What we’re about
Want more connection in your life? More satisfying relationships? At our events, you can expect to:
Play outside your normal box
Practice self-expression
Learn who you are & what you truly want
Connect with others
You'll also learn to...
Explore and appreciate a full range of emotions
Develop relational intelligence
Develop integral ("teal") awareness
Develop group leadership skills
Our People:
Our participants are all ages, mostly professionals who are motivated to find more satisfying, deeper interactions with others in a world that leaves us feeling isolated. Expect a wide range of high-functioning, unconventional personalities - lots of therapists, artists, RTP tech workers, psychonauts, and people exploring the limits of their consciousness and demanding more depth of connection in their relationships.
What is Authentic Relating?
Based on the idea of living in the present moment, cultivating self love, and expressing your truths in connection, our Authentic Relating events involve interactive social games & interpersonal meditation practices.
Our Authentic Relating events are immersive small-group events which mix emotional intelligence (EQ), relational intelligence (RQ) and meditation practices. It can make a big difference in everything from your relationships, to your connection with family members, to dealing with difficult people at work!
Interpersonal meditations are sometimes fun, sometimes intense, sometimes beautiful, sometimes sad. We practice being with each other, and being seen, in the full range of our humanity. We take risks and learn how to set boundaries. We learn how to play, and how to care.
All while making lifelong friends, as we explore these realms of intimacy & authenticity together!
We also host several book study and discussion groups each year, to help you integrate insights from our practices, and to create a forum for you to share ideas with others. These are not your grandma's book study group - these go much deeper!
Join Our Mailing List (Calendar):
https://mailchi.mp/navigatechange.org/authentic_relating
Our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthenticNC
Our website with more information:
https://navigatechange.org/tgroup
Our related Meetup where we explore dreamwork & train you in states of awareness:
Alchemical Dreamers' Guild Meetup
---More Details (for people who like to read pages and pages before joining something)---
What's Special About an Authentic Relating Community?
Authentic Relating is the practice of utilizing relationships as a lens for self-discovery, and vulnerability as a tool for mind-blowing, heart-opening connection.
Authentic relating is a contemplative path: we meditate on the experience of being together—on the sense of connection, on what arises in relationship with each other. We observe moment by moment, sharing what it's like to be with each other. There is fun available, but also a depth of practice for those who want more.
Over time through this practice, we develop the ability to uphold five principles:
Honor Self
Honor Other
Hide Nothing
Everything is OK
Own Your Experience
Put into one sentence, relational meditation involves tracking our own well-being (Honor Self) in connection with each other (Honor Other), while practicing expressing ourselves honestly, openly, and clearly.
These are wonderful relational practices, and can have a huge influence on your ability to have successful relationships--both at home and in the workplace!
Come check it out!
We invite you to join our community and to experience not just the depth possible in an evening of authentic relating, but the sense of soul-enlivening community available for all who play, relate with us over the long term.
Our groups are presently on Tuesday & Sunday evenings, and we also host occasional weekend workshops, courses, and professional seminars.
Our HeartFire Members get free or discounted access to all our events in both of our Meetups. Hope you'll join us!
Looking forward to meeting you! And don't forget to join our mailing list!
Our Mailing List:
https://mailchi.mp/navigatechange.org/authentic_relating
Cover image: Shutterstock, licensed to Navigate Change, LLC, the owner of this Meetup.
Want to go deeper? Visit NavigateChange.Org for more info on Benji's upcoming courses & long-term relationship coaching packages.
FREE for HeartFire Members / $35 Drop-In Paid in Advance / $40 cash at the door.
In a hurry? Here's the basics:
Come join us for an evening of Authentic Relating Games at a Private Home in Durham on Friday, November 15 from 6:30-9:15pm. Doors open at 6:15pm. Address sent upon registration.
You are welcome to socialize afterwards until ~10:00.
Newcomers are welcome!
Note: These are not board games! See below for details.
Register ("Join") below on Meetup. Pay here for $5 discount in advance: NavigateChange.as.me/games-night
Want invites? Join our mailing list:
Mailchimp
Full Details:
Welcome to AuthenticNC, Raleigh-Durham's Authentic Relating community. We are a vibrant community of healers, professionals, and brave consciousness explorers. Many of us arrive seeking:
Real Connection
Deeper Relationships
Get Beyond Small-Talk
Expanded Awareness
Intimacy
What You'll Experience at This Games Night:
Together, we will craft an evening of conscious connection, with a focus on the Theme: The 5 Senses in Connection
It's okay to arrive with feelings. We'll help you relax into satisfying connection through conscious relating exercises, authentic sharing, and improv games, curated to help you open up and get real with others in the group.
