Dialogue Facilitation | Cultural Mediation | Conflict Transformation
Dialogue facilitation and empathy practices
I offer empathy-practices for interested groups which include voluntary participation and various artistic materials and methods: for e.g. weaving, drawing, chai-making, movement, depending on the need of the group. Each practice has the following common structure: Invitation: I…
Active Listening
Attentive Work
Communication Skills Practice
Cooperative Problem-Solving
Creating Visual Art
Creative Activity
Workshop
Description
I offer empathy-practices for interested groups which include voluntary participation and various artistic materials and methods: for e.g. weaving, drawing, chai-making, movement, depending on the need of the group. Each practice has the following common structure:
- Invitation: I invite all the participants into the space and the process while also introducing the process and invoking each one's imagination.
- Artistic exploration: I then introduce the materials specific to the process selected and guide the group with minimal instruction to engage with the materials.
- Reflection: While exploring the materials, we also explore our inner landscape i.e. any images, questions, associations, fears that may arise.
- Dialogue: In pairs or smaller groups, we share what emerged in step 2 and 3, without discussing or debating or asking questions. This is a method of empathic dialogue and active listening.
- Feedback: We then gather into the big group to share about the exchange in step 4. As a group we decide what to do with the materials, artworks and stories gathered and how to move forward.
Here are some of the empathy-practices I have designed and facilitated so far. These can be adapted to explore a specific question or concern of your current group. I am also happy to design new practices specifically for your challenges/conflicts or needs.
- Response-able Postcards
- EmpaTea ceremony
- Rhizomatic Self-portrait
- Patient Dialogues
- Movement Drawing
- Dance Dialogues with Movement Choir
- What is my Superpower?
Images and exact details about each practice can be seen in the Creative Portfolio that I have uploaded.
Benefits
Each empathy-practice broadens our view and opens us to other human beings, non-human beings, as also our environment. It
- uncovers individual and group biases, prejudices, stigmas, privileges which can help take necessary steps towards inclusion
- address conflicts outside their usual context which gives new insights.
- enables playful imagination which is sometimes lost in our daily life
- helps practice listening without an agenda, thereby making each person feel 'seen', 'heard' and like they count.
- slows down time, thinking, action, allowing breathing space rather than problem-solving approach and patchwork solutions.
- reflection-in-action or embodied thinking rather than analytical thinking which gives access to hitherto unseen hurdles
- softens our rigid thinking and conditioning which makes us think - oh! something else is possible! another approach is also possible!
- works great for team building.
- engaging in new materials in new ways.
Hosted by Janhavi Dhamankar
About the Host
A cultural (difference) mediator with a solid background in Philosophy (BA, MA, MPhil) coupled with an Artistic Research doctorate focusing on empathy, I facilitate human interactions in the hope of transforming society- one conflict at a time. As a social Sculpture practitioner, I believe that "every human being is an artist" and strive towards personal, professional and social transformation. My rigorous dance training for over 15 years has instilled a keen aesthetic for life which is enhanced by understanding 'aesthetic' (that which enliven us) as the opposite of an-aesthetic (that which numbs, deadens us). With an inherent curiosity of and sensitivity towards all cultures, I am inspired to bring my expertise to co-create non-hierarchical spaces for experiential learning.
Client Requirements
For dance: Microphone, music system, dance mat/floor, mirror (if possible). For empathy facilitation: Chairs, different materials for each practice depending on your choice.
Past Clients
Multiple Workshops facilitated in India (Pune, Bangalore, Mussoorie,), Vienna (Tanz die Toleranz, ImPulsTanz, USI), Copenhagen University, Texas (SAIVA), Amsterdam (Volunteer Academy). Numerous performances: Austria (Kultursommer Wien, Brunnenpassage, Stand 129, Mumuth), India, Dubai (Global Village), Germany (House concerts, Schools), Belgium (Waterloo school, Ghent, Brussels EICC, Leuven)
Focus Areas
Creative/CultureWell-being/HealthDevelopment/Coaching
Location
Vienna, Austria
Languages
German, English, Hindi, Marathi
Travel Locations
Anywhere in Europe, India, Africa, South America, Australia if travel and accommodation is provided.
Corporate Experience
Moderate
Certifications & Credentials
Dr. Artium in Empathy-practices, Gurukul Training in Dance (beyond the scope of certification),
Session Types Offered
Interactive & Passive
Past Experience Doing Sessions
Yes - Interactive
Photo Gallery