Halifax, 11:00 pm, Wednesday

Thank you to all those who never lost hope that indeed my luggage was meant to join me in Halifax…just not until Tuesday afternoon.  It was like seeing an old friend – one I hadn’t realized how much I would miss if we ever parted!

Two more days and nights left here at the ALIA Institute.  Tuesday and Wednesday were jam packed with different kinds of learning journeys.  As I reflect back over the last two days…I think about the music of the grand piano, deeply listening to stories, having ah-ha moments of seeing how I get in my own way in terms of being able to truly see a situation from the perspective of another, watching the connections being made around me, enjoying the connections I am making with other system designers and thinkers.  In my module – a focused 15-hour series of sessions over the course of the week – we left the campus the institute is being held at and went into the city of Halifax to visit The Hub and the mall. 

The Hub is a very interesting business that provides shared workspace and meeting space for its members.  One pays for work space, intranet, copier, etc. and in exchange one has a lovely environment in which to work and the potential to meet others working in the space and make connections.  There is a host who “lightly” encourages connections to happen, as well as keeping the space lively and clean.  We were interviewing Hub members as a part of our learning journey to gain their perspectives on sustainability.  I left the visit extremely excited about the possibility for the Hub concept in my work and my life.  One of the key outcomes has been the learning that has been emerging from the relationships that were formed at the Hub and how that learning is transforming the people, their relationships outside of the Hub and thus more broadly elements of the Halifax community. 

We visited the mall to try to learn more about what the mall had to tell us about sustainability.  It was fascinating to note the contrast between the Hub and its members, and the mall and its shoppers.  There were lots of opportunities at the mall for connections in terms of people, proximity, even shared interest, but little visible connection.  It was interesting to note the difference a host can make in helping to nurture relationships.  I have thought a lot about the Parent Coalitions since my visit to the Hub and how what the Hub is learning might have value and meaning to the important hosting that the Parent Liaisons do in their communities.

 One of the process pieces that I have enjoyed, as a facilitator, is how the Institute blends the use of many technologies – Open Space, World Café, Change Labs, Dialogue and Mindfulness practice, and more.  Many different practices are offered to us as ways to work with systems, including the role we play in them.  The use of these technologies also keeps interaction and engagement extremely high and assures that the experiences and wisdom of those who are here as attendees is amply drawn upon and revealed in the various kinds of sessions that are being held throughout every day.

 Heading into the last two days I am continuing to try to soak it all in.  Tomorrow there will be a strong integration of the arts into our sessions and I am curious as to what learning will emerge from that lens that might hold promise for my/our work as well.