Introducing 7 Cups Exploration Garden
It has been three years since we started the Sharing Circle and I appreciate you all for making it an empowering session where everyone shares and supports each other. We received a lot of feedback and we did multiple iterations to strengthen and improve the session. We have seen how the Sharing Circle has helped many to connect with others, share their thoughts and feelings, and find support in challenging times. A huge shout-out to all members, listeners, hosts, and leaders for their compassionate efforts and support.
One area of the feedback has been that we allow questions to be asked during the share. Given the unique structure of the Sharing Circle, it was difficult to integrate that feedback into the session. But, we value our members’ feedback and are determined to provide a better support experience for them.
We are introducing a new group chat initiative - Exploration Garden Session. We recognize that this session will help sharers to further explore their feelings and experiences with the help of questions. It will also foster deeper connections among participants of the session.
The most important characteristic of the Exploration Garden is the purpose behind it. We will encourage participants to support questions and reflections to support sharers more. Members shared that asking questions during share may help them better understand themselves, and get better clarity in their thoughts and feelings. These chats are dedicated to the giving and receiving of support and exploration in a turn-based setting where each participant has the chance to share and explore their thoughts and emotions.
But it won’t be a substitute for Sharing Circle. Both Sharing Circle and Exploration Garden have their unique vision and structure to support our members. They both will be complementary to each other.
Who can participate?
Only members can enter the queue. Listeners are encouraged to join and support shares. Your presence and support will encourage and empower them.
Please note that access to the Exploration Garden chat is currently being trialed so will not be available to all users. We will scale up access with time and encourage everyone who gets to try this new chat to send us feedback.
When will these sessions happen?
These sessions will happen every day in Exploration Garden Group Chat from 12.00 pm- 11.00 pm
How can I get involved?
We will be looking for help to facilitate Exploration Garden Sessions. If you are interested in hosting them, you can reach out to @SoulfullyAButterfly or @ASilentObserver for more information.
Please keep in mind that this is new, so it's likely that it will evolve as we experience and learn from all of you. We look forward to having you. Come and explore with us!!
@lyricalAngel70 isn’t it pretty ?
@ASilentObserver Good to see new introductions, this one sounds fascinating and exciting! Thanks for continuing to think and plan and trial new things for everyone!
@Fristo thank you Fristo. appreciate your support in the group chats and through all other initiatives to support the community.
@Fristo I like your Positivity Corner and Gratitude Circles and really appreciate all the effort you put into these spaces. The "feeling" in the Corner is so healing. I would like to commend you for your heroic and volunteer efforts to make this space alive and nurturing. An example of the thought behind your Gratitude Circles is your gorgeous graphic with the interlocking hands and the rules for the room. Simple, yet easy to follow. I'm a fan. Also, it seems whenever I have entered the Positivity Corner space, like it's well-populated with people who are conscious of keeping the tone supportive and "nice." Seems like it's a facilitated space. This matters, especially when people stumble in, are hurting, and suddenly find they have a soft place to land.
@VioletVeritas very motivating words, tas, motivates me to keep up with these efforts. let's do it together and make a wonderful positivity land possible for anyone to land in.
@ASilentObserver
This sounds amazing!!! I love that admin is listening to feedback and continues to build more ways for us all to connect and engage within the community! So exciting!! Thank you for sharing the news🎉❤️
@ASilentObserver thank you for the idea - this is so important to help people to reflect and dig in deeper ❤️🩷
@GoldenRuleJG I agree with you Golden. I hope it helps every one to get additional support through this initiative. I appreciate your support to the community,
@ASilentObserver I appreciate your leadership soul - you are wonderful to work with and you @SoulfullyAButterfly
@asilentobserver, thank you for the careful and thoughtful work here. I know you've been doing a lot of research, listening to members, and iterating on ideas for this for quite a while. Sharing circles has been a remarkable success. One of my favorite rooms to drop by and see people supporting one another. It is beautiful. I believe the same and more will happen with the exploration garden. ✨
Hi, Obs, I love this idea but am confused about the times. Also, will this session be facilitated?
Love and courage,
Tas
@VioletVeritas Hi there, the very first session launches today in around an hour at 12 PM EDT. Please note that the room access will vary during the trial period. I do hope you get a chance to experience it!
@SoulfullyAButterfly
I hope so too!!!! Let's see if it comes about.