Nothing changes minds, builds connections, and inspires new ideas like a good story.
This foundations course introduces ways to lead the group transformational practice of the listening circle where groups explore listening and doing in new ways.
Learn to create spaces where stories can be shared and heard, to inspire change.
The Listening Circle is a practice that can be used in any setting, from corporate boardrooms to kindergarten classrooms; in retreat settings and remote workplaces; in scientific working groups to intentional living communities; in prisons and the halls of power.
Listening Circle practices have been proven to increase:
empathy
perspective taking
resilience
helping people and groups to
incorporate vastly differing perspectives and feedback
listen beyond limiting assumptions
understand their colleagues and work ecosystem
cultivating a growth mindset and developmental culture of innovation.
For anyone who leads and participates in a community or organization that is committed to change:
Listening Circles build the foundation for self-transforming communities, prepared to adapt in our rapidly changing world.
This workshop is
fun
practical
uniquely grounded in science
focused on creating a space for personal, interpersonal and societal transformation
This workshop is for a limited group of 20 to enable interaction and personal coaching.
With We are Open Circle Co-Founder, Miriam Jones and Founder of Aware and Awake Gala Narezo
Timing
In person
7pm Friday December 9th
2pm Sunday December 11th
Location: Woodstock, New York
Investment
$595 16 hour workshop, handbook and resources
Accommodation on site is $200 for two nights, food is potluck- there will be a group list and we will cook together. We will reach out after registering to ask if you would like this option
Accommodation is also available in the town of Woodstock if you would like to stay offsite
Program Overview
The Listening Circle practice: Key Elements of the Practice
Explore different forms of listening and how it affects the quality of our relationship, decision making, and actions.
Listening deeply
Exploring the basic elements
Listening Circle as a group mindfulness practice: witnessing the art-form of the group
Transitions and Thresholds - exploring the developmental phases in groups and individuals
Practical skills in building individual and group resilience in transition and change
Exploring cycles of transition and transformation
Movement activities
Nature-based work that increases sensitivity, perception, and discernment
Social resiliency and somatic practice for nervous system regulation
Creating deeper connection and community virtually
Understanding key elements for facilitating a listening circle (preparation for practicum)
Practices that create the conditions for collective wisdom online and in person
Aligning form to context and purpose
Facilitation practice and coaching
Building resilient communities in work and life
Apply the practice towards practical outcomes and to support resiliency,
Balance, and transformation in work and life
Practical application and facilitator mentoring
Applying circle-based systems in different environments - invitations and the process for creation
Different types of circles - ongoing, work-based, one-off events, community, family, school.
A few testimonials about our training:
"There are so many courses and self-help programs online at the minute and people feel a bit overwhelmed...what to choose? I feel that being heard, being listened to is something that is missed again and again. We are constantly taking in information and responding but rarely are we offered a space to be heard. From my own experience of being heard, I have got so much ease, clarity and insight. I feel that it is something that we all desperately need and so seldom have - a space to be with ourselves and others without taking in information, where we can be ourselves and then to be able to express who we really are into the safety and warmth of the group is the biggest gift a person can receive and give".
~ Veronica Ellis, Mindfulness teacher with over 25 years of experience + Founder of Mindfulness Connected Learning
“This is an excellent pioneering work…This training expanded my ability as both a leader and a facilitator to respectfully open space for people to share understanding on issues that matter and to reflect on problems in a healthy way.”
- Brett Robin Wood, Founder, Creative Wisdom
“We are Open Circle created a space of invitation and trust. I was able to transform and change. There are very few places where I would have the courage or feel safe enough to do such a thing. I learned a great deal and I now have tools that I use regularly.”
-Carolyn Wilkinson, Palliative Health Care Center Manager