We support intentional communities to navigate difficult conversations & transform conflict.
We see amazing communities creating the alternative realities we need. And when there is tension or conflict there is not always capacity within the community to navigate through it with care. We are deeply committed to supporting restorative culture and increasing capacity to transform conflict, which seems an essential part of our shared future.
We work on an exchange or sliding scale basis with communities to…
- Understand the tension/conflict, history, power dynamics, systemic factors and needs
- Check in with each person involved to hear their experience and what they need
- Hold space for honest conversations where everyone can speak up and be heard
- Support communities to find agreements and practices for moving forward together
After many years working with networks, organisations, grassroots groups and local communities, we are now bringing these skills and capacities into land-based communities. We can also help with inclusive decision making and making space for dialogue when there are polarised views. Viv also offers courses and one to one support.
*NB: We love staying with land based communities and are happy to offer these skills in exchange for board & lodging plus travel expenses, or on a sliding scale basis. We are also happy to contribute in other ways while there, including growing, cooking, Ayurvedic health advice and massage!
Why is there often conflict even when things start with good intentions?
Most of us are relearning how to live and work together after growing up in a culture of separation. We are out of practice and used to having to compete and defend our boundaries. Even with the best intentions, there can be a lot to work through as we start to build relationships based on sharing power and living from our true nature.
We hold space for whatever needs to be said to come up, and support people to hear each other and process what they have heard. With radical acceptance, non-judgement, support and challenge, there can be so much learning and growth when we step towards each other even when it’s hard. As we build more trust in ourselves, each other and life, we are more able to sit with discomfort and unknowns, to face each other with truth and love.
Who are we?!
Viv (she/her) is an experienced facilitator and mediator and has worked extensively with social change organisations, grassroots groups and communities. Her training includes Restorative Circles, Mediation, Deep Democracy (LDD), Processwork, Art of Hosting, Restorative Justice, Conflict Coaching and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Find out more by browsing this website, or reading these testimonials.
Jaden (he/him) is a wise old soul in a young body! He brings wisdom, presence, clarity and balance, enabling us to hold large groups and complexity with truth and love. He’s also brilliant working with people one to one in support of the relational work.
Find out more
If you would like to know more, please get in touch for an initial conversation…
- Email: viv@connectingwisdom.uk
- Text/WhatsApp/Signal: 07974308907
Connecting Wisdom 