All Blog Posts Tagged 'green' - The Art of Hosting2024-03-29T11:21:52Zhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?tag=green&xn_auth=noWant More Book Sales And Profits? Become A Green Blogger!tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2022-10-25:4134568:BlogPost:1884012022-10-25T03:48:44.000ZĐọc truyện online - Truyenffhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/truyenff
<p><font size="2">The amoral, immoral, depraved, as well as the ungodly are on hand through this media. There's plenty to do in old England, an individual don't must be take our word for doing it. Even though storylines end, they rarely really end.<br></br><br></br><font size="+2"><b>Body:</b></font><br></br>I like reading, occasion. As a teenager I was always on lookout may well be great works of fiction. That's when I came across novels by Judith McNaught. Although Enjoy all her work but my all-time…</font></p>
<p><font size="2">The amoral, immoral, depraved, as well as the ungodly are on hand through this media. There's plenty to do in old England, an individual don't must be take our word for doing it. Even though storylines end, they rarely really end.<br/><br/><font size="+2"><b>Body:</b></font><br/>I like reading, occasion. As a teenager I was always on lookout may well be great works of fiction. That's when I came across novels by Judith McNaught. Although Enjoy all her work but my all-time favorite is "Perfect". Judith McNaught weaves spell round her readers may remain spellbound long after getting finished the books. There are times when you will find yourself laughing and crying with the characters or feeling their anguish or pain since own.<br/><br/>Wayne Jackson has an authentic perspective that relates to both soldiers and ordinary people <a href="https://truyenff.org/truyen-sac-hiep/#kvxh.ning.com" target="_self">https://truyenff.org/truyen-sac-hiep/</a> . In Lieu of light (Dailey Swan Publishing May 2008) has gotten terrific reviews and is amongst the showcased titles at the Book Expo America in Los Angeles.<br/><br/>The serious writer, apart from writing its own works and studying formally or informally inside the art and science of writing, will read the very best works inside of field of interest. A dedicated writer looking to become a superb novelist doesn't spend large portions of his or her time reading comic books (more on that within a moment). They shall be found automobiles novels in their hands. They shall be seen reading about product sales . writers they hope to emulate. They are going to discovered copying passages from the authors. They are going to heard discussing what others have written before, and they can sit listening intently other people speak of great works of literature and the men and girls who created them.<br/><br/><img width="450" src="http://www.sankakucomplex.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Ecchi-Visual-Novel-Sakura-MMO-3-Concludes-the-Saga-5-810x456.jpg"/><br/><br/>If extremely important, something like; "Mike, I hate to tell you, nevertheless the house is on fire," with a needed and understandable urgency <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecchi">Ecchi</a> in her voice, then I'll snap out of my focus on the book and do whatever's in order to done.<br/><br/>Our society is saturated with sexual content through television. Soap operas and sitcoms expose us to unethical and unprincipled lifestyles that oppose healthy spiritual life Who done its de-synthesize <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novel">Novel</a> us to death and the sanctity of life.<br/><br/>It is from the Harry Potter series that JK Rowling was more tightly edited at the start of (the first two novels are barely greater than 200 pages and coming from the time we get to number five, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, were faced using a weighty tome of over 700 pages) so it's very generally advisable at is utilizing of your career to bear the advice of your editor heavily in mind, especially anyone have are new to publishing. Every event, less is more, and a distilled and focussed book is more liable to captivate and intrigue a new audience in comparison with meandering epic that constantly loses its way.<br/><br/>Both writing tools at their simplest but a stride up of your quill pen. When I was at school we remained as using pens with nibs and inks. And I swear the skin on my middle right finger retains a dent and from a certain light looks Quink ink light blue in colour.<br/><br/>After all, wouldn't it's the greatest fun to waste your life immersed in that , which brings you greatest pleasure? Envision the majority of your friends loved you shouldn't things you decide to do and were a pleasure to be around because could consult with you for days on the individuals nearest and dearest to some hearts? Should you have had identified your ideal and pursued that which was of very best interest and enjoyment, simply how much would you enjoy going to "work" day to day? Wouldn't that make a "job" seem much more getting paid to be?<br/><br/><font size="+2"><b>Resource:</b></font><br/>Even sharing the depth individual spiritual journey can be a doorway towards enemy. The possible reason to do this is that the room doesn't have balance lighting between task and ambient children.<br/><br/><font size="+2"><b>Keyword:</b></font><br/>christian books, writing craft, book marketing, copy successful writing<br/><br/></font></p>Book Review - Austenlandtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2022-10-10:4134568:BlogPost:1879332022-10-10T07:00:00.000ZĐọc truyện online - Truyenffhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/truyenff
<p><font size="2"><font size="+2"><b>Title:</b></font><br></br> Book Review - Austenland<br></br> <br></br> <font size="+2"><b>Summary:</b></font><br></br> Wanted to use their cars out belonging to the weather. Lengthy ago i wrote and published an amorous short story on Amazon's Kindle. Within the.g. you wouldn't find a tractor in Regency London for incident!…<br></br> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CpTp-bZSQIo?wmode=opaque" width="560"></iframe>
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<p><font size="2"><font size="+2"><b>Title:</b></font><br/> Book Review - Austenland<br/> <br/> <font size="+2"><b>Summary:</b></font><br/> Wanted to use their cars out belonging to the weather. Lengthy ago i wrote and published an amorous short story on Amazon's Kindle. Within the.g. you wouldn't find a tractor in Regency London for incident!<br/> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CpTp-bZSQIo?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""><font size="2">You're for you to write a fantasy novel. You've come develop some characters, you've came up with some spells, you've even outlined your basic plot. What to do now? How about research? Probably the most important element of a fantasy novel is originality. And so the cardinal sin is not understanding what's already out there.<br/> <br/> Samhain's Embrace by Jesse Fox. If you have any use of Celtic mythology, you will find it a captivating little capacity. It's a contemporary story, put in modern moments. Bran has lost the passion for his life to a brutal novel romance killing.and only a shadowy figure from world of ancient gods and goddesses can cause him to feel alive again.<br/> <br/> If you want to make big sales you'll need to begin by learning out of the masters from the art. One way to learn how to write a romance novel is as simple reading the whole shebang of great romance novel authors at the olden days and modern times. Observe how they develop their plots and just how the characters and events relate on the theme of the book. Read romance novel reader that have elected big splashes in the present market. Tasty give you an idea from the the modern romance reader is looking for in an enchanting tale.<br/> <br/> How to attain a good ending? Along with resolving the problems and obstacles of your lesser characters as you are working toward the end of Act II and part one of Act III. Resolve the least of these first, leave the important issues intact for people to concentrate on and worry about.<br/> <br/> There doesn't have to get a denouement, often there's not and hardly ever in regarding story. However in novels any kind of length the author will usually add to the climactic scene and readers find that satisfactory or even comforting. It gives them closure to craze. Do, however, turn out to be brief. Dramatic is good, too, you sure is actually usually a lot less dramatic than the climax.<br/> <br/> Queer Hauntings by Ken Summers. In doing my hometown is the Truman's Entertainment Complex, which include two linked GLBT bars, one a sports bar and one a dance club. Did you ever pause and consider might be be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual spirits, too as the heterosexual ghosts we typically hear about from the ghost finder? That is the topic of the nonfiction book Queer Hauntings. If you love ghost stories at all, you'll locate fascinating, by way of novel reader famous ghosts (Liberace is said to haunt the restaurant he once owned, for example) to ordinary people and couples whose lives were cut tragically low.<br/> <br/> The real purpose within the romance novel is to an escape for the various readers from their reality. The person can temporarily ignore their responsibilities and transport themselves into the novel, pretending to work damsel in distress. They read the actual trials and tribulations in book to do with them and anxiously await their Prince Charming to come and rescue them. And, to take them away from all of the their troubles and woos to the place where they will live happily ever when.<br/> <br/> I am not suggesting a formula alone, but including these components in a work of fiction with a vivid imagination will permit reader to understand the story well. This will help to the reader's imagination be employed in the right direction.<br/> <br/> <font size="+2"><b>Resource:</b></font><br/> That is the topic of the nonfiction book Queer Hauntings. Susan Elizabeth Phillips helps make the list ultimately because of her best-selling romance novel, It Had to be You. Cheese, grapes and nuts work really well together.<br/> <br/> <font size="+2"><b>Keyword:</b></font><br/> romance novel writing, writing fiction, writing tips, simple guide in novel writing<br/> <br/></font></iframe>
</font></p>Sơ lược truyện con đường bá chủ - Artofhostingtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2021-04-25:4134568:BlogPost:1839232021-04-25T04:00:00.000ZĐọc truyện online - Truyenffhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/truyenff
<p class="post-full-custom-excerpt"><strong><a href="https://truyenff.org/con-duong-ba-chu/#kvxh.ning.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Con Đường Bá Chủ</a></strong> là bộ sắc hiệp tu tiên của tác giả Akay Hau nổi tiếng từ đầu năm 2020, là một trong những bộ tiên hiệp made in Việt Nam hot nhất hiện tại.</p>
<p><img alt="Review Con Đường Bá Chủ - bộ sắc hiệp tu tiên đỉnh cấp năm 2020" src="https://dauladailuc.com/content/images/size/w2000/2020/10/x1024x1024bbbb.jpg.pagespeed.ic.PvHJb8AAgX.webp"></img></p>
<div class="post-content"><h2>Thông tin truyện:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Tác giả: Akay Hau</li>
<li>Thể loại: Truyện người Việt sáng tác, Sắc hiệp, Dị giới, Hệ thống, Xuyên…</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p class="post-full-custom-excerpt"><strong><a href="https://truyenff.org/con-duong-ba-chu/#kvxh.ning.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Con Đường Bá Chủ</a></strong> là bộ sắc hiệp tu tiên của tác giả Akay Hau nổi tiếng từ đầu năm 2020, là một trong những bộ tiên hiệp made in Việt Nam hot nhất hiện tại.</p>
<p><img alt="Review Con Đường Bá Chủ - bộ sắc hiệp tu tiên đỉnh cấp năm 2020" src="https://dauladailuc.com/content/images/size/w2000/2020/10/x1024x1024bbbb.jpg.pagespeed.ic.PvHJb8AAgX.webp"/></p>
<div class="post-content"><h2>Thông tin truyện:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Tác giả: Akay Hau</li>
<li>Thể loại: Truyện người Việt sáng tác, Sắc hiệp, Dị giới, Hệ thống, Xuyên không, Harem</li>
<li>Tình trạng: Đang ra (đến chương 379)</li>
<li>Link đọc truyện: Con Đường Bá Chủ</li>
</ul>
<h2>Review Con Đường Bá Chủ:</h2>
<p>Bị kẻ thù tập kích, Nam và người cha nuôi là quân nhân đều bị giết. Nam xuyên không đến một thế giới tu tiên tên là Băng Thiên Đại Lục, trở thành vị thiếu gia phế vật Lạc Nam mới 16 tuổi nhưng đã qua đời vì bị đám người trong gia tộc bắt nạt quá tay.</p>
<p>Đệ đệ cùng cha khác mẹ Lạc Vũ có linh căn song thuộc tính, mới 15 tuổi đã có tu vi Kim Đan sơ kỳ, là thiên tài được chú trọng bồi dưỡng của Lạc gia. Gia chủ Lạc gia, cũng chính là cha ruột của Lạc Nam, vì muốn cứu đứa con trai thiên tài nên đã không ngần ngại móc mắt Lạc Nam chuyển giao cho Lạc Vũ sử dụng.</p>
<p>Sau khi xuyên không tới, Nam nhận được Hệ thống Bá Chủ, Hệ thống ban hành nhiệm vụ, nếu Nam hoàn thành sẽ đạt được các phần thưởng nhất định để dần dần trở thành Bá Chủ của Băng Thiên Đại Lục. Việc đầu tiên Nam làm là rời khỏi Lạc gia để bơi ra biển lớn, đợi đến khi bản thân lớn mạnh sẽ quay về báo thù cho Lạc Nam.</p>
<p>Nhưng các bạn đừng quên, Con Đường Bá Chủ không chỉ là tiên hiệp mà còn là sắc hiệp, lại còn là sắc hiệp chính tông! Vừa rời khỏi Lạc gia thì Nam đã bắt gặp một nữ tử xinh đẹp tuyệt trần bị trọng thương đang nằm thoi thóp chỉ với một mảnh vải mỏng che thân… Kết quả thế nào thì ai cũng biết.</p>
<p>Một trong những điểm đặc sắc bậc nhất của Con Đường Bá Chủ chính là khả năng mô tả cảnh sắc hiệp cực kỳ… xịt máu mũi của Akay Hau. Đoạn sắc đầu tiên kéo dài gần ba chương, đảm bảo độc giả đọc vào mà không rục rịch thì không phải là người nữa rồi! Hình ảnh mượt mà, full HD, âm thanh sống động… nếu là fan sắc hiệp thì chớ nên bỏ qua tác phẩm đỉnh cấp này!</p>
<p>Tuy khoản sắc hiệp trong truyện rất mặn mà và phong phú nhưng không vì thế mà phần tiên hiệp lại bị mai một. Cảnh giới trong Con Đường Bá Chủ là kiểu cảnh giới thường thấy, chia thành tám cấp bậc Luyện khí, Trúc Cơ, Kim Đan, Nguyên Anh, Hóa Thần, Luyện Hư, Hợp Thể, Độ Kiếp. Về đại đạo thì có ba đại đạo chính để tu hành, đó là Linh Tu, Thể Tu và Hồn Tu, tương ứng với việc lấy linh căn, thân thể và linh hồn làm chủ tu.</p>
