Authentic Relating
Authentic relating (AR) is a mode of relating in which we notice and share our inner world—our sensations, feelings, impulses, thoughts, motivations, and perceptions. More info and full lexicon.
There are a couple common ways of practicing authentic relating: AR games and circling.
AR games
AR games are group activities (pairs, small groups, or large group) for practicing noticing and sharing what’s going on inside ourselves. There’s a games manual and a book: Conflict = Energy.
We can do AR games online via the COnnect platform. Courses for learning AR include ALP and various options from Authentic Revolution.
Circling
Circling is also know as relational meditation. It is a type of meditation in that it has a point of focus that we bring our attention back to. It’s relational in that the focus is not on our independent selves, but on what it’s like to be in connection with others—how it is to be in the same room, to hear what they say, to meet their gaze. And we share what we notice.
- Birthday: focus on one person
- Organic: facilitator guides focus
- Surrendered leadership: everyone surrenders and leads
- Topical: focus on a topic
- Developmental: topical circle on personal development and clearing developmental trauma
- Self: by yourself
- Guerilla: outside of shared context
- Corporate: in a workshop/training for a company
The original circling book is The Art of Circling. A more recent book is Circling and Authentic Relating Practice Guide.
In addition to our Brooklyn events, there is circling every Monday in Manhattan. We can circle online via Circle Anywhere or COnnect.
There are 3 schools of circling. There are practitioner trainings from Circling Europe, The Connection Institute, and Art of Circling. Leadership trainings include SAS, T3, AoC Facilitator Training, and The Connection Institute.