Marjeta Novak's Page

How did you learn about Art of Hosting (please add the date and place) and what attracted you to it?

I learned about AoH through Castle Borl movement (Miha Pogacnik's inspiring network) here in Slovenia. I even heard that the basic AoH idea was conceived at Castle Borl - not far from where my family (and my own conception!) come from :-).

Tell us about your experience with Art of Hosting as part of your life and work. What would you say your competence in it is? (new, starting practitioner, experienced practitioner, steward)

I come from the fields of training (intercultural collaboration) and facilitation - and I see myself more and more as a host. I have quite some experience in designing large-group conversations, using a variety of approaches - incl. Appreciative Inquiry, Open Space, World Café, Bohmian Dialogue, Nonviolent Communication. I co-lead a Dialogue Practice Group in Slovenia (meeting monthly), and an international Dialogue Exploration Group (meeting once or twice a year for a prolonged weekend).

What is the primary field/topic/focus in your hosting work?

Some patterns that I can discern: large-group events; circles; appreciative approaches; self-empathy as foundation for compassion.

Where do you live/work?

I live at the center of Slovenia (Ljubljana); I work internationally.

Would you like to share a web address?

http://www.humus.si

Are there interests/passions that you'd like to share?

My recent passion is compassion: how to invite more of it into our interactions (starting with enhancing my own self-empathy and compassion).