Roots, Renewal & Resilience - Reflections on Holidays, End of year & Slowing

*** NOTE change of library space - We're meeting at Dolley Madison Library in McLean VA for this meeting ***

theme: Roots, Renewal & Resilience - Reflections on Holidays, end of year, & slowing down

Imagine you're standing in a dense forest, its trees towering around you. Some of them are old, their roots deep in the earth, strong enough to survive the fiercest storms. These trees represent resilience. Through every season, they've weathered challenges, losing branches in the wind, but always finding a way to grow again.

Their roots hold them steady, and even when they bend or break, they find a way to renew themselves, standing firm in the face of adversity. This is the power of roots—of a foundation built on experiences, values, and strength that doesn't break easily. It's the deep knowing that even after life's hardest battles, we can regenerate, grow, and come back stronger.

It’s a story of balance—between strength and fragility, between the constant pressure to fix and the wisdom to renew. Maybe it's not about forcing yourself to be tough at all costs or constantly trying to patch things up. Maybe it's about letting yourself grow, even if it means sometimes bending or breaking. After all, just like the forest, we’re all designed to rebuild, to grow from our roots, and to rise stronger with each storm we face.

Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth

Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills.

The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.

Key aspects of interpersonal process groups:

• Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:
  Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group.
• Feedback and Self-Awareness:
  The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness.
• Development of Social Skills:
  Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills.
• Microcosm of Relationships:
  The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting.
• Personal Growth and Well-being:
  Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being.

Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group:

• Increased self-awareness: Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others.
• Improved communication skills: Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively.
• Stronger relationships: Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships.
• Enhanced empathy and understanding: Learning to see situations from others' perspectives.Tentative Agenda:

1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology;
1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing;
2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief
3:00pm finish

Light snacks, candy & water provided.

Dolley Madison Library is in McLean, VA near I-495 beltway exits 44, 45 or 46.
Meeting Room #2 is 2nd door on immediate right after entering.