Fundamentals of Authentic Relating - Byron Bay

Fundamentals of Authentic Relating is a 6 session series exploring, practicing and developing the foundational aspects of the energy of intimacy - attention.

This attentional energy is broken into the categories of: Listening, Expressing and Attuning.

Understanding these three different ways of using our energy, and developing the skill sets within each one, leads to increasing elegance in one's ability and capacity to create and maintain connection in any context.

​Through developing this level of skill with others, we begin setting the stage for deep exploration of the mystery, embodied spontaneous ritual and archetypical invocations, and organismic consciousness. These expanded practices are taught through collective field work known as Circling.

This course is a practice heavy, experiential dive into somewhat simple, yet infinitely deep, aspects of relating. Understanding and practicing the skills contained in this course leads to an expansion in “relational intelligence”, the awareness of and ability to shape and direct attention within human interaction. 

The development of this intelligence creates possibilities of increased experiences of intimacy, ability to provide emotional support for others, clarity in expressing desires and boundaries, enhanced negotiation and conflict resolution capacities, and an expanded capacity to explore the mystery of 'other'. 

​Ultimately, through this practice of relating, an ever-increasing refinement of your own unique Essence, as well as the unique Essence of those around you, is enhanced.

In sovereignty, radiance and embodiment. 

Course Objectives

The following skills are taught, practiced and developed throughout the duration of the course:

Listening

• Receptive listening :: embodying the principles of presence, appreciation, non-judgment and spaciousness
• Reflective listening :: how to validate and honour another's experience, providing them with the opportunity for deeper insight into self
• Active listening :: utilising curiosity as a vehicle of navigation into the infinite universe of another

Expressing

• Vulnerability :: expression connected to the intensity of authentic truth
• Desire :: the driving force of who and what we are in the world
• Boundaries :: how the space between us facilitates genuine connection

Attuning

• Noticing :: bringing shared presence to the immediacy of the moment
• Impact :: creating circuits of connection through acknowledging the impact of another’s expression within oneself
• Resonance ::  dropping into the experience of interpersonal harmony 

Course Breakdown

The course takes place over 6 Wednesdays from September 30th to November 4th from 6.30-9pm

Session 1 :: Monday October 7th :: Embodied Listening & Vulnerability
*Note this first session will be 2.5 hours long and run from 7-9.30pm AEST*

We will explore the powerful synergy between the skill of receptive listening and the expression of vulnerability, while setting up a safe group container for the course.

Session 2 :: Wednesday October 14th :: Reflection

Developing this listening skill leads to a magical ability to really have others feel seen and heard in your presence. There is an entire world of subtlety available to discover in this skill.

Session 3 :: Wednesday October 21st :: Curiosity

Curiosity is a relational navigational capacity that, when articulated with finesse, leads others to reveal their depths, creating the possibility of beautiful bonding experiences.

Session 4 :: Wednesday October 28th :: Desire & Boundaries

Tuning into your authentic "Yes" and “No"... with these skills we develop clarity on how to express our needs and wants in ways that can feel good to both us, and those with whom we are sharing them.

Session 5 :: Wednesday November 4th :: Noticing, Impact & Resonance

The development of attuning skills opens up the “we” space, the intersubjective field that lies between us as humans. Stepping into this field with others, even for a moment, can feel profoundly nourishing, expansive and transformative.

Session 6 :: Wednesday November 11th :: Closing Circle

The nature of this course creates a deeply intimate group space between the participants. This last session is an opportunity to consciously and safely step out of this shared field while reflecting on the learnings, insights and experiences that have occurred.


Course Inclusions and Expectations

• 6 x 2.5 hour in person classes
• Lifetime access to an expanding community of like-minded participants eager to grow and learn
• 15-45 minutes practice ‘homework’ per week within the community
• Practice manual describing each of the practices shared during the course
• Tea and snacks will be provided, please take care of your own dinner