{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/62af45215cb8e1001614fe34/6817f8479704d99f8498f559?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Deep Democracy and the Practice of Welcoming It All with Emily Yee Clare ","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62af45215cb8e1001614fe34/1746401152367-f04575a1-dd7d-43ee-b13b-9fabf7407337.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>-GUEST BIOGRAPHY-</p><p><br></p><p><em>Emily is a mixed-race settler (Chinese/white) based out of Montreal, the traditional and unceded territories of the Kanien’kehá:ka, They are passionate about their work as a consultant and facilitator and have close to 10 years of experience in anti-oppressive change management, human resources, conflict mediation &amp; curriculum design.</em></p><p><br></p><p>PRACTICES:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Tap into image, sensation, or metaphor to get a more somatic, accurate read on what’s happening in the group.</li><li>Normalize playful banter—it softens the space and invites levity.</li><li>Physically explore inner tensions or polarities (e.g. “I want chicken / I want tofu”) by stepping into each perspective. Then return to center to hold both truths and reflect on what’s needed to integrate them.</li><li>When interpersonal tension arises, pause and ask: <em>What’s creating this dynamic?</em> Often, it’s unspoken needs or unclear boundaries.</li><li>Let small facilitator “flaws” (e.g. messy handwriting, imperfect flipcharts) model that it’s okay not to be on top of everything.</li><li>Use art, metaphor, storytelling, roleplay, or fidget tools to engage imagination and ease.</li><li>Track and share your inner state (e.g. “I feel a little tense”), and name group dynamics (e.g. people fidgeting or looking away). It builds shared awareness.</li><li>Notice how resistance shows up in yourself or the group. There’s wisdom in it—it can be a diagnostic tool.</li></ul><p>IDEAS:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Honouring every voice—rational or emotional—helps surface the real conversations a group needs to have.</li><li>When a group repeats a dynamic, they’re “cycling.” Awareness of this helps break the loop.</li><li>Group shifts can happen at the individual, one-on-one, or group level—each one impacts the others.</li><li>We all hold multiple roles (e.g. joker, carer). Creating comfort in shifting between them fosters relational wisdom and shared responsibility.</li><li>If there’s tension or a marginalized voice, lean in—there’s often opportunity and insight there.</li><li>Don’t exile your needs—learning to notice and name them helps deepen group connection.</li><li>We’re allowed to show up grumpy, tired, or joyful. Creating space for the full range of being human is essential.</li><li>Joy, happiness, and lightness also need a safe space to be expressed—not just struggle.</li><li>Every group carries a pressure to perform—even without suits and ties. Loosening this helps people show up more authentically.</li><li>Conflict is often more tolerable than the fear of it. It doesn’t have to be intense—it can be held with curiosity and care.</li><li>To create safety in a group, we must first feel safe within ourselves.</li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"Ez Bridgman"}