ConneXions Cafe
The ConneXions Cafe is an ongoing structured conversation about the art and skill of connecting deeply and authentically with both yourself and with others in your life.
What is the ConneXions Cafe?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs describes what people need as a pyramid. The bottom two levels define our physical needs for food, water, shelter and safety, Right now (Fall, 2020), hundreds of thousands of people around the US are suffering because they are running out of money, food and shelter and are hiding from an invisible but rampant killer called Covid-19. Block men and women are finally saying, “Enough! The racist police violence must stop NOW!” The climate is changing rapidly. Fires, hurricanes and drought are tearing up people’s lives. For many, simply survival is their primary focus.
For those of us fortunate enough to have our survival needs met, there is still the epidemic of loneliness and disconnection that plagues millions. If you feel isolated, alone and scared, you share a common need with millions of people around the planet. The ConneXions Cafe’ is focused on addressing that need for connection,
What Happens When We Meet?
The ConneXions Cafe is structured as a hero’s journey. It has a beginning, an adventure and a conclusion that is structured in three phases:
- Waking Up
- Growing Up
- Showing Up
Meeting #1: Creating a Safe Container
During the Waking Up phase, we create a “Safe Container” by getting to know each other, reviewing the agreements we need to make to help people feel safe enough to open up and share what is going on in their lives with the other participants.
This happens in our first meeting. If you decade that the Cafe is not for you, you can leave with no cost to you except your time. Essentially, you face Neo’s dilemma from the first Matrix movie: the red pill or the blue pill? Are you IN or are you OUT?
Here is the tentative structure for the remaining meetings. This structure is subject to change based on input from you and others.
Meeting #2: Spiritual Awakening
Meeting #3: The Value of Connection
Meeting #4: The Cost of Disconnection
Meeting #5: What Causes Disconnection
Meeting #6: The Victim Triangle
Meeting #7: The Empowerment Triangle
Meeting #8: Pattern Interrupts
Meeting #9: Consciousness Tools
Meeting #10: Now What?
When Does it Meet?
The ConneXions Cafe meets every two weeks on Zoom for up to two hours. The cafe meets for four months, then starts over again. The day and time vary with each offering.
My intention is to make the Cafe so compelling and cost-effective that we wind up having a new Cafe start evert month,
Starting in 2021
The Cafe will have its first meeting in early 2021. I cannot yet be more specific because I have lots of work to do to launch this event.
Where do We Meet?
All meetings of the ConneXions Care’ will take place on Zoom. I know… what a surprise!
I have been using Zoom for close to 10 years now. I don’t remember exactly when I started, but soon after that, men throughout the Mankind Project started using Zoom.
Although there are a few problems with Zoom (screen freezing, can’t give or receive real hugs), the benefits of using Zoom are huge:
- No commute time
- Better for the environment
- Relationships build quickly over time
- Meetings can be recorded for subseuent review or sharing (as appropriate)
- Cost effective – cheaper than gas
What Does it Cost?
The cafe costs $400 for 10 bi-weekly meetings. This factors out to $40 per session or $20 per hour. When you register for the cafe, you will be routed to PayPal.
If you refer others to the cafe, I will send you a 20% commission when I receive their payment.
Initially, I will cap attendance in the Cafe meetings at 12 people. I will adjust this number up or down as I get more experience with it.