Connection and Healing in Times of Crisis
In response to the events in Iran, MBBI is partnering with Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN), National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM), and VISIONS to open up opportunities for connection and healing.
In these deeply painful and uncertain times, when war touches lives near and far, many of us carry heavy hearts—grief, fear, anger, or helplessness. To hold space for each other and create a moment of calm amid the storm, we hold Listening Circles. While this space was especially intended for members of the Iranian diaspora and those with ties to Iran, it was open to everyone—all were welcome. It was a space for sharing, witnessing, and being heard—a space where everyone’s voice matters, and silence is welcomed too.
This article by one of the convenors, provides context and history for those unfamiliar with the situation in Iran. https://www.laprogressive.com/
Session 1, June 29th, 2025
The first session offered Listening Circles, a time for participants to share and be heard as they talked about their reactions and thoughts for what has been happening. It was attended by 92 people from across the globe. Together, we listened with compassion, spoke with honesty, and held each other with care.
Four speakers set the context. We began with a meditation let by Mitra Rahbar. She is a guide, teacher, healer, mystic, author and songstress. Rahbar is the author of two books- Miraculous Silence by Penguin Random House and The 11 Pillars of Self-Realization (2024). Mitra is on many compilation works and has published four albums up to date, and sang on film scores such as Spartacus, and The Olive Harvest. In early 2025 Mitra founded an all girls school in Sistan and Baluchestan.
Then we heard from Mike Kazemi, Dr Niaz Kasravi, and Elahe Amani:
Mike M. Kazemi is a practicing attorney and human rights activist in Southern California. He centers his practice on complex immigration, refugee and humanitarian cases. In addition to teaching and law practice, Mr. Kazemi has authored and published a host of articles on issues ranging from US constitutional laws to social, political and cultural points of interests, as well as being a frequent commentator on various radio and TV programs.
Dr. Niaz Kasravi is a national expert on criminal, racial, and social justice, and the Founder of the Avalan Institute for Applied Research.
Elahe Amani is a trained mediator and conflict resolution practitioner with over three decades of experience, including post-L.A. riots community mediation efforts. She has presented widely on gender, culture, and mediation, and was an early member of the Southern California Mediation Association.
Here is also the video of Mitra (one of the speakers) and Ellie (one of the facilitators who ended the session with a hopeful closing moment). Coping with Uncertainty in Times of Chaos with Mitra Rahbar, Ellie Karimi and Kelli Miller.
Session 2, November 1, 2025
In times of polarization and uncertainty, across our communities, countries, and the world, our ability to express thoughts and emotions constructively is essential for connection and healing.
This interactive, skill-building workshop welcomes participants from all walks of life and lived experiences. Together, we’ll explore how communication across lines of difference — including race, gender, class, religion, nationality, and generation — can become a tool for understanding rather than division.
Through guided exercises and small-group dialogue, participants will:
- Learn practical tools for constructive communication and emotional awareness.
- Reflect on how identity, power, and lived experience shape how we express and interpret emotion.
- Explore what makes certain feelings or expressions “unwelcome” in our communities — and how to respond with empathy and courage.
- Reflect on how we label, process, and express our feelings and how to respond when others do the same.
- Practice active listening and authentic response in real-world scenarios.
- Experience the power of listening circles and bridge-building dialogue as pathways toward collective understanding.
Led by experienced facilitators, this session includes:
- Skill-building to strengthen individual and collective capacity for inclusive dialogue
- Small-group reflection for shared practice across difference
- Large-group debrief to deepen insight and build community
Join us for this hands-on experience to expand your ability to navigate difficult conversations, foster understanding, and create spaces where all voices and feelings belong.