ATTN: stages in the Thoughtstorm Group Process

Today I want to introduce to you a group of people from the Netherlands. We seek to find the answer to one of these fundamental questions about I and WE. We ask ourselves: what happens to me if I become WE? Do I dissolve? What does this border look like? Or maybe this border is not really a border, maybe it is an illusion? How do we know? How can we tell?

In the process we use several techniques. One of them is the Thoughtstorm. Reflections on a group process, conducted by my good friend Berry

Stages in the Thoughtstorm Group Process

by Berry Cloosterman, Avatar Wizard

A few years ago, a group of people from the Netherlands started to use the Thoughtstorm method on a regular basis. The author, being the initiator of this group, observed certain stages in their meetings. He would like to share his observations with the Avatar community. In this article the stages are related to another method called ‘creative thinking’ or sometimes ‘lateral thinking’.

1. Collecting and formulating the question

In an ‘open space’ form, known for its relaxed, open and honest atmosphere, each participant brings his/her essential questions about. By formulating and re-formulating we agree (by passing the question on to one another for consideration or by changing positions) upon one question that fascinates all of us, sometimes with one or two additional questions.


2. Shedding the known ideas. Convergence - Divergence

The question is asked and repeated on a regular basis.
The answers come from observation of patterns/feelings/attention and sensory impressions, imagination and association. A movement is noticed within the group alternating from convergence, this means focussing on one idea, group of ideas or answer, to divergence, at which point the answers differ strongly and barriers are widened and broken through.


3. Playfull/creative phase. Continuity is based on each participant’s personal commitment

Based upon positivity and free choice, alternatives are being looked for, first solutions fetched and helping and impeding beliefs (re-)cognized. The question is approached from multiple perspectives. This may lead to analogies (i.e. it resembles something found in nature) and metaphors (sharp as a knife, free as a bird). Making contact with the question based on feeling creates new possibilities. You feel how it feels.


4. The bottleneck. The mind empties. The ego uncouples

All well-known answers do not work to reach synergy. Final attempts are haphazard answers or enumerating characteristics. Attempts are made to find a common response by logically linking the most vital terms and characteristics. Frustration can lead to the inclination to give up or criticize the question or the process. Restrictions become visible. Switching over to a different individual attitude becomes necessary for the process to continue.


5. Intuitive phase. From a stop of thinking to inner silence

The question is being asked from a new interest. At answering the attention switches from talking to listening. From having answers to receiving answers. The group members support each other more and more. They hear others give their own answers. The personal conscience extends to the conscience of the group. Enthusiasm, appreciation and love carry the group to a corecept, the core idea, the answer that is an expression of the solidarity which has come over the group. This is the eureka moment..


6. Practical development. Sharing the solidarity and development of the answer

In this last stage evaluation to the question and critical testing are possible as an aid for deployment in everybody's daily reality. New perspectives arise giving energy and pleasure.

Much love and insight for you and your loved ones (!)
Berry Cloosterman