You'll have a chance to explore...
~How to let down walls
~How to build meaningful 2-way relationships
~How to express yourself authentically - beyond holding back or lacking a filter.
Our Authentic Relating Game Nights tend to be deep and intense, with a mixture of fascination, laughter, and occasional tears of release. It's the full mixture of emotions you would experience in any group, as you explore how to get real and to be more open with those around you.
Come alone or bring a friend. People sometimes bring a date to these events, both for a unique evening out and to get to know each other more deeply. Please be aware that these games can be more intense and deep than fun in a conventional sense... but it is definitely a bonding experience, where you will get to see much deeper into each other's worlds!
Your host: Benji Whitehurst, MA, Relationship Coach & host of 120+ Authentic Relating events and workshops in Raleigh-Durham since 2016. Benji studied Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, and certified in Integral Circling through the Integral Center in Boulder.
Payment:
Games Nights are INCLUDED FOR FREE for all community members holding our Heartfire Monthly Membership who RSVP prior to July 25. $10 after 7/25. Your monthly memberships help us build a vibrant, stable community! Join here: Membership Registration
Discounted 10-passes & memberships are here:
https://navigatechange.org/tgroup
Register in advance: space is limited!
What is Authentic Relating?
Authentic Relating is the practice of harnessing connection as a lens for self-discovery, and vulnerability as a tool for mind-blowing, heart-opening connection in service of living more turned-on, whole lives.
A collection of values and agreements create a spacious, welcoming, transformative container for each practice: Honor Self, Honor Other, Confidentiality, Hide Nothing, Everything is OK, Play Full Out, and Own Your Experience.
When do I arrive?
The event will begin promptly at 6:30pm—please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for extra connection and in service of us starting on time. We will end at 9:00pm. There is sometimes a group who will go out afterwards for snacks and extra fun.
Our Policies:
To help us experience as much joy and as little drama as possible, we've created a Disclosure & Waiver detailing these expectations of self-responsibility & kindness to others, including the known risks of authentic relating practice and guidelines for conflict resolution. Your registration for this event means you have read and agree to the terms of this waiver, including the agreement to fully resolve any disputes related to this event using community conflict mediation. You can find our invitation toward diversity & sameness on the same page.
We invite you to join a 10-year-old community and experience not just the depth possible in an evening of authentic relating, but the sense of soul-enlivening community available for all who play, relate with us over the long term.
You are also welcome to join our weekly practice series, T-Group (see our Meetup page!)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Authentic Relating Games Night: Be Real, Feel Fully, Share DeeplyDowntown Durham, Durham , NC$40.00
FREE for HeartFire Members / $35 Drop-In Paid in Advance / $40 cash at the door.
In a hurry? Here's the basics:
Come join us for an evening of Authentic Relating Games at a Private Home in Durham on Friday, November 15 from 6:30-9:15pm. Doors open at 6:15pm. Address sent upon registration.
You are welcome to socialize afterwards until ~10:00.
Newcomers are welcome!
Note: These are not board games! See below for details.
Register ("Join") below on Meetup. Pay here for $5 discount in advance: NavigateChange.as.me/games-night
Want invites? Join our mailing list:
MailchimpFull Details:
Welcome to AuthenticNC, Raleigh-Durham's Authentic Relating community. We are a vibrant community of healers, professionals, and brave consciousness explorers. Many of us arrive seeking:Real Connection
Deeper Relationships
Get Beyond Small-Talk
Expanded Awareness
IntimacyWhat You'll Experience at This Games Night:
Together, we will craft an evening of conscious connection, with a focus on the Theme: The 5 Senses in Connection
It's okay to arrive with feelings. We'll help you relax into satisfying connection through conscious relating exercises, authentic sharing, and improv games, curated to help you open up and get real with others in the group.
You'll have a chance to explore...
~How to let down walls
~How to build meaningful 2-way relationships
~How to express yourself authentically - beyond holding back or lacking a filter.Our Authentic Relating Game Nights tend to be deep and intense, with a mixture of fascination, laughter, and occasional tears of release. It's the full mixture of emotions you would experience in any group, as you explore how to get real and to be more open with those around you.
