Presencing

In the morning, participants followed Cesar for a walk in the forest. They remained in silence for an hour, observing nature and how they were feeling in silence and during this point in the course.  After returning from the forest, the silence was broken with some group reflection. Many expressed a desire to be in silence longer and said how helpful it was. Using the theory u journalling guidelines, the participants answered a series of questions and then split into pairs to discuss their answers and learning.

At lunch, a surprise was announced. Everyone would be traveling to a secret beach for the night to sleep in hammocks, guided by Roberto. Even though participants knew it could rain, they all piled into the boat and began the adventure.

The beach was beautiful and participants played games and swam while Roberto prepared a feast of barbequed fish. To end the evening, everyone gathered around the fire for Roberto’s touching story about being a logger and transforming into a community based tourism leader. After his story, the group sang songs and enjoyed their night on the beach together under the stars.

Outcomes

Tangible

• Experienced connection with the forest in silence

• Experienced the “Presencing” phase of Theory U and a journaling activity related to this

• Heard stories from Roberto about the legends of the forest and his life and journey

• Experienced  one of the communities activities: going to a beach, singing and eating in the fire, sleeping outside.

Intangible

• Celebrated all the events that happened so far during the program.

• Had fun in preparation for the challenge

• Got to know different community members