The Power of Generative Dialogue
Generative dialogue is a co-creative process where participants engage in open-ended, introspective exchanges that tap into the depths of our shared humanity. It's a safe space where vulnerability is embraced, and diverse perspectives are celebrated, allowing for the emergence of new insights, wisdom, and collective understanding.
Dialogue Agreements
In order to hold efficient and productive dialogue sessions, some rules should be agreed upon between the participants.
These are necessary for creating a safe container for honest sharing, as well as maintaining order and keeping the focus of the dialogue at it's core where the magic happens.
Dialogue
Agreements
1. Holding Space
Soultalk is a safe and confidential space that's focused on presence of the individuals.
As a participant, you are part of creating and maintaining a safe, open space for honest sharing. To do this - we first need to agree that this is a space of confidentiality. What happens in the circle, stays in the circle. This space acts as a shared pool of meaning, a collective mind where understanding emerges. This emphasizes the principle of the 'empty space', where the room is left for unexpected insights and understandings. We don't know where this will lead, or how it will end - it is up to the group.
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Minimise distractions.
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Be present Here and Now with all your senses.
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Feel for who should speak next.
2. Suspension of Judgement
We don’t judge during the dialogue, and we don’t speak in terms of the other.
This agreement is all about putting your immediate reactions, judgments and assumptions on pause. It does not mean you should not experience them fully, or that you should not act or speak. You may still have internal reactions, which are yours and real. We simply ask you to suspend them for the dialogue to take place, so as to have an atmosphere free from judgment or condemnation, a space where all opinions and assumptions are valued. Our intention is to create an open, non-judgmental space where everyone's voices can be heard and felt.
If something hurts you, then in your mind, try adding "for me" to the end of their statement, so as to diffuse the effect.
3. Deep Listening
We listen deeply to our OWN emotions and feelings, to others, and to the silence in between.
Deep listening is not just about hearing the words. It is about absorbing the emotions, body language, silences, unspoken undercurrents, and the actions of participants who are not speaking. It is about feeling the exchange and being fully present, without a constant search for the response. Respect everyone, and acknowledge their equal value.
Try to notice the reactions of your own body to what is happening.
Try to see the emotional charge of the group.
4. Authentic Expression
We leave our masks at the door and express ourselves fully. When we are moved to speak, we speak.
As a participant, you are encouraged to express yourself spontaneously and openly. You don't need to plan your responses, speak when you are moved to speak. We do use the 'Talking Stick', so wait for it to become available. Speak from the heart, and share your unique perspectives and experiences.
Self-implicate yourself. Don't hold back.
If you are moved to speak, speak. Flutter of the heart.
Use "I" statements and personal experiences, instead of "You" statements.
Share personal life stories and experiences. Share your feelings. Use "I feel".
When sharing, go to the essence, go deep.
Not a debate, not a discussion, not a monologue.
5. Emergence of Shared Understanding
The group is looking for a shared understanding.
Imagine if the group as a whole was an individual. Then we would want to get to know him or her, their purpose and desire. Therefore, in this circle, dialogue isn't about persuasion, debate, or gaining individual advantage. It's about shared understanding and open exploration of ideas. As a participant, you are encouraged to contribute to a free flow of meaning, allowing new insights to emerge. We are looking to see where the collective intelligence will take us.
Use dialogue from others, to build onto.
Explore meta ideas beneath the dialogue.
6. Action
If there is any intent at all, it is the intent of the action. Actions should be the result of these meetings.
In this dialogue, we are not looking to reach binding decisions or conclusions. They limit dialogue and restrict the feeling of freedom. Yet, actions may follow organically based on insights or learning from the dialogue. You may choose to take action after the dialogue is complete - either on your own, together with other members of the circle, or you can also act by consciously choosing not to act.
You may want to do simple things after the call like thanking someone or exchanging contacts.
You might have some aha moments where you understand the work you should be doing within yourself.
You may find likeminded individuals to team up with and co-create more value.
7. Time & Space
When you are here, be here. If you want to leave, you may leave. We understand that true dialogue takes time and many sessions. Be present, when you can. The more you give, the more you receive.
In this circle, you are asked to respect the process and the time it requires. Allow enough time for everyone to speak and for ideas to emerge organically. We acknowledge that deep dialogue and understanding cannot be hurried. A group may continue to exist for as long as is necessary for the shared meaning to emerge and show itself or to dwindle. We also respect individual time and your personal desires, so you may leave when you feel like it.
It is okay to leave when you feel like it. No hurt feelings.
It is okay for nothing concrete to emerge from the meeting. Trust the process.
8. Talking Stick
Talking Stick helps to keep order in the dialogue and prevents everyone speaking over each other.
We use the talking stick process, even though we do it over Zoom. The agreement is simple - wait for the person talking to finish their discussion and raise your hand if you want to be next. If you want to continue on a similar topic to what the speaker was speaking about - raise a ‘wavey hand’.
Wait for the person to finish their talk.
Raise your hand if you want to be next.
Ready to Start?
Soultalk is a generative dialogue - a co-creative process where participants engage in open-ended, introspective exchanges that tap into the depths of our shared humanity. It's a sacred space where vulnerability is embraced, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and new insights, wisdom, and collective understanding emerge organically.
