“I learned to open rooms in my heart to everyone, and the doors are open to all of you”;
“I came with questions and left with many more questions”;
“I leave here today having discovered many people and friendships and I am not afraid to argue, because we have created an anchor. I feel safe… it’s clear to me that I will leave a different person than when I entered”;
“Getting out of automatic mode, getting excited, getting to know people, looking at men and women from another perspective, being surprised. Being in an uncomfortable place yet still feeling safe. Being in a place that doesn’t undermine me.”
In a few words some of the participants summarized the experience of the 3-day founding seminar conducted at Ohalo that opened their new Co.Lab journey. It was held on the shores of the Kinneret, with a wide-open, inviting view and pleasantly cool weather that made it possible to meet, get to know each other, take a deep breath, and launch the journey. Powerful encounters, a safe space, and true and honest sharing all came together to forge special connections, curiosity, an opening of hearts, and a connection to the personal and group space.
Six participants have already shared their spiritual biographies and managed to move us all with their courage and the touching honesty with which they presented their personal stories. This contributed to a great sense of closeness and openness in the group. Yotam Tolub (Co.Lab 02 alumnus) and Orit Eizen, the program moderators, confidently led the group in constructing essential study questions regarding Israeli society, out of which groups began forming for the study journeys to Jerusalem, the north, south, and center.
“Something is happening here! The study is not only on the journey, it is also a study journey of myself. I’m curious to see what will happen further on and a little less anxious. I’m curious to study.”
