Reflections: Network Weaving & Belonging

The first of our “Conversations on Transformation” was on the art of Network Weaving, understood in the context of belonging. It featured gorgeous insights from June Holley, Alexis Flanagan, David Ehrlichman, and Curtis Ogden.

I wanted to share a few quotes that stood out for me as well as a couple ideas I’m still sitting with. I would love to hear what resonated for others: both our conversants and those engaging via the live stream. This is also an invitation for feedback about how we can improve the process going forward.

• “Network weaving is about enabling self-organizing.” — June
• “Network weaving is about tending to the relationships that make transformation possible.” — Alexis
• “It’s not just the work of connecting. It’s also the judicious work of disconnecting (from things that poison us).” — Curtis
• “Connection is only as good as what’s moving through the connection.” (More about flow than form). — Curtis
• “Networks are a return to how we want to connect with one another. We want to connect in communities, we want to connect through relationships, around purpose, around shared values.” — David
• “Transforming societies… is only possible when there’s individual commitment to personal transformation… it starts with each of us.” — Alexis
• “Our job is to accelerate that rate of transformation, by building networks of networks.” — David
• “This work of reconnecting is a reclamation of who we are.” -Curtis

Things I’m sitting with:

• Alexis’ reminder that we are also building connections (and weaving networks!) intergenerationally, both with our ancestors and future generations… and with our bodies! (Listening/learning from what our bodies are telling us as we explore embodiment)
• The tension/balance between Curtis’ notion that we need to “judiciously disconnect” (which feels right!) and June’s inquiry around how we connect with those who are still trapped within systems of oppression (white supremacy, patriarchy, etc… because aren’t we all?)
• The conversation around “flows”: how do we shift the conversation from connections to the flows through the connections? From static to dynamic… and what is the role of network weavers in helping that shift?

So much wisdom shared; I feel and want to express my deep gratitude to the speakers for sharing their learnings, and am curious to hear from others about what you learned and what questions are coming up for you.

In community,

Brian