Daniel Mezick

In 1895 Gustav LeBon wrote THE CROWD, a pioneering curation of ideas about group consciousness that has since influenced many people, including heads of state.  Since then, research and findings on the group mind have advanced considerably. How does the group influence individual consciousness? How may we more fully develop genuine mindfulness in groups? This is a topic that has the clear potential to create immediate and positive change across all of society.

In this experiential session, the influence of groups in the development and operation of individual consciousness (and vice-versa) is explored. In particular the theory of modern Group Relations as expressed in the early works of Wilfred Bion is presented for careful consideration, with practical examples. We also identify specific devices such as facilitation, and interaction protocols, which can be used to increase individual and group-level mindfulness when working in groups.

The session includes a brief group exercise that bring direct experience of the session to the group-as-whole.

dan@newtechusa.net

Related Links:

http://human-nature.com/rmyoung/papers/pap148h.html

http://human-nature.com/hraj/work.html

http://socserv2.socsci.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/lebon/Crowds.pdf