What does it take to show up as someone who creates a space for people to discover themselves?
From a recent attendee of my Foundations of Facilitation Weekend Intensive that happened in Oakland, CA. The next one I lead will be in Chicago, June 25-27th… Thanks, Madelon!
It’s been almost two weeks since I returned from taking The Foundations Of Facilitation 3 day training in San Francisco with Reid Mihalko and Marcia Bazcynski, the creators of Cuddleparty – among many other things – and I’m beginning to get enough perspective to filter my experience into words.
Being taught about facilitation by being expertly facilitated in a workshop on facilitation is a bit of a rabbit hole to go down. I was given space to discover my own ability to create space and what my obstacles are: Creating space in me creates space around me for others to have their own space. Whew, that’s a brain twister!
The truth is this paradox was everywhere and the lines between who is teaching, who is learning and what is being taught all blur together. Facilitating is all about giving and receiving and, as one particular exercise in the workshop made clear to me, they are truly one and the same.
Reid and Marcia created an extraordinarily safe space. They set a tone of playful and intelligent allowing, brimming with respect and downright kindness, that facilitated me going deeply into my own insights. Everyone in this workshop was my teacher and I’ve walked away with more trust and assurance in myself and the ability to reflect that to anyone who comes to one of my events. When I know my participants already have everything they need and we can really play and have fun together. This is the kind of facilitator I like being!
So there, I’ve tried to give it words and now I can just step back and say. “This workshop is amazing!” I could take it over and over and keep getting just as much out of it. For the facilitator to be facilitated is the biggest gift ever. It shows me how much I am giving when I receive it. It shows me my responsibility as a participant for how I show up. It shows me how powerful the non-doing of facilitating is – how what is NOT said can be much more powerful that what IS said.
Speaking of taking it over and over again… I’ll be doing just that June 25th – 27th when Reid Mihalko comes here to give this workshop in June. And I’m not the only one, another participant is already signing up to come here from San Franciso. I am sending this to you because I want to have my friends come play in this space too.
I know you as someone who is very interested in creating space for others to discover their own truths and share your authentic self in the process. If you’re interested in deepening your ability to do this, in strengthening your facilitation “kung fu”, as Reid calls it, come sit with a Ninja who generously shares his secrets. And come play with me!
Go to www.foundationsoffacilitation.org for more info and to register. If you’d like info about payment options – or about my experience – call or email me. madloni@comcast.net or 773-320-7571
With Love,
~Madelon
P.S. I invite you to pass this on to anyone you think may benefit from it as well.
