Authentic Relating: A Journey into Heartfelt Connection

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Authentic Relating is for those who want to get beyond small talk and connect more deeply with others in a substance-free, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Most social events throw a bunch of strangers into a room to fend for themselves, which disadvantages people who have social anxiety and with marginalized identities. Authentic Relating intentionally disrupts this dynamic with strategies that facilitate equity and inclusion.
In a world where we often wear a mask, presenting some aspects of ourselves and hiding others in order to be accepted, Authentic Relating invites us to show up as we are. All parts, dimensions, emotions, and aspects that make us human are welcome in this practice. When we share from our authentic selves, we create the opportunity for genuine connections and self-understanding. The result is often moving and therapeutic.

### What Is Authentic Relating?

Authentic is being real, honest, revealed, and transparent, allowing others to see, hear, and know our inner world. Relating is welcoming the other person's authentic self and weaving their reality and experience with our own. Authenticity and vulnerability are possible in an environment absent of judgement where we are received with openness, empathy, and compassion. It is also a journey, one where we take the time to get to know each other and feel comfortable enough to reveal ourselves (no one is forced to be vulnerable or share anything they are uncomfortable sharing). Authentic Relating is about creating a space where that journey can happen in a spirit of delight and discovery.
At a facilitated Authentic Relating gathering, one can have a meaningful interaction with every person, practice deep listening and sharing, and feel a sense of belonging. Guided activities encourage participants to be playful, curious, empathetic, thoughtful, and vulnerable. Facilitation and prepared questions help people practice active listening and self-reflection. Everyone has an equal amount of time to talk, listen, and be heard, and no one can dominate the conversation or be a wallflower.

### Principles and Practices for Authentic Relating

Mindfulness: Slowing down, being present and aware of our inner state and surroundings.
Empathy: Being aware of and releasing judgement, employing empathy, curiosity, openness, and recognition of multiple perspectives.
Authenticity: Vulnerability, honesty, voicing our truth, self-awareness.
Centering the other: No interrupting, giving advice, fixing, or telling your own story. Ask for permission to share your opinion, advice, your own story, and questions.
Validating: acknowledging, appreciating, reflecting, empathizing, and presencing.
Structure: Timed interactions where people take turns sharing, listening, and reflecting. Conversations range from 5 to 10 minutes.
Equity: Conversation partners are assigned randomly in order to avoid choosing partners based on personal preference. Group conversations typically involve going in order around a circle rather than popcorn style.
Prepared questions: Directs conversation towards meaningful topics and deeper reflection.

### Sample Agenda

5 min: Partnered conversation to land
5 min: Loving kindness meditation
10 min: Introduction to authentic relating
10 min: Opening shares
10 min: Movement activity
45 min: Facilitated conversations
10 min: Break
45 min: Facilitated conversations
15 min: Closing circle

### Sample Conversation Prompts

What are you passionate about?
What do you struggle with?
What are you most anxious or fearful about?
What gives you hope?
What is a difficulty or challenge that you’re struggling with?
What is something that you long for that you don’t have?
What do you need?

### Additional Info

Advanced registration required. No walk ins.
NO REFUNDS unless the event is cancelled.
Everyone who attends is invited to join a WhatsApp group to stay in touch and connect with others one-on-one.
This event is not exclusively for singles! All ages, genders, sexualities, abilities, identities, etc. welcome!
The event is capped at 20 and will be cancelled if there are fewer than 6. This helps us create an intimate atmosphere and get to know everyone in the group.
If you would like to participate, please arrive early so we can start on time. Late arrivals jeopardize the emotional safety and flow of the event.

### Videos to Learn More

2 minute video
15 minute video

### Testimonials

"I live in an intentional community where I am friends with all the residents and we never lock our doors, but even here, we don't reach the depth of connection that I experience at Authentic Relating in 3 hours. This is a heart filled, nourishing practice for everyone who desires genuine connection and community."
"Thank you so much for organizing the event today. I was extremely apprehensive about the experience but you created a safe, joyful, and meaningful event. Your passionate, kind, and gentle spirit helped to create a beautiful and loving environment. I also gained skills that will help me deepen my relationships and connect with more people. I was really pleasantly surprised and moved by the experience."
"I was very surprised with how much I both needed and enjoyed the workshop. As someone who is pretty good with people, I have found that finding friends has been difficult since moving to the DMV for school. I never thought of attending a workshop made specifically for helping people meet new friends would be something I needed, let alone something I would enjoy. The facilitator was kind yet direct, and led the time well, and the activities we fun and varied. Most importantly, real connection was generated, and while obviously follow up is our responsibility, being able to attend a space that helped get us past the meeting phase was worth its weight in gold. I would happily attend again."
"This was amazing! I'm definitely coming back and inviting my friends next time!"
“I will never experience social gatherings the same way again!”
"Most social events are like fast food--stimulating but insubstantial. Authentic Relating feels more like a carefully crafted and nutritious meal, made with love for you."
"I went to this event last month and enjoyed it so much ❤️ I formed a lot of bonds in a short amount of time. Time well spent. Highly recommend it!"
"Authentic Relating is life changing!"
"Clara is a warm and engaging facilitator who makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable to be their authentic selves."

## About the Facilitator

Clara Fang, Ph.D. is the founder of Green Tara Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in diversity, equity, and belonging. She has been working at the intersection of climate advocacy and racial justice for twenty years. She is an experienced facilitator of authentic relating, meditation, and ecstatic dance. She lives in Germantown, MD. [bio.site/cfang](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/greentara/dating)
To learn more about my approach to creating inclusive social gatherings, please read Creating Equitable and Inclusive Social Gatherings
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