TNM Talks: Allison Gilbert in Conversation with TNM Founder Shari Foos

About Allison Gilbert: Allison Gilbert is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and one of the most influential writers and speakers on how to find the inner resources to overcome life’s biggest challenges. Allison is the author of numerous books and hosts “Making Connections,” a monthly conversation series with Reimagine on overcoming loneliness, and previously hosted “Passed and Present,” named after her beloved book, about death and maintaining family bonds. She is co-author of Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s final book, The Joy of Connections: 100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life.

Those who join in TNM online sessions should familiarize themselves with our participation disclaimer and agreement at https://www.thenarrativemethod.org/tnm-disclaimer

How It Works (1-hour Sessions):

INTRODUCTION & INSPIRATION:

• A TNM facilitator sets up the session, including group agreements and the TNM Core Concept of the week.

WRITING:

• The facilitator shares a photo and the first prompt. You're invited to use prompts as a starting point and take them anywhere your imagination leads in any style, any voice. The only parameter is to keep it to 1 page or 500 words.
• Next, you'll get a second prompt to weave into your piece and tie it all together.

BREAKOUT GROUPS:

• After the writing, you are randomly assigned to small breakout groups with other participants.
• Everyone takes turns reading their piece without stopping for conversation or feedback. Simple acknowledgments such as "Thank you for sharing." are welcome. While each person shares, focus on witnessing without judgment.
• After everyone has shared, feel free to discuss your process, the TNM Core Concept and prompt or share about something else that's going on with you that may be relevant to the TNM experience. Speak for yourself only and refrain from giving advice or asking probing questions.
• NOTE: If someone in your group shares something deeply personal and may be in distress, please ask them if they are okay in this moment and don't hesitate to send a direct message to the TNM facilitator.

GROUP SHARE:

• In the final minutes, the group comes together to share their thoughts about their experience, answer questions, go deeper and have fun!

Salon Guidelines:

MUTUAL RESPECT

Remain aware and conscientious of your choice of words and tone. Please do not ask personal questions or give advice. Hate speech or hurtful behavior, regardless of the context will not be tolerated and will lead to immediate removal from the session.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is essential. What is said in the group must stay here. We do not record these sessions and will not tolerate any recording, transcribing, repeating others' stories or otherwise infringing on the rights and privacy of others.

CAMERAS ON

To ensure that everyone feels comfortable sharing their stories and their feelings, we require everyone to have their cameras on during sessions, except while writing. If you do not comply you will be removed from the session.

LISTENING

When listening to others' stories, put yourself aside so you can hear others from their perspective, without your own assumptions getting in the way. Your job is only to witness each other with appreciation.