Written by Niek | 22 November 2011

I wonder if the expression really is correct, that the CCI approach in general may be seen as 'a support to change', as I suggested in 'the not knowing' editorial of the edition of November 16th (calling it, incorrect,  'a remedy for change'). This expression has not yet been checked in a CCI meeting or a workshop with those who practice this approach today. And it causes some other questions as well.

The suggestion itself is based on the many examples I observe(d) as CCI trainer with the relief of using the CCI approach. And by personal experience as well. The need of that relief in our world of today is in my view – as it is already for years – impressive. The so called 'some other questions' evoked by the statement that CCI is 'a remedy for change', are about, what goals do we have?, if we have them at all? Are we only 'consumers'? Or is there an other future? And if so, what is our role in that future?

questions for a workshop

These questions are in my view interesting to put forward in a workshop at an international CCI meeting. And so I will. As soon as I can! Which causes also firstly another question. That question is: 'why do we meet'?

Oh, surely it IS special to meet friends! It is special and healing (whatever has to be healed) to be in a place where you are free to express your real being. For sure, it is healthy, to practice that in a safe environment. Because mostly the environment we live in is not safe enough. The need for more freedom is also here, so overwhelming, that there hardly is time left for other activities. Still this question is essential to take into consideration if we want to look at our future!

Because it is also very well possible to see such a meeting also as a place where you can check your own (new) insights of the last times, together with those of others. That gives such a meeting an annotation of another order. By sharing these insights, they may as well also develop further! And you and I are collective responsible for our well being as long as we are there together!

Doing so, and reserving time for that, these happenings change also from a more 'social meeting' into a 'discovery laboratory'. And why not? It can very well be also something like that. Are we not already in different ways busy with finding our very own answers on our questions, putting forward by others, while they offer them as a workshop! To be honest: let us name it like that!

Often already we practice – kinds of – cooperative inquiries. In small communities where we are for a few hours time together. Like workshops or support groups, where we practice already as individuals a collective responsibility for the whole.

key questions

The key question by starting this CCI journey is, if the actual situation at that start, our personal CCI journey, does not satisfy us any more? Did we really need a change? Were we really convinced without knowing what to do or how to do it? So the first invitation for participants of such a workshop is: 'describe – only for your self – the situation you were in at the moment you started to attend your CCI basic course. Or the situation you are in now! Keep moving your pencil or pen on paper and just write your feelings and observations about that situation for 3 minutes. Use a timer. Look at it and answer the question: were (are) you content with that situation? Yes or no? Write that down and bring it to your next CCI meeting!

If this question is too difficult to be answered, start writing again – only for another five minutes and only for your self. Try to find out what withholds you or what blocks you. And leave it if it needs to be left. Be aware that it may take (some) more time. That is OK as well!

Interesting also is to review, what happened to you during the basic/ introduction CCI course . Did it change your life? Looking back now, was there a special happening that enhanced your decision to continue this course? Describe that happening because it can be useful to have an idea about that in a sharing. If you like. Take also that paper with you to the next CCI meeting!

other questions

Other questions, regard the community itself. Have a look how many people is now participating in your community? How many were at the time that you joined that community? Is there a difference? How many participants would you prefer?

How many times a year do you meet? Locally as well as nation wide? What preferences do you have regarding the number of participants, time, frequency etc.

Do you think that the CCI approach in your practice is also helpful for others? And if so, what do you need to make that happen? Be specific in your report. So write down what your vision is. Bring it with you to the next CCI meeting and ask for sharing with others and if necessary for support.

Questions regarding the community also are: do you want your community to grow? Do you – and your community – want that the CCI approach will be known as a safe way of expressing oneself, also when your (grand) children are grown up? Find your answers, share them with others! This is just a start! And you know what? You can start every day again!

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