A Meeting of Friends

Barry (Ireland), Allyn (USA), Antje and Gunnar (Germany) participated in the Theory U Global classroom in 2007 with Otto Scharmer. They were randomly (or not as the case may be) put into a discussion group using Skype. They all had in common a wish to communicate at a deeper level. Allyn introduced the others to the use of Dialogue and they began to hold Skype discussions outside the requirements of the Global Classroom (GC). Friendships developed. Barry had mooted to his own and the wider GC group the idea of having a Theory U gathering in Ireland. A few people at the time responded positively but their didn't seem to be enough momentum at the time to make it happen. Barry, Antje and Gunnar continued to hold occasional discussion using Skype. Then back in June 08 the group revisited the concept of a Gathering. Excitement built and the group could no longer stand not knowing each other in person. Antje & Gunnar scheduled a trip to meet Barry in Ireland.

They spent three days in the Burren with Barry in July and a deep friendship was formed. Barry described it like meeting a brother and sister he never met before. Blessed with beautiful weather they walked mountains, visited pubs, and spent hours over a picnic discussing life, personal situations and also how they might like to see a gathering for people interested in Theory U. Both Germans were in awe of the majestic wonders of the Burren and what it could offer such a Gathering. At that time it was agreed a Gathering would take place in the Summer of 09.