<p>Main gặp được rất nhiều cơ duyên (đa số đều là gái gú ahihi) và cũng có rất nhiều kẻ thù. Main thường chơi tâm cơ mưu kế, giả heo ăn thịt hổ, tính tình đủ sát phạt quyết đoán, cực kỳ bảo vệ và bao che các nữ nhân của mình.</p>
<p>Đương nhiên truyện cũng có một số khuyết điểm nhỏ, chẳng hạn như việc tác giả thường sai chính tả, câu văn thì sặc mùi convert nhiều lúc khiến mình ngỡ như đang đọc truyện convert của tác Tàu, nhưng bù lại Akay Hậu có nhiều cách sử dụng thành ngữ Việt Nam phá cách đến mức khiến mình nghẹn lời, ví dụ như câu “phu sướng phụ tuỳ”. =)))</p>
<p>Con Đường Bá Chủ thuộc mô típ tiên hiệp thường thấy nhưng không đi theo lối mòn mà mang hương vị rất riêng, có cái gì đó rất Việt nên lượng độc giả theo dõi truyện rất nhiều. Truyện chưa đến 400 chương mà đã có gần 2 triệu lượt xem trên <span><a href="https://truyenff.org/#kvxh.ning.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Truyenff</a></span><span> </span>(chưa kể các website khác), xứng đáng để bạn đọc thử ít nhất một lần!</p>
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<li><div class="author-card"></div>
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</div>Đọc truyện Vạn cổ thần đế - Truyenfftag:artofhosting.ning.com,2021-04-25:4134568:BlogPost:1837582021-04-25T04:00:00.000ZĐọc truyện online - Truyenffhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/truyenff
<p class="post-full-custom-excerpt">Năm 16 tuổi, khi Trương Nhược Trần đang là thiên tài trẻ tuổi nhất của Côn Lôn Giới tu luyện đến Thiên cực cảnh thì bị vị hôn thê thanh mai trúc mã Trì Dao công chúa sát hại.</p>
<h2 id="th-ng-tin-truy-n-">Thông tin truyện:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Tác giả: Phi Thiên Ngư</li>
<li>Thể loại: Tiên hiệp, Huyền huyễn, Trọng sinh báo thù, Harem</li>
<li>Tình trạng: Đang ra đến chương 3.035</li>
<li>Link đọc truyện:<span> …</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="post-full-custom-excerpt">Năm 16 tuổi, khi Trương Nhược Trần đang là thiên tài trẻ tuổi nhất của Côn Lôn Giới tu luyện đến Thiên cực cảnh thì bị vị hôn thê thanh mai trúc mã Trì Dao công chúa sát hại.</p>
<h2 id="th-ng-tin-truy-n-">Thông tin truyện:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Tác giả: Phi Thiên Ngư</li>
<li>Thể loại: Tiên hiệp, Huyền huyễn, Trọng sinh báo thù, Harem</li>
<li>Tình trạng: Đang ra đến chương 3.035</li>
<li>Link đọc truyện:<span> </span><a href="https://truyenff.net/van-co-than-de/#kvxh.ning.com" target="_self">Vạn Cổ Thần Đế</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="review-v-n-c-th-n-">Review Vạn Cổ Thần Đế:</h2>
<p>Trương Nhược Trần vốn là con trai độc nhất của một trong Cửu Đế tại Côn Lôn Giới. Năm 16 tuổi, khi hắn đang là thiên tài trẻ tuổi nhất của Côn Lôn Giới tu luyện đến Thiên cực cảnh thì bị vị hôn thê thanh mai trúc mã Trì Dao công chúa sát hại.</p>
<p>Tám trăm năm sau, Nhược Trần trọng sinh sống lại trong thân thể một thiếu niên yếu ớt là cửu hoàng tử của Vân Võ Quận Vương, sinh sống tại một trong ngàn vạn cái Quận quốc ở phía đông Côn Lôn Giới, mà kẻ thù của hắn, Trì Dao công chúa, nay đã trở thành Nữ Thánh Hoàng thống nhất toàn bộ Côn Lôn Giới, địa vị cao đến không thể chạm tới.</p>
<p>Mang theo lòng thù hận sâu sắc khắc vào cốt tuỷ, Nhược Trần quyết tâm thay đổi số phận, cải biến thân thể yếu ớt của cửu hoàng tử, dốc lòng tu luyện để bản thân trở nên mạnh mẽ hơn, chờ đến ngày mặt đối mặt với kẻ thù của mình.</p>
<p><img src="https://dauladailuc.com/content/images/2021/01/xvan-co-than-de-ban.jpg.pagespeed.ic.GLV1Hy_2gX.webp" class="kg-image" alt="" width="562" height="399"/></p>
<p>Thế nhưng, yêu càng nhiều thì hận càng sâu, hắn làm sao thoát ra khỏi sự ảnh hưởng của Trì Dao? Mà bên cạnh hắn cũng dần xuất hiện những nữ nhân hào kiệt khác. Đừng quên đây là truyện harem, thế nên Nhược Trần nhà chúng ta có không dưới… 9 nàng vợ đâu nha!</p>
<p>Tình tiết trong Vạn Cổ Thần Đế rất lôi cuốn hấp dẫn, Nhược Trần không có bàn tay vàng quá lố, tuy hắn tu luyện cực nhanh nhưng kẻ thù lại ở khắp nơi, thậm chí cũng bị những người thân cận nhất phản bội. Tác giả không hề ngại ngùng ngược main trong một số phân đoạn khiến độc giả tức muốn hộc máu, nhưng theo mình thì những tình tiết này đều hợp logic. Kiếp trước Nhược Trần cũng chỉ là một thiếu niên 16 tuổi, làm sao trọng sinh sống lại có thể thông minh sát phạt như một lão quỷ sáu ngàn tuổi cơ chứ?</p>
<p>Có khá nhiều độc giả cho rằng việc main của Vạn Cổ Thần Đế cứ bị phản bội, bị tác giả ngược tơi tả là việc không thể chấp nhận được và phán truyện dở, thì mình xin được nói đôi câu.</p>
<p><img src="https://dauladailuc.com/content/images/2021/01/xFB_IMG_1563986541827.jpg.pagespeed.ic.y-PaJtwqjA.webp" class="kg-image" alt="" width="640" height="1137"/></p>
<p>Có lẽ do thể loại truyện YY bàn tay vàng có main tàn nhẫn sát phạt không gì không làm được đã xuất hiện quá nhiều trong các truyện tiên hiệp gần đây khiến cho đa phần độc giả nghĩ rằng tiên hiệp phải nên như thế. Nhưng mà các bạn ơi, sự đa dạng phong phú về tính cách main và chủng loại truyện mới là thứ khiến độc giả tiên hiệp mê đắm không lối về.</p>
<p>Ngày xưa chúng ta từng say mê một Kiều Phong vì nghĩa quên mình, một Đoàn Dự dại gái không ai bằng trong<span> </span>, một Tiểu Phàm dùng dằng giữa hai người con gái trong<span> Tru tiên</span>, thì sao bây giờ chúng ta lại quay lưng với những main không thích giết chóc và xem trọng tình cảm như thế?</p>
<p>Mình thấy vẫn có rất nhiều độc giả đang mong ngóng chương mới của Vạn Cổ Thần Đế từng ngày, sao bạn không thử bỏ qua những định kiến và nhảy hố một lần xem sao?</p>
<p>Nguồn: <a href="http://truyenff.com/#kvxh.ning.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Truyện ff</a></p>AOH Training for Practitioners of Social Innovation Labs: a tentative Proposaltag:artofhosting.ning.com,2019-03-11:4134568:BlogPost:1176612019-03-11T15:29:19.000ZPhil Longhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/PhilLong
<p>Well as the last blog post seems to date back to 2016 I thought I'd add my little piece here too...if only to keep thing current!</p>
<p class="p1">I've been researching and networking within the social innovations lab scene and I've found that they tend to rather insular and poor at sharing 'best practice' (i.e. stuff that they have found works) between each other. There are several possible solutions to this but such as developing a stronger sharing culture within and between communities…</p>
<p>Well as the last blog post seems to date back to 2016 I thought I'd add my little piece here too...if only to keep thing current!</p>
<p class="p1">I've been researching and networking within the social innovations lab scene and I've found that they tend to rather insular and poor at sharing 'best practice' (i.e. stuff that they have found works) between each other. There are several possible solutions to this but such as developing a stronger sharing culture within and between communities of practice - or an explicit triple-loop harvest which focuses less on context specific outcomes but on what patterns might be ubiquitous in other contexts. </p>
<p class="p1">Social Innovation Labs are highly creative places in which the outcome is unknown - in order the ground and centre this innovation work there is I feel a strong need to ground it in processes for nurturing positive inter-relations, open communications, feedback that is grounded in conversations that matter and a meta process that involves the group stepping back and evaluating and reflecting on the quality of their communication and relationship.</p>
<p class="p1">Social Lab Teams are typically smaller that a the kind of 'whole systems a room' events AOH tend to favour - however social labs always have the need to engage with a wider community of organisational stakeholders - often from very diverse backgrounds: ultimately success of failure depends on the ability to inspire, empower and enable the agency of stakeholders to believe in themselves and ultimately take ownership of the initiative if is is to have a lasting impact.</p>
<p class="p1">During my research and networking I found that the same issues came up time and time again - issues that as AOH practitioners we may have something to offer: There's an appetite for training in dialogic processes: some of the issues that came up up include:</p>
<ul class="ul1">
<li class="li1">inviting and convening he people who need to be involved (diversity/cross-sector);</li>
<li class="li1">how to help people show up with their whole selves and be present;</li>
<li class="li1">creating a safe space where people can express be vulnerability;</li>
<li class="li1">holding open the divergent stage without rushing to a solution;</li>
<li class="li1">how to better engage stakeholders so they feel ownership;</li>
<li class="li1">managing energy (cadence) through the groan zone;</li>
<li class="li1">storytelling skills, telling the truth without blame of judgement;</li>
<li class="li1">listening with open heart, open mind and open will to what has heart and meaning;</li>
<li class="li1">handling difficult conversations;</li>
<li class="li1">creative problem solving, working around obstacles.</li>
<li class="li1">co-creating experiment and prototypes; (although I think the actual solution prototyping might be out of scope);</li>
<li class="li1">getting people into the mindset that repeated failure is an essential prerequisite for success;</li>
<li class="li1">better understating of systems thinking and working within Emergent and disruptive change in Complex Adaptive Human Systems (cynfin, HSD etc);</li>
<li class="li1">strategies and tactics for approaching wicked problems and the 'infinite game';</li>
<li class="li1">negotiating the tension between strategic commitment coupled with radical tactical flexibility - What can we learn from Agile?”;</li>
<li class="li1">how to leverage improvisation, spontaneity and authenticity;</li>
<li class="li1">facilitating participatory decision making processes;</li>
<li class="li1">creating a legacy of deep long lasting change.</li>
</ul>
<p class="p1">Phew that's quite a list: far more that could be covered int a standard 3.5 day training. Maybe we'll just choose those things AOH is strongest - or who knows maybe we'll do a series and bring in other wise souls with deep experience in some of the more liminal areas.</p>
<p class="p1">I've purposefully left out action inquiry experimentation and prototyping which is at the heart of many social labs methodologies as well as triangulating multiple disciplines and perspectives.</p>
<p class="p1">The focus in my opinion should be on the the "we space", on radical collaboration through facilitated dialogue - the way the lab members can use process, rituals, ceremonies and agreed working practices to anchor their work in consistent collaborative way of working that will provide a foundation for their for their innovation work.</p>
<p class="p1">Many social labs practitioners are poorly paid, many are volunteers, many are part-time. So costs would have to be subsidised. I will be approaching various social lab networks and foundations with my proposal and supporting evidence. </p>
<p class="p1">In the meantime if anyone feel inspired to contribute in any way to this initiative please shout - especially if anyone has ideas for funding!! Seriously anyone thats done at least on AOH 'basic' training is more than welcome to express an interest in contributing in anyway they feel able</p>
<p class="p1">Of course social innovation labs dot the globe - I don't know where physically we would convene it yet - depends where the demand is - probably somewhere in Europe or possibly the UK. </p>
<p class="p1">Your feedback gratefully received. </p>
<p class="p1">Felipe (aka Phil)</p>Buddyguardingtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2016-11-27:4134568:BlogPost:1050822016-11-27T08:00:00.000ZAndreas Giesenhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/AndreasGiesen
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671446?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671446?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> Ruta Jonuseviciute and I like to share the story how we got mates at a training and became buddygurads for each other using AoH Methods. We also found out some guidelines how to buddyguard each other so you never work alone.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Buddyguard Story</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did you ever come back from a training thinking, how can I share my learnings and reflect on what has…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671446?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671446?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>Ruta Jonuseviciute and I like to share the story how we got mates at a training and became buddygurads for each other using AoH Methods. We also found out some guidelines how to buddyguard each other so you never work alone.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Buddyguard Story</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Did you ever come back from a training thinking, how can I share my learnings and reflect on what has happened during the last few days? Ever felt like you needed a softer landing coming home after a training? That’s how I felt after being apprentice at a training in Dubingiai, Lithuania where Ruta and I met in November 2015.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Since the impact of the training was so powerful and the topics so meaningful, we decided to meet online to share our learnings after the training and to make inquiries where we can practice what we have learned. That’s how it started with the two of us, which turned eventually what we call now “buddyguarding”.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We agreed to be meeting on Sunday mornings since this was a perfect timing for both of us to reflect on the things that happened during the last week and to get ready for the next week.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>At first the aspect of <i>hosting ourselves</i> was the main focus and the question was <i>how do I host myself properly and how can I bring more attention to it</i>. It was really supporting to focus on self hosting on a regular basis. In this way we could share our processes. In the following months the focus shifted more onto the question of <i>how to actually use the AoH methods</i> in our own contexts. Ruta works in a IT corporate business as IT Project Manager and I work as a Systemic Coach. I benefited a lot from having a buddyguard and since 1 year my Sundays always start with Art of Hosting.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Over the time I realized how important it is to have someone to share, especially when you come home from a AoH training. For me the trainings are quite intense experiences and when i come home it feels like I have to learn how to walk again. Being connected to someone who speaks the same language is a great gift and helps me to create a soft landing into the real world. And at the same time we can “keep the fire burning” in between trainings or gatherings.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Over the time we invited people to join us to practice AoH together. We worked on projects as well as personal topics using AoH methods. And we still invite people to come by to “sit with us by the fire” once they feel the need to warm up and share. This is an invitation to you to be an active part of the AoH Community and to keep it alive.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here are some guidelines we discovered to be helpful:</p>
