Our worlds are busy with opposing agendas, loud voices and rigid stances. They exhaust us, yet we may find ourselves driven to add our own voices, even shout them, into their cacophony.

We have a vision, hold a view, see an outcome that the world needs!

We think. Or think we know.

But how can we progress our vision without doing (and repeating) violence to others and to ourselves? Can space be created to meet our yearnings to be seen and heard, with respect? Both for ourselves and for others with whom we may not agree? Can no-nonsense kindness break through?

Can we reduce the din and make progress?

Listening is the forgotten half of communication. With courage, wisdom and practised intention we can attentively listen to, be present to, and hold the thoughts shared by another without judging, defending or losing clarity in a wash of strong emotion.

Practice of such presence and listening is a gift to us, to others, and to our world. It is intentionally benevolent. It is firm gentleness and kindness. It can open new landscapes and horizons from which creative solutions and opportunities arise.

Courage to Create Change is a Circle of Trust® retreat. It will create a safe space within a small group. It will explore the concepts of courage and change, deepening your insights into your engagement with them. It will reveal barriers and challenges, as well as strengths and hopes. It will give understanding of the ways these insights might enrich your workplace, home, community living – and your cause.

Participants are supported to reflect on their connection to courage and change, and to draw-out the insights of their own stories, inner resources and personal wisdoms; as well as to develop new insights through witnessing the stories of others.

It takes actual time to build relational trust, think deeply and process arising insights. Time is an essential component of the process of Courage To Create Change. The retreat is paced to support relationship formation, deep listening and reflection. 

Upholding the honour and integrity of each participant is also essential. Structured upon the non-violating principles of Parker J. Palmer’s Centre for Courage & Renewal, Courage To Create Change will give experiences that are vibrant, spacious, relationally connected and transformational.

Objectives

The objectives of the Courage To Create Change retreat are to:

• Gather a small, diverse cohort of leaders and others to participate in a reflective dialogue across three days about courage and change as ways of being and seeing.
• Increase participants’ understanding of the attitudinal structure of courage and change.
• Increase participants’ understanding of the agency of courage – when integrated with action – to support cultures of change for wellbeing and values-driven leadership.
• Through shared story, increase participants’ understanding of courage and change from multiple points of view and diversity of lived experiences.
• Enhance participants’ experiences and skills in deep listening.
• Enhance participants’ valuing of deep listening experiences across diverse cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
• Build participants’ ability to identify safe space and hold it for others.
• Provide participants with opportunity for safe, guided reflection upon their personal experiences of courage and change. 
• Provide participants with opportunity for safe, guided reflection upon their personal barriers and triggers regarding courage and change.
• Provide participants with tools to develop relational trust and leadership within their workplaces and communities; and beyond into their personal lives as both family members and contributing citizens.

What to Expect

You will gather with a group of others to participate in dialogue and a variety of reflective activities. All activities are by invitation. The retreat will be stimulating, whilst creating spaciousness and a slowed pace. Our time together is non-residential – so you will go home or to your hotel to sleep. Excluding breakfasts, simple, nourishing meals will be provided.

Day 1: 4.30pm for a 5.00pm sharp start – finish 9.30pm

Day 2: 8.30am start – finish 9.30pm

Day 3: 8.30am start – finish 2.00pm

Expressions of Interest to Rosie or Grace directly and via rosaliemartin.com & citizentas.org