FOUR WINDS DIALOGUE

New Program being developed: STONE SOUP

*****************************************

Transformative Conversations about What Matters

Dialogue is central to what we do at Four Winds.  We aspire to listen deeply and speak authentically with each other, with the Natural world and with our Self.  The kind of conversation we are referring to is one where we consciously use certain practices in order to develop and access Wisdom. The basic practices are that we:

• Speak from the "I": that is, use self-referential language that speaks from our own experience. 
• Listen with Presence: that is with a quiet mind and full attention on the speaker. Allow periods of silence for reflection and integration.
• Suspend and Examine assumptions and judgments that we hold, and seek understanding of our own thinking and others.
• Inquire from a place of genuine interest and not knowing.

We think of Dialogue as a different kind of conversation, one that seeks to encompass many different points of view and ways of knowing.  Its purpose is not necessarily to find a solution, but rather to reveal what wants to be known. It is a generative process that keeps leading to deeper knowing.  It is about Thinking and Learning together. 

We believe that a good dialogue is the foundation to learning, awareness, understanding and change.  We offer Dialogue groups to the community to give people from all walks of life the chance to discover and experience this remarkable way of being together.  It is our hope that by participating in The Dialogue process, we may all contribute to the peaceful evolution of ourselves and of humankind.

Current Offerings

Non Violent Communication (NVC) - a language of compassion.

Practice/study groups to learn more effective ways of expressing one's feelings and thinking, and meeting your needs.  Also serves to enable deeper listening and contribute to the well being of others even when you strongly disagree!

Stone Soup is a project that  is based on the old story about community making.  We will gather together to share food and conversation about what matters to us.

Services

Mary Beth is available to provide professional facilitation for your meetings, negotiations and other group process work that could benefit from thinking and learning together and an impartial and skilled facilitator.  Please call for additional information.