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- Different vibe this week
Welcome to the Community Coach newsletter, a value packed read
for community builders who genuinely love connecting the right people with each other.
This week I’m writing from Nepal. It’s been amazing to spend some time IRL with a community here and see how even the most remote places create special moments for groups of people looking for connection.
Because I’m travelling I’ll keep this newsletter shorter then usual - hopefully you’ll enjoy it. If you prefer this type of newsletter format just reply here and let me know.
Communal lounge spaces have little details that encourage conversation - I believe this is a nepalese cat lounging around wanting to be the centre of attention!
Memorable Rituals
This meditation maze offers an elevated experience to those who meditate as part of their daily ritual. Instead of sitting still, you are encouraged to walk through the maze slowly, barefoot (and not overthink things). There is surround sound music throughout the maze repeating “Om” chants. It is truly a unique experience.
Takeaway: How are you taking common rituals in your community and elevating the experience for your members so that it becomes memorable?
Interactive experiences that are fun
Scattered throughout a retreat in Nepal are some of their national games played. The “Tiger Moving” game is one of them. People are encouraged to interact - to learn and play new games together. This one did have instructions.
This game did not have instructions but interestingly enough I witnessed complete strangers pick up conversations with each other and discuss how they through the game works.
Takeaway: I was really struck by the lack of instructions in the second game and how that encouraged people to work together to “problem solve” how a game works. Usually as community folks we want to give our members as much guidance as possible with how to interact, how to engage etc. But this observation has made me reframe things - how can we help community members in certain ways but not to the point that they don’t feel the need to interact with each other?
Creating magical moments
I’ve never seen anything like this in my life: a “crystal house" where the entire walls were crystals.
Himalayan Salt room - another “unique” communal room for groups to experience together
Takeaway: People bond when they experience something together that is completely unexpected (to be honest this can be both positive experiences or negative). But when you deliver a truly magical experience for people that goes beyond their expectations, they are more willing to open up to each other and engage.
I hope the above has been inspiring for you. I’ve been able to witness strangers turning into friends in a very short period of time (where people are already arranging to hang out or meetup again in the future after 2-3 days of meeting for the first time). That kind of magic is what I love to attempt to replicate in online and offline communities.
Got a question for me? DM me on Twitter and ask away. Your question may be answered in a future newsletter (and I’ll reply to everyone who asks).
Until next time,
Carmen
Community Coach
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