Mindful Sharing Guidelines

 

Introduction to Mindful Sharing

When we gather online or in person, we dedicate time to mindful sharing to explore our practice, to share insights, challenges, or to ask questions. Mindful sharing helps us cultivate deep listening and right speech. These guidelines are intended to help us hold space for each other. How we listen is as important as what we say. Mindful sharing is not a conversation. It’s an opportunity to practice deep presence within the jewel of the sangha.

CML’s Mindful Sharing Guidelines

  • Speak from personal experience: Speak about what is alive for you in this moment. Use “I” statements such as “I feel” or “I notice.” Say what is essential, without long story telling or intellectualizing.

  • Listen deeply: Listen to understand, not to respond. If your mind begins to wander, to judge what is being said, or to rehearse what to say next, come back to your body and breath and bring your attention to the person who is sharing.

  • Share the space: Be concise so that others may have a turn. You might move back if you tend to speak first and often, and move up if you tend to speak less.

  • Avoid giving opinions and advice: Centering your comments on your personal experience will naturally lead toward what is true for you and away from giving opinions and advice.

  • Avoid cross talk: Address the group as a whole.

  • Pause between shares: Allow for a moment between shares. Pause before speaking.

  • Consider the impact: Even well-intentioned words can harm. Don’t assume anything about another’s identity or feelings.

  • Respect confidentiality: Consider everything that is shared as confidential.

  • Sharing is optional: It’s okay not to share. Being present and practicing deep listening are meaningful forms of participation.

  • Use the Zoom chat wisely: Avoid side conversations or posting messages while someone is sharing. Chat messages can be distracting to speakers and listeners. When posting, let right speech guide you. Share only words that are mindful, thoughtful, and supportive of our shared space.