The Introduction to Conscious Communication is intended to do two things (+ a bonus):
- We’d like you to leave an introductory session with a sense of what it feels like to communicate this way, and
- We’d like you to experience the kinds of things we do in our practice group meetings.
- As a bonus, I’d like you to learn how to “never be insulted again” (unless you choose to) — that is usually the topic of the third of four introductory sessions or exercises.
The hope is that you will learn enough to decide whether you’d like to join us to study and practice the principles of conscious communication. The introductory series is like a tour of the gym when you are considering joining the Y. You’ll see some of the tools that are available for exercise, and maybe even try out one or two. Then you can choose to join that facility or not.
In order to get ongoing benefits, you do have to show up at the gym and work out. The same is true with this practice. It’s not a big deal if you miss a session, or even a season, of your usual workout. However, the results depend on the time you spend on your exercise program and the skills you are able to learn. Every little bit helps, and the more you do the greater the benefit.
Also, exercising with a trainer or experienced exerciser helps. One thing I have learned through participating in and facilitating these groups for the past ten years or so is that it makes a difference to have at least one person present who “gets it.” These are the people who can help find a way through stumbling blocks that come up. If there are a number of experienced people in the group, then the group tends to progress even faster. All of the Madison area groups listed on this website have multiple continuing members (those who have completed a minimum of a year and often many years of practice and training) who support newcomers to the group. This is an invaluable resource.
If you’d like to join a group or receive email reminders of our meetings, contact us and ask to be added to the email list for the group(s) that interest you. I look forward to meeting you in person soon!