Communication & Decision-Making

We agree that open and honest communication is the lifeblood of our community’s harmony and growth. When we are speaking and listening with receptivity and honesty, true communication is taking place. In this way, we are connecting deeply with our self, the other and we tune into the ‘one mind’. We build our relationships on openness and integrity and make conscious decisions through dialogue not coercion.

Talking and Listening Circles (TLCs) are approached as sacred ceremony. In Talking/Listening Circles (TLC) all members are expected to share their views and knowledge. All decisions will be based on consensus among members. We:

• Express ourselves/our personal views with absolute honesty, while expressing our truth with kindness and as much clarity of thought as we are capable of.
• Listen with an open heart and without prejudice, to HEAR, giving undivided attention and support to the speaker regardless of our personal views.
• Listen with an open mind and with as much tolerance as we can muster.
• Honour our impulse to share our true feelings unequivocally and not to hold back because we might be afraid of being rejected or disapproved of by other members.
• To not feel pressured or coerced into views or decisions by more powerful, charismatic speakers.
• Examine our inner motives/reasons for saying things before we say them because we know that words have the power to hurt as well as heal.
• Only say things we know to be true and express ourselves with integrity.
• Clearly express any feelings we might have of “not being heard” and ask for clarification when needed.
• Approach disagreement and discord as an opportunity to strengthen our common understanding, tolerance and unity.
• Commit to never leaving a circle with confusion or unexpressed issues. If we feel an issue is unresolved then we shall reschedule a circle that will focus entirely on resolving the matter.
• All circles are approached with love, receptivity, commitment, patience, endurance and selflessness.