writing-mens group agenda 2024-07-06.md

writing-mens group agenda 2024-07-06.md

Mens group 2024-07-06 agenda

• prep (start at least 30m before open):
  • Remind in advance that group will close 15 minutes after start, and to bring your own food if anyone has eating restrictions
  • Print about 10 [[writing-Active listening how to|active listening]] handouts and any notes for the session
  • Form seats in a circle, adjust lighting (not too bright)
  • decide on a restaurant for uber eats
  • ground self - set my own energy
• 1700 trickle in
  • welcome the dudes. hand dudes group uber eats order
  • hang out, suggest bathroom/water
• 1715 check-in agreements:
  • confidentiality - vulnerability space means not speaking about other dude's experience. Check in and get permission before bringing up mens group topics outside of mens group. Allow space for questions. Get verbal confirmation from everyone.
  • try not to leave early - early leaves disrupt the container, with allowances for emergency or need for emotional space
  • phones - do not disturb or off; mens group is about listening to one another, phone is pretty bad for that
• 1720 - short build trust introductions exercise option. Dudes should feel comfortable with one another, initial 15m is to introduce the group dynamic and settle into somatic space, get dudes out of head. Examples of vibe setting exercises:
  • name toss exercise; rotating circle of names for intros
  • eyes-down eyes-up elimination circle game for intros
  • push hands or finger guns or other light wrestling exercise
  • 1m eye contact with each neighbor - a bit intense, could try
  • end with short 2-3m meditation, settle into body
• 1735 - return to the group, name what emotions we're bringing to the group; every dude gives a short 10-30s experience they are feeling in their body; try to keep it to feeling, rather than narratives. Settle into being able to express emotional content.
• 1745 - introduce main active listening content. Give example of active listening. Make sure handouts are passed out. Give 1-2 questions to center the active listening. Pair off, 20 minute 1:1 active listening session.
• 1830 - Rejoin circle. Short 2-3m meditation before rejoining group. Popcorn group discussion; how was that? What came up?
• 1850 - sending blessings and gratitude back out into the world (phones out)
• 1855 - checking-out - repeat of name an emotional experince return to the group.
• 1900 - open floor for unstructured group discussion, dudes can plug what they're thinking about or events they'd like to invite others to
• closing circle of apes stronger together in a jumping hugging grunting circle