- Consider “respect for each other’s privacy” rather than “confidentiality” as a standard for your group’s covenant. (And know that safety always takes precedence over privacy.)
- Practice “Deep Listening” during check-in. Just listen; just hold each other’s words. No comment; no advice. No Kleenex (but have a box handy for people to get their own). No hugs; no laughter.
- Create space/silence/words after each person’s check-in; pause, then the group speaks “We hold you in our hearts…”
- Don’t be afraid of silence; never rush to fill it. Allow/invite/encourage silence: Make room for people to collect their thoughts and to speak as the spirit moves
- Remain open to new ideas and new members.
