Are you looking for deeper connections with like-minded people?
Are you frustrated with having to walk on eggshells in a conversation?
Are you tired of being someone that you’re not for the sake of others?
Then, come to a Getting Real Gathering!
What are Getting Real Gatherings?
The Getting Real Gathering is based on the idea that we experience deep connections when we are supported in sharing who we really are. Having a safe environment to practice authenticity deepens our capacity for honest communication in our daily lives. Being real, and authentic can be risky, as we expose parts of ourselves that we fear will be rejected or judged by others, leaving us feeling unaccepted and unloved. The workshop creates a safe space for us all to practice authenticity, which not only feels great to do, but also results in discovering how alike we all are. The workshop uses the framework of Susan Campbell‘s games, “Getting Real” and “The Truth in Dating Game” to create the safe container that allows us to go deep. These games encourage you to deepen your capacity for honest communication through answering introspective questions.
What happens at the Getting Real Gatherings?
Quite honestly, MAGIC happens!
Often people are nervous when they arrive. As a way to help clear that energy you are invited to play a mingle game right after you register. By picking questions from a box you go on a scavenger hunt collecting answers to questions while mingling. For example, “find someone who lives in your city/town”, or “find someone who speaks 2 languages”. The goal of this exercise is to facilitate the process of meeting different people before the structured part of the event begins.
The first exercise is a connecting Hand on Heart Puja. This reverent exercise is done in silence and is a wonderful way to greet each person in the group, and sets a solid foundation for the rest of the day. We follow this with a check in, where each person has the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group. This introduction gives us our first glimpse into the authentic nature of each individual. Moving from that we jump into the group activity playing Susan Campbell’s Truth in Dating Game. This game dives deeper into the heart and soul of each participant, allowing us to hear more about their life experiences and discovering our commonalities. The feedback portion of the game also really highlights how alike we are. As a result people feel more seen, heard and connected. Another aspect that creates a safe space for sharing is that you are always 100% at choice around your participation in these activities, choosing to only explore what is comfortable to you. To facilitate this, we setup the open atmosphere by having the group agree to strict confidentiality. Light refreshments are then provided during a short break, allowing us to fuel up and mingle a bit more. After the break we form small groups and I lead you through a brief visualization focusing on your desires in life. Each member of the small group then has the opportunity to share, opening up the space for even deeper connection.
We end with a closing circle where each participant shares their experience of the workshop and how they are feeling in the moment. It still amazes me when I experience the magic that happens by the end of each workshop and how connected and supported each participant feels.
Who attends the Getting Real Gatherings?
The Getting Real Gatherings attract people of all ages ranging from their 20’s to 70’s. The common thread is that they are each looking for ways to connect on a deeper level with others and possibly form long lasting friendships. These gatherings are a wonderful, safe place to bring your real and authentic selves and not have to edit what you say. It’s quite refreshing!
