INTENTION
This is a discussion group of kindred spirits coming together to help each other grow in the medium of this forum space, by sharing our daily lives and by discussing topics relating to spirituality and self-healing. Members here share the common bond of expanding our personal horizons and are thus open to and value diverse perspectives and viewpoints and welcome the opportunity to do that together. Part of our participation here is to be vigilant to observe our reactions of thoughts and feelings that are provoked while in participation with others and to take into account how our self-expression affects others.
Members will be self-motivated to observe their reactions and look for clues to ascertain patterns that we might be holding onto, which may be holding us back from being more freely flowing and loving beings, thus causing pain to self or others. All members are considered equal, because of our shared intention of self-change with nobody serving in a superior role. This is not a group for beginners nor for those seeking a guru, but rather is for people who have already taken certain steps and who willing take on responsibility for self-questioning.
By sharing with each other we also hope to find new ways to present information we have learned from our experiences, to the outside world, with the hope to help others do the same. We realize from past experience that we have a tendency to cling to what is known and this results in our stagnation. This is hard to see in ourselves when it happens, so then our hope is that by group participation we will be able to enlighten each other for positive change. We know we are on a journey, and that our eternal being is our rock in the middle of this changing chaotic outside world. We know that all is evolving and changing, and it's our continual challenge to learn to adapt ourselves to outside changing conditions. We welcome entering into unknown territory, not being afraid to enter into the depths, trusting we are among friends.
GUIDELINES
These guidelines are designed to simulate the conditions of a gathering of people, saying sitting in a circle outside under a nice tree in the summertime, being fully engaged in a discussion. We accept that all of our viewpoints are valuable, that everyone has something creative to offer the group, nobody is superior to another, and all here can shed light - enlighten. If we can imagine we are face to face with each other, then this will encourage us to speak our heart about topics that are raised - to respond to it - to express ourselves to others in an environment of acceptance.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open, so that people who happen upon our group can freely try out the group. We want to keep a good group energy going so if it happens that a new member joins and they don’t seem to fit with our intention, then this will be brought up for group consideration. Each new member upon joining agrees to post an introduction and will have read the guidelines. For this group to be successful, it needs your energy, to take initiative and self-responsibility. This doesn't mean you have to spend many hours to do that, but rather you hone your skills to focus on a topic, listen to others, reflect, question, feel, then express what you feel and think.
POSTING
Posts are expected to be original material (of the author) 99.99% of the time. If you are using someone else's text in a post, then cite the author. Please be responsible with your posting: delete text from the post you are replying to, which is not relevant to your comment. Often just quoting a line or two for continuity is enough. Be sure to edit the subject line if needed, if you are replying then it's good to keep it the same so that the topic remains threaded - one can later read all the replies in that topic.
CONFLICTS
Group welfare should come first. When conflicts arise between members we remember we are not here to judge another persons walk. Also we will try to keep in mind why we are here, to further personal growth, not only our own but that of others, accepting that each has their own unique path and set of beliefs that motivate that walk. We are humans and it is normal that conflicts arise when we come together, when this happens then we expect that conflicts are dealt with quickly, directly and creatively, hopefully not causing further harm and we work together to clear up our differences. We know that by dealing with the internal problem, then we become more clear. We all seek to grow and we value the other members to help us see our hidden aspects through honest self-examination and sharing from where we are. When there is a conflict, it might be helpful to take a day or two and calm down before responding, to allow the emotional energy to relax and see how to respond to it clearer. It also might be helpful, to remember that it is ‘arisen ego’ that creates conflict, and we are here to go beyond ego, and that we all have ego and it will arise at times, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t spiritual! Laughing at ourselves can help lighten the situation so we don’t take it so seriously. We trust that we are here in the company of friends who accept us exactly how we are right now, and nobody is going to detest us if our ego arises at times.
LEAVING THE GROUP
If you feel at some point that this group is not working the way you expected and you are going to leave, then we ask that you tell the group what you are feeling and tell the reason why you want to leave. Of course you are free to leave whenever you want, but we feel we can all learn something from this kind of 'exit discussion' before you do so.
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