I Am We Are Podcasts
This series explores themes of collective grief, personal accountability, and systemic practices, bringing together facilitators, artists, and practitioners to foster connection, healing, and resilience. Each episode dives into the role of ritual, constellations, and embodiment in creating spaces for communal grief and transformation. Conversations range from the power of shared vulnerability in climate protests to the art of collaboration, integrating practices that honour grief as a dynamic, life-affirming force.
In this episode, Jamie Colston, Nynke Vos and Evva Semenowicz dive deep into the significance of creating collective spaces for grief, exploring how these spaces can foster expression, healing, and connection. Our conversation touches on the often-suppressed nature of grief in modern cultures and how avoiding or ignoring it can lead to stagnation and disconnection in our lives and communities.
Key Takeaways:
Grief as a Dynamic Force: Grief isn’t something to “fix” or resolve. Instead, it’s a life-affirming force that needs to be engaged with actively and intentionally. When we allow ourselves to experience it fully, grief becomes a vital, flowing energy that brings us closer to ourselves and each other.
Collective Grieving Spaces: These spaces, enriched with music, nature, and intentional rituals, provide a place where people can come together to honour their grief in a communal setting. By doing so, we break through the isolation that often accompanies loss, creating a shared, supportive experience.
Societal and Ecological Well-being: Our discussion also highlights the broader impact of collective grieving on society and the environment. When we engage with grief openly, we cultivate a deeper respect for life and a more profound connection to the natural world. In turn, this can help us build more resilient and compassionate communities.
The Power of Ritual and Connection: Through music, nature, and shared rituals, we create opportunities for communal healing, reminding us that we don’t have to carry grief alone. These spaces allow us to witness and support one another in our sorrow, fostering a greater sense of belonging and care.
Join us as we envision a future where grief is not only acknowledged but embraced as a crucial part of the human experience, helping us to live more connected, meaningful lives.
Listen Now to Explore:
Why collective grieving is vital for personal and communal healing
How engaging with grief can deepen our connection to the natural world
The role of music, nature, and ritual in creating spaces for shared grief
A vision for communities where grief is honoured as a vital aspect of life
In this episode, Jamie Colston, Ivo Aulik and Nic Seuren dive into a rich conversation that weaves together themes of personal behaviour, emotional awareness, and the profound work of constellations. Grounding the discussion is an exploration of the body and the phenomenology of experience—how we live in and through our physical selves. From confronting the weight of super-egos to the delicate process of surrendering the ego, this dialogue takes us on a journey through the intricacies of personal accountability, self-awareness, and the ongoing practice of self-improvement.
Key Takeaways:
The Art of Asking Questions: At the heart of the conversation is the dynamic of questioning—seeking understanding not just of the world around us but also of ourselves. The importance of staying curious and open, especially in the face of uncertainty, is highlighted as a powerful tool for growth.
Personal Responsibility and Self-Improvement: There’s a deep dive into how we can integrate these learnings into our everyday lives. From our personal interactions to our roles in wider communities, this discussion reflects on how accountability and responsibility shape our behaviour and relationships.
Constellations Work and Rituals: We explore how constellations work ripples out into conversations and daily life, creating space for reflection and connection. Rituals, especially those around closure and endings, are discussed as vital for marking transitions in both personal and collective experiences.
Stepping Back and Gaining Perspective: Sometimes, the most profound shifts come when we step back and allow space for something larger to emerge. The conversation touches on the value of holding space, embracing uncertainty, and the creative unfolding that occurs when we soften into shared experiences.
The Role of Facilitation: Good facilitation is key in navigating the complexity of constellation work, allowing participants to safely engage with the unknown. The conversation reflects on the privilege of being a facilitator, witnessing transformation, and honouring the journey of reconnection with ourselves, each other, and the wider world.
The Collective Longing for Connection: There's an underlying theme of collective yearning—for deeper connection, shared responsibility, and a more profound sense of belonging. This longing fuels the transformative power of constellations, helping to build communities grounded in empathy, care, and mutual respect.
