Authentic Relating Games (Virtual Edition)

Carpinteria resident Damian Gallagher has been hosting Authentic Relating Games in person at Yoga Soup for more than a year, eager to share his practice and expertise in the relational field with the local community. By his own accord, AR games have allowed him to push his edges and find deeper and more meaningful ways to connect with himself and others. Now, Gallagher, who in normal times teaches yoga and sound healing and facilitates breathwork, meditation and sound healing workshops, and conducts private sessions, is moving the practice online to Zoom. The intention for the as-of-now eight-event experiment is to host the games every Sunday and Thursday evening through April 16. At last week’s kickoff, about a dozen of us – all locals – played such games as Anybody Else (you share something true about yourself, then ask if it’s true for anyone else too), The Google Game (a round-robin in which one person at a time is asked what we might find if we Googled you and [fill in the blank]).

Anyone interested is invited to join, even if you’ve never attended ARG nights in person. All you need to bring is your presence, awareness, and curiosity to explore via interactive experiences themes such as Relational Attunement, Projection, Ownership Language, Desire, Grief, Play, Connection, Vulnerability, and Fear, plus a willingness to show up as yourself, honor yourself, and honor others. (Don’t worry if you’re not sure what that means; Gallagher is happy to explain.)

The events have a suggested donation of $5, but it’s purely voluntary, and the 7-9 pm evenings begin with a 15-minute “dance party” at 6:45 pm. Visit www.facebook.com/AuthenticRelatingSantaBarbara for details and Zoom link.