Come alone or bring a friend. People sometimes bring a date to these events, both for a unique evening out and to get to know each other more deeply. Please be aware that these games can be more intense and deep than fun in a conventional sense... but it is definitely a bonding experience, where you will get to see much deeper into each other's worlds!
Your host: Benji Whitehurst, MA, Relationship Coach & host of 120+ Authentic Relating events and workshops in Raleigh-Durham since 2016. Benji studied Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, and certified in Integral Circling through the Integral Center in Boulder.
Payment:
Games Nights are INCLUDED FOR FREE for all community members holding our Heartfire Monthly Membership who RSVP prior to July 25. $10 after 7/25. Your monthly memberships help us build a vibrant, stable community! Join here: Membership RegistrationDiscounted 10-passes & memberships are here:
https://navigatechange.org/tgroupRegister in advance: space is limited!
What is Authentic Relating?
Authentic Relating is the practice of harnessing connection as a lens for self-discovery, and vulnerability as a tool for mind-blowing, heart-opening connection in service of living more turned-on, whole lives.
A collection of values and agreements create a spacious, welcoming, transformative container for each practice: Honor Self, Honor Other, Confidentiality, Hide Nothing, Everything is OK, Play Full Out, and Own Your Experience.
When do I arrive?
The event will begin promptly at 6:30pm—please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for extra connection and in service of us starting on time. We will end at 9:00pm. There is sometimes a group who will go out afterwards for snacks and extra fun.
Our Policies:
To help us experience as much joy and as little drama as possible, we've created a Disclosure & Waiver detailing these expectations of self-responsibility & kindness to others, including the known risks of authentic relating practice and guidelines for conflict resolution. Your registration for this event means you have read and agree to the terms of this waiver, including the agreement to fully resolve any disputes related to this event using community conflict mediation. You can find our invitation toward diversity & sameness on the same page.
We invite you to join a 10-year-old community and experience not just the depth possible in an evening of authentic relating, but the sense of soul-enlivening community available for all who play, relate with us over the long term.
You are also welcome to join our weekly practice series, T-Group (see our Meetup page!)
- Durham Relational Flow: Authentic Relating & Conscious PlayArmonía Health LLC, Durham, NC$40.00
Newcomer 2-Pass: $50 cash or Paypal
*Free for HeartFire Members*
Numbers on Meetup do not represent our actual attendance.
In a Hurry? The Basics:
Authentic Relating groups like this tend to be deep, playful, and intense. Read about the practice, below.
We host an intro & warm-up each week for newcomers. Our Meetup has been meeting for over 10 years... it feels that good.
We alternate T-Group and Relational Flow practices every other Sunday evening for variety.
Want invites? Join our mailing list:
MailchimpPost-Event Feedback Form: Click Here.
Full details:
What is Relational Flow?
What happens if a group focuses on how to co-create the deepest, most beautiful experience possible together? This is Relational Flow.
Sometimes the answer is a healing experience that leaves us feeling lighter and more open. Sometimes it is playful. Sometimes the Flow leads us into deep meditative states together.
On the surface, the practice is very simple... you sit in a circle, and share spontaneously and freely:
Feelings
Desires
Feedback
StoriesHowever, we add something huge: a conscious, meditative focus on sharing only what increases the well-being of the group as a whole, which we call the Good, True & Beautiful. This is what makes it both uplifting, and a relational meditation practice.
We begin each session with a brief meditation and a ~20 minute intro before we dive in to the Relational Flow meditation practice.
If you're thinking about joining us, click "Attend" below!
Payment:
Relational Flow is FREE with our HeartFire Monthly Membership. Your monthly memberships help us build a vibrant, stable community! Join here: Membership RegistrationDiscounted 10-passes & memberships are here:
https://navigatechange.org/tgroupFor drop-in after your first time, RSVP using Meetup and secure your spot via PayPal: https://paypal.me/BenjaminWhitehurst or let us know you'll bring $40 cash at the door.
Register in advance: space is limited!
Logistics
Doors open at 4:45. We begin at 5pm and end at 8pm. No entry permitted after 5:15pm. Please plan to stay for the entire session, as we do a grounding exercise at the end.Bring a water bottle with a lid, no food in the space.
The group is encouraged to self-organize to go out together afterwards.
Who Is This For?
We are a vibrant community of healers, artists, professionals, and brave consciousness explorers. Many of us arrive seeking:Real Connection
Deeper Relationships
Get Beyond Small-Talk
Expanded Awareness
IntimacyOthers are here for training. Your sessions count toward our 200-Hour Certification in Relational Leadership! Please track your hours.