Tune in to Explore:
How to integrate constellations work into everyday life
The power of asking questions and staying curious
The role of rituals in creating meaningful endings
Personal responsibility, accountability, and the evolution of self
Stepping back, embracing uncertainty, and allowing creative growth
This conversation reminds us of the ongoing, evolving work of remembering our connections—with each other, with the earth, and with the deeper forces that guide us. It's an invitation to soften into our shared human experience, to surrender to the process, and to be present with the unfolding of life itself.
In this episode, we dive deep into the creative partnership between Jamie Colston and Emma Pruen, exploring how their unique blend of strengths helps them bring ambitious projects to life. Through candid conversations and behind-the-scenes moments, you'll get a real feel for how their collaboration unfolds, from sparking initial ideas to navigating the twists and turns of the creative process.
Key Highlights:
The Art of Collaboration: Jamie and Emma reveal the heart of their creative dynamic, offering insights into how they combine their talents to push boundaries and take on bold, innovative projects. It’s a rare glimpse into what happens when two creative minds align, sharing both their successes and challenges along the way.
Behind the Scenes: This episode doesn’t just stay on the surface – we dig into specific examples of their most impactful work, offering listeners a front-row seat to the inner workings of their process. Whether it’s crafting a project from scratch or overcoming creative roadblocks, you'll hear firsthand how they approach their work with energy and purpose.
Personal Growth & Support: At the core of their partnership is a mutual respect and support that has evolved over time. Jamie and Emma reflect on key moments in their journey together, sharing personal stories of growth, learning, and the inevitable challenges that come with any long-term collaboration. It's not just about the work—they explore how they lift each other up and continue to grow as individuals.
Overcoming Obstacles: From hitting creative walls to navigating personal setbacks, Jamie and Emma’s stories offer powerful lessons on perseverance and resilience. They share the strategies that helped them move through tough times, offering advice and encouragement to anyone seeking to collaborate more effectively or take on ambitious projects.
Inspiring Stories & Advice: Aspiring collaborators and creatives will find plenty of takeaways in this episode. Jamie and Emma’s reflections offer both practical tips and inspiring insights on what it takes to build a thriving, supportive partnership, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to strengthen their own creative relationships.
Tune in to Explore:
How collaboration can unlock new creative potential
The behind-the-scenes magic that fuels Jamie and Emma’s projects
Stories of personal growth and mutual support in their creative journey
Tips and advice for aspiring collaborators facing challenges
The role of perseverance in pushing through obstacles to create something truly special
This conversation is an invitation into the heart of Jamie and Emma’s world—a place where creativity thrives on trust, mutual respect, and the willingness to keep pushing forward together. Their journey is proof of what’s possible when two people commit to not only working together but also growing alongside one another.
In this heartfelt episode, Jamie Colston and Zita Tulyahikayo open up about their personal journeys with systemic constellations and the profound role of movement in their work. Through an honest and thoughtful conversation, they explore how embodiment, dance, and ritual create pathways for healing, transformation, and deeper connection to the collective.
Key Highlights:
Jamie’s Journey with Systemic Work: Jamie shares the story of his first encounters with systemic constellations, tracing the ways it has evolved for him over the years. With dance and embodiment becoming central to his practice, he reflects on how movement allows us to unlock not only personal insight but also the deeper layers of collective trauma that live within us.
Zita’s Integration of Ritual & Hypnotherapy: Zita speaks about her background in systemic constellations and hypnotherapy, weaving in her collaboration with Sean Palmer. She explains how the combination of these practices with movement has helped her create a powerful fusion of ritual and bodywork, enabling participants to explore ancestral connections, heal past wounds, and embody new possibilities.
The Power of Movement: Both Jamie and Zita emphasise that movement isn’t just a physical act but a key to unlocking personal and collective transformation. They explore how our bodies hold stories, traumas, and potentials, and how through movement, we can access and integrate these elements in a deeply healing way. This work is about freeing the body to move through and beyond what holds us back, both individually and as a community.
