How a session works
Powerful video input
At Thinking Box we watch and discuss carefully selected videos in a facilitated safe space.
Discussion questions
After each feature presentation we provide a few possible discussion questions. These are a guide only and you are free to discuss any aspect of the video that calls to you
Small group discussions
Our first discussions are in small groups of 2-3 people only. This gives more time for each person to express their perspective, it is also optimal for the collective thinking process. It is chance to practice really listening to others and giving free attention
Plenary discussion
We then open the discussion up to everyone to allow group conversations to be shared. We like to hear from a range of people and so try to be concise and allow others to speak too. Listening to and picking up on the points raised helps the conversation to progress and the facilitator will help with this. Often, key conclusions and the best ideas will rise to the surface.
Listen to understand not judge
Thinking Box is about expanding our awareness and understanding of subjects and other people, much more than persuading others of our current view. So be open to changing your mind based on any new information and always be respectful of other perspectives. We may hold different views but with an open and enquiring mind we can begin to see why and show empathy. So always challenge the idea rather than the person themselves.
One minute manifesto
There isn’t anyone who would not want their life to improve positively. But for many around the world this has become increasingly difficult.
So some have begun to ask how to create positive change for all the world’s inhabitants. At Thinking Box we believe that a necessary catalyst for this is to RAISE AWARENESS in ourselves and others and this is our primary aim.
Our on-going inquiry in how to do this has currently led us to four supporting pillars. These are:
Safe space
Connection
Critical thinking
Emotional growth
With these we support engaged citizens coming together with a collaborative mindset working towards a world that works for everyone.
What people say
The following videos contains testimonials from people who have attended Thinking Box.
If you would like to add to our list of testimonials please email paul@thinkingbox.info
[a name=”Whyweneedyou”]Whyweneedyou[/a]
Why we need you
We hope that Thinking Box will benefit you in many ways but by being involved you will also be making a contribution to us and other people. We need you because you have a unique perspective and we want to hear it, everyone is an expert in something. In cultivating a world that works for everyone the more diverse and comprehensive the perspectives heard, the more accurate the picture becomes. You have a right to have a say and in the Thinking Box culture people are ready and willing to listen to you.
We also need you to get talking with others and help create grass roots conversations on what you care about. Your voice is an important contribution to a people’s narrative which can weaken the power of the media driven one and the voices of people with strong vested interests. If you stay quiet then you can bet someone else will speak on your behalf, but not necessarily in your interests.
But speaking is only one half of communication and at Thinking Box we cultivate a listening culture in which people can feel safe to share thoughts and ideas. So simply coming along, actively listening, showing empathy to others and helping them feel heard is of huge value. Taking on personal or global challenges can be a lonely road at times and your listening ear can provide vital moral support for others who like you are keen to serve the greater good. Free attention, acknowledgement or even a new friend can be a life saver to someone.
At Thinking Box we practice critical thinking and so the more people we have looking at a topic the better our chances of spotting erroneous thinking. We all do already think critically when researching what film to see or what product to buy but less so it seems with matters of social importance. With your critical eye helping we have a better chance of reaching the objective truth.
And finally we need you to be another actively engaged citizen because such people provide inspiration to others just by being involved. This will help engage others and encourage even more of us to work together towards a world that works for everyone