<ul>
<li>Be brave and trust your feelings when asking someone to buddy up with you <br/> (you may regret not to have asked) </li>
<li>Have a fixed date and time and place (for us is every Sunday 9 am on skype).</li>
<li>Do it regularly (the most important).</li>
<li>Always do a proper check in (it builds up trust and strengthens the relation).</li>
<li>Harvest together (We used Google Docs, especially in the beginning it is important to harvest together as it helps you to feel that buddyguarding makes a real difference. Harvesting together helps to show the development and reminds you that you are not alone).</li>
<li>Have a good frame around what you want to do: topic, timing, limitations, expectations, guidelines, purpose.</li>
<li>Have an overall purpose for buddyguarding each other and have a purpose for every single meeting (keep it simple and personal).</li>
<li>Appreciate differences (we are different in age, experience, cultural background, working fields, characters etc. - it gives us extra value and diversity).</li>
<li>Be together in a space beyond right and wrong (it’s so nice to be in a non judging space, enjoy)</li>
<li>Always do a proper check out (it helps to keep in practice; it’s a lovely ritual, and it gives framework to end the session).</li>
<li>Don’t make it too serious or holy it should be playful and enjoyable.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>If you want to buddy up with someone or hear more, feel free to contact us. We love to share our experiences.</p>
<p> </p>
<p align="right">Andreas</p>
<p align="right">(with help from Ruta during one of our buddyguard sessions)</p>
<p align="right"> </p>
<p align="right">Facebook:</p>
<p align="right">Ruta Jonuseviciute (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/rutajon">https://www.facebook.com/rutajon</a>)</p>
<p align="right">Andreas Giesen (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/andreas.giesen.3">https://www.facebook.com/andreas.giesen.3</a>)</p>
<p> </p>Bristol - listening citytag:artofhosting.ning.com,2016-08-26:4134568:BlogPost:1046022016-08-26T11:49:20.000ZHeather Annehttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/HeatherAnne
<p>I am keen to start a listening circle in Bristol (England). Are there any Bristol based people who would like to join in?</p>
<p>I am keen to start a listening circle in Bristol (England). Are there any Bristol based people who would like to join in?</p>Art of Hosting 3 day intensive trainingtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2016-06-14:4134568:BlogPost:1038912016-06-14T12:00:00.000ZMira Bangelhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/MiraBangel
<p>Dear all, </p>
<p>Some of you have already registered. If you consider joining us for a <a href="http://artofhostingportugal.weebly.com/" target="_blank">3 day intensive training in Lisbon, Portugal on 22-25 September</a>, I'd like to let you know that Early Bird rates will be available until <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>this Friday, June 17th.</strong></span></p>
<div><div><div><span> </span></div>
<div><div>This is the very first training in Portugal. Portugal is…</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p>Dear all, </p>
<p>Some of you have already registered. If you consider joining us for a <a href="http://artofhostingportugal.weebly.com/" target="_blank">3 day intensive training in Lisbon, Portugal on 22-25 September</a>, I'd like to let you know that Early Bird rates will be available until <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>this Friday, June 17th.</strong></span></p>
<div><div><div><span> </span></div>
<div><div>This is the very first training in Portugal. Portugal is undergoing a period of many important transitions and dealing with an economic crisis at the same time. I strongly believe this will make this training even more powerful since many Portuguese change makers will be attending as well.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div><div><span>More information and registration details here: <a href="http://artofhostingportugal.weebly.com/" target="_blank">http://artofhostingportugal.weebly.com</a></span></div>
</div>
<div><div><div>It would be a great pleasure to meet you there. </div>
<span> </span></div>
</div>
<div><div><span>Love from Lisbon <3</span></div>
</div>
<div><div><span>Mira</span></div>
<p><span> </span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p><a href="http://artofhostingportugal.weebly.com" target="_blank"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671546?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>Free workshop on collaborative skills - Miami, FL - June 15 - 6:00-8:30 PMtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2016-06-06:4134568:BlogPost:1038822016-06-06T15:30:00.000ZFederico Renzo Grayebhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/FedericoRenzoGrayeb
<p><a href="http://ecoequo.com/entrepreneurial-thinking-skills-new-shared-economy" target="_blank">FreshBiz workshop</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>We are hosting a free event on developing the entrepreneurial skills of collaboration and creativity, by playing a fun Monopoly-type board game called FreshBiz. This game was developed in Israel and tests the impact of our actions on others and the benefits of collaborating. We do not charge anything but ask participants to contribute with $10 to any of their…</p>
<p><a href="http://ecoequo.com/entrepreneurial-thinking-skills-new-shared-economy" target="_blank">FreshBiz workshop</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>We are hosting a free event on developing the entrepreneurial skills of collaboration and creativity, by playing a fun Monopoly-type board game called FreshBiz. This game was developed in Israel and tests the impact of our actions on others and the benefits of collaborating. We do not charge anything but ask participants to contribute with $10 to any of their charities of choice, as a way to promote social awareness</p>
<p>We are in the process of submitting an application to start an Impact Hub in Miami, and we will use this workshop to explore how the community reacts to the concepts of social entrepreneurship and collaboration</p>
<p></p>
<p>Please help us promote this event to people you might know in Miami. The workshop details and contact info are <span style="color: #ff6600;"><a href="http://ecoequo.com/entrepreneurial-thinking-skills-new-shared-economy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff6600;">here</span></a></span> </p>
<p></p>
<p>Many thanks for spreading the word,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Federico</p>The Cynefin Framework is helpful for discerning adaptive challenges and appropriateness of AoHtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2016-03-03:4134568:BlogPost:1019092016-03-03T14:21:31.000ZJoe Ramsayhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/JoeRamsay
<p>(re-posted from <a href="http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2015/06/10/1002/">http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2015/06/10/1002/</a></p>
<p></p>
One of the most important leadership innovations of the last two decades is a model for assessing whether we are working with technical fixes or adaptive challenges. In the complex environment that we are experiencing, we can buy into the idea that everything is an adaptive challenge that requires an adaptive leadership approach. While we do face many…
<p>(re-posted from <a href="http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2015/06/10/1002/">http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2015/06/10/1002/</a></p>
<p></p>
One of the most important leadership innovations of the last two decades is a model for assessing whether we are working with technical fixes or adaptive challenges. In the complex environment that we are experiencing, we can buy into the idea that everything is an adaptive challenge that requires an adaptive leadership approach. While we do face many adaptive challenges in organizational systems, we still have aspects of our institutional life that do not need to adapt, but just fixed so that they work better. So the key for me when something “isn’t working” is to discern whether to adapt to a new reality, or fix the process so that it works better within the current reality.<br />
<br />
The Cynefin Framework developed by Dave Snowden is helpful to leaders with the need to discern this distinction. The framework approaches this issue from the perspective of thinking about whether a system is complicated or complex based on cause and effect relationships. Again, the key is to discern what kind of challenge/system is at work to discern the appropriate response.<br />
<br />
Here is a video in which the creator of the framework explains it. If you want to download a graphic of the framework, just google it – there are hundreds of examples. Or check out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynefin">wiki article</a> about it.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/N7oz366X0-8">The Cynefin Framework Youtube video</a>Conversations Mattertag:artofhosting.ning.com,2016-02-11:4134568:BlogPost:1017102016-02-11T13:29:35.000ZJoe Ramsayhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/JoeRamsay
<p>A posting that I recently shared on my website: </p>
<p><a href="http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2016/02/10/conversations-matter/">http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2016/02/10/conversations-matter/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I have been involved in a leadership role in the United Church of Canada from a very young age. Throughout that time, my participation in communities of faith has provided a container to engage in many, many conversations about things that matter: ideas, emotions, hopes,…</p>
<p>A posting that I recently shared on my website: </p>
<p><a href="http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2016/02/10/conversations-matter/">http://joeramsay.com/index.php/2016/02/10/conversations-matter/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>
<br />
</p>
<p>I have been involved in a leadership role in the United Church of Canada from a very young age. Throughout that time, my participation in communities of faith has provided a container to engage in many, many conversations about things that matter: ideas, emotions, hopes, fears, critiques, relationships, philosophy, cosmology, theology. The conversations that I have shared with thoughtful and open-minded people shaped my understanding of my life, of our common life, and of the universe. My understanding, in turn, has influenced the way I act and behave in the world.</p>
<p>I have also engaged in other forms of conversation: by reading books and articles by thoughtful men and women who offer their hearts and minds in printed words to which I formulate my own response; by listening to preachers and speakers as they inspire with oratory or paint word pictures and stories for consideration; by reading poetry and prose that engages my imagination inviting me to consider not only the world of experience but the world of possibility.</p>
<p>My experience is not unique — all of us spend much of our lives engaged in conversations with people, books, movies, sermons, lectures or song lyrics. These conversations shape our interpretation of everything that happens and they determine how we behave as we interact with the world around us. In fact, I would suggest that conversation may be the most important thing we do because our conversations ultimately influence everything we believe and every action we take.</p>
<p>Why is it then that some are so quick to diminish the importance of talking and so ready to elevate the importance of action? As change agents and social innovators, our most powerful strategy is the creation of places for deep and honest conversations. Because not all conversations are of equal importance in the shaping of our beliefs and actions; some conversations matter more than others. In fact, sometimes the conversation is enough. If we engage in conversations that change us, then our influence on our world will change even when we don’t define outcomes and create an action plan. Some conversations — just by happening — significantly reshape our minds and influence our relationships, our institutions, our money, and our work.</p>
<p>I am convinced that the most important activity for any organization that intends to change the world is to create containers for conversations that matter. That includes churches. It is true that the corporate activities of churches can have a significant impact by providing direct aid and influencing our political and social systems. However, the institutional activities of a church pale compared to the impact of its members living out their 112 waking hours each week. Even if you consider only the 150,000 who attend United Church worship services each week, they represent almost 17 million hours per week of influencing the world around them as they go about their jobs and personal lives, in homes, trades, corporations, factories, farms, institutions, and volunteer organizations. .</p>
