Family Councils are a powerful practice that can dramatically improve your relationships and peace. It’s a time for everyone to be heard, supported, and loved. Cultivating the habit now will provide unity and strength when challenges arise. If you are in the middle of a big challenge, it can be a balm for your soul.
I had someone ask how to make family councils successful, productive, and enjoyable. I wanted to post a reply, but time was short. I really could do a whole workshop on this… alas, she requested a quick list that can be referenced easily.
This is that list.
- 1- Share the Vision. Our goal is not to do a thing to check it off the list. The goal is that all people feel loved, heard, and understood. That we share love and work on our communication skills. It’s that was create a home we all want to be in and relationships that strengthen amidst the storms of life. What is your vision/purpose for having family councils? Aim there and keep the target in mind.
- 2- Positive Space, Positive Energy: remember, this is not a ‘dreaded meeting’. It’s a time to really connect withe people you love. If you feel like we “have to” do it, then it brings in dread and contention. Talk about it with excitement! In random conversations ask what things we need to discuss.
- 3- Agreement. Most humans do not like being forced into doing anything. Express the desire in your heart and the purpose behind it. Agree on a time. or not. Sometimes councils come in a moment when there is something that needs attention now, or alone with one person in the car. In general, if you have lots of people going in lots of directions, it’s helpful to set a time when everyone can be there together
- 4- Whole body listening. That means our bodies are not doing other things. Our eyes are on the person talking, and we listen to understand. If you need a ‘talking stick’ to help as you develop the listening skill, that’s great – use one.
- 5- Make it fun! It works well for me to have a set time of gathering (which changes day to day) Often we will put on an engaging short youtube video while we wait for everyone to arrive. This gets them wanting to come faster. Ending with a treat is also helpful (especially for teenagers).
Remember, every family and every situation is different. It doesn’t need to be like anyone else’s family council. One day at a time, one step at a time. Every effort in the right direction is worth it. Be patient. Carry on. Your family is worth the commitment to keep going.
Applying these things will dramatically improve your councils. I wish you the best in strengthening your relationships.
If you are someone who would like support along the journey, (maybe you have had a hard time keeping commitments to yourself or others… staying calm in all circumstances… really believing things can improve… or feeling the divine discontent of knowing there is more calling you but not fully stepping into it…) then let’s have a conversation about possibly working together. Email me at Livia@LearnLiveFLY.com.
It’s no pressure. We will get clear on where you are, where you want to be and the best next step to get you there. It may be working with me, it may be that I refer you to someone else or give you some resources to get started. What I know for sure is that life is too short to stay stuck, sad, miserable, or even just stagnant. There are things to create, people to love, and a divine mission that is YOURS and yours alone. I’ve got your back. Let’s do this together!
