The Power of Personal Boundaries – Practical Workshop No. 1
The Power of Personal Boundaries – Practical Workshop No. 1
The practical workshop The Power of Personal Boundaries was an experience and a journey, which we chose to present in the form of a series. It debuted on April 11 with a “pilot episode” that we wrote about here . Then, it continued with 3 more episodes in the form of monthly support group meetings. Below, we present the film as it unfolded.
What was different in the support groups?
It was a time of sharing real life stories, with concrete situations and contexts to which we sought answers – each in his own right.
Probably the most extraordinary aspect of these group meetings was the warm atmosphere, of understanding, acceptance and vulnerability that was created between us.
We had many moments of awareness but also of practical support and encouragement – so necessary when we want to make changes in those areas where we feel most vulnerable.
The first episode
At the first support group meeting we discovered – among many other things – how common the fear of authority is and how it confuses us when we are in a context in which we want to protect our rights (e.g. the right to be informed in all important details when we need medical assistance and are in a doctor’s office). But also the fact that healthy boundaries are essential in the parent-child relationship and establishing them is a gesture of love meant to provide security to the little ones and not so little ones.
Second episode
In the second meeting we practiced – among other things – the DESC method. It is a simple and practical tool meant to help us communicate our personal boundaries in an assertive way. It is not always easy for us to say NO because the fear of rejection, the fear of hurting the other person but, above all, our insecurities and the fact that we do not know how to best communicate what we feel when our boundaries are violated come into play.
Third episode
And in the third meeting we met THE SAVIOR, THE BENEFICIARY, THE ZEALOUS, THE AVOIDER and THE MARTYR. Hmm… it is not at all comfortable to discover that what you thought was a good idea is nothing more than a false identity meant to divert our attention from our own inner suffering.
Epilogue
That’s pretty much it. I don’t want to “give away” everything. We just tried to pique your curiosity to join us at the next workshop that starts on September 26, 2025.
In terms of feedback received from participants, the biggest minus that was highlighted is the too low frequency. One meeting per month seemed too little, so the second workshop will be different. We meet once every two weeks: September 26, October 10, October 24 and November 5.
And as for the positive feedback, I received a few words from three braver participants and permission to mention their full names. Here they are:
Bogdan Clonda: Why do I recommend this workshop? And especially the support group meetings? I will speak from my experience with this workshop. I received the help I needed to better understand how I can set healthy boundaries. I understood their value and saw how, by applying the things learned at the workshop, I could improve some aspects of my life. I really liked the fact that the meetings were interactive, the discussions were lively and animated, and I had many examples from the daily lives of each of those who participated. The role-playing games challenged me the most. But, by participating in them, I realized what it was like to “put yourself in the other person’s shoes”. And that took away some of the stress I had when I wanted to say NO.
Adriana Chirilă: It was a very useful experience and I intend to return to the next workshops. I realized how important personal boundaries are, especially within the family, where we often tend to be far too lenient with each other. I understood that establishing healthy boundaries in the relationship with children is important and is – in fact – a gesture of love. Towards them, but also towards me. Of course, it is not easy for me and it is not natural. But I received and receive support within the foundation and I know that, one day, I will manage to say NO without thinking about myself that I am not a good mother. That way, I will be able to help them build, in turn, healthy boundaries. They will be of great use to them in life. I recommend this workshop.
Miha Miklo: Baza Ghilgal – beautiful, present people, interested in extending a hand to their neighbor. It was good for me to go through the workshop ‘Limits – support group’, I understood the need to establish personal boundaries for my own safety. And I learned the DESC strategy for this. A much-needed one! Thank you Simona, thank you Iulian! I recommend this workshop.
How is it? Have I piqued your curiosity? See you on September 26th at workshop no. 2 on The Power of Personal Boundaries.
Mark your calendars: September 26th, October 10th, October 24th and November 5th.
Baza Ghilgal
BAZA GHILGAL is a dream that was born from the desire to see people restored, with healed souls, living their lives in freedom, with dignity, and knowing their value and purpose for which they were created.
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