<p>The most effective mission strategy for any church is to intentionally create spaces for conversations that matter. After all, Jesus did not create programs — he created disciples and engaged in conversation with all who had ears to hear.</p>
<p></p>
<br />
<br />
<p></p>Compartiendo cosecha de la potente formación de Art of Hosting, formato residencial en plena naturaleza cerca de Madridtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2015-10-20:4134568:BlogPost:997842015-10-20T10:05:26.000ZMariana Ruiz de Loberahttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/MarianaRuizdeLobera
<p dir="ltr"><span>Durante los días 25, 26 y 27 de septiembre disfrutamos de la formación de Art of Hosting en un formato taller residencial en plena naturaleza, en el fértil valle de la Vera (El cielo de la Vera). Nuestra pregunta motor fue:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>¿Cómo impulsamos el poder transformador de personas, equipos y organizaciones para crear juntos otro mundo basado en la colaboración y la participación?</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Tuvimos…</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Durante los días 25, 26 y 27 de septiembre disfrutamos de la formación de Art of Hosting en un formato taller residencial en plena naturaleza, en el fértil valle de la Vera (El cielo de la Vera). Nuestra pregunta motor fue:</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>¿Cómo impulsamos el poder transformador de personas, equipos y organizaciones para crear juntos otro mundo basado en la colaboración y la participación?</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Tuvimos la suerte de atraer con esta llamada a un estupendo equipazo. Los anfitriones llegaron desde Berlín, Reino Unido, Mexico y España, con experiencia en comunidades indígenas, multinacionales, la Comisión Europea, emprendedores sociales y administración local entre otros campos (Yeyo Beltral, Sole Pons, Linda Joy Mitchelle, Gonzalo Miguez, Carlota Catladi y Carolina Escobar Mejía) y a un nutrido y variado grupo de 30 participantes (dinamizadores comunitarios, consultores del mundo corporativo, activistas de 7 nacionalidades diferentes, personas vinculadas con la educación).</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>En este video- cosecha os compartimos algo de esta vivencia altamente nutritiva!</span></p>
<p><span> </span><span id="docs-internal-guid-087f211c-84b3-ad49-1e33-180b705f0996"><a href="https://vimeo.com/142224310"><span>https://vimeo.com/142224310</span></a></span></p>Bring your favorite pet to life on canvastag:artofhosting.ning.com,2015-07-20:4134568:BlogPost:985082015-07-20T10:21:30.000ZEric Danielsonhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/EricDanielson
<p>Painting the portrait of a cute pet would be the best ever gift to a pet-lover. If you have a pet and would like to bring it to life on canvas to recreate that love and bond you share, you can try finding professional art classes or exclusive canvas painting classes that can help you create one. When you are in New York, looking for <a href="http://www.thepaintplaceny.com/parties/paint-your-pet/">interesting things to do in NYC</a>, such art classes could be the ideal activity, especially…</p>
<p>Painting the portrait of a cute pet would be the best ever gift to a pet-lover. If you have a pet and would like to bring it to life on canvas to recreate that love and bond you share, you can try finding professional art classes or exclusive canvas painting classes that can help you create one. When you are in New York, looking for <a href="http://www.thepaintplaceny.com/parties/paint-your-pet/">interesting things to do in NYC</a>, such art classes could be the ideal activity, especially when you are missing your pet.</p>
<p>Here are the following steps that you should follow to make your favorite pet come alive on the canvas:</p>
<p><b>Have a good photo</b></p>
<p>Pick one of the best pictures of your loving pet and make sure the quality of the picture is good and clear. Rather than having it on your phone or laptop, it is advisable to have it as a hard copy. You may also get a clear printout to ensure that you are able to capture every detail of the cuddly pet. You may even choose to take a fresh picture with your most favorite pose of the pet. A distracting background with adequate light could provide a good contrast that would highlight the dark or glary eyes and colors of the mouth and ears of your pet. Let the picture have clear definition of the nose and mouth regions, as these would help you achieve a more realistic picture with details.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671086?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671086?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p><b>Adequate Reference Material and Paint Materials</b></p>
<p>If you collect pictures of your pet in various situations and from different angles with its favorite toys and diverse light settings, it would help you to a great extent during the painting process. At times, a single picture you have might lack some details, which you can get from the other pictures if you have multiple shots of your pet.</p>
<p>Most canvas painting classes provide all required materials for you to paint the portrait of your pet. Nevertheless, each artist has his or her own individual choice of brush type, style, size, paint, surface and technique. You ought to find what your niche is and choose materials accordingly. You may even request your chosen art classes to provide you with these things, if such an option is available.</p>
<p><b>Know Your Pet</b></p>
<p>It is not just enough to have a good picture. Unlike human portraits, the portrait of your pet would be much more real if you understand its personality. So, if you plan to draw one of your friend’s or loved one’s pet as a gift, get to know the pet by spending some quality time with it. This way, you can learn its expressions and notable mannerisms, which can help you draw the picture with finer details. Just a reference photo would not get you the same results which you can have from knowing the pet in real life.</p>
<p align="center"></p>
<p><b>Set Up the Work Area</b></p>
<p>This step is very important because creating an exclusive space to work on your creation would ensure privacy and let the work process proceed without any hindrance. There may be times when you will not want to stop. Having a dedicated workspace would create that secluded work atmosphere and let you continue for as long as you want to. This is why canvas painting classes or art classes in NYC are much in demand as they let you draw to your heart’s content by providing you with the right atmosphere. These classes even have painting instructors who can help you get the finer details correct should you get stuck somewhere.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671510?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671510?profile=original" width="283" class="align-center" height="437"/></a></p>
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<p><b>Take the First Steps</b></p>
<p>Decide if you are going to join one of the best art classes in town. You can often find them under ‘things to do in NYC’ column of the newspaper or Internet. These classes generally provide the required size of canvas and all painting materials. Else, you will have to get one from the local store. People who opt to do a pet painting prefer an 8 “X 10”, as it is ideal for a gift. You may even choose canvas painting classes that offer professional guidance. Such classes with have painting instructors who will help you select the right painting materials. </p>
<p>When it comes to getting started, one of the basic steps is to pencil draw on the Masonite or canvas as you have envisioned the pet. You can choose to make many sketches to decide the final composition you desire for the portrait.</p>
<p>To start with, use a cheaper paper to warm up, as this would help you decide the best look you desire and would let you overcome the little mistakes you tend to make in the beginning. Once you get the flow, you can draw <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2015/05/pet-portrait-painting-tips/">your pet’s portrait</a> on the canvas. The composition you finalize must suit your pet’s nature and must not be too serious. A touch of mischievousness would add value to the end portrait.</p>
<p><b>Actual Painting Process</b></p>
<p>There are different ways to paint. You may either start with the eyes and move towards the areas around them or opt to have the eyes as the last area to work upon. You may also paint in layers by creating a base layer and refining the same in your final touch. Remember to have the perfect palette to create the apt colors that reflect even the subtlest tones.</p>
<p>Once you understand the flow of the steps, you will be able to create a memorable portrait of your beloved pet.</p>8 Team Building Exercises for Adultstag:artofhosting.ning.com,2015-06-18:4134568:BlogPost:982292015-06-18T12:00:00.000ZEric Danielsonhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/EricDanielson
<p>You must be aware of the fact that team building activities are highly important to enhance the productivity of a workforce. Unless a team is able to connect, it is difficult for them to reach out to each other with problems or queries. Therefore, an organization should concentrate on effective and <b>fun</b> team building activities that are effective both in terms of budget and time.</p>
<p>In fact, <a href="http://www.thepaintplaceny.com/parties/private-parties/">corporate team building…</a></p>
<p>You must be aware of the fact that team building activities are highly important to enhance the productivity of a workforce. Unless a team is able to connect, it is difficult for them to reach out to each other with problems or queries. Therefore, an organization should concentrate on effective and <b>fun</b> team building activities that are effective both in terms of budget and time.</p>
<p>In fact, <a href="http://www.thepaintplaceny.com/parties/private-parties/">corporate team building ideas</a> should be such that they not only motivate the employees, but also give them a stock of beautiful memories. Some such interesting team building exercises are:</p>
<p><b> </b> <b>A Truth and Lie</b></p>
<p>This is an exercise where the team members introduce themselves with their names. Along with the names, they also state one truth and one lie about themselves. The main objective about this game is to convince others about the lie you said, and at the same time, try to find out the lies that others have said. It is an activity that enhances communication within a team.</p>
<p><b> </b> <b>Poker Tower</b></p>
<p>The idea behind Poker Tower is to motivate creativity within a team and simultaneously create a bonding among the team members. Each group is given a packet of poker cards along with a scissor. They are made to create a tower as tall as possible with the resources they have.</p>
<p><b> </b> <b>Group Painting Activity for Adults</b></p>
<p>One of the many fun <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/arianaamorim/teambuilding-activities/" target="_blank">team building activities</a> is a group painting activity for adults. You could take your team to one of those studios in New York, where the team members will paint such pictures that tell a story when put together. This way, they learn to handle a job while cooperating with everyone.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672488?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805672488?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
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<p><b> Helium Stick</b></p>
<p>This sounds like a pretty simple indoor team building game. However, though it might be simple, it focuses on things like working in a team and communicating within a small or mid-sized group. In this game there is a helium stick and the employees are asked to keep their index fingers on the stick in such a way that all their fingers are on the same level.</p>
<p><b> </b> <b>Mine Field</b></p>
<p>Mine Field, for ages, has been a popular corporate team building activity. The exercise concentrates on trust and relationship building in a team. You can have this game both indoors as well as outdoors. In this game, people are made to play in pairs, whereby one of them is blindfolded and has to act as per the instructions given by the one who can see.</p>
<p><b> </b> <b>Salt and Pepper</b></p>
<p>It is quite an interesting team building activity for mid-sized to bigger groups. It is preferable to have this game with an even number of people. The basic aim of this game is to teach employees ways to ask the right questions. During the game, everyone asks ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions and finally, when they are able to find the pair that’s most suitable, they learn certain things about each other.</p>
<p><b> </b> <b>Talking in Circles</b></p>
<p>This is one of the popular corporate team building activities that have daring feats involved. This activity is preferred by a team that loves challenges. In this game, team members need to form different shapes with a circular rope. They need to do it with their eyes closed. This is an exemplary exercise whereby team members pick up the skill to listen and communicate in a clear tone.</p>
<p><b> </b> <b>Egg Drop</b></p>
<p>This particular activity involves eggs and is considered to be one of the most engaging and fun team building activities. In this game, teams are made to drop a pack of eggs from a certain height without breaking them. With this, they learn to focus on a task and get highly involved in it.</p>
