'As it is written in this verse by Steiner:
"As long as you feel pain
That passes me by,
The Christ works
Unrecognized in the being of worlds.
For weak is the spirit
That can feel suffering only
In it's own body."
It was great to stir the meaning of Steiner's words in this workshop. It gave me a lot
to work with. Thank you'
'It was amazing how you brought such potentially complex content through both a playful and "working" way. It wasn't just fun, it wasn't just serious, it was "an art". I felt very nourished and inspired.'
'Your overall presence was a gentle invitation to open the door to a work that touches on the center of human experience. Your mix of activities was very alive and awakening. I enjoyed the opportunity to work in this way with my colleagues, to gain skills together to enhance our interactions.'
'I felt met as an individual throughout this weekend. Your presentations were clear and the collaboration between you was an excellent modeling of the work you were sharing.'
From a Restorative Circle training in Western Australia August 2012
Dear John,
Thanks so much for the weekend, I got a lot out of it. You and Cat are so warm and giving and have a gift for helping me feel safe and comfortable [in a group situation (not easy for a shy petal like me!)
Blessings and gratitude,
D.B
Hi John and Cat,
Thank you for your efforts in bringing RC to us. I think the weekend went very well and even the semi- simulated circles had a wonderful healing and cathartic aura about them. I feel sure we can now build on this.
Thanks again and best wishes for your future work.
best regards
C
Feedback from A Day of Playback, Melbourne AU July 2012
More learning to open and share without judgement. Getting there...constantly,--- but good to be here to stand in the fire without getting burned and then learning to play!!
I feel like I can trust this space. Thank you Cat & John. Look forward to the next chapter!
Great people, so open and present. Opportunities for play and growth, reflection, observation, experimentation.
I want a whole week of this!
A letter from a participant with the Restorative Circle Process to colleagues, July 2012
Dear all,
I have indeed been working with John and Cat over the past few months since January 2012 at Sophia Mundi. Their work has inspired me to delve deeper into this transformative process and I am grateful to these inspired individuals for bringing their committed enthusiasm and knowledge to SMSS collectively, as a college of professional educators, and to me personally.
I have experienced the joy of reaching clarity and understanding between individuals who work together daily; a deeper relationship between colleagues and a willingness to face our fears and be open to the lessons which arise out of conflict. I trust this process and can see its everyday application for more authentic communication. I have witnessed the process in action with a live event and am now committed to putting my learning to the test by co-facilitating restorative circles within the school community.
I have much confidence in the gift of space and time committed to individuals hearing and being heard by the 'other- which is inherent in the Restorative Circle process. I encourage anyone with an inclination to restoring trust and understanding, to experience the power of this process to heal.
On a personal note, John and Cat are open, generous, insightful teachers and mentors and we are lucky to have their presence in our Waldorf extended community!
Warm greetings to you all.
And others!
I really enjoyed participating in another weekend with you on Restorative Circles and hearing both of you explaining it again, particularly clarifying very clearly some of the concepts and approaches to the process. I also found the support you both gave in mentoring and interpreting the process in action really helpful in deepening and consolidating my understanding. I am hopeful I will be able to connect up with the others and gain some more practise or will be able to join in when you are back for another workshop!
Warm wishes for joyful and safe adventures,
Kate Melbourne, AU
"Thanks so much for the circle yesterday. The scars in my heart seem much better for having the conversation. They may even have gone, but it's a bit early to make such a claim yet.
It's funny, because it didn't change much, but it helped me put into place some of the pieces of the puzzle that were missing for me. I guess I got some acknowledgement too, which always helps.
All the very best warm wishes to you both and to the continual development of healing communications!" Renuka Potter; Sophia Mundi Steiner School in regard to a Restorative Circle
"I thought you might be interested in this workshop as I know you have shown previous interest in Playback Theatre...
We have just had a fantastic workshop at Perth Playback with John and Cat Gilliam Cunningham - experts in Playback, non-violent communication and Steiner teachings.
It was playful, thought provoking and inspiring - and we had total 'lightbulb' moments in understanding the connections between emotions, longings and needs, and how to reflect this through our Playback improvisations. If you are interested in getting to the 'heart' of people's stories, whether on stage or off, this workshop will be fantastic." Chloe King- Perth WA Australia
"I really enjoyed meeting you and John, and was stimulated by your dynamic approach to NVC. I would love to be kept on your mailing list if you are ever back in this part of the world." Samya Jabbour- Perth WA Australia
"I really enjoyed meeting you and John, and was stimulated by your dynamic approach to NVC. I would love to be kept on your mailing list if you are ever back in this part of the world." Samya Jabbour- Perth WA Australia
"I had a wonderful experience at the workshop in Denmark, and would love to keep in touch...
It was playful and eye-opening and inspiring."-Tim Nolan Denmark AU
