Guidelines for communication & deep listening At Clouds in Water Zen Center

The following are guidelines for communication and listening in small groups or between two people:

• What is said in the group stays within the group. When sharing something about your group with someone outside of it, do not connect a particular concern or issue with a group member.
• When listening to someone in the group, take the stance of a witness or a student. You are not there to fix, teach or take care of someone.
• Deeply listen with your whole body, heart and mind. When listening pay attention to what is going on with you and what is going on with the speaker.
• When speaking, do so from the first person (use "I" and "me").
• When speaking, be sensitive to what you are sharing, notice your comfort level or what you are feeling regarding the appropriateness of your words. Notice if you are saying too much or if you are "clamming-up."