InnerFire

It's the blood of the Ancients
that flows through our veins
The forms change
but the circle of life remains
[Chant: Charlie Murphy]

The Way of Council integrates a contemporary understanding of group dynamics with ancient forms of communication whose roots lie in Western, Eastern, Hawaiian, and Native American cultures.

It is a non-hierarchical form of deep communication where each person is empowered to speak. It's primary intentions - listening and speaking from the heart - encourage genuine self-disclosure and attentive empathic listening.

In it's most basic form, the practice of Council is simple. People sitting in a circle engenders a sense of equality and, since the facilitator is also a participant rather than only a teacher or lecturer, everyone has the feeling of 'being in the same boat'. A 'talking piece' is passed from person to person in the circle and, one at a time, people speak from the heart. Everybody listens. When people know they all have equal opportunity to speak and be heard, they learn to express themselves in ways that are deeply personal. Often participants are surprised at what they reveal to complete strangers in a Council circle. Council encourages participants to speak from their own experience, what we call I-messages so that the tendency to blame others or speak in generalities is avoided, getting to the heart of the matter. As the practice deepens, participants achieve greater tolerance for the views of others and develop the ability to explore conflict non-violently, and thus to contribute to a culture of peace.

While not 'new', Council practice has been refined and developed for over 25 years at The Ojai Foundation. Council is currently being used in over 30 public and private schools in the USA. The Ojai Foundation offers a progressive series of trainings, outreach and educational internships in the USA, Europe, Israel, and South Africa.

BENEFITS OF COUNCIL:

• It offers potential for creating a working, authentic community. The truth is acknowledged wherever it is heard or revealed. Though elders are honoured and their experience recognized, the voice of the youngest or newest member shares the same opportunity for expression. Leaders with designated responsibilities can move forward and take action with the benefit of having heard from everyone in the circle.
  
• It is an excellent means for discovering the deeper, often unexpressed needs of individuals and groups.
  
• It dissolves prejudices and is an effective means of resolving conflict.
  
• It teaches deep listening and authentic communication.
  
• It is a forum for team and consensus building.
  
• It teaches shared leadership and shared visioning.
  
• It allows the wisdom of the circle to be revealed.
  
  TO EXPERIENCE THE WAY OF COUNCIL, CONTACT US