[Mike Foxworth]

Responding to Diva:
I was glad you acknowledged my concern about “feeling felt”. I think it is good “to be as vocal as possible when someone shares their experiences, especially if nobody else reacts.”
I wonder if there are other techniques available.
Perhaps use of introductory remarks (repeated during the meeting when appropriate) that encourage sharing, perhaps such as
— As Diva and Bill emphasize, we do not want people to feel guilty for not speaking up. “Speak when comfortable.”
— there are no “stupid questions”,
— All of us start from some ignorance. Unfortunately, those of us with a lot of knowledge and experience feel our ignorance growing constantly.
— we are truly interested in what they are bringing to the meeting since our experiences are so varied and we are all learning (some of us after more than 20 years of PN experience)
— Given the differences in symptoms, “us old hands” feel “felt” when we talk of our experiences with others who have the similar ones (both positive and negative). Not everyone in a meeting has the same symptoms so it takes speaking up to find those with “mine”.
— Helping others adds “meaning” to life. They all can help us. And give us an opportunity to help others. Us “old hands” are here for a reason.
— Encourage them to respond to statements from other members.
— side conversations are often the most fruitful. That can happen awkwardly with private chat. Or, if we can find out the need, we can open a break-out room for people to join.
If we keep the discussion going, maybe we can find a “best practice”
Mike

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