There is a distinct and meaningful difference between being invited and being welcomed. I compare this difference to the difference between accepting diversity and embracing it. Both are positive, yet the latter increases the level of connection between the individuals or amongst the group more than the former. With this in mind, I design invitations to each of the programs. Within the invitation I capture the 6 ideas of creating community by Peter Block: Members of communities must be active, as opposed to passive. Individuals within the community should not feel obligated, but rather show up by choice. Therefore, the decision to show up means something more.
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I aim to support the development of individuals through using group structures. My goal is to create and facilitate conditions that allow members of short-term intentional communities to internalize the feelings and positive effects of belonging after the community has dissolved.
I structure my programs based on the idea that a sense of belonging exists on a spectrum, where the more conditions that are met, the more one feels belonging. For example, the ability to be vulnerable and have a shared emotional connection can take place within a group of people through commitment and the belief that members have shared and will share history, common place, time together, and similar experiences. I use these conditions to create communities centered on the shared interest of self and group explorations, instead of a pre-existed shared group identity or passion, such as religion or political views. the basis of our communities is an interest in human connection.
The 3 criteria Brown provides for a wholehearted life are:
Sharing aspects of ourselves with others requires taking an emotional risk. Often we share in the hopes that others will validate our feelings. However, validation must first come from ourselves. The core principles of the Joyous Embrace Program combine these concepts of Wholehearted living with Self-Actualization (Maslow). |
AuthorVrindy Spencer is constantly seeking inspiration on topics of personal and human development, leadership, community, connection, and intimacy (with self and others). Archives
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