Those who join us tend to be brave—authentic relating requires a level of openness uncommon in our society. Are you willing to be in the presence of all emotions—including the ones we usually avoid like shame, jealousy, anger, sadness? Are you willing to express yourself openly and receive authentic feedback from others? Are you willing to forgive when others make relational mistakes?
We expect all participants to be fully responsible for their own physical, emotional, and psychological well-being during these events: Honor Self. And we invite all participants to respect each others' boundaries and be kind: Honor Other.
If this is for you, we look forward to meeting you, o brave soul!
To help us experience as much joy and as little drama as possible, we've created a Disclosure & Waiver detailing these expectations of self-responsibility & kindness to others, including the known risks of the practice and guidelines for conflict resolution. Your registration for this event means you have read and agree to the terms of this waiver, including the agreement to fully resolve any disputes related to this event using community conflict mediation. You can find our invitation toward diversity & sameness on the same page.
We invite you to join a 10-year-old community and experience not just the depth possible in an evening of authentic relating, but the sense of soul-enlivening community available for all who play, relate with us over the long term.
Your Host:
Benji Whitehurst, M.A. is a Tantric Relationship Coach. He studied Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, and certified in Integral Circling through the Boulder Integral Center. He has been practicing T-Group and other Authentic Relating practices since 2012. - Durham T-Group: Connect Deeply, Feel Seen & Grow Your EQ w/ Authentic RelatingArmonía Health LLC, Durham, NC$40.00
*Free* for HeartFire Members / $50 Newcomer 2-Pass
In a Hurry? The Basics:
Numbers on Meetup do not represent our usual attendance.T-Group is something you have to try at least once. Especially if you feel a lack of connection and meaningful relationships in your life. If you are looking for an experience that leaves you feeling deeply connected, come check us out!
We host an intro & warm-up each week for newcomers. Our Meetup has been meeting for over 10 years... it feels that good. See below for more details.
We alternate T-Group and Relational Flow every other Sunday evening for variety.
Want invites? Join our mailing list:
MailchimpPost-Event Feedback Form: Click Here
Full details:
What is T-Group?
I've been practicing T-Group for 12 years, and some of the happiest moments of my life were in these groups. Driving home, I usually feel calmer, more open, and in love with life. It's a great practice to fill your tank before your workweek begins!T-Group is very easy to learn... you sit in a small circle, and share spontaneously and freely what you are noticing in the present moment:
Emotions & feelings
Desires
Sensations
Reactions
FeedbackHowever, we leave out something huge—our thoughts & opinions! This is what makes it both fascinating, and a relational meditation practice. T-group is an easygoing, deep and transformational practice, and one of my favorite ways to relate authentically with others.
We begin each session with a brief meditation and a ~20 minute intro before we dive in to the T-group relational meditation practice.
If you're thinking about joining us, click "Attend" below!
Payment:
T-Group is INCLUDED FOR FREE for all community members holding our Heartfire Membership. Your monthly memberships help us build a vibrant, stable community. Join here: Membership Registration**Newcomer 2-pass:** Simply click "Attend" and bring $50 cash or pay via Paypal. We train you in the practice.
Discounted 10-passes & memberships are here:
https://navigatechange.org/tgroup/For drop-in after your first time, RSVP using Meetup and secure your spot via PayPal: https://paypal.me/BenjaminWhitehurst or let us know you'll bring $40 cash at the door. Sliding scale available.
Logistics
Doors open at 4:45. We begin at 5pm and end at 8pm. No entry permitted after 5:15. Please plan to stay for the entire session. We end with a grounding exercise.No food/drink other than water bottle with lid.
Who Is This For?
We are a vibrant community of healers, artists, professionals, neurodivergent types, and brave consciousness explorers. Many of us arrive seeking:Real Connection
Deeper Relationships
Get Beyond Small-Talk
Expanded Awareness
Emotional IntimacyOthers are here for EQ training. Your sessions count toward our 250-Hour EQ/RQ Certification in Relational Leadership! Please track your hours.
Authentic relating requires a level of bravery uncommon in our society. Are you willing to be in the presence of all emotions—including the ones we usually avoid like shame, jealousy, anger, sadness? Are you willing to express yourself openly and receive authentic feedback from others?
We expect all participants to be fully responsible for their own physical, emotional, and psychological well-being during these events: Honor Self. And we invite all participants to respect each others' boundaries and be kind: Honor Other.
