Day Two - The System
Outside, the morning brought no relief from the heat, nor did the light rain drizzling down. The early risers started with yoga and meditation before the entire group came together. We spent the morning exploring challenging concepts and looking into ourselves.
Our first group activity was an Appreciative Inquiry session. Through the four stages of Appreciative Inquiry – Discovery, Dreaming, Designing (through Dialogue) and Destiny - we explored how change happens in the mental health system. To add a twist and to practice engaging in different ways, we used the Six Thinking Hats to help us frame our questions. Before lunch we squeezed in a quick introduction to models of systems changes, looking at how we can define how we engage and co-create.
After lunch we moved into a World Café, through which we further explored leadership. In small groups we discussed inspiring leadership qualities, examples of interesting and exciting leadership, and what kind of leadership we think is needed now.
After two theory-heavy exercises we took a break for lunch, before we shifted into an outdoor arts exercise. On Solo Nature Walks, we reflected on our limiting beliefs, and what we need for our leadership to be strong. We thought about our Star of Potential, the gifts we each have that no one else has. Through our notes and collected items, we build a beautiful outdoor sculpture that remained up for the rest of the retreat, reminding us of our personal introspections.
Next Page: Day Two, Part 2 - Self-Care