I have heard it said that sensitive people make good facilitators. I assume this is because they are able to tune in to what is really going on in a group.

This may be true, but first they have to learn how to facilitate themselves. Powerful facilitation is as much about who we are being, as it is about what we are doing. It is no use having a toolkit if you have no idea how to apply it. Imagine trying to use a builder’s or plumber’s tools without being taught how to use them.

Mastering the art of being present is at the core. That has been my journey, and it is a lifelong one.

In 2001, after many years in corporate life, I decided to do some extra study. I observed someone weaving magic with a group I was part of. I felt seen and included. There was safe space for conflict and chaos. The group process flowed. I wanted to be like the facilitator (note the focus on “be”), and I wanted to explore my behaviour in groups as it was not a comfortable place for me.  I signed up for Zenergy’s Art of Facilitation, even though I didn’t really want to do “Facilitation”.

Nearly 20 years later, I’m still involved as a programme leader and coach. And I still don’t want to do “Facilitation”.

My passion is Connection. Like most of us, I was brought up in family, religious and educational systems that tried to mould me into something I’m not. Zenergy’s focus on wholeness and co-operation has supported me to re-embrace my own brilliance and brokenness, my “mess in progress”, and to connect with that same uniqueness in others.

My relationships have evolved to a much more satisfying and authentic place, where it is safe to be myself warts and all. I am now a better Connector.

For my colleagues, their passions are different… regeneration, social ecology, community, coaching, relating, art and music, technology projects, generating collective intelligence to name just a few.

We have come to realise that our work is not about “Facilitation”. It is about “Facilitating…”

“We’re being turned into a noun when the aliveness is in staying a verb.” ~ Mark Nepo

Our “Why’s” are unique to us, and it is presence that sources our vitality and passion for our work. And when a group or relationship is full of vitality, passion and diversity, it is more likely to achieve its purpose.