Connection to Place & Nature: Zita shares a moving story about her time walking in the Yorkshire Dales, drawing on the symbolic power of nature and its ancestral resonance. She reflects on how place and land can inspire and inform our healing work, inviting participants to connect with the natural world around them as a source of wisdom and strength.
Dance as a Gateway to Healing: Jamie recounts his experiences with both traditional and contemporary dance forms, explaining how they’ve shaped his approach to systemic work. Dance, for him, is a way to connect to the "collective body"—the shared experience of humanity and its vast potential for joy, healing, and transformation.
What to Expect:
A deep dive into the fusion of movement, systemic constellations, and ritual
Stories of personal healing and the transformative power of embodiment
Reflections on the significance of place, nature, and ancestral connections in their work
An invitation to explore these practices at their upcoming event
Jamie and Zeta are offering a space for participants to immerse themselves in a dynamic approach to healing that honours both the personal and the collective body. Through movement, ritual, and constellation work, they invite you to step into the dance of transformation—an experience of joy, connection, and deep exploration.
Join Us: For those interested in engaging with their body, spirit, and ancestral line in a new way, this conversation is an invitation. Jamie and Zeta promise a space filled with collective healing, laughter, and meaningful movement. Their work is a reminder that healing is not just something we do alone—it’s something we do together, moving as one.
Step into this journey with us and experience the profound possibilities that await in collective healing through movement and systemic constellations.
In this insightful episode, Carol Xu and Jamie Colston engage in a heartfelt discussion about the significance of recognising grief as a tangible presence within group dynamics. They shine a light on how grief, often sidelined in our fast-paced culture, can quietly accumulate and influence our communities and organisations in profound yet subtle ways.
Key Highlights:
Grief as a Tangible Presence: Jamie and Carol explore the notion that grief is not merely an abstract emotion to be avoided; rather, it is a palpable force that can shape our interactions and experiences in group settings. Jamie shares insights from their work with grief rituals and systemic constellations, illustrating how these practices encourage a more profound engagement with grief and allow for healing within the collective.
Creating Space for Healing: The conversation delves into the importance of openly addressing heavy emotions in group environments. By acknowledging grief, facilitators can foster an atmosphere of understanding and transformation. Jamie highlights that this process enables individuals to navigate their feelings, moving from a place of heaviness towards hope, connection, and collective understanding.
Grief as a Universal Experience: Carol and Jamie emphasise that grief is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, impacting not just individuals but also the very fabric of community cohesion. They discuss how unaddressed grief can lead to conflict and breakdowns within groups, shedding light on the necessity for collective grieving as a vital practice for community resilience.
Fostering Mutual Respect and Collaboration: By embracing grief as an integral part of our shared existence, communities can cultivate deeper mutual respect and collaboration. Carol and Jamie highlight how engaging with grief not only supports personal healing but also strengthens communal bonds, fostering a more resilient and supportive environment for all.
What to Expect:
A thoughtful exploration of grief’s role in group dynamics
Practical insights on facilitating conversations around grief
Strategies for nurturing collective healing and transformation
Reflections on the importance of community resilience in the face of grief
In this episode, Carol and Jamie invite you to reconsider your relationship with grief and to see it as an opportunity for connection rather than division. They encourage listeners to embrace grief not just as an individual experience but as a communal journey, one that has the power to deepen our connections and create a more supportive environment for everyone involved.
Join Us: Tune in to discover how recognising and engaging with grief can lead to a more compassionate and collaborative community. Together, we can transform our understanding of grief from a burden into a bridge—one that connects us all in our shared humanity.
In this thought-provoking episode, Jamie Colston and Aleksandra engage in a deep and reflective discussion about the power of collective grief rituals and the importance of nurturing a space for shared healing. They explore how grief, often overlooked in modern society, can be a transformative force when addressed openly within groups.
