How do we approach the difficult conversations in our lives? What frameworks, tools, and interventions can support us to stay grounded in embodied awareness as we connect with friends, family, and others about challenging topics?

Using didactic presentation, small and large group discussion, journaling, and body-based awareness and listening activities, we will focus on:

• Learning physiological signs and sensations of nervous system stress/activation, the overlap and similarity between these trauma responses and common expressions of white fragility, and grounding skills to support nervous system regulation.
• Understanding default practices versus intentional practices as well as tools to strengthen capacity, skill, and presence in intrapersonal and interpersonal connection.
• Applying the Spectrum of Allies framework to difficult conversations in order to apply different interventions and approaches strategically

While we’re focused on racism, these tools can also be applied to conversations about other systems of oppression, such as ableism, sexism, etc.