Heart2Heart Online
Being able to connect to the world through Web 2 tools and spend long hours in the computer exchanging intellectual material with anyone available is cool. On the other hand, at the end of the day we need to face ourselves again and reconcile with who we really are. The power we exercise in being able to interact digitally in an anonymous/faceless manner can win us many battles and give us a great sense of power. In some cases, however, it can only be a convenient escape – from our basic need to feel safe, valued and loved. As human beings, our innermost desire is to love and be loved unconditionally.
And whereas modern society applauds the independent person, the one who can attain self-actualisation alone, the self-assured individualist, what we really need is to connect once again to how we are truly one with each other at the deepest level. Our beliefs in separation, scarcity and struggle brought about by the materialistic mindset have led us to fear and compete with each other. The result has been increasing discomfort and a growing sense of powerlessness, not only individually but as a society.
We want to explore whether we can provide a community online where one can be simply oneself — able to share one’s deepest feelings without the fear of being rejected, judged, stopped, or criticized.
But there are issues unique to the virtual world that is not true of the physical world. One such issue is that of authenticity. The absence of verifiable information about a person leaves it open to people joining in under fantasized and contrived personality and wreck havoc on what otherwise could be a very meaningful session.
I wonder how this can be managed and how many people will be up to the challenge of exploring this forum.
JOIN US!
REGISTRATIONS for the Nov 8 online mini-conference – Heart2Heart Online: the place where we can simply be ourselves are now OPEN!
Event Details: November 8, 2008 00:00 UTC Time (or check your time here)
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Venue: WiZiQ (log-in details to be supplied)
Group Size: Maximum of 8 people
Facilitator: Greg Barcelon assisted by partner Ivy (guest)
Registration Required: In view the nature of the event, the number of participants will be limited. It shall also be private and access will be by invitation only, i.e., no drop-ins, unexpected participants or observers will be present. Kindly express your interest in participating by completing a short registration form here or by sending an e-mail to gbarcelon@shaw.ca stating your purpose for participating in this mini-conference.
For detailed Joining Instructions, go to: The Sanctuary
After participating in some on-line communities’ asynchronous discussions and synchronous sessions I have seen a whole bunch of people who are highly transactional and impersonal in approach. On the other hand, I have also observed that there are those who are reaching out to connect on a deeper level other than that of simply being utilitarian. My focus is the latter.
In the physical world there are communities that facilitate gatherings that are targeted on being able to connect deeply. One is the popular Heart Talk developed by Cliff Durfee or Mutual Support Groups popularized by Arnold Patent. I wish to learn how to make the same phenomenon (of simply being ourselves and open with our feelings in support of one another) happen online.
Please join my wife, Ivy (guest), and I explore the extent to which we can continue being our true selves even in the virtual world.
What issues should we consider?
What challenges should we be anticipating?
What can we do in order to overcome potential risks in such sessions, if any?
I'm intrigued by this session and interested in the "pattern language" or elements that would go into creating environments in which people are able to relax and "be themselves", to create deep connections with each other and explore conversations that are truly meaningful.
What kinds of things are important in the creation of this kind of space? Are the aesthetics of the environment in which you gather of key import or value? The presence of imagery and color? The options available or ease with which you can navigate the communication tools? The warmth of your welcome as you enter the space as a newcomer? The frequency and/or tenor of the conversation itself? Does having a clear purpose for being there make a difference? Do agreed-upon "rules" for interaction help or hinder? What are the intangibles and the things you can't plan for that either support depth connections or inhibit them?
What are the elements that contribute to a space where "authenticity" is no more of an issue online than it is if you are not online? Does sharing your "real name" make it easier or harder to be "yourself"? What kind of possibilities does the online medium allow that are not available in face to face interactions? Are there things that are impossible online?
What kinds of dialogic models, either online or off, support depth of connection and heart-felt sharing? Where do we go for models? What are the specific challenges of the online medium, and how do we translate what we know in one medium into another?
My own most interesting work is in creating the online environments that can hold and support these kinds of deeper connections between people. I'd love to share what I know and learn from what others are doing.
Please let me know where this session will be held and I will be there.
Amy Lenzo: amy@beautydialogues.com
