Well Functioning Group

What supports a group in functioning well? Is it how individual members connect with each other from the beginning? Is it whether they work “as one” or keep their individuality? We have found that JICT Images can support a group in working more effectively. Using images, as we have said many times, supports individuals and groups in getting to “the heart of the matter”. When the individuals within a group share what they really care about… both as individuals and for the group, the understanding of each individual and the connection created among all members of the group supports an effective team.

What do you believe are some of the important considerations in leading a group and how do you include them as you facilitate a group?

Language shift

• What message does your language share in the world? 
• How does it reflect your values [or not]? 
• What shift(s) are you ready to name to language your values in the world? 
• Once you’ve named them, what actions will support you to shift?

Lots to think about … move forward with compassion. It takes practice and at least 30 days to change a habit!

Synchronicity

I get a daily message from the Universe (you can too, at www.tut.com) – inspirational or thought provoking.

As I prepared to write this column, a pertinent message came one day:

What if from now on and forevermore, people stopped using the word "evil" and replaced it with "ignorance"?

Yeah, less fear, more better; global transformation. Evil, on its own, does not exist, and yes, you can fix "stupid”. Umh, interesting thing about synchronicity!

No Shoulding

Think about language again … “I love to spend time with my grandkids” vs. “I should spend time with my grandkids”. For most grandparents the former is true. Consider the difference. Loving to do something exudes an entirely different energy that “should” do something. With “love” there is ease and excitement, a sense of peace. With “should” comes guilt and stress; a sense of dread. So, in which place do you want to be, the loving place or the shoulding place?

Where are there “shoulds” in your life that you want to shift to “love”? In most cases this shift will necessitate a major life change, a declaration that I will do things VERY differently. I’m up for the shift; how about you? What image speaks “no shoulding” to you? Mine is shown here.

One way to make a shift is to choose a symbol that reflects the place you want to be … mine is soaring, peacefully in the deep blue sky. When a “should” surfaces, I bring that image into focus and ask myself, “what new awareness would empower me to shift to “love”? And then, what changes are needed to move to the “love” place?