Worldwork Glossary

Definitions of Worldwork Terms listed in black and terms related to Worldwork, listed in grey.

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Hot Spot and Cool Spot

A hot spot is a tense moment of extreme energy in a group, which may or may not be expressed. There can be strong emotion, anger or shock. A moment in which something vital is touched, something emotional, and people tend to back away, or fall into conflict there. Facilitators try to catch the hot spot and go into the background process knowing that when tense moments are not processed they will recycle. Therefore, it is helpful to notice hot spots, to slow down, and go deeper into the feelings or issues surrounding the hot spot, and on each side of the conflict. Hot spots can be the doorway to deepening the process.

A “cool spot” occurs when things cool down, that is when people become less involved or something is temporarily resolved. Other things are yet to come, but the cool spot itself must be recognized; it can be a moment to change levels and work with other dimensions of groups or communities.

Homophobia

A strong dislike (literally ‘fear’) of homosexuality and discrimination against those known or perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered - and is often broadened to include behavior or habits of thought that discounts diversity of sexual orientation.

This information has been prepared by staff and is from various sources, including previous Worldwork handouts and the website of A & A Mindell.