Courageous Conversations is a monthly facilitated discussion held every Full Moon from 6 pm -8:30 pm in The Barn at Cracroft Guiding Center in Christchurch.

OUR TOPIC FOR 25th JUNE is -

Death.

Learning the Language of Loss.

Sometimes when speaking about dying to someone who is in the grieving process or experiencing a loss we feel can awkward, inadequate, or just not know what to say.

This discussion will prompt some deeper level thinking to assist in gaining comfort to listen to other's stories and feel confident to share deeply empathetic genuine responses.

We will share our experiences, look at cultural differences and current models of aging.

Every person's experience of loss is unique and should not be compared.

Together, we will walk towards shifting the blocks we may have around death to gain a full appreciation of LIFE!

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT BEREAVEMENT COUNSELLING OR THERAPY.

This group discussion will be co-facilitated by Melanie Mayell host of the Chch Death Cafe.

"We cannot be truly alive without maintaining an awareness of death"

~ Frank Ostseski

The Kaupapa-

These events have been created for people who want to learn how to listen with the same passion that they wish to be understood. Too often, we are thinking about our response before the person has even finished speaking.

Miscommunication is usually the root of misunderstandings and conflict. When we learn how to communicate fully with clarity, kindness, and courage there is no situation we cannot manage.

During these evenings we will explore different communication styles and always invite attendees to look at things from different perspectives.

At these events, we invite everyone to speak so that we can truly see them. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are given precedence in every korero.

The topics will be controversial, juicy, taboo, and ALL the things we don’t usually talk about.

We invite you to connect on a deeper level so that together we can create a community of courageous, conscious beings who are all working on becoming better humans.

What it’s not-

It’s not therapy, if you are needing one-on-one treatment and want to speak with a counselor then we suggest you do that. This is an open discussion where everyone is heard and has the opportunity to speak. This is not a rushed, nicey-nice, bright, bustling gathering of quirky games.

What it is-

This is a slow-building of deep conversations, with muted light, lots of cushions, warm cups of tea and soft blankets, and comfy couches. These circles will be limited to under 20 participants to reserve intimacy and to give the time to go deep.

One of the main reasons this event has been created is to transform the social anxiety that we all feel, into the courage to speak up in any situation. Courage is contagious and community is where it grows. These events will not be for the faint of heart, there will be no small talk.

Who is it for? People who want to become more courageous in their everyday conversations, to speak the words in their heart, say what they mean, and mean what they say! People who want transformational results from spending time with courageous humans.

Who is it not for? People who are stuck in their ways and not open to seeing things from different perspectives. Attention-seeking show boaters who are not ready to step into the depth of their true being. Humans who splash in the shallow end and play it safe, it’s not that you won’t be welcomed with open arms, you will. But you’ll also be held accountable if you don’t show up fully.

Who's behind it?

Merri is a counselor who has been at the coal face working with whai ora (people seeking wellness) in different capacities in Õtautahi for over 20 years. She has a wicked sense of humour and a penchant for telling it like it is. She believes in giving voice to those who are least heard in society. Equity, diversity, and inclusion take precedence in her every korero.

Jill is a highly experienced Facilitator and Community Change Maker with a devotion to non-profit organisations and a passion for non-violent communication.

Always the peacemaker and space holder she's noticed after sitting in countless meetings how many times the quietest person in the room has the deepest thoughts. Her idea for Courageous Conversations is to offer an intentional space to give everyone the opportunity to speak, not just the extroverts.

She believes that everyone has something to teach and we will all benefit if we come willing to learn.

Both Merri and Jill have a huge capacity for compassion and empathy and a willingness to talk about the things that aren't spoken about. They welcome ALL of the emotions and want you to know that all humans are welcome here.

They believe that in order to create societal change we need to become more courageous and connect with Vulnerability. Listening to the stories and experiences that make us who we are, helps us to learn, grow and transform.

SPACES ARE LIMITED, PLEASE BOOK ONLINE.

WE ARE RESERVING INTIMACY BY KEEPING NUMBERS SMALLER.