Communication Salon: (Dis)Connection

Do you ever find having trouble understanding why others do what they do? Or sharing what feels important? Do you sometimes feel alone?

This event may be for you. We’re having an afternoon of organized discussion about what it means to be human and to communicate with others, followed by a few exercises to practice verbal and non-verbal communication.

The theme this time is "Connection (and Disconnection)". We'll delve into topics like: What helps us feel connected with others? What makes us feel disconnected or alone? How can we connect better?

The discussion part of the salon will include opportunities to share feelings in groups of different sizes. It’s a chance to feel heard and connected, and to practice openness, listening, compassion, and empathy.

The quick communication exercises, following the discussion part, will provide an opportunity to practice some communication skills to help with connection, and to have some fun. Some of these will involve verbal communication, and others may include some non-verbal communication. (Think hand signals or gestures.) All exercises will be at choice: participants are free to participate in them, or observe, or step away.

Please wear comfortable, casual clothing, to allow some movement.

Date and Time : Saturday Oct. 17 at 1:30 pm.

Location: Private house in Christie Pits, near Christie and Ossington subway stations, close to Bloor. Address will be provided to registered guests ahead of the event.

Duration: the salon itself is planned for around 2 1/2 to 3 hours, and you can linger after for a while. A snack will be provided after the salon, and we'll put on some music, and you can hang out and chat.

Cost: There's no cost, but a donation jar will be available in case you found the workshop helpful and you'd like to offer a contribution towards the cost of hosting it. Suggested donation is $10 to cover a part of the food and supplies.

Note: This is a Level 1 event. There will be no exercises involving touch (other than possibly hugging) and it will be fully clothed. There will be a chance to meet some members of the open relating community, as well as others who are only interested in authentic communications. The focus of the event will not be open relating per se, but rather communications.