Global Flipchart #18

Barbara King

Uncertainty is unsettling and fear-inducing on a small scale. On a global scale it has been “dumbfounding”, “surreal”, “mind-blowing”, “mindboggling”, “like something from a sci-fi movie”. Those are descriptions I have heard recently from friends and colleagues. There is, at least, shock and trauma at worst.

Rallying can mean two things:

• To recover or cause to recover in health, spirits, or poise and
• To come together again in order to continue fighting after a defeat or dispersion.

First there needs to be recovery from the shock and trauma that has disoriented us as individuals, and communities. I’m in thinking mode, asking myself and others lots of questions: How can we return to mental and social equanimity? Then, how can we facilitate the same for others? How can we utilize our acquired tools to lift spirits and recover health – in individuals, groups, organizations?

Equanimity is a state of feeling not “in control”, but capable of assessing and responding appropriately.

Our clients, partners, supporters, even family and friends need to realize that while we cannot know for sure what is to come, we can find the resources within ourselves to respond moment by moment.

Facilitators are skilled in the art of equanimity, they know about the delicate balance of factors that go into making a process, people, purpose, time, and conditions work together to arrive at a positive, desired outcome. These are the skills for this time. Skills to recognize, understand, hone and share. 

Facilitation holds up mirrors so we can see the truth of what is. It shapes the processes to create and weave dreams and visions, then ground them in the world. Many of us are facilitators because we crave a different way of being and functioning in all areas of human life. This seems like a crucial moment in time to rally – come together - to redouble our efforts when so many people are feeling defeated in the face of the daunting reconstruction ahead.

Which leads to another question: How?