Virtual salons

We realize it is not always possible to gather in person. While there are limitations there is also surprising value in hosting in a virtual environment. We found that being able to be in the comfort of your own home creates a kind of intimacy, the ability to focus and stare at the details of the participants can be powerful, and the vulnerability of the moment has created very meaningful conversations. While the general structure remains the same, below are some tips on how to make a few adjustments to create the right atmosphere for a virtual salon. We sent this out to participants in the reminder emails. We look forward to your input as these grow.

As the facilitator start the salon as you would if they were in your home. We did this by asking people how they met someone on the call. This is just an easy way to get to know one another. If someone only knows you just introduce them (you may have to do this for a few people). Keep these short. Then once you have completed this jump into asking who wants to respond to the thought provoking question.

Below are a few bullets we sent out in the invitation email to get people to create a warm environment from their own home.

• Please find a secluded space if you can

• Light your favorite few candles

• Put nice pillows or blankets or comfortable things around you.

• Leave your cell phones outside the room.

• Be prepared to tell a story about someone on the call that you met ie. "How do you know xxx"

• Make sure you do the pre-readings.