My co-living experience at the collective is truly becoming a transformative one. By living & working in the building, I am discovering new aspects from life and at the same time, I am developing myself in surprisingly new ways.
My team & I continue to work to co-create transformative & meaningful community experiences here at the Collective Old Oak. Have a sneak peek at the vibe here in our home/work place.

And the experimentation continues here at The Collective Old Oak. We have reached the week where we explore Values in our peer led learning journey. 

Start with the Why. Simon Sinek talks about the importance of  understanding Our Why. Which leads to our purpose which leads to our values.
Why are we here? Why do we choose what we choose? Why do we do what we do? The Why is the core that directs our journey. Even if we are unconscious about our why, we are still driven by its core. Because our Why turns into our thoughts, which turns into our choices, which turns our behaviors which turns into our experiences. So what is your why?

Gabriel and Petronella, two amazing humans, designed and facilitated our first learning module on values. We explored the dragon dreaming Process, by looking into

• What we dream for the future in the collective Old Oak.
• What we currently experience.
• What projects we could initiate or strengthen between the current experience and the future vision.

Projects we have initiated / executed so far: 

• The fairy captures fears & dreams of the community
• Community doodling 
• Tea time - A space to meet & chat over tea (Weekly event)
• Hot seat - A space to dive into who you are and why
• Wellness club - A space to connect deeper into your soul  practice. (2 times a week)
• Basketball club
• Humans of old oak - capturing quotes & moment
• Walk in the park - Connect with the members & explore the neighborhood 
• ​Rise & shine Rave - Start the day with good music and a yogic dance (weekly)
• Samhain Gathering - the Pagan Celtic new year ritual

Upcoming

• Co-living 101 - A participatory workshop for the Old Oak Community 18 Nov, 10 Dec & 20th Jan @ 10am - 12pm
• Fresh Friday House party - Fresh juice, glitter, music - Alcohol free, 10th Nov @9pm - midnight

What I've learned so far
During the process of this journey, I've felt frustration hit me. The feeling can be intense, due to my mind nagging me on what is wrong & my emotion not wanting to accept the current reality of chaos. Carol Sanford talks about internal locus of control with external consideration, meaning we need to take responsibility for our own inner world but still consider and connect to the world around us. This meant that instead of just lashing out in the middle of an intense meeting, I needed to take my time to look at my frustrations, and see what it was specifically telling me. From there, I could lay it out clearly and see:

• what 'I needed to let go of,  in order to move forward into a new reality,
• what specific feedback I have to whom and how and when to deliver this feedback from a place of love and wanting the best for the team.

How and when we deliver information to someone can make all the difference weather the information will be received well or not. 

Another insight I have had about my being is that I easily absorb other people's emotions. When they are happy I can feel so happy with them. But when they are sad I can feel so sad with them. Being so open and connected, I have realized that I need to keep my inner core very safe with light, so I can always tap into that space to connect to a positive energy. This has meant that when I am in a space with another person who is in pain, I can feel their pain, but let the light guide me and that person into a new insight. I have used curiosity instead of judgment to help me find my way out of that pain. Inquiring to myself and to the person in pain often helps find new ways forward from the pain. The Appreciative inquiry has been a useful tool to shift my mindset into discovering what could be instead of trying to fix what is. 

Current Question
How can I bring the most uncomfortable sides of myself forward into the light, and grow in a more authentic loving human being?