Key Highlights:
Grief as a Collective Force: Jamie and Aleksandra reflect on the power of grief as not just an individual experience but a communal one that impacts the group dynamic. They share their experiences of working with grief in systemic constellations, offering insights into how the collective’s grief can be acknowledged and worked with to promote healing and resilience within the community.
The Role of Facilitators in Grief Work: The conversation highlights the role of facilitators in creating the right environment for grief to be safely explored. Jamie and Aleksandra discuss how facilitators can hold space for grief, allowing it to move through the group in a constructive way. By acknowledging the grief that exists within the collective, facilitators can help guide the group toward mutual understanding and healing.
Building Compassionate Communities: The episode explores how embracing grief in a group setting fosters greater compassion and connection among participants. Jamie and Aleksandra discuss the importance of allowing grief to be seen and heard as a legitimate part of the human experience. This approach not only validates individual emotions but also strengthens communal bonds, making the group more resilient and supportive in the long run.
Grief as a Catalyst for Transformation: Both Jamie and Aleksandra emphasize how grief, when acknowledged and processed, can act as a catalyst for transformation. They explore the ways in which collective grief rituals can help move participants from feelings of separation and loss to a place of greater unity and shared purpose.
What to Expect:
A thoughtful examination of the role grief plays in group dynamics
Practical insights on facilitating collective grief rituals
Strategies for creating spaces where grief can be expressed and processed
Reflections on the importance of grief in fostering compassionate, resilient communities
In this episode, Jamie and Aleksandra invite listeners to rethink how grief is viewed within communities and encourage the practice of collective grieving as a means of healing. Rather than seeing grief as something to be avoided, they highlight the power of embracing it as an opportunity for connection, transformation, and a deeper sense of shared humanity.
Join Us: Tune in to learn how working with grief in a group context can enhance mutual respect, strengthen bonds, and foster a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone involved.
In this heartfelt episode, Jamie Colston and Nynke Vos engage in a profound discussion about the vital role of facilitators, coaches, and leaders in creating and holding space for grief. They underscore the complexities of grief and the essential need to address it within our practices, shedding light on how this can lead to deeper connection and understanding.
Key Highlights:
Recognising the Need for Grief Spaces: Jamie and Nynke emphasise that grief is often a complex emotion that requires intentionality and care. They discuss the responsibility of practitioners to create environments where grief can be expressed and processed, allowing individuals to feel seen and heard.
Integrating Systemic Rituals and Constellations: The conversation explores the transformative power of systemic rituals and constellations. Jamie and Nynke highlight the use of artefacts and items with personal significance as tools for processing grief. These meaningful objects can serve as anchors, helping participants navigate their emotional landscapes with greater clarity and connection.
Practical Approaches to Working with Grief: Their upcoming workshop promises a hands-on approach to grief work, utilising body-centred practices and rituals. Jamie and Nynke invite you to join this online session, lasting about one and a half hours, designed to equip you with practical tools for incorporating grief into your everyday life.
Creating a Ritual Space at Home: Participants will be guided in preparing their own ritual space at home, fostering an intimate atmosphere conducive to healing. The session will also include breakout rooms, offering opportunities for connection and community-building among attendees.
Tools for Everyday Integration: Jamie and Nynke are dedicated to ensuring that the workshop's impact goes beyond the session itself. They aim to provide participants with lasting tools and practices that can seamlessly integrate into daily routines, transforming the way we approach grief in our lives and practices.
What to Expect:
Insightful discussions on the complexities of grief and its place in our work
Practical exercises to engage with grief through body-centred practices
Community-building opportunities in breakout sessions
Tools and rituals to deepen your personal and professional practice
Join Jamie and Nynke as they invite you to explore how systemic work and rituals can not only transform your approach to grief but also deepen your overall practice. Together, we can honour our experiences, create healing spaces, and embrace the profound connections that arise when we allow grief to be part of our journey.
More Gifts to You