Social Presencing Series

USA/Europe Lab

Navigating Conflict with Our Extended Minds:
A Systemic Embodied Approach


Do you ever find yourself either making a mess in conflict or avoiding it altogether? In this 6 week Lab learn tools to increase your conflict competence.

12 hours — 6 weekly 2 hour Zoom sessions
con"live" traducción a Castellano
Write your awesome label here.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
12 October - 16 November 2022 
Wednesdays, 9-11am USA Pacific
12 -2pm USA East Coast
18-20h Central Europe

Space is Limited to 16 - - Register Now.

Financial Equity Options
Please choose the rate that is fair for you.
Rate 1 - $360 full fee
Rate 2 - $252 (30% discount)
Use checkout code: FinEQ
Rate 3 - $144 (60% discount)
Use checkout code: FinEQ3

Times are based on Portland, Oregon USA.
Use this handy tool to help you determine the course times where you live.

Photo: CBC.org

In this Lab you:

  • develop your extended mind by drawing on the intelligence that exists in your body, and
  • learn ways to use this intelligence when navigating conflict.

You will learn social arts practices from Theory U which give you:

  • practical information about a conflict, 
  • options for interventions, and
  • an inner sense of grounded openness to approach difficult situations.

For more in depth learning and practical application we suggest you choose a specific conflict to study throughout the Lab.

Lab content

Social Arts Practices from Theory U

 Stuck Practice

We allow our bodies to physically shape and express the tensions within a conflict. This is done both individually and in groups

Generative Movement Conversation

While practicing open mind and not knowing, we allow fresh interactions to emerge through our movements. We develop our ability for co-creation in one to one conversation.  

 Generative Group Interaction

Expanding the previous practice, we develop our ability for co-creation in group conversations. We notice how much can be communicated by embodiment and the spatial relationships

Three Dimensional System Sculpting

Three Dimensional System Sculpting: Using simple objects, we create a three dimensional mock-up of a conflict. Looking at it from different perspectives we gain a deeper understanding of relationships and see new options for interventions.

Four Dimensional System Mapping

To create a map of the current reality individuals will physically take on roles and their location in the system. By stepping into the system each player finds their spatial orientation to the whole and to others. Pausing, players sense into the system and then allow a new configuration to emerge - creating a second map. From this shared experience players and observers discuss leverage points and future actions.

Fundamental Embodied Awareness

In each session we will practice developing our capacity to be aware of embodied connection to self, the space around us, people and the earth.
Photo: UCLA Bruin

Who is it for?

This work is for those interested in using what science writer Annie Murphy Paul calls our “extended mind”. We can tap the intelligence that exists beyond our brains—in our bodies, our surroundings, and our relationships.

“Thinking outside the brain means skillfully engaging … – the feelings and movements of our bodies, the physical spaces in which we learn and work, and the minds of other people around us… By reaching beyond the brain ….. we are able to focus more intently, comprehend more deeply, and create more imaginatively – to entertain ideas that would be literally unthinkable by the brain alone. ……”
The Extended Mind: 
The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy Paul

Theory U and Social Presencing

Theory U, developed by Otto Scharmer, blends systems thinking, innovation, and social change leadership from the viewpoint of an evolving human consciousness.

In collaboration with Otto, Arawana Hayashi developed Social Presencing, a set of social arts practices designed to sense and explore the emerging future.

Fundamental to this Lab is Presencing, an open mind state of not knowing to allow fresh information to emerge.

Photo :School Specialty
SOCIAL PRESENCING SERIES

 Instructors

Carol Zahner
MS, Dipl PW

A co-founder of Processwork Latin America, adjunct faculty at the Process Work Institute and La Escuela de Trabajo de Procesos in Barcelona. Her current research explores the combination of Processwork and Social Presencing in individual and group work; and teaching in ways which honor cultural differences.



Annie Blair
MAPW, Dipl PW, RSME

Annie's longtime question is how do we unfold and activate the non-verbal wisdom and creativity held in our body’s felt experiences and movements? This led her to Processwork, Authentic Movement and Social Presencing.  She now uses these embodiment practices with individuals and small groups to discover fresh insights and shifts when facing life’s questions and conundrums.
Photo: Huffington Post

Once you register:

Annie and Carol will contact you to schedule a brief conversation to introduce themselves and learn about your interests. This helps shape the Lab.

Here are guidelines to optimize your Zoom experience:

  • Have a private and comfortable space to move in. If possible have a place to lie down and a mat or blanket.
  • Have simple writing and drawing materials.
  • Have a phone camera at hand.
  • Connect on a computer if possible.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.

Everyone is Welcome

No previous experience with Social Presencing or Processwork is necessary

From a Processwork approach this Lab will:

  • Increase awareness in proprioceptive and movement channels
  • Offer formats that could be applied to edge work and group dynamics
  • Give practice accessing a nonlinear state of mind.
Photo: Ricardo Dutra Presencing Institute

Lab Fee: $360

Financial Equity Rates:
Rate 2 - $252  checkout code: FinEQ
Rate 3 - $144  checkout code: FinEQ3