or: this is why I prepare the way I do
I rarely dream in my sleep, much less remember them after waking up. So when I do, it’s probably worth taking notice.
This June – July 2025 is an intense period of facilitation. I honestly am measuring time in terms of days until the next programme, and what I have to do in between. At the same time, my introversion need to recharge alone is severely tested.
the dream I had
It started in the middle of a session. I had a co-facilitator and I think it was my good friend Ryan, but I was leading for a class of secondary school students. The activity ended, I did reflections and I gave everyone a 10min break.
And as the minutes ticked down, I was having a panic attack.
I didn’t know what was happening next. I tried to check the Briefing Doc but it was for an entirely different date. Suddenly, I couldn’t even remember the name of this programme.
I was sweating buckets. I somehow thought I should go for a shower to clear my mind…and then even though I knew the break was long over and I really should go back, I stayed under the water because I couldn’t face everyone else with no idea what to do next.
By the time I got out, embarrassed and still clueless, kids were packing up, there was another teacher giving some instructions and nobody wanted to look at me.
The dream continued…but since I can’t make sense of where it went after, I’ll stop here.
my greatest nightmare is not deeply understanding why
I’ve been facilitating for over 10 years.
I’m quite proud and confident in my ability to improvise and manage situations – earned by being and watching all of these situations play out.
Energy’s not there? Energisers.
Content too dry? Find a activity/game that teaches the same thing experientially.
Discipline out of control? Stop it all for a honest conversation on expectations.
So it wasn’t “not knowing what to do” that was the nightmare. It was that I had zero idea why we were gathered.
It’s knowing completely the defined constraints that help me facilitate well. The programme name is a huge one that I try to give meaning to. How much time we have to play with, when buses or speakers are coming/leaving and when the breaks are. And above all, the learning outcomes behind the design.
Why are we here?
My greatest facilitation nightmare is an existential crisis, because without a compass, without a direction then there is no learning journey.
There is no facilitator.
Barring a sudden blackout, I can prevent this nightmare from happening by preparing well inshaa Allah. But if it does?
I really should’ve just talked to Ryan. Sorry man.