A series of three informal meetings facilitated by lecturers from the NaZemi organization, in the Open Space format, allowed for shared discussion, reflection, and exchange of insights that resonated with people during the festival. All three “Inspirational Meetings” were connected by the overarching question: How can we live a better life in worse or more difficult times? Each individual meeting was then accompanied by sub-questions that guided thinking toward more specific themes: on Monday, October 28th, towards technology and leisure; on Tuesday, October 29th, towards healthy culture; and on Sunday, November 2nd, towards the topic of war and resilience.

What could be changed in our lives so that we feel better with the help of technology? How can we catch our breath in today’s busy times? And what could we do with the newly acquired time that technological development will (possibly) provide us with?

Together, we explored how culture influences us, how we currently live within it, and how we might co-create it in ways that support both our physical and mental health. Participants brought up the following discussion topics: “Cultural life in the regions” and “Has intergenerational curiosity and inquisitiveness died out in culture?”

We also examined the role of war in a changing world, how to cope with the presence of multiple crises, where to find sources of resilience and stability that give us hope, and where to seek new ones. 

Participants brought their own discussion topics. Below, you can read up on what was discussed during these meetings and what suggestions emerged subsequently.

Technology and Ideas About Leisure

The first Inspirational Meeting focused on the sector of new technologies and leisure.

How to get along with people with a different view of the world?

• What we talked about: We discussed the importance of being aware of our own position in conversation — are we coming to listen, or to persuade? We also decided that it is also important not to reduce the other person to a single argument. Lastly, we talked about the right to choose when (and whether) to engage in difficult conversations.
• Practical tips: Resist labeling; don’t confuse the topic with the person; engage in dialogue to build resilience and argumentation skills; don’t assume the role of persuader; consider the other side’s needs; be aware of your own capacity; clarify your intention; plan your responses in advance; respect other opinions; prioritize real-life meetings over social media.

How can I accept what I cannot change?

• What we talked about: We reflected on the limits of our power to change or influence things, and how to distinguish what we can and cannot change. Topics such as the future, climate change, wars, and privilege came up. We emphasized that true self-care must also be mutual and collective — creating goodness both around us and within us.
• Practical tips: Don’t face it alone; lead by example; set boundaries — determine what you can change, and what is beyond your scope.

How to be unproductive?

• What we talked about: We explored the paradox of efficiency: while seeking tools to save time, we often reinvest the time we save into more work. Much of the conversation focused on systemic pressure to perform, and how to escape it.
• Practical tips: Prayer, meditation, yoga, finding small joys, embracing emptiness, physical activity, forest walks, letting go of mental overactivity, listening to your needs, taking naps.

How to feel good while lounging?

• What we talked about: What is lounging? How do we practice it? What messages does it send? We agreed it means doing nothing — a long, free moment of liberated activity. We considered lounging together particularly effective: shared relaxation eases the pressure to return to productivity.
• Practical tips: Be childlike (children know how to hang out); silence your inner critic; reframe idleness (e.g. “work is a break from lounging”); try a "dictatorship of lounging" (stigmatize overwork).

How to use AI in your free time?

• What we talked about: We discussed what AI is good for, and how it might be used for leisure. The rapid pace of development makes some hesitant to start using AI tools for leisure time more, fearing what they learn will soon be obsolete.

 Can a profession be both a hobby and a profession?

• What we talked about: Benefits of combining hobby and profession include daily motivation; risks include burnout. We asked, “What does it mean to say we’re lucky to have a certain job?”
• Practical tips for balance and burnout prevention: Alternate activities; shift between mental and physical work; exercise; maintain social connections outside of work; remember you’re not alone in your responsibilities.

The search for a healthy culture

The second meeting focused on what a healthy culture means, what benefits it brings, and how to create it for collective well-being.

Cultural life in the regions

• What we talked about: Big differences in views on the role of art emerged between newcomers to rural areas and long-time locals. It was said that the ideas and values of the two groups may differ, so it’s essential to always ask what  one’s intentions are: to build community? To overcome differences? To do only what one loves and choose one’s form of cultural activity accordingly?
• Specific tips: Find local allies; network; seek city support; build on local cultural traditions (e.g. amateur theater); start taking real steps forward, don’t wait forever.

Has intergenerational curiosity and inquisitiveness died out in culture?

• What we talked about: How can we encourage meaningful interaction between generations? Identified barriers include increased individualism and the professionalization of associations, which offered space for such meetings in the past.
• Specific tips: Strengthen institutions that enable dialogue; support community volunteering; intentionally build intergenerational spaces; actively seek common ground.

Emotional resilience versus endurance

• What we talked about: We searched for the difference between resilience and endurance. Resilience was understood as a flexible ability to switch between a state of being closed off to the environment and protecting oneself and a state of being open to it and letting it affect us.
• Specific tips: Shared spaces build belonging and resilience; listening and acceptance are key. The Jihlava IDFF and open space format work well in this regard.

How might one best establish cultural initiatives that are open to a wide audience?

• What we talked about: We explored how institutions — especially schools — can help in this endeavour. We also discussed elitism and access to culture for all social groups.
• Specific tips: Learn from successful models: build cultural “mycelium” on the periphery; connect to local events; create long-term, viable visions; engage public spaces and tell stories.

How do I perceive today's food culture? Does food unite?

• What we talked about: How can food foster relationships, intergenerational dialogue, or even inspire caregiving? We explored food as a ritual, teaching tool, and social glue.

Culture as one of the means of mental hygiene?

• What we talked about: We identified early warning signs of burnout and ways to maintain mental health.
• Practical tips: Helplines; therapy; supportive spaces; self-care and body awareness; thought monitoring; pausing; creating harmonious relationships; gratitude; physical activity; humor; rewarding yourself; internal dialogue; nutritious food.
• Warning signs: Language patterns; behavior cycles; poor prioritization; automation; overwhelm; poor self-care; fatigue; anxiety; crying; insomnia; substance use; gut health.

The phenomenon of War and How to Cope With Multiple Crises

How do we determine an appropriate scope of action to achieve social change without exhausting all our strength?

• What we talked about: Doing what we can and supporting others in doing what they can to contribute to larger change. Acknowledge limits and avoid self-blame.
• Specific tips: Tune into your own needs; honor your capacity; have stable energy sources; set boundaries; say no; act from authenticity.

What is a world without wars? Why do wars arise and how can they be prevented?

• What we talked about: Participants reflected on the increasing complexity of global conflict, moving beyond the “good vs. evil” narrative. Where do conflicts come from, and how can we challenge them?
• Specific tips: Promote nonviolent values; make war personal and thus unthinkable; resolve conflict through symbolic means (e.g. chess); build cooperative economies; empower global institutions like the UN or create a new “World Union.”

How could it be done so that the flows of money that pass through our hands during our lifetime do not end up in the wrong hands (e.g. dictators, psychopaths, greedy people)?

• What we talked about: The discussion had both local and systemic layers. How can we redirect resources from destructive systems?
• Specific tips: Support co-op housing; barter systems; interest-free loans; ethical foundations and banks; voting; grow your own food; cook and share meals; exchange goods and skills.

Housing as a human right

• What we talked about: Everyone deserves decent housing. Research shows it's beneficial for all of society. Regardless of position, participants agreed that owning a home is a great privilege.
• Consensus: Housing must be systematically supported as a right and societal benefit.