The Way of Council integrates a contemporary understanding of group dynamics with ancient forms of communication whose roots lie in Western, Eastern, Hawaiian, and Native American cultures.
It is a non-hierarchical form of deep communication where each person is empowered to speak. It's primary intentions - listening and speaking from the heart - encourage genuine self-disclosure and attentive empathic listening. Council is at the core of all our offerings.
In it's most basic form, the practice of Council is simple. People sitting in a circle engenders a sense of equality and, since the facilitator is also a participant rather than only a teacher or lecturer, everyone has the feeling of 'being in the same boat'. A 'talking piece' is passed from person to person in the circle and, one at a time, people speak from the heart. Everybody listens. When people know they all have equal opportunity to speak and be heard, they learn to express themselves in ways that are deeply personal. Often participants are surprised at what they reveal to complete strangers in a Council program. Council encourages participants to speak from their own experience, what we call I-messages so that the tendency to blame others or speak in generalities is avoided, getting to the heart of the matter. As the practice deepens, participants achieve greater tolerance for the views of others and develop the ability to explore conflict non-violently, and thus to contribute to a culture of peace.
While not 'new', Council practice has been refined and developed for over 25 years at The Ojai Foundation. Council is currently being used in over 30 public and private schools in the USA. The Ojai Foundation offers a progressive series of trainings, outreach and educational internships in the USA, Europe, Israel, and South Africa.
The benefits of Council:
- It offers potential for creating a working, authentic community. The truth is acknowledged wherever it is heard or revealed. Though elders are honoured and their experience recognized, the voice of the youngest or newest member shares the same opportunity for expression. Leaders with designated responsibilities can move forward and take action with the benefit of having heard from everyone in the circle.
- It is an excellent means for discovering the deeper, often unexpressed needs of individuals and groups.
- It dissolves prejudices and is an effective means of resolving conflict.
- It teaches deep listening and authentic communication.
- It is a forum for team and consensus building.
- It teaches shared leadership and shared visioning.
- It allows the wisdom of the circle to be revealed.
Council is a ceremonial process which engages us heartfully and teaches us to listen attentively. In times of uneasiness, momentous decision-making or joyful sharing, the talking piece keeps our circle open and flowing. Individuals in conflict can use this process in working through their impasse. We found that our willingness to tread on seemingly dangerous ground in Council has brought us to new and deeper levels of honesty. [TOF Staff member]
