Learning Labs
ReIMAGINE learning labs are one of the most exciting and dynamic project experiences I've had the privilege of working on. These 6 week courses designed to help people:
- cultivate a portion of their humanity or personality that been dormant
- examine their current lifestyle and implement an action plan to address concerns
- learn to live more sustainably and simply
- develop a deeper sense of connection the Source of life
- negotiate how to heathly exist in relationships
- awaken their sense of creativity and adventure
- serve the people in their life
Over the course of a year I will help develop and lead six different learning labs. The learning labs cover service, creativity, simplicity, centeredness, obedience and community. The labs are designed to be highly participatory and many are setup to build toward a closing experience. For instance this past year our creativity lab was entitled Awakening Creativity: Exploring the hidden story of your life. Each week's homework and in lab exercises were designed to integrate into an art show, Secrets, Stories, & Curiosities, that would display each person's work. Using a steampunk aesthetic for the show and outlining parameters for the exercises helped keep a overall ethos for the event. Follow this link to see the handout from Session 5. The handout overall was a collaborative effort, the intro story is a sample of my writing.
One the more multi-faceted exercises we did in the workshop involved asking people to confront their shadows or dark sides one week and then to address their future selves. What made it impactful was asking participants to personify those different "personalities" by coming in costume. The result was an enlightening engagement with personhood. Below are the descriptions for both the exercises and the resulting portraits.
SHADOW PORTRAITS. Next week we are going to look 
at our shadows-- themes in our lives that keep us from
moving forward. Naming our shadows is a first step
toward minimizing their interference. Spend some time
this week journaling about the temptations and shadow
that limit your ability to flow with the energy of love.
Come next week prepared for a photo shoot that
highlights your shadows—bring the props, clothes and
make-up you need to express your shadow self. In the
session next week we will be taking photographs of
everyone in their shadow costumes to display at the art
event on February 13.
FUTURES PORTRAIT. Remember to bring the props, clothes and make-up you need 
for the photo shoot this Tuesday. This is an exercise in exploring what you
might look like as you more fully inhabit your destiny as a generative
creature who flows with the Spirit, freedom, creativity and love. Think
about the good dreams that God has put deep inside of you‹the talents you
wish to cultivate, and what you feel like when you are your best self‹and
have some fun!
Here are few photos from the art event:
