Open Space write up (UK conference May-07)

Specific Topic Psychology of Change

 

Overarching question How do we sustainably expand and support the network of communities working on transition?

Proceedings

This group explored: Moving with the changes - Heart, Soul & Spirituality & Consciousness Aspects

A prerequisite for a TT is having individuals with special skills to help people with change.

Moving with the change involves:

  • re-imagining ourselves
  • a new relationship wiht ourselves, eachother and the planet
  • looking inward and outward
  • recognising that the changes cannot be known ahead of time
  • a kind of undoing, that enables adaptability
  • learning to deal with anger, disappointment and dreams
  • understanding the issues and choices to be made

Useful practices and resources

  • Doing a Truth Mandala, which will lead to us reconnecting with our bodies
  • Joanna Macy - the Work That Reconnects, helps us understand the cycle of change
  • Ecopsychology (used in Totnes)
  • Transformative Learning (used in Thornbury)

The sequence of activities can be as follows:

  • Initially pull a group together
  • Schedule a series of events
    • eg Truth Mandala
    • eg constellations
  • Launch the group
    • singing - double circle 200 years into the future (Totnes)
  • The launch brings in members of the public
  • The group expands
  • Spontaneous events emerge

Totnes Heart and Soul Group

  • Each meeting had an experiential aspect and business as well
  • 80 people attended the Open Space day on Psychology, Spirituality and Creativity
  • Now planning larger events

For other communities setting up events

  • Who is your audience?
  • How will you connect with them? Put the call out...
  • When is it going to happen?
  • The challenge is setting up a more creative learning in a less "creative" community - eg a schools project

Some other ideas and resources

  • Home groups
    • allows a space to be based on groups - locals on the same street so they can work together through the change
    • enables everyone to be seen and heard
  • DVD and books by Joanna Macy help to raise awareness and follow the energy
  • The Way of the Tao

How does the Heart and Soul group work with the other groups?

  • Works on healing the split between Male (doing) and Female (being)
  • Helps people learn from the split (the group you start may manifest the "split")
  • Looks at the dynamics between the Internal and the External
  • Helps the other groups "replenish the well", preventing burnout and encourages wellness
  • Helps people connect to the earth, connect to what matters and connect with eachother
  • Bridges the gaps, introduces people slowly and creates a ripple effect