included/

[edwschreiber at earthlink.net]

Ann's comments reminds me of my years working in the addictions field.
Most who did well in those programs were those who found a 'spiritual ground' upon which to stand.
That ground had traditions that reflected a collective approach to being of service to one another
and in service to one's own growth, healing and spiritual maturation.

And much like those movements, societies that were given birth to by drunks who found recovery, 
so too do we have tools:  sociometric, sociatric, sociodramatic - with which to operate ourselves as
a group.  We could actually be a demonstration of Moreno's ideas in how we functioned together in a
new and adaquate way.

And our "elders" like Ann are needed to help us as our elders, those with the most history as those 
of us with new blood come in to join.

-----Original Message-----
>From: Ann Hale <annehale at swva.net>
>Sent: Apr 15, 2007 10:55 PM
>To: grouptalk <list at grouptalkweb.org>
>Subject: included/"outcluded"
>
>One of the very first things I was taught in psychodrama was to do a "self presentation"...this was facilitated through a warm up of some sort. The purpose was to introduce oneself to a group.  It wasn't about being popular, or smart, or "showing your stuff" but was to be about being "congruent". I think we call it being authentic these days.
>
>The stage at Beacon had been presented as a place to explore the truth, and I remember resolving to only bring to it what was true, even those things I was uncertain about.  All psychodrama organizations are rife with dynamics, hierarchies, rivalrys, celebrations, huge achievements, and some of what Moreno termed, the "sociodynamic effect".  We can get to the truth when we engage.  Grouptalk can be a sort of "stage" for us, if we can follow up in person.
>
>We are all smart enough to know what actions are devisive. This list gives each person who writes an audience.  Each of us can draw conclusions, and look for opportunities to engage further, when we are face to face.
>
>I have always admired the way ANZPA runs their meetings.  They have an open plenary before each workshop time slot and all the people offering for that time slot, stand, speak and briefly let the participants know what they are planning to do.  Once all workshop presenters have been heard from, everyone goes to a place in the room indicating the workshop they want to attend. The conveners check in with presenters: Do you have the size group you need? Too many? some of you guys go somewhere else. Need More?  Ok folks we need some more people over here.  The purpose for ANZPA is that each presenter is supported. Then, rooms are assigned based on numbers.  Also, by this happening in the open you can avoid someone, or move toward someone. It is very sociometric, and you aren't making choices months ahead of time about what you might want to learn more about.
>
>It is a great relief to be attracted to the entire conference and to make up my mind in the moment.
>