The Possibilities Café

Cultivating the Cocreative Capacity of Holding Space, Taking Pause, and Dwelling in the In-Between

Abstract

During this time of so much divisiveness and heartbreak, the world needs spaces where people cultivate trust to connect across differences, to listen for what’s at the heart of the matter in the group, and to attune to a mutual, caring field.

This paper summarizes core insights discussed at the experiential session of the 70^th Meeting of the International Society for the Systems Sciences, titled The Possibilities Café. The author presents an overview of her approach to holding space in her role as an instructor in higher education in both face-to-face, hybrid, and asynchronous distance education formats. Special emphasis is placed on holding space as a process of deepening the felt perception of a group as a living system (living systems awareness). To this end, the author elaborates on the application of membrane functionality in educational systems design. The term membrane awareness—a metaphoric concept for building and holding the group container—is explored in depth. In addition, the benefits of nurturing affective intelligence in groups and of allowing for rest and integration spaces are addressed as essential aspects of holding space in groups as living systems.

While this paper focuses on academic contexts (such as courses and conferences), the framework presented here applies to any setting that seeks to build bridges across divides. The qualities of holding space presented here support environments that welcome reverent listening and emergent insight arising in a group space. This approach is designed to aid change makers for a healthier world in discovering new systemic possibilities together—possibilities that no single participant could have dreamed of on their own. Welcome to the Possibilities Café!