Authentic Relating Games! Self-

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Join us in creating a safe place to practice skills like presence/noticing, Curiosity, empathy, perspective, reflection, appreciation, truth, power and boundaries, and fun!

Pay what you can. Suggested: $20 - $50

No one turned away for lack of funds.

 

You are welcome to bring a snack to share for the evening or just for yourself! 

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What are Authentic Relating Games?

Authentic Relating Games are a collection of extensively tested experiences that give players a hands-on taste of both the joy and skills of interpersonal connection. A traditional Games Night takes participants through a series of interactions designed to highlight body awareness, deepen connection, boost empathy, strengthen community, and be fun! Players walk away with experiences they can use right away to deepen human connections.

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Please review the AGREEMENTS BEFORE ATTENDING
These agreements are in place to co-create a container that honors self and others. When we uphold them, there’s less concern for care-taking of others beyond what they ask for, and there’s more room to explore and express our inner worlds in a way that respects our present state and the dynamism of the human condition.

1. Respect Yourself – Take agency in taking care of yourself. This includes your practical/physical needs as well as your emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. Notice and do what you need, ask others for what you need, and set boundaries as you need.

2. Be Present- The more of ‘you’ is present, the more there is for me and others to connect with. Being present means trying to be conscious of your physical, emotional, and mental bodies responding to the current context, dynamic, or interaction. This also includes silencing your cell phone and listening when facilitators are giving instructions.
3. Lean into your Edge / Explore your Growth Edge- Take a safe risk. This can be a soft exploration of self while noticing boundaries and comfort zones, distinguishing between comfort and safety. What might be uncomfortable but still safe in this space? Ask your feeling of ‘safe’ to expand. This is often where the “juice” is!

4. Confidentiality by Request- We talk about examples of Games Night interactions to get people to come play with us. Our interactions at Games Night are not confidential unless you explicitly request confidentiality around something specific. If you want confidentiality, you can request it before, during, or after you share something − even years later. As long as it doesn’t violate “Respecting Self” for us, such as if you admit to a crime, we will honor your request.

5. Positive Regard – Honor other with the intention to create connection in any state including dissonance or dislike. The intention is to get the Other’s world and attempt shared reality. If empathy feels unattainable, try accessing your curiosity. Aspects of this include doing our best to…

– Check Assumptions: Notice when you have an assumption that might be getting in the way of connection. Recognize it is your interpretation or story that might be wrong or incomplete. Ask the other person how they saw or experienced the same event to weave mutual understanding. Honor expressed boundaries.

– Use Ownership Language: The most basic principle of this is using “I” statements rather than “You know when you feel this way…?” Sharing truths in the format of “When you (give the data of what occurred), I felt (state a core feeling without story or justification) rather than “You’re a jerk,” etc.

Ex. “When you invested time in thoroughly reading these agreements, I felt honored.”

Who runs this event?

Kristen Larson-Samalus completed Authentic Leadership Facilitation Training under Sarah Ness, Founder of Authentic Revolution.
Kristen Larson-Samalus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, community organizer, Reiki Master, cacao facilitator, Authentic Relating Games facilitator, and creator of the Untold Stories Project.

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Her focus is on community connection through integrative and multicultural practice of compassionate healing and growth.