground. Yes, the differences are still there – we fear different things, we yearn for different things. Yet we all dream and we are all blocked by something.
The more I run workshops, the more I know that it’s not the specific exercises or me as a facilitator that the participants are learning from. It’s the SPACE which these ‘particles’ make possible which allows the meaningful conversations and insights. The magic is happening where human beings hear each other, see each other, and feel seen and heard and understood in return.
I’ve always sought out these spaces, where people can connect at a level where things matter most. When I lived in London, I went regularly to Alternatives and loved the opening exercise where we were invited to talk to the person either side of us, finding out who they were and why they were there. I’ve been dancing the Five Rhythms for several years, feeling so at home in that space where words are not needed and we can connect through our energy and communicate through our bodies. I love spaces which are created to connect with the seasons and the moon’s cycles, like Katie Rose’s Full Moon chanting groups.
These meetings and connections are so precious and so needed. Let’s support, welcome, and create more of these spaces.
The World Needs Your Passion, So…
This week, seek out spaces where you can connect. What qualities make these spaces possible? What are your favourites – do they involve words, sound, movement? Are they in-person or virtual? Notice where you feel most at home, most seen, most alive. Comment here to share them with us. AND… create your own!
How do YOU create a space which allows people to connect? You might throw a pot-luck dinner to celebrate the harvest – have people connect from their hunger and their satisfaction. You might invite a few people to form an intimate discussion group where ‘dark and scary’ topics can be spoken about (link in to Hallowe’en?)
What do people need and want to connect about? How can you help them? Notice where your abilities meet others’ needs.
© Corrina Gordon-Barnes, 2008
* Fail Is NOT A Four Letter Word *
Find out more about this ever-popular workshop; click here.
