Poll Results & Co-creation “Work-out” Groups Launch

MR Community Gathering Highlights  

On Monday, 28^th April, fourteen of us came together for a rich, warm, and inspiring session. We began with a playful prompt, followed by a grounding meditation and a check-in circle – creating a welcoming space for listening, sharing and connection.

Next, we presented the poll results and shared data analysis, highlighting proposed strategies to address emerging needs and aspirations, and a mid-term action timeline.

Here is the complete presentation of poll results and data analysis!

We then moved into breakout rooms to dive deeper into the three core themes identified through the poll. These small-group discussions sparked meaningful conversations and fresh ideas for what comes next — and set the stage for the launch of our three Thematic Co-creation “Work-out” Groups!

Thematic Co-creation “Work-out” Groups

WG 1 – Mutual and personal support
This group explores how contemplative practices can foster supportive communities and inclusive, safe spaces in academic, personal and professional contexts. Through open dialogue and collaborative activities, participants will investigate concrete ways to sustain meaningful support networks, navigate complex and contextual dynamics, cultivate connection, build resilience, and nurture a lasting sense of belonging. 

WG 2 – Learning and sharing through contemplative traditions
This group aims to create a collective space for researchers to deepen their engagement with contemplative traditions through shared inquiry and practice. Rooted in curiosity and dialogue, it explores how contemplative perspectives can be integrated into academic research and beyond. Participants are invited to reflect on activities that can cultivate intellectual understanding and embodied experience.

WG 3 – Professional support & incubating new projects
This group focuses on supporting researchers in developing and realising projects related to or informed by contemplative traditions and practices, encouraging open innovation and co-creation. Key areas include research and publication support, developing repositories and databases, creating project incubation pathways, and exploring models for mentoring programs and collaborative networks.

We closed the session in plenary, harvesting insights and ideas from each group and parting with heartfelt goodbyes. 

The Co-creation Phase

This phase serves as a crucial foundation for implementing initiatives shaped by the community, for the community.

Now, it’s time to turn the core themes that matter most to the community into action. To do that, the three dedicated Thematic Co-creation “Work-out” Groups are coming together to brainstorm, collaborate, and design practical, actionable recommendations that will inform upcoming MR community activities.

And this is just the beginning. The recommendations from each group will feed into detailed action plans, which will be integrated into the strategic roadmap to be presented at ESRI 2025!

Scroll down to view the full timeline and take a closer look at each milestone along the way.

Thematic Groups –
Some Practical Information

Each Thematic Co-creation “Work-out” Group will participate in three 90-minute sessions, starting this week and concluding by Friday, 20^th June, with roughly two weeks between each session.

If you’d like join a group, please use the registration links below. We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible to ensure you’re included in the scheduling of the first session.

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Sessions Methodology: The Theory of Change

The design of the “Work-out” Group sessions is inspired by the Theory of Change framework, providing a clear structure to move from shared vision to concrete action. Each session is crafted to guide participants through stages of reflection, dialogue, co-design, and planning.

Explore the slides below for a first glance at the methodology guiding our collaborative process!

For additional information on the Theory of Change methodology, see this paper.

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