We had a fantastic community gathering in London last month. Forty-five of us came together from places both near and far: Oslo, Paris, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Scotland, Wales and England.

It was a lively meeting of relational practitioners, some familiar with RC and others who came to find out more about our community and values. We inquired into topics of presence, passion and purpose, and shared how we manifest these qualities in the world. As a community we agreed to donate funds to back John Gillespie and colleagues in their project to start a web based journal for new Gestalt writers. Loving getting this work out to create relational change in the world!

Attending the gathering was Maggie Marriott, a graduate of our Relational Organisational Gestalt (ROG) Programme and, we're very proud to say, winner of the British Gestalt Journal Student Essay Prize. Below, Maggie shares reflections on her training in ROG.

Beneath that you'll find a listing of some of our courses and workshops for early 2017. And don’t forget that we share many articles, short videos, and podcasts on the Resources page of our website here.
 

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I began my adventure into the unknown and exciting world of Relational Organisational Gestalt (ROG) three years ago. For over twenty-five years I’ve been striving to put people at the heart of popular organisational change processes that are inhumane. I felt there had to be a humane way, a more wholesome way. As I searched the internet for hope, it was the key words ‘whole’ and ‘people’ that led me to Gestalt, and to find that hope in the ROG courses from Relational Change.  

In a few short paragraphs how do I explain something as broad, deep and stirring as ROG? Ah yes, the power of metaphor!
 
Relational Organisational Gestalt is like Tai Chi for organisations - working with balance, energy, fluidity and awareness of others, the situation and myself. Hmmm, that’s the SOS model, the foundation of ROG (Self, Other, Situation).
 
As I began my Gestalt journey in 2014, ROG phase-1 training nourished my mind as I devoured Gestalt theories. Oh, but ROG phase-2 nourished my soul. The teaching and presence of those journeying with me changed me. As one of my fellow travellers eloquently says “Don’t expect to come out of this experience the same person you were when you entered. This goes far beyond a course – it is a journey of empowerment and fulfilment for you and those you touch.” 

My growth through the ROG experience has given me a voice. A language to explain my work and deepen my understanding. And in winning the British Gestalt Journal Student Essay Prize it seems my voice has been heard. The essay, which you can read here, is a case study of some of my work with a ROG lens on it. Without the teaching and support of all those at Relational Change my work and voice would still be unheard.

Through ROG I’m no longer alone but part of the Relational Change community. And that community has fabulous Gatherings, which this year was held on 19th October. If you weren’t there you missed an engaging day where 45 of us from across the world focused on Presence, Passion and Purpose. I left the Gathering with revitalised feelings of presence, passion and purpose, and new friends too. I strongly recommend you come along to the next one. 

Was ROG worth my time and money? Yes! Let me show you why. I was balanced and fluid as I worked with a leadership team coming to terms with the desperate need for change; I experimented with dialogue in a normally hierarchical organisation and watched people flourish; and importantly I’ve learnt to notice how I’m feeling and to take care of myself so I’m the best mother, wife, friend and consultant I can be.

Relational Organisational Gestalt has been life changing for me. What could it do for you?