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<p>Team building activities in a corporate set up can stimulate ideas, conversation and laughter while forging strong bonds within the team members. So, start using some or all of these to create a closely-knit, productive and happy team.</p>The Way Forwardtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2015-04-09:4134568:BlogPost:970432015-04-09T14:18:54.000ZHoward Stantenhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/HowardStanten
<p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671050?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671050?profile=original" width="215"></img></a> </font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">In the Engagement Circles and World Cafes I facilitate, a recurring pattern is emerging. This pattern is a weave of two threads. The first thread carries with it the desire we have to bring our humanity to our organizations and our work places. All of it. Not just the strands that hide…</font></font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri" size="3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671050?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="215" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671050?profile=original"/></a> </font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">In the Engagement Circles and World Cafes I facilitate, a recurring pattern is emerging. This pattern is a weave of two threads. The first thread carries with it the desire we have to bring our humanity to our organizations and our work places. All of it. Not just the strands that hide behind our quick wits or the ones that slink into the corner hoping to go unnoticed. But the whole cloth of who we really are. The whole cloth. The part that is vibrant, attractive, and willing and the part that is faded, in need of repair, and bleeding its color a bit. This first thread is just beneath the surface. Sitting at the edge of the chair. Welled up behind the dam of pretending to be. Tears are its witness. And, its truth. Deep listening is its comfort. Trust is its reward. </font></font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">The second thread carries with it the firm belief that WE have the answers. The challenges, problems, and opportunities we face, run through US. WE are a wellspring of creativity ….waiting for the opportunity to be heard. To be encouraged by leadership to walk the path between chaos and order. A place where it is safe to go for it with all of who we are. </font></font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">Listen to Margaret Wheately describe this thread in her forward to <u>The World Café: Shaping Our Futures Through Conversations That Matter</u>: <i>“We actually do know how to solve our problems! We can discover solutions that work! We’ve just been looking in the wrong places—we’ve been looking to experts, or external solutions, or to detailed, empty analyses. And all this time, the wisdom has been waiting for us, waiting for us to enter into meaningful conversations and deeper connections, waiting for us to realize that we can be wise only together.”</i></font></font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri" size="3">And so, these two threads come together to weave a beautiful pattern felt in the center of our Circles and around the tables of our World Cafes. And, it is in this weave that as Toke Moeller says, “The magic of life itself,” is found. I quote Toke’s phrase frequently because I keep seeing it in the conversational spaces in which I find myself these days. WE need to remind ourselves that WE are part of “the magic of life itself.” This “magic” is, to me, the simple self-sustaining natural order of things. The way a forest regenerates after a fire. The way a field re-blooms after a flood.</font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri" size="3">Often, when we come together we forget our natural capacity to create together. We chop ourselves up into strands of thread that form a collective cloth that is weak and filled with holes. Each time I sit in Circle or Host a World Café, I experience the mending. I see the strands come together to weave a pattern that expresses the whole cloth of who we are. A pattern that shows that the solutions and way forward for our organizations and work places live and breathe within US.</font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri" size="3">I see it in the tears. I hear it in the new ideas. I feel it as the group begins to speak from its collective heart. And, it always does. Why? Because that is the natural order of things. That is what happens when we live in, “The magic of life itself.”</font></p>
<p><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">We look forward to sitting in Circle and around the Café Tables with you on April 22</font><sup><font size="2">nd</font></sup><font size="3">. <a href="https://www.klineseminars.com/1-day-engagement-leadership-training.html">https://www.klineseminars.com/1-day-engagement-leadership-training.html</a></font></font></p>
<p></p>Health Care Management Challenge: Building Trust and Social Capital Through Circle Practicetag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-12-13:4134568:BlogPost:955072014-12-13T16:56:55.000ZHoward Stantenhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/HowardStanten
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<p class="left">Health care organizations today are facing enormous challenges, not the least of which is long range planning in the face of acute systemic uncertainty. In the United States, The Affordable Care Act has been praised by some and vilified by others. The fact is the verdict is not yet known. This “not knowing” fuels the rampant uncertainty. Anyone who works on the financial side of health care institutions…</p>
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<p class="left">Health care organizations today are facing enormous challenges, not the least of which is long range planning in the face of acute systemic uncertainty. In the United States, The Affordable Care Act has been praised by some and vilified by others. The fact is the verdict is not yet known. This “not knowing” fuels the rampant uncertainty. Anyone who works on the financial side of health care institutions is now scrambling to build some sense of coherence into their financial forecasts and budgets. The political storm raging over “Obamacare” makes financial, and for that matter, clinical decision making all the more difficult. Remember former presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s pledge to end “Obamacare” on day one of his administration. How do health care organizations design a 5 year strategic plan within that kind of political context?</p>
<p>I suggest that successful planning will be the result of investment in what social scientists refer to as “social capital.” Simply put, social capital is a reserve of trust that can be used by groups to help solve problems. Social capital might also be looked at as what comes next after organizations invest in physical capital (structures, tools, technology) and human capital (training and development of individuals). Health care leaders that want to maximize the capacity of their organizations to engage uncertainty head-on and use that uncertainty as an opportunity to prosper through innovation will invest in trust building as a precursor to collaborative problem solving. High trust environments encourage every voice in the organization to be heard. Low trust environments leave valuable insights and perspectives unspoken.</p>
<p>There are those who may argue that today’s healthcare organizations simply can’t afford investment in something as vague and touch feely as trust building. The folks at the Harvard Kennedy School’s <a href="http://www.hks.harvard.edu/programs/saguaro/" target="_blank">Saguaro Seminar</a> explain that, “The central premise of social capital is that social networks have value. Social capital refers to the collective value of all "social networks” and the inclinations that arise from these networks to do things for each other….The term social capital emphasizes not just warm and cuddly feelings, but a wide variety of quite specific benefits that flow from the trust, reciprocity, information, and cooperation associated with social networks. Social capital creates value for the people who are connected…” Professor Robert Putnam, the founder of The Saguaro Seminar, has been studying strategies to develop trust and engagement for decades and describes two kinds of social capital, bonding and bridging.</p>
<p>Bonding capital can be thought of as the trust that brings together like-minded folks from similar backgrounds and social/organizational settings. A church group’s bonding capital is built in part upon their common religious practice. Bridging capital is the trust that connects individuals and/or groups from diverse settings and backgrounds. The same church group joining together with a local Synagogue to run a program to help feed the homeless is using bridging capital to transcend religious differences for a greater good. Neither bonding nor bridging capital is possible without trust, the belief that I can count on you (or my group can count on your group) to act with integrity, consideration, and honesty. I like to say we trust when we believe we can walk our talk together.</p>
<p>The unbridled uncertainty that characterizes healthcare today can, if not proactively addressed, destroy an organization. Clinical decisions geared towards what t is best for the patient are increasingly pressured and, at times, dominated by what is best for the financial health of the organization. Productivity is the prevailing clarion call at staff meetings. Clinicians can find themselves demoralized and burned out as their passion for helping others becomes submerged in a sea of administrative directives that boil down to this unsettling message: “Being a highly skilled, effective clinician is just not good enough anymore.” Administrators and managers may isolate themselves from the front line health care staff rather than engage in what may be perceived as a no-win situation in the context of unpredictable reimbursement models that demand squeezing more health care into less time while simultaneously somehow producing improved outcomes and enhanced patient satisfaction.</p>
<p>Health care leaders would be wise to consider investing in the creation of social capital. It is only by bringing front line health care workers, administrators, managers, and financial analysts together in the same room that a way forward will be found. Health care delivery systems are by their nature complex. Compounded by uncertainty, the complexity expands exponentially. Hierarchical management models that emphasize control at all costs miss out on leveraging the most powerful idea generating capacity they have, their people.</p>
<p>I recently returned from Tennessee beginning a yearlong project working with one of my mentors, Tracy Roberts, CEO of <a href="http://www.thecirclecenter.com/" target="_blank">Circle Center Consulting</a>. The work involves a leading accountable care organization committed to lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. The day I returned, I continued my ongoing work with another mentor and good friend Michael Kline of <a href="http://www.klineseminars.com/" target="_blank">Kline Seminars</a>. We work with local health care teams striving to increase staff engagement in a setting of recent mergers. In both cases, we use a collaborative leadership methodology called <a href="https://hstanten.wordpress.com/2014/07/27/build-a-circle-and-they-will-come/" target="_blank">Circle Process</a> to bring people into meaningful, productive conversations that create social capital. This process focuses on building trust first so that teams become more engaged with others within their team (creating bonding capital) and more engaged with teams from different departments (creating bridging capital). One participant echoed the sentiment of many when she said, “I so appreciate the fact that we work for an organization where the leader invests in this process where we can be with each other as human beings first.”</p>
<p>There is never a superficial magic bullet or a one size fits all solution. But, there is magic and there are solutions. Circle Process is one of many <a href="http://www.artofhosting.org/" target="_blank">relational practices</a> that create a space conducive to leveraging the deep self-organizing magic of life itself. It is a practice well suited for health care organizations committed to navigating these uncertain times and emerging as successful beacons of hope for an industry in desperate need of realizing a new path forward.</p>
</div>Northland Community Engagement Team report releasedtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-11-19:4134568:BlogPost:952252014-11-19T18:00:00.000ZRobert Bennhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/RobertBenn
<p><a href="http://nsd61.ca/about-us" target="_blank">http://nsd61.ca/about-us</a></p>
<p>The Government of Alberta released the work we did with the Northland Community Engagement Team. We worked with the Team of minister appointed First Nation and Metis representatives from communities across northern Alberta, for 9 months in 2011. We visually facilitated while the team reviewed recommendations from the 2009 Inquiry Team, through the lens of "Kids First", and through consensus building…</p>
<p><a href="http://nsd61.ca/about-us" target="_blank">http://nsd61.ca/about-us</a></p>
<p>The Government of Alberta released the work we did with the Northland Community Engagement Team. We worked with the Team of minister appointed First Nation and Metis representatives from communities across northern Alberta, for 9 months in 2011. We visually facilitated while the team reviewed recommendations from the 2009 Inquiry Team, through the lens of "Kids First", and through consensus building processes came out with some inspiring and informative conclusions. </p>
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<p>On the NSD-61 page there are two images; 1, the Vision Elements - meant to guide the future school board toward developing their vision, 2, a guide for engaging First Nation and Metis communities. </p>Build a Circle and They Will Come…tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-10-24:4134568:BlogPost:946312014-10-24T00:11:30.000ZHoward Stantenhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/HowardStanten
