Language of Spirit - Pre-Conference Workshop

Join transdisciplinary creative thinkers Alfonso Montuori and Nora Bateson for a fascinating exploration into the heart of wholeness and creativity
The workshop will expose the myth of the lone genius prevalent in the West, and re-envision creativity as part of a system of interrelatedness and mutual influences far beyond the intra-psychic domain of psychology. Drawing upon leading-edge systems theory, social constructionism, hermeneutics, and more, we will explore how social environments can promote or inhibit creativity, question the tendency in the West toward generalized abstraction from the whole, and investigate the role of tradition and innovation in science and in daily life. The morning session will include a dialogue with Nora and Alfonso about Gregory Bateson's groundbreaking transdisciplinary approach to knowing. Bateson did not limit himself to the role of an anthropologist studying culture; instead he ventured into fields of sociology, psychology, philosophy, systems theory, linguistics, and more to explore the meta-meaning and relationship between thought, reality and culture. Bateson's work and approach to knowledge is currently enjoying a renaissance around the globe. The afternoon will include several experiential exercises to flex the creative muscles in various ways suited to the diversity of attendees. The workshop is useful for artists, creative academics and business persons, or anyone interested in developing creativity in themselves and in the groups they are a part of.

Join transdisciplinary creative thinkers Alfonso Montuori and Nora Bateson for a fascinating exploration into the heart of wholeness and creativity

The workshop will expose the myth of the lone genius prevalent in the West, and re-envision creativity as part of a system of interrelatedness and mutual influences far beyond the intra-psychic domain of psychology. Drawing upon leading-edge systems theory, social constructionism, hermeneutics, and more, we will explore how social environments can promote or inhibit creativity, question the tendency in the West toward generalized abstraction from the whole, and investigate the role of tradition and innovation in science and in daily life.

The morning session will include a dialogue with Nora and Alfonso about Gregory Bateson's groundbreaking transdisciplinary approach to knowing. Bateson did not limit himself to the role of an anthropologist studying culture; instead he ventured into fields of sociology, psychology, philosophy, systems theory, linguistics, and more to explore the meta-meaning and relationship between thought, reality and culture. Bateson's work and approach to knowledge is currently enjoying a renaissance around the globe. The afternoon will include several experiential exercises to flex the creative muscles in various ways suited to the diversity of attendees. The workshop is useful for artists, creative academics and business persons, or anyone interested in developing creativity in themselves and in the groups they are a part of.

Alfonso Montuori, Phd is a professor, author, professional jazz musician, and principal of Evolutionary Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in executive development, creativity, and innovation. Alfonso founded and is general editor of Advances in Systems Theory, Complexity and the Human Sciences at Hampton Press which has published important works by Gregory Bateson, Edgar Marin, Ervin Lazlo, Humberto Maturana, and other leading thinkers; he is Associate Editor of World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution; and is member of the editorial board of the Journal of Transformative Education; Tamara: The Journal of Critical Postmodern Organization Theory; Pluriverso (Italy); Narrare il Gruppo, and Elites (Italy); Alfonso is also a member of the General Evolution Research Group. His books include Evolutionary Competence (Gieben, 1989), From Power to Partnership (co-authored with Isabella Conti; Harper San Francisco, 1993), and Creators on Creating (co-edited with Barron & Barron, Putnam, 1997).

Nora Bateson is an educator, filmmaker and media producer. Her work has ranged from videography and documentary making to directing multimedia productions and developing curriculum for elementary and high school students. Central to all of her work is the idea of utilizing media and storytelling to promote dialogue on how to bring about cultural understanding, social justice and personal wholeness. Nora has a steadfast dedication to the possibilities of human evolution, staring with teaching young children to see the interconnectedness of the natural world, and continuing the process through cross-generational storytelling, using media. Currently, Nora is producing "That Reminds me of a Story", a documentary about her father Gregory Bateson. Alfonso Montuori and Nora have been working together on creating a portrait of Bateson that addresses his transdisciplinary work, and brings his philosophy to a broad audience.