what is council?
Council is an age-old practice that involves bringing people together in a circle to bear witness and share authentically. Participants agree to speak one-at-a-time, sharing their personal stories and experiences, rather than opinions, and listening non-judgmentally while others do the same. Sharing and listening to universal stories about love, loss, fear, triumph, challenge, hope and other experiences enables participants to recognize that, despite our many differences, we have much in common.
By fostering attentive listening and authentic expression, council builds positive relationships between participants and neutralizes hierarchical dynamics formed by the inequality of status, race, or other social factors. It supports a deep sense of community and fosters recognition of a shared humanity and interconnectedness. It enables individuals to give voice to their stories, develop mutual respect, cultivate a compassionate response to anger, defensiveness, and violence, as well as strengthen emotional health and resilience.
applications of council
The practice of council acknowledges everyone present and helps focus intention and energy on our common stories, values, aspirations and our emergent collective wisdom. Its application is widespread and worldwide.
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EDUCATION
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Council programs have been integrated widely in educational settings, with dozens of public and independent schools throughout Southern California – and around the world – initiating council programs for students of all ages and school communities involving teachers, parents and community members.
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START-UP BUSINESSES
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One of the hardest aspects of starting a business is managing growth. Rarely discussed and addressed are the complex interpersonal relationships that are an inherent aspect of that growth, as new personalities are constantly being added to the mix. Council provides a welcome platform for new employees and emerging work relationships.
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BUSINESSES UNDERGOING CHANGE
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Widespread changes within an organization of any size, such as layoffs, leadership transitions, and new ventures, can put stress on employees trying to adjust to their new work environment. Council has proven to be a generative and supportive tool for the interpersonal challenges that emerge as businesses manage change.
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LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
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Council-based wellness and resiliency programs provide a dynamic and effective format for training in approaches that increase mindfulness and support de-escalation and inter-personal communications.
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COMMUNITIES DEALING
WITH TRAUMA |
Whether trauma is systemic, such as high crime and poverty, or acute, such as a school shooting or environmental disaster, council can provide a stable resource for coming together, bearing witness and navigating the complex emotions and volatile conditions communities confront.
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FAITH-BASED GROUPS
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Council has been integrated as a tool for contemplative practice, community-building and charitable works in faith-based communities of all denominations.
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FIRST RESPONDERS & OTHER PROFESSIONALS
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Council-based wellness programs offer practical skills and sustainable practices for recognizing and managing stress, regulating emotions, improving interpersonal relations, and creating a more compassionate work environment.
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PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
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Council is a powerful and dynamic tool for celebrating connection, marking transitions, and cultivating respectful communication, heartful connection and greater intimacy.
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defining terms: what it is and what it isn't |
The Latin word concillium, from which the word council derives, means “a gathering of people.” As we use the term, council refers to an intentional, set-aside time and place in which people come together. Some use the word “sacred” to describe this special space, though council does not connote any particular spiritual tradition. As a practice, council helps us define WHERE, WHEN, WHO, WHAT and HOW we gather together. We create a circle, in a particular place, for a given length of time, and invite individuals to come together with the intention to listen and speak from the heart. Council is a practice in which individuals deepen self-awareness, groups find cohesion and communities build bridges.
Council is not therapy; nobody purports to hold more authority or wisdom than anyone else. Council is not religion; there is no dogma or belief system that is elevated or preferenced over any other. Council is not gossip; the focus is on personal stories, not judgment or opinions of others. Council is not casual; the form is intended to create a strong container for sharing vulnerably and inviting the emergence of collective wisdom. Council is not fixed; it is a dynamic and emergent co-creation of participants who bring their good intention to the gathering, in service of themselves and others. Council is not exclusive; by including everything, seen and unseen, shadow and light, nothing is ignored.
Council is best learned through experience. Consider joining us for a Social Connection Council or explore our public trainings. For more on the origins of council practice, click here.
Council is not therapy; nobody purports to hold more authority or wisdom than anyone else. Council is not religion; there is no dogma or belief system that is elevated or preferenced over any other. Council is not gossip; the focus is on personal stories, not judgment or opinions of others. Council is not casual; the form is intended to create a strong container for sharing vulnerably and inviting the emergence of collective wisdom. Council is not fixed; it is a dynamic and emergent co-creation of participants who bring their good intention to the gathering, in service of themselves and others. Council is not exclusive; by including everything, seen and unseen, shadow and light, nothing is ignored.
Council is best learned through experience. Consider joining us for a Social Connection Council or explore our public trainings. For more on the origins of council practice, click here.