<p style="text-align: left;">Regardless of where on the spectrum of formal structure a present day meeting may lie, a simple yet powerful assumption most often hangs in the shadows: “<em>Silence means consent!” </em>These words are specifically spelled out in Robert’s Rules of Order. Even meetings that take place with far less structure and order tend to make this assumption.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Anyone have anything to add? Any further comments?…..(silence)… Good then, it’s…</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Regardless of where on the spectrum of formal structure a present day meeting may lie, a simple yet powerful assumption most often hangs in the shadows: “<em>Silence means consent!” </em>These words are specifically spelled out in Robert’s Rules of Order. Even meetings that take place with far less structure and order tend to make this assumption.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">“Anyone have anything to add? Any further comments?…..(silence)… Good then, it’s decided…..” The leader smiles and nods. The formal meeting adjourns. And, the informal meetings begin to buzz in the hallways and parking lots. These whispered conversations defy both the implied threat and presumed reality that somehow if we don’t speak in a meeting we are giving our consent. These meetings after the meeting are most often interwoven with strands of creative ideas buried under the weight of disillusioned dissent.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The flip side of the empty promise of “silence means consent” is that point in a meeting when ideas are becoming so divergent and the energy so seemingly scattered and frenetic that the leader, with a raised hand and loud voice, shuts down the conversation deeming it “unproductive,” or “better left for discussion at another time.” Frequently, this declaration is followed by a quick unilateral decision intended to “move things forward.” And, the informal meetings begin to buzz in the hallways and parking lots….</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Consent is assumed while silent voices are left unheard and order is validated. Consent is lost while divergent voices are silenced and control is imposed. On either side of this same coin, creative ideas are either never heard or never given the chance to converge into meaningful action. If we can agree that our people are our organization’s most valuable asset, surely we can agree that in order to be most successful, we would be wise to leverage this most valuable asset to the greatest extent possible. When we leave voices unheard or squelch voices that diverge, we under-utilize our best asset and risk introducing unnecessary inefficiency into our decision-making process, leaving solutions unharvested in a field of unrealized possibilities.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Habit steeped in protocol, work appropriate social masking, and conformity to expectation tend to dominate our way of being together in the workplace. After all, control and order are the traditional pillars upon which efficiency is built, be it in production or service. The well thought out plan of leadership needs only to be executed and expected results should follow. So simple. So….why is leadership so often immersed in putting out fires that use systems as kindling? Why aren’t “they” embracing the system, meeting expectations, proactively solving problems, and committing to the program? Why does everything always have to be so complicated??</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Because, human beings <em>are </em>complicated. And, human beings are meaning makers. From the first hieroglyphics etched into the walls of caves, to the tribal councils sitting around the fire, to the Bible, Koran, the Renaissance, the industrial revolution, the space age, to today, human beings struggle and revel in the process of making meaning. The gift of consciousness allows us to be aware of our ability to shape and contribute to our world. The ability to make meaning using the tools of an evolved consciousness defines our humanity, what it is that makes us human. Most of us, at some level, strive to connect, share with, and contribute to each other’s lives and the world around us. We bring our humanity into the arena of community where our individual <a title="World View Seminar Nova Scotia" href="http://http//shapeshiftstrategies.wordpress.com/shape-shift-aoh-offerings/introduction-to-the-transformative-power-of-worldview-awareness/">world views</a> are tested, welcomed, challenged, and shaped.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As we bring our humanity into our work places and organizations, we often encounter an unsettling shift that requires us to leave some part of who we are (as meaning making humans) hidden behind a mask. A tension often develops between the kind of person we feel we are and want to be and the person we are expected to be or think we are supposed to be in order to be successful. This tension may result in our giving silently resentful consent or loudly disrespectful dissent when we enter into meetings. Either way, our voices are often left unheard. And, valuable assets are left underutilized.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">What if instead of individuals trying to figure out what “mask” might offer them the best opportunity for success, the structure of the meeting was reshaped? What if this structure invited the participants to show up without any mask at all? The sign outside the meeting room might read, “Humanity Welcomed!”</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Circle Process Leadership Training North Conway, NH" href="http://www.klineseminars.com/"><img width="300" height="224" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-55 aligncenter" alt="10494646_650008881734274_2586825307883043531_n" src="http://hstanten.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/10494646_650008881734274_2586825307883043531_n.jpg?w=300&h=224"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">C<a title="Circle Process Training" href="http://www.klineseminars.com/">ircle Process</a> is a meeting methodology that offers such a reshaping. Literally and figuratively. The rectangular table is removed and the chairs arranged in a circle. The center is filled with tokens of meaning for that particular organization, perhaps a mission statement, pictures and testimonials of delighted clients, or smiling patients recovered from illness. We speak with intention and listen with attention. We agree to guidelines that give order to the meeting as we share responsibility for holding each other accountable to adhering to those guidelines. Silent voices are respected without any presumption of meaning. These voices frequently emerge as trust is built through the sharing of stories. Divergent voices are respected without attempts to silence their input. The principles and practices of Circle Process provide a structure that allows and encourages <a title="Divergence-Emergence-Convergence" href="http://http//shapeshiftstrategies.wordpress.com/tag/divergence-convergence/">divergence</a> to follow its natural course increasing the opportunity for <a title="Divergence-Emergence-Convergence" href="http://http//shapeshiftstrategies.wordpress.com/tag/divergence-convergence/">convergence</a> around synergistic solutions. As silent voices find their voice and divergent voices find ways forward not previously imagined, human assets become highly leveraged and decision-making actually gains efficiency through the creation of sustainable solutions.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Everyone may not always agree with the final decisions. However, using a process that respects and values humanity will more likely result in time previously spent whispering in the hallways being spent accomplishing the shared mission.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Circle Training" href="http://www.klineseminars.com/">Interested?</a> Learn more about the potential of this powerful process of engagement. Intrigued? <a title="Collaborative Leadership Training" href="http://www.klineseminars.com/collaborative-leadership-training.html">Immerse yourself</a> in a unique opportunity to co-create and learn together.</p>Invitation to Transformative Meetings Workshop - New York and Vancouvertag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-08-20:4134568:BlogPost:938922014-08-20T07:55:20.000ZAmanda Fentonhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/AmandaFenton
<div class="gmail_default">Wanted to share this invitation with you all as the <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/transformative-meetings-tickets-12171097079?utm_campaign=new_eventv2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eb_email&utm_term=eventurl_text" target="_blank">early bird pricing for New York</a> is ending this Friday August 22nd and the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/transformative-meetings-tickets-12591855579" target="_blank">registration for Vancouver</a> is now open for…</div>
<div class="gmail_default">Wanted to share this invitation with you all as the <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/transformative-meetings-tickets-12171097079?utm_campaign=new_eventv2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eb_email&utm_term=eventurl_text" target="_blank">early bird pricing for New York</a> is ending this Friday August 22nd and the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/transformative-meetings-tickets-12591855579" target="_blank">registration for Vancouver</a> is now open for this new two-day workshop on leading collaborative and transformative meetings. </div>
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<div class="gmail_default"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif">Nancy Fritsche Eagan and I are both very excited to offer this training on circle - as a core practice in the Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter and in leadingtransformative meetings- based on <a href="http://www.peerspirit.com/books-thecircleway.html" target="_blank">The Circle Way - A Leader in Every Chair</a>. In fact, we were so excited we wanted to put together</font> a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVVz3lxJYTs" target="_blank">short invitation video you can watch here</a>. </div>
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<div class="gmail_default">The New York invitation is <a href="http://amandafenton.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Leading-Transformative-Meetings-New-York1.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> and the Vancouver invitation <a href="http://amandafenton.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Leading-Transformative-Meetings-Vancouver.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>. More information below......</div>
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<div class="gmail_default">Cheers,</div>
<div class="gmail_default"></div>
<div class="gmail_default">Amanda & Nancy</div>
<div class="gmail_extra"><div><div dir="ltr"></div>
</div>
<div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_default">_________________________________________________________</div>
</div>
<div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><p> </p>
<p><b>Leading Transformative and Collaborative Meetings</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In today's world we live with the paradox that meetings are the most important tool for working together and yet they can be the most unproductive and expensive strategy we use. Instead of "death by meeting", we can create a structure that encourages candor, courage and straightforward discussions that are inspiring, motivational and stirring. Imagine meetings that welcome diverse opinions, promote mutual understanding, discover inclusive solutions and shared responsibility. Using circle process encourages genuine contribution, creativity, inclusion and co-creation of a future in which there is more possibility than limitation, resulting in better outcomes in our work. We develop the capacity to work with complexity, conflict, hurt and trauma. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>You Are Invited</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We welcome Art of Hosting practitioners as well as those who are curious about participatory leadership. This workshop is for leaders, managers, supervisors, project leaders, community groups, youth workers, educators, church leader, board members, consultants, and those working in fields such as health care, government, education, the social sector, organizations, healing and trauma work, parent groups, restorative justice and social innovation. And you!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Over this two-day workshop we will explore how circle process can establish conditions for better listening and intentional speaking, increase participation and collaboration in meetings, reconcile difficult dynamics and more. Learn more about the workshop, the team and inspiration on the web at <a href="http://www.transformativemeetings.com/" target="_blank">Transformative Meetings</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Dates</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>New York: September 16 & 17, 2014 @ Center for Social Innovation, New York</p>
<p>Vancouver: November 6 & 7, 2014 @ Tides Canada, Vancouver</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><p>More info available on the web at <a href="http://www.transformativemeetings.com/" target="_blank">Transformative Meetings</a><font face="Tahoma"> </font></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cheers,</p>
<p>Nancy & Amanda</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>Midsummertag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-06-20:4134568:BlogPost:933582014-06-20T07:02:14.000ZOlivier Wingharthttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/OlivierWinghart
Midsummer eve in Amsterdam,<br />
Third day of AoH at Knowmads. Enjoying the learnings!