To help us experience as much joy and as little drama as possible, we've created a Disclosure & Waiver detailing these expectations of self-responsibility & kindness to others, including the known risks of the practice and guidelines for conflict resolution. Your registration for this event means you have read and agree to the terms of this waiver, including the agreement to fully resolve any disputes related to this event using community conflict mediation. You can find our invitation toward diversity & sameness on the same page.
We invite you to join a 10-year-old community and experience not just the depth possible in an evening of authentic relating, but the sense of soul-enlivening community available for all who play, relate with us over the long term.
Your Host:
Benji Whitehurst, MA studied Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, and certified in Integral Circling through the Boulder Integral Center. He has been practicing T-Group and other Authentic Relating practices since 2012. - Durham Relational Flow: Authentic Relating & Conscious PlayArmonía Health LLC, Durham, NC$40.00
Newcomer 2-Pass: $50 cash or Paypal
*Free for HeartFire Members*
Numbers on Meetup do not represent our actual attendance.
In a Hurry? The Basics:
Authentic Relating groups like this tend to be deep, playful, and intense. Read about the practice, below.
We host an intro & warm-up each week for newcomers. Our Meetup has been meeting for over 10 years... it feels that good.
We alternate T-Group and Relational Flow practices every other Sunday evening for variety.
Want invites? Join our mailing list:
MailchimpPost-Event Feedback Form: Click Here.
Full details:
What is Relational Flow?
What happens if a group focuses on how to co-create the deepest, most beautiful experience possible together? This is Relational Flow.
Sometimes the answer is a healing experience that leaves us feeling lighter and more open. Sometimes it is playful. Sometimes the Flow leads us into deep meditative states together.
On the surface, the practice is very simple... you sit in a circle, and share spontaneously and freely:
Feelings
Desires
Feedback
StoriesHowever, we add something huge: a conscious, meditative focus on sharing only what increases the well-being of the group as a whole, which we call the Good, True & Beautiful. This is what makes it both uplifting, and a relational meditation practice.
We begin each session with a brief meditation and a ~20 minute intro before we dive in to the Relational Flow meditation practice.
If you're thinking about joining us, click "Attend" below!
Payment:
Relational Flow is FREE with our HeartFire Monthly Membership. Your monthly memberships help us build a vibrant, stable community! Join here: Membership RegistrationDiscounted 10-passes & memberships are here:
https://navigatechange.org/tgroupFor drop-in after your first time, RSVP using Meetup and secure your spot via PayPal: https://paypal.me/BenjaminWhitehurst or let us know you'll bring $40 cash at the door.
Register in advance: space is limited!
Logistics
Doors open at 4:45. We begin at 5pm and end at 8pm. No entry permitted after 5:15pm. Please plan to stay for the entire session, as we do a grounding exercise at the end.Bring a water bottle with a lid, no food in the space.
The group is encouraged to self-organize to go out together afterwards.
Who Is This For?
We are a vibrant community of healers, artists, professionals, and brave consciousness explorers. Many of us arrive seeking:Real Connection
Deeper Relationships
Get Beyond Small-Talk
Expanded Awareness
IntimacyOthers are here for training. Your sessions count toward our 200-Hour Certification in Relational Leadership! Please track your hours.
Those who join us tend to be brave—authentic relating requires a level of openness uncommon in our society. Are you willing to be in the presence of all emotions—including the ones we usually avoid like shame, jealousy, anger, sadness? Are you willing to express yourself openly and receive authentic feedback from others? Are you willing to forgive when others make relational mistakes?
We expect all participants to be fully responsible for their own physical, emotional, and psychological well-being during these events: Honor Self. And we invite all participants to respect each others' boundaries and be kind: Honor Other.
If this is for you, we look forward to meeting you, o brave soul!
To help us experience as much joy and as little drama as possible, we've created a Disclosure & Waiver detailing these expectations of self-responsibility & kindness to others, including the known risks of the practice and guidelines for conflict resolution. Your registration for this event means you have read and agree to the terms of this waiver, including the agreement to fully resolve any disputes related to this event using community conflict mediation. You can find our invitation toward diversity & sameness on the same page.
We invite you to join a 10-year-old community and experience not just the depth possible in an evening of authentic relating, but the sense of soul-enlivening community available for all who play, relate with us over the long term.
Your Host:
Benji Whitehurst, M.A. is a Tantric Relationship Coach. He studied Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, and certified in Integral Circling through the Boulder Integral Center. He has been practicing T-Group and other Authentic Relating practices since 2012.
