Guidelines for Async Constellations

Overview

Asynchronous or “async” constellations is an adaptation of a systemic constellations practice that allows a group of people to inquire into shared topics asynchronously, at their own pace and in different time zones. The practice emerged out of the Collective Transitions community’s interest in exploring broad topics and themes across a longer time span than is possible in a single practice session. (Read more about the evolution of this practice.) Async constellations can be done solo or in pairs, where partners take notes or record each other’s experience in turn.

The broader practice of systemic constellations is a systems sensing method of inquiry that explores relational patterns of different elements of a system (i.e., the key aspects, people, places, and qualities being spotlighted through the constellation approach).. Along with identifying the elements, we invite those participating in the systemic constellation to physically represent the elements as well. This may include visual mapping of the elements as an adaptation to a virtual environment. By embodying an element and using “felt sense” to access and activate ways of knowing beyond what is visible or logical, participants sense and respond to the other elements (somatically, physically, emotionally, and cognitively), which allows relational patterns and dynamics to surface and become more observable.

One aim of collective async constellations (done as a group) is to reveal a shape or pattern of broad themes within societal change over time. Individuals can also gain personal insights from doing the async by themselves. The collective sensing process of systemic constellations might be likened to how orca whales use sonar together (Neiwert, 2015) to better sense a common object or space underwater. Theoretically, a pattern can become more visible or clear as the diversity of inputs and perspectives increases over time. In this way, the participants’ subjective intuition at the beginning of a constellation can, through the unfolding relational movement and dynamic map, become more generalizable, revealing a collective shape.

The async process follows five basic steps, as discussed below. These are: 1) agreeing on the theme/topic, and how insights will be shared; 2) selecting the elements; 3) crafting a calling question; 4) running the constellation; and 5) harvesting and sharing. Async constellations typically “sync” collectively by the use of common elements and sharing in a collective practice space. Calling questions are unique to each individual but provide entry points into broader shared topics.

Step 1: Agreeing on the theme/topic, and how insights will be shared

The first step in a collective sensing practice is to find common ground, namely themes or topics that can be shared among diverse perspectives of a sensing practice. Shared agreement around themes and topics and how to share insights may emerge from a group conversation or practice space or be pre-determined as in the case of a homework or practice exercise.

Theme examples that have emerged in Collective Transition’s practice space include: “Voice, power, and belonging” and “Time, space, and silence.”

Step 2: Selecting the elements

Elements are aspects of a system that participants represent (stand in for) and “sense into” during the systemic constellation; they may include people, places, emotions, qualities, or essential details of a system.

An async constellation uses common themes, such as the examples above, as elements in which to sense into. Additionally, practitioners may want to add Self as an element, as well as an Unknown and a Resource. The Resource element could present itself as a quality (such as creativity or imagination), a fuel (like financial resources), or a person. The Unknown could be a quality or a feeling, as well as a place or aspect that is related to the question.

For an asych exercise, we recommend working with no more than five elements. If one of the five elements does not resonate, and another, different, element is strong and seems to want to come in, then it can be added or exchanged, with a note on why the change was made.

Step 3: Crafting a calling question

The next step is to craft a calling question. A guiding or calling question is designed to focus attention, intention, and energy during the systemic constellations practice. This question sketches the territory to be explored. Taking time to craft a powerful, generative, and life-affirming calling question is a creative and artful process.

To do this, notice how an aspect of a chosen element shows up in life, experience, or challenge. What feels intriguing about the situation, or how might a new perspective on some of these elements support a positive shift?

Dos and don’ts:

• DO: When crafting the question, focus on what is important to know now.
• DO: Ask a generative question. For example, focus on exploring what is/has the greatest potential or could contribute to the most benevolent outcome, versus what is wrong or should be fixed.
• DO: Create a “light” question for the topic when working solo or with one other participant.
• DO: Make sure that the scope and aim of the question are reasonable and realistic.
• DON’T: Don’t ask why is this important or what can I restore or heal? You may open wounds that you may not be able to fully process individually.
• DON’T: Don’t formulate a question that could be answered with yes or no.

Sample calling questions:

• What is there for me to learn right now?
• How can I activate [element 1] and [element 2] to experience [element 3] in a healthy way?
• What’s important to know from my experience with the topic (from the past) in order to best integrate and embody the learning powerfully now?
• What is important for me to know now about [element 1, 2, 3] so that I can move forward in service to the world?

Step 4: Running the constellation

Participants in the asynch constellation will represent (stand in for) and then “sense into” each of the five selected elements in turn, in order to gain a wider range of information including somatic, energetic, and visual signals using the felt senses. Practitioners can do this by placing a piece of paper or other object for each element on the floor and standing on each in turn; or, they can use small objects (e.g., shells, buttons, etc.) to represent each element on a table top. Repeat the process and move the objects to sense into each, until the process feels complete.

Sensing

Notice, what does each element “say,” or how is it experienced? Are there any shifts in the experience that occur while noticing? What is the progression?

How is each element showing up in relationship to the others? Is there something specific about the relationship that is picked up?

What does the overall pattern or map show? What are the elements making together?

Recording

If working with a partner, share with that person what is happening in the moment: either do a video recording (e.g., via Zoom) or have the partner take notes. If working individually, do a voice recording (e.g., on a smartphone or other device) or jot down notes or images on paper immediately after each moment of sensing. This process of capturing can include creative expression such as diagrams, maps, sketches, and images.

Step 5: Harvesting and sharing

After capturing the essence from each element, you may want to go back and do additional journaling. Journaling is a form of integration and making meaning.

If you made a voice recording, transcribe it into a document. Add any other images or forms of creative expression you developed, and then share these harvested materials with the wider group in the designated place/space. Sharing in an agreed practice space is highly recommended as a way to integrate the learnings from the asynch constellation and to surface and explore common themes and patterns.

Learn more and engage with us

To learn more about and to experience systems sensing and systemic constellations, see our upcoming trainings and practice sessions.