Agreements for Mindful & Multicultural Dialogue and Ground Group Rules

Adapted from “Agreements for Multicultural Interactions at EBMC”,

Visions Inc.: “Guidelines for Productive Work Sessions”,

“Awareness Training Institute Guidelines for Mindful Dialogue”,

and “A Clinician’s Guide to Teaching Mindfulness”.

 

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CONFIDENTIALITY: Take home learnings but don’t identify anyone other than yourself, now or later. If you want to follow up with anyone regarding something they said in this session, ask first and respect their wishes.

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COMMITMENT TO CURIOSITY: Be willing to try on new ideas or ways of doing things.

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RIGHT TO PASS: Sharing is optional. Say “pass” if you don’t wish to speak. You can always change your wish and speak later on.

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PRACTICE MINDFUL LISTENING: When listening, avoid planning what you will say to others. If your attention drifts, bring it back. Listen with your whole self. When it is your turn to speak, you may ask for a moment to collect your thoughts.

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PRACTICE SELF FOCUS: Attend to and speak about your own experiences and responses. Do not speak for a whole group or express assumptions about the experience of others.

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TRUSTING EVERYONE’S CAPACITY TO GROW: Offer advice only when asked, or after getting permission. If you want to follow up with someone regarding something they said in this session, ask first if they want to reopen the subject.

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INTENT AND IMPACT: There may be a negative impact of words or actions, even if everyone had good intentions. Denying the impact of something said by focusing on intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction. If a negative impact was felt: express your observations, emotions, needs, requests, instead of blaming or shaming yourself or others.

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MULTIPLE REALITIES: When speaking, substitute “and” for “but.” This practice acknowledges and honors multiple realities.

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EQUAL PARTICIPATION: Take note of who is speaking and who is not. If you tend to speak often, consider allowing others, and if you speak less, consider speaking more.

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SPACIOUS SILENCE: Let there be a pause before you and others speak. By slowing down, notice what is arising in you and in others.

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If you are participating in a course or Workshop and have a personal need to be added here, please contact me: psakromer@gmail.com. If it's possible to implement it, I will be happy to make it possible for you.