Midsummer eve in Amsterdam,<br />
Third day of AoH at Knowmads. Enjoying the learnings!Burning an eternal flame ?tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-05-15:4134568:BlogPost:928822014-05-15T20:04:22.000ZFrançois Thunushttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/FrancoisThunus
<p>It is only fair that this post echoed the title of the previous one. After all, it was the root cause of a funny happening.</p>
<p>But i'm getting ahead of myself.</p>
<p>I'm just back from a two days gathering in Bruxelles, bringing together some 70-80 practionners from across the EU Commission and then some. The external practionners were mostly people who have been accompanying the process at the Commission (the usual suspects: Ria, Tatiana, Maria S. from Greece, etc) or have a link with…</p>
<p>It is only fair that this post echoed the title of the previous one. After all, it was the root cause of a funny happening.</p>
<p>But i'm getting ahead of myself.</p>
<p>I'm just back from a two days gathering in Bruxelles, bringing together some 70-80 practionners from across the EU Commission and then some. The external practionners were mostly people who have been accompanying the process at the Commission (the usual suspects: Ria, Tatiana, Maria S. from Greece, etc) or have a link with the Commission for some reason (Namaste Natasha - Danke Bertram).</p>
<p>Needless to say this was intense. There was a lot of sharing, a lot of emotion, a lot of soul searching.</p>
<p>It was fantastic to re-unite with people I hadn't seen in a while (Hi Maria, Olga, Anita, Andrea, kai ta lipa) to meet some I knew by mail/yammer /whatever, and finally it was great to hear from colleagues I didn't kow, and discover their practice (Jim, Claudio, Adam, Frans,....)</p>
<p>So rich, so amazingly cool - bursting all over the place with ideas.</p>
<p>Great fun too.</p>
<p>witness this:</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671271?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671271?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"/></a>This is when you realize that you are not alone - you are part of a greater community. Things that you may forget when you're just ploughing along, trying to get the good shit done (Hi Mary-Alice and Toke :-)</p>
<p></p>
<p>A huge sense of belonging, a sharing of practice and practical tips, a new outlook on old problems - what beautiful gifts !</p>
<p></p>
<p>But where is the funny happening, I hear you say ? Ok :-)</p>
<p>Somehow at some point in a triad, the conversation landed on momentum, and tipping point. So I couldn't help mentionning my previous post here, about how many people are needed to make a change. And then Claudio (Hi Claudio :-) suddenly says:</p>
<p><em><strong>What's your name ?</strong></em></p>
<p><em>François ?</em></p>
<p><em><strong>No, I mean your family name ?</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Thunus ?</em></p>
<p><strong><em>That's you ! I follow you on twitter ! you posted this !</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Guilty as charged my Lord :-)</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Talk about a community and <em>friends you haven't met yet !</em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><em><a href="https://twitter.com/jihan65/status/466977916547768321/photo/1" target="_blank">Here is the pic he tweeted after the event :</a> <a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671242?profile=original"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805671242?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"/></a><a href="https://twitter.com/jihan65/status/466977916547768321/photo/1" target="_blank"></a></em></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">The pic is the final run between the open space and the convergence.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">So there it is.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">All of you who are doing this, and reading this post: you're not alone !</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">There is a whole community out there -people sharing the practice. They are the friends you haven't met yet.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Some day you will, and they will tell you how much what <em><strong>you</strong></em> have done has been an inspiration for them - and you didn't even know they existed (Kudos to Bertam for his witnessing).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">What you are doing <strong><em>does</em></strong> make a difference.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">If you ever get discouraged (and don't we all sometimes ?) or feel all alone (we are with you Natasha) think about this:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;"><em><strong>the world is full of friends you haven't met</strong></em>.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Yet.</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">even on twitter :-)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: comic sans ms,sans-serif;">Namaste to you all</span></p>We are looking for a Community Host in Munichtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-05-08:4134568:BlogPost:926892014-05-08T12:54:44.000ZCaspar Siebelhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/CasparSiebel
<p>At Impact Hub Munich we are looking for a new Community Host. I figured the Art of Hosting would be the perfect place to announce the job advert. Here it is. Thanks for reposting and spreading to further Art of Hosting circles. Caspar</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Impact Hub Munich is growing! We are looking for a highly talented person to join our core team<br></br>and help us bring our Impact Hub to the next level. Impact Hub Munich is a physical home for a diverse community of entrepreneurs,…</p>
<p>At Impact Hub Munich we are looking for a new Community Host. I figured the Art of Hosting would be the perfect place to announce the job advert. Here it is. Thanks for reposting and spreading to further Art of Hosting circles. Caspar</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>The Impact Hub Munich is growing! We are looking for a highly talented person to join our core team<br/>and help us bring our Impact Hub to the next level. Impact Hub Munich is a physical home for a diverse community of entrepreneurs, impact professionals, creatives, innovators, dedicated to driving sustainable change. Open since February 2013,<br/>Impact Hub Munich provides a unique space optimized for collaboration, learning, and making<br/>change happen. Over 120 members have joined since, working on innovative projects to tackle<br/>some of the most pressing societal challenges or simply pushing forward their entrepreneurial endeavors via<br/>innovative means. And guess what: We are just getting started and are looking for you as our new…<br/><br/>Community Host (full time)<br/><br/>Impact Hub Munich is hiring a Community Host, who works in close coordination with our core team,<br/>manages a team of hosts and will be responsible for the area of hosting the Impact Hub’s diverse community<br/>of members. Part of the Job is building a motivated team of Hosts for operational support.<br/><br/><a href="http://munich.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/70/2014/05/Stellenaussschreibung-Community-Host.pdf">http://munich.impacthub.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/70/2014/05/Stellenaussschreibung-Community-Host.pdf</a><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/></p>Keeping the flame alivetag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-03-29:4134568:BlogPost:918032014-03-29T10:52:23.000ZFrançois Thunushttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/FrancoisThunus
<p>For many of us, once past the initial <em><strong>woaw</strong></em> of discovering participatory leadership, there comes a time when we despair to make it work - because we soon find out that the rest of the world hasn't caught up with us yet.</p>
<p>Keeping the flame alive is not an easy task, and yet we need to do it because it is the only way forward.</p>
<p>Soon or later, our efforts will pay - we just need to hang on and make sure we're still around when they do.</p>
<p>Here are some…</p>
<p>For many of us, once past the initial <em><strong>woaw</strong></em> of discovering participatory leadership, there comes a time when we despair to make it work - because we soon find out that the rest of the world hasn't caught up with us yet.</p>
<p>Keeping the flame alive is not an easy task, and yet we need to do it because it is the only way forward.</p>
<p>Soon or later, our efforts will pay - we just need to hang on and make sure we're still around when they do.</p>
<p>Here are some <a href="http://amandafenton.com/2014/03/reflecting-on-lessons-in-community-change-the-myth-of-everyone/" target="_blank">great thoughts</a> from <a href="http://amandafenton.com/about/" target="_blank">Amanda</a> on the subject - rather reassuring since it seems we don't need that many people to be convinced to reach the critical mass. Her own reflection is based on an article on <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725190044.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily</a> , about the number of people needed to reach the tipping point.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Big thumbs up to her for keeping the keepers energized ! :-)</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://amandafenton.com/2014/03/reflecting-on-lessons-in-community-change-the-myth-of-everyone/">http://amandafenton.com/2014/03/reflecting-on-lessons-in-community-change-the-myth-of-everyone/</a></p>Fully EU funded courses for education staff: Apply before March 17!tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-03-05:4134568:BlogPost:898462014-03-05T20:00:00.000ZBoris Goldammerhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/BorisGoldammer
<p>Dear colleagues,<br></br>do you wish to learn new facilitation or management skills in an international setting?<br></br>Allow yourself and the staff of your education organization to inspire and refresh yourselves, your teaching and your collaboration, funded by the new EU Programme Erasmus+:</p>
<p><img class="align-full" src="http://www.visionautic.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/offers-overview.jpg"></img> <strong>Team-Strategy:</strong> A facilitated strategy-retreat for the future of your organization. For teams from 2 to 8 members.<br></br> 14th January to 18th January…</p>
<p>Dear colleagues,<br/>do you wish to learn new facilitation or management skills in an international setting?<br/>Allow yourself and the staff of your education organization to inspire and refresh yourselves, your teaching and your collaboration, funded by the new EU Programme Erasmus+:</p>
<p><img class="align-full" src="http://www.visionautic.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/offers-overview.jpg"/><strong>Team-Strategy:</strong> A facilitated strategy-retreat for the future of your organization. For teams from 2 to 8 members.<br/> 14th January to 18th January 2015.<strong><br/></strong></p>
<p><strong>Multisensual Facilitation:</strong> How to enrich your facilitation practice by addressing all your learners’ senses.<br/> 20th January to 29th January 2015.<strong><br/></strong></p>
<p><strong>Vision Creation & Vision Empowerment:</strong> How to guide your learners in a land where nobody has been before.<br/> 3rd August to 14th August 2015.<strong><br/></strong></p>
<p><strong>Hosting Innovation:</strong> How to gently push your learners’ thinking out of the box.<br/> 17th August to 28th August 2015.<strong><br/></strong></p>
<p><strong>Vision Implementation & Vision Empowerment: H</strong>ow to help your learners to achieve the impossible.<br/> 19th October to 30th October 2015.</p>
<p><strong>Who can apply for the funding?</strong><br/> All European organisations who work with education can apply for courses for all their employees, freelancers, volunteers and trainers out of their network. (For our offers German organizations are excluded, though, as the Academy of Visionautics is located in Germany). If you are an autonomous trainer or facilitator, like many of us in this community are, you can only apply in cooperation with an organization.</p>
<p><br/> <strong>What are your benefits?</strong><br/> -Your staff will get high quality trainings and workshops for free, including food accommodation and travel costs<br/> -Your staff will have an amazing cultural experience, meeting colleagues from all over Europe.<br/> -Your organization will get additional 350€ per person they send to a course.</p>
<p><br/> <strong>What do you need to do for it?</strong><br/> The good thing about the new EU funding programme is that you only have to write ONE application with which you can fund ALL courses you want to offer to ALL of your employees, freelancers, volunteers and trainers of your network during the next one or two years. We estimate that this will take 3-5 days of concentrated work. We created a step-by-step guide to make your application process smooth and easy. Your chances of approval are good: The funding for educational exchange has been increased drastically and foresees to send 800.000 lecturers, teachers and trainers each year, and it is the first year of this funding programme - so you will be the pioneers in making use of this opportunity.<br/> <br/> 1.You will have to hand in the application online before March 17, 12.00 CET.<br/> <br/> 2. Additionally you should make a non-binding reservation for your chosen course(s) at the Academy of Visionautics which you can confirm as soon as you got the approval by the EU.<br/> <br/> Take the chance and good luck!<br/> <br/> Best wishes and a great springtime<br/> <br/> Boris Goldammer<br/> </p>Friends discount for AoH Advanced Practice Online Training.tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-01-29:4134568:BlogPost:884292014-01-29T23:51:09.000ZAndreas Kranzlhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/AndreasKranzl
<p>Dear AoH friends,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I already will register with a friend for the following Advanced Practice Online Training.<br></br> <a href="http://artofhosting.ning.com/events/event/show?id=4134568%3AEvent%3A88365&xg_source=msg_invite_event">http://artofhosting.ning.com/events/event/show?id=4134568%3AEvent%3A88365&xg_source=msg_invite_event</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Now the interesting point:</p>
<p>If you register as a recommandation of a friend they offer a discount,<br></br> which we decided…</p>
<p>Dear AoH friends,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I already will register with a friend for the following Advanced Practice Online Training.<br/> <a href="http://artofhosting.ning.com/events/event/show?id=4134568%3AEvent%3A88365&xg_source=msg_invite_event">http://artofhosting.ning.com/events/event/show?id=4134568%3AEvent%3A88365&xg_source=msg_invite_event</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Now the interesting point:</p>
<p>If you register as a recommandation of a friend they offer a discount,<br/> which we decided to share between us. Anyone else who wants to join?</p>
<p><br/>Prerequisites: <br/>- You have already participated in person in a 3-day AoH Basic Training.<br/>- see <a href="http://aoh-ap.com/#register">http://aoh-ap.com/#register</a> for the dates and other conditions.<br/><br/></p>
<p>For the friends proposal discount you need to fill the following data as referal code:<br/> Andreas Kranzl, andreas.kranzl@gmail.com<br/> <br/> But don't forget also to get in contact with me to discuss how we share the discount.<br/> <br/> For interested people who register until 31st of January<br/> there is an additional early bird discount available.<br/> <br/> But also later simply refere to my name and get in contact with me.<br/> I would love to share the friends recommendation discount with you.</p>
<p><br/> Kind regards from Austria<br/> Andreas</p>Art of Hosting in Education, Lithuania, February 11-15tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-01-16:4134568:BlogPost:883252014-01-16T01:32:34.000ZAurimas Razanauskashttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/AurimasRazanauskas
<div>Hello educators, innovators and change makers,</div>
<div>We are happy to invite you to the <b>ART OF HOSTING in EDUCATION,</b> Lithuania, February 11-15</div>
<div><b>How can we together create the education we all dream about?</b></div>
<div>We invite you to come over and be a part of change!</div>
<div>For more info please visit: <a href="http://www.aoh-education.org/">www.aoh-education.org</a></div>
<div>Please share it with your network which would find it relevant!</div>
<div>Thank…</div>
<div>Hello educators, innovators and change makers,</div>
<div>We are happy to invite you to the <b>ART OF HOSTING in EDUCATION,</b> Lithuania, February 11-15</div>
<div><b>How can we together create the education we all dream about?</b></div>
<div>We invite you to come over and be a part of change!</div>
<div>For more info please visit: <a href="http://www.aoh-education.org/">www.aoh-education.org</a></div>
<div>Please share it with your network which would find it relevant!</div>
<div>Thank you and hope to see you soon,</div>
<div><div><div><div><div>Aurimas Ražanauskas<br/>Kaos Pilots<br/>Team 17</div>
<div><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2805685319?profile=original" target="_self">AoH%20in%20Edu%20LT.pdf</a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>ALIA 2014 Summer Leadership Intensivetag:artofhosting.ning.com,2014-01-08:4134568:BlogPost:877822014-01-08T21:23:25.000ZSteven Byershttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/StevenByers
