Why nature, storytelling, and campfires make a difference.

About two weeks ago I worked as a facilitator at the awesome, inspiring Kairos EU summit. Kairos is a network of young successful entrepreneurs that strives to move the world forward and this was the second summit that was organised. The program contains a day of tackling problems in Think Tanks with incredible experts and bright minds, speakers, panels and a second day with an un conference with sessions on different topics. This time the location was remote and surrounded by nature. H farm is an amazing innovation Centre north form Venice. Surrounded by farmland, with a river flowing through it.

The longer I have been working with a framework for my trainings that is derived from indigenous Rite of passage rituals, the more I see that those things matter. Although we might think business has nothing to do with nature, campfires and circle talks, we might be mistaken. Our natural human system reacts on being in nature. It reacts on sitting by a campfire. And it reacts on storytelling in a circle. People become more relaxed, more soft, the masks go down. And our ability to connect with others grows. Our deep human skills come into play. And thrive. 

At this summit I spoke to so many young successful entrepreneurs who were or had been experiencing burn outs and depression. Besides succes and passion I also saw pain and struggle. At the second day of the summit I was blown away by Seth Allan, president of Kairos Society UK and organising team member. He decided to do a session around pain; the hidden metric of a founders journey. To open up that space; the space for the fact that we are not always ok. The space for pain and sharing that pain. To make that part of this summit I found incredible wise and brave. Because we are not always ok. And a lot of times we do not share because we lack the space, time and community to safely do that.

Together with Seth, me and my partner Annemieke made the session into a simple, yet extremely deep storytelling session. Making it possible to share personal stories around grief, struggle, pain and overcoming that. We were amazed by the willingness and openness of the participants. I saw relief, love, connection, awareness and glowing eyes.

Storytelling sessions are powerful. Stories can influence, help make sense and heal. It is a practise of empathy. In each others stories we hear our own struggles and then we know we are not alone. 

I was so happy to be able to make this happen. To be able to give what I do best in a setting were it is not common. I felt very grateful I got that chance. And more grateful that together with Seth we are taking steps to take this further. Because dealing with your pain and struggle should not be done alone. It should not be left out, but made part of a successful life.

Nature and storytelling helps people connect and thrive. 

I hope the next Summit will include a campfire :-)