Author: Rhea

We introduced, quite ambitiously, Social Presencing theatre (SPT) as a way to problem solve, with a group of engineers. Social Presencing Theater is an embodied method for change created by the Presencing Institute, under the direction of Arawana Hayashi, that enables individuals and groups to make their current situations visible, reflect on their potentials and blind spots, and allow them to move into a saner more compassionate future. (From – Social Presencing Institute) The tenet of this method is that, “Theater” here denotes an empty stage or a blank canvas, where the different aspects and roles of the “system” can be embodied. In…

In a client workshop yesterday, One person was trying to explain something to others, it was his life story, and others were listening in rapt attention, the conversation was often punctuated with “I understand”, sometimes verbal but often non verbal nods. As I sat and watched, sometimes the heads nodded more vigorously, at other times the head was just moving side to side, and yet with some others it was hung, or at times even thrown back with an audible sigh. Judging by how long this person continued to share, I can safely assume he felt understood. And he later…

Yesterday something really amazing happened. I was back from a 3 days offsite. I had done this after almost 2 years and did not really estimate the fatigue. I was exhausted. Physically mentally and emotionally. As I lay letting the sun stream in and fall on my face. Trying to rest. I heard some flutter. This is normal. So I continued.. I heard more flutter and a strange other sound, I got a little curious.This time I got up I was wondering where it was coming from. Amidst all the plants, at first I could not see it. And then…

Something almost compulsive, mesmerising about watching sunsets. Driving back from lonavala yesterday, we stopped for the customary tea and pakodas. It was a beautiful view of the valley. I just felt pulled to see stay and photograph the sunset, yet again. Something magical mysterious and even quietly sad about it. I realised I have many pictures of sunsets. Of course staying by the sea has its advantages. But I began to wonder why.. Why were so many people across the world so fascinated by sunsets.. When I was watching the sun go down, melt into the horizon dipping into the…

Yesterday, after a very long time I used the concept of ‘Freedom Square’. And even though I anticipated the outcomes, It still took me by surprise, how quickly it created safety, courage, and trust amongst the people. Many people spoke of things and in a way that they had not uptill now. Made asks of each other that were clear and bold. Sai thing that were personal, spoke on their own violation. Even people who in the previous sessions had to be “gently coaxed – spoke. Freedom Square is a construct that has been used over many years ,often in…

“With Great Power comes Great Electricity Bill” It’s funny, witty and true. After almost 19 months I am in a, in person leadership offsite. And as we know no leadership offsite eveR happens without the use of this word – POWER. And I felt both a ‘surge’ and drain of energy at different times of the day. This equation with power is such a mysterious thing. Many people know what it but can’t define it, many want it but often can’t handle. Before we dismiss it , lets us take a moment to remember the Monitor or Prefect BADGE. And…

Some words one can only learn in certain circumstances and times. Even if you have known that word before. Like when I was in Nairobi some years ago, I learnt the meaning of the word arid. The word I want to talk about today is “Shame”. I have or it has come to me after a long struggle and alienation. In the last couple of weeks I have been ‘picking’ it up. And 2 days ago I heard it in the exact tone that brought back memories from school days. Our building has some repair work going on, and there…

“We got pushed to give a date by which we have to design a solution for a problem we don’t know, and then reverse engineer it. We are not able to say NO”“He has been calling me every 15 minutes, so I blocked his call, I couldn’t say NO”“I don’t want to go on matrimony, what if I won’t be able to say NO.“Why did you take up this role” – I couldn’t say NO“Why did you eat that extra sweet “- I couldn’t say NO“Why did you accept the request”– I couldn’t say No Why do we put up…

Yesterday I met a friend, Sreeni from Chennai, who I have known for a long time. And with whom I have had a love hate relationship, since we both also share the same birthdate. He is this tough cookie on the outside and a really soft caring person inside. Often misunderstood because of his tone. He sometime goes out of his way to hide that he cares so much about people. His wife Viji an equally beautiful person and a pillar of strength personified. The times I have visited his place she has fussed over and made my favourite sambar…

The recent Violence and killing in Kashmir,  the Violence that has erupted in Bangladesh has been creating a lot of churn and turmoil inside of me. There are attacks on Minorities, under various banners. Even as I watched hundreds of  people, men, women, children dying, being maimed. I feel a thick bile rising inside my throat. It does not matter. People are killing people. I don’t watch news, but this has been somehow coming up. It’s as if my own body is on fire. I personally know of friends in Kashmir and Bangladesh. And I have not been able to…