<p>Greetings and thanks!</p>
<p>I'm very happy to start talking about the ALIA Summer Leadership Intensive gathering that will take place in Tacoma, Washington in June 2014 at Pacific Lutheran University. The design is complete and details are being filled in. Please take a look at the program <a href="http://aliainstitute.org/summer2014/" target="_blank">here</a>, and then think seriously about your own leadership development. What do you need? What would you like to develop further? Where and…</p>
<p>Greetings and thanks!</p>
<p>I'm very happy to start talking about the ALIA Summer Leadership Intensive gathering that will take place in Tacoma, Washington in June 2014 at Pacific Lutheran University. The design is complete and details are being filled in. Please take a look at the program <a href="http://aliainstitute.org/summer2014/" target="_blank">here</a>, and then think seriously about your own leadership development. What do you need? What would you like to develop further? Where and how do you want to grow? Perhaps the Summer Leadership Intensive is for you. If you have an inkling that this is so, please consider that early bird pricing is available through January 31, 2014.</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you have questions about the program, please call me at 360 259-0340 (Olympia, WA) or email me at smbyers7@comcast.net.</p>What's possible beyond the 3 day training?tag:artofhosting.ning.com,2013-11-06:4134568:BlogPost:865222013-11-06T01:30:00.000ZSimone Tiesinga-Poutnikhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SimonePoutnik
<p>At the recent stewards gathering I hosted an open space session with this title: 'What's possible beyond the 3 day training?'. I called this session because so often after AoH trainings participants come up to me and say how inspired they are but that they aren't sure how to continue/integrate what they learned. Some ask what to do if they wanted to start making this their work, where could they learn more.</p>
<p>So I was curious to find out form colleagues how they deal with this and what…</p>
<p>At the recent stewards gathering I hosted an open space session with this title: 'What's possible beyond the 3 day training?'. I called this session because so often after AoH trainings participants come up to me and say how inspired they are but that they aren't sure how to continue/integrate what they learned. Some ask what to do if they wanted to start making this their work, where could they learn more.</p>
<p>So I was curious to find out form colleagues how they deal with this and what kind of formats people had already been experimenting with instead of 3 day trainings or as a follow up.</p>
<p>Formats were shared, we talked about diffusion strategy, how to spread the practice widely and steward the essence at the same time. On this note Juanita Brown (from World Cafe) shared that their diffusion strategy has been the book, to make resources and stories available. Amy shared about the World Cafe online course, which is an 8 weeks online program with some life sessions and some homework for participants to do in their own time. People are working together and creating projects beyond the course.</p>
<p>We also talked about language.Is training the right word for what we are hosting? In some contexts other language might be needed.</p>
<p>In France they call it workshop. In Brazil they call it encounters. In the European Commission it is not called Art of Hosting but Art of Participatory leadership. Like with everything, adapting to the context seems key.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>And here is what I learned about formats:</strong></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Instead of 3 day trainings</strong></p>
<p>In Minnesota there have been several experiments (for more info ask Jerry Nagel):</p>
<ul>
<li>2 + 2 days with 10 days in between. This was to let the learning sink and give people a chance to practice before deepening their learning.</li>
<li>3 x 4 days 9am-3pm. This format was designed especially for low income parents, who could not be away for a weekend and had to return to their homes after 3pm</li>
<li>7 days - 3 + 2 + 2 over 3 (?) months. This was especially for people with projects they wanted to apply Aoh to</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><strong>As follow up to the 3 day training</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Stewardship development program in Australia (for more info ask Stephen Duns)</li>
<li>9 month train the AoH trainer intensive cohort in Minnesota. Training mostly on the core methods circle, world cafe, open space etc. (for more info Jerry Nagel)</li>
<li>AoH Beyond the Basics - Tim, Chris, Tuesday and Caitlin are working on the next level of training for experienced practitioners working with systems <a href="http://www.aohbtb.com/">http://www.aohbtb.com/</a></li>
<li>Art of Hosting integration - more than an online course. Hendrik, Rowan and I are working on creating this. For more info please get in touch with me.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Peer support activities</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>weekly breakfast meetings in the European Commission where practitioners can come and talk freely about their work and challenges (for more info ask Ursula Hillbrand)</li>
<li>monthly Peer Coaching Cafe where people can bring cases/design challenges and be supported by peers (for more info ask Ursula Hillbrand)</li>
<li>every 3rd day of an AoH training is open for practitioners in Austria to join for a small fee (for more info ask Ursula Hillbrand)</li>
<li>Salon evening sessions where practitioners can be together in Pro-Action Cafe are being hosted by Rainer and Lena in Austria (for more info ask Lena Jacobsson)</li>
<li>Self hosted monthly practitioner evenings in Egypt. Each 1st of the month someone steps forward to host and announces on the AoH Egypt facebook group where the gathering will be (for more info ask me)</li>
<li>Monthly hosted community meetings for peer support in Brazil. Everyone can bring a question/challenge and will be supported by the community. (for more information ask Tamara Rezende de Azevedo)</li>
<li>Elders - apprentice mentorship connections in Blekinge Institute in Sweden (for more info ask Tracy Meisterheim)</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Some interesting questions to leave with:</strong></p>
<p>Was the 3 day training format designed based on the needs of participants or the needs of the hosts? Could we shift the format towards catering more to the needs of participants?</p>
<p>How to support those who caught the spark to become master hosts?</p>
<p>How can we together be intentional about seeding depth and mastery of the practice in service of life?</p>
<p>How can this kind of work be converged online?</p>
<p>What is the business model for hosting a community of practice?</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you have been experimenting with other formats, please add your comments here.</p>
<p></p>Trip-switch Overlaptag:artofhosting.ning.com,2013-10-27:4134568:BlogPost:859502013-10-27T18:22:32.000ZSarah Whiteleyhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/SarahWhiteley
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">A young electrician called Scott came to remedy a fault in the electrics of my kitchen.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">After two solid hours of ‘trouble shooting' – tracking wiring from source to service – re-wiring tired lines, untangling confused energy pathways, exploring roof spaces to reveal invisible circuitry of this particular energy system to find the point of…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">A young electrician called Scott came to remedy a fault in the electrics of my kitchen.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">After two solid hours of ‘trouble shooting' – tracking wiring from source to service – re-wiring tired lines, untangling confused energy pathways, exploring roof spaces to reveal invisible circuitry of this particular energy system to find the point of disconnect - he finally hit his limit of bemusement and rang his boss, for advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> ‘It has a ‘neutral’ but doesn’t have ‘live’ – everything’s connected … it shows 12 volts but it doesn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Never seen it before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Doesn’t make sense’.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">No other information was added to help.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Through talking more about the house over a cup of tea – I mentioned that this was a converted annexe, adjoined to the main house next door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Scott then thought, perhaps this one ‘circuit breaker’ socket was next door too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Three phone calls to track the owner and access was granted. One flick of a switch later … and the electricity was back on!</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Two hours of searching revealed the point of systemic overlap and the location of the ‘tripped’ switch.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Sourcing our own ‘tripped’ switches that disengage our power takes responsibility and diligence. Sourcing interconnected ‘tripped’ switches within webs of relationship is another – and are oftentimes more difficult to track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> To locate what is ours to tend and re-wire is tender and timely work; but equally, having an expanded awareness to source the ‘circuit breaks’ beyond our selves, but that also affect us, is crucial. Both have the capacity to empower and dis-empower the system as a whole.<br/></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Timely advice perhaps during this time of <strong><a href="http://www.mysticmamma.com/mercury-retrograde-in-scorpio-october-21st-2013/">Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio</a></strong>, October 21st, to November 10th 2013 ~</span> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It's a time to:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>empty out the excess, extremes and floating debris within the mental energy body, mind and thought process.</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>examine which perception, thought, idea, concept and information is empowering</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>Wait and be patient</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>Allow healing to take place through shifting perception</strong></span></em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #808080;"><em><strong>Be clear and direct in our dealings</strong></em></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="color: #888888;"><strong>Shed perceptions, thinking and limitations within the mind</strong></span></em></li>
</ul>
<p><br/><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>More at: <a href="http://www.mysticmamma.com/mercury-retrograde-in-scorpio-october-21st-2013/">Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio</a></strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><strong>More Blogs at: <a href="http://www.conscious-evolution.net/author/blog">http://www.conscious-evolution.net/author/blog</a></strong></span></p>
<p></p>Embracing the Stranger in Me: A Journey to Openheartedness - Book Announcementtag:artofhosting.ning.com,2013-10-17:4134568:BlogPost:858522013-10-17T20:45:15.000ZKathy Jourdainhttp://artofhosting.ning.com/profile/KathyJourdain
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2682230255?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="198" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2682230255?profile=original" width="148"></img></a></p>
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<p class="p1">I have been holding off on posting news about my book absolutely everywhere until the website was ready – which it is now, complete with a blog – a couple of posts are already up – and a link to the Balboa publishing site that has a few reader reviews on it, in case you want a peek into other people's experience in reading it – which has been…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2682230255?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2682230255?profile=original" width="148" class="align-full" height="198"/></a></p>
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<p class="p1">I have been holding off on posting news about my book absolutely everywhere until the website was ready – which it is now, complete with a blog – a couple of posts are already up – and a link to the Balboa publishing site that has a few reader reviews on it, in case you want a peek into other people's experience in reading it – which has been opening my heart ever further. <i>Embracing the Stranger in Me: A Journey to Openheartedness</i> is also available online through Amazon, Indigo and Barnes and Noble – or directly through me if you are coming into contact with me soon – as I always carry copies with me (and a a pen for signing). I post this here because the book is all about hosting self and hosting others – the first two practices in the four fold practice. <a href="http://www.kathyjourdain.com/"><span class="s1">http://www.kathyjourdain.com/</span></a></p>
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<p class="p1">It has been a work of love. The book has been finding its own way ever since I first put pen to paper, and that continues to be true as it now finds its way in the world. The book has been described as an empowering although at times heartbreaking work that seeks to encourage others to embrace their inner selves in the face of adversity. Below is a photo of the book and then more information in a press release. I offer it here for any who might be interested or might know someone for whom this book might be a perfect fit, trusting it will flow where and how it needs to. In gratitude and trust, Kathy</p>
<p class="p1"></p>
<p class="p1"><b>New memoir follows woman’s journey to open-heartedness</b></p>
<p class="p2"><i>This book demonstrates how inner strength can arise by examining the stories that shape our lives</i></p>
<p class="p3">BEDFORD, Nova Scotia – Author Kathy Jourdain shares stories of strength and compassion arising from embracing adversity and explains how her journey to vulnerability through open-heartedness powerfully shifted the shape of her life in her new book, “Embracing the Stranger in Me: A Journey to Open Heartedness” (<a href="http://www.balboapress.com/"><span class="s1">published by Balboa Press</span></a>).</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p3">“This book is about how we make meaning of what happens to us, how the way we live our lives is shaped through the stories we tell,” Jourdain writes. “Many of us interpret our experiences through a human drama or tragedy lens but there is also a soul journey lens that is far more expansive and gives us greater freedom and choice.”</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p3">Jourdain takes readers through a significant five-year period in her life, from 2005–2010, during which time she found out, at age 46, that she was adopted. She identifies three distinct threads of experience that changed her life during that time: awakening to a spiritual lineage deeply buried in her consciousness; being confronted by a physical lineage she had no idea existed; and discovering how to walk with strength, joy and compassion while being powerful in her vulnerability and doing meaningful work in the world.</p>
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<p class="p3">“While this book started as a compilation of stories around my adoption – mine, my siblings, my birth father and mother, my parents I grew up with – with encouragement, it became a memoir of my life journey including common life changing events like marriage, divorce, job loss, becoming a consultant, dealing with eldercare, particularly my mother’s dementia and death. Throughout it all, my growing understanding of the energetic or subtle realms has grown, now knowing they are just as much a part of reality as the physical, providing a more holistic vision of life and how to live in it with joy, delight, compassion and love.”</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p3">“Embracing the Stranger in Me”</p>
<p class="p3">By Kathy Jourdain</p>
<p class="p3">Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 292 pages | ISBN 9781452575742</p>
<p class="p3">Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 292 pages | ISBN 9781452575728</p>
<p class="p3">E-Book | ISBN 9781452575735</p>
<p class="p3">Available at Indigo, Amazon and Barnes & Noble</p>
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<p class="p4"><b>About the Author</b></p>
<p class="p3">Kathy Jourdain is an internationally recognized practitioner of the Art of Hosting Conversations That Matter, a self-organizing, global network living the principles and practices of shared responsibility and shared leadership. She was born in Nova Scotia, was raised there and has lived there all her life. She currently resides in Bedford. When she gets homesick, it is not for the place she calls home, but for the people she has the privilege of knowing and falling in love with all over the world. More information is available at <a href="http://www.KathyJourdain.com/"><span class="s1">www.KathyJourdain.com</span></a>. </p>
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