1. Consider “respect for each other’s privacy” rather than “confidentiality” as a standard for your
    group’s covenant. (And know that safety always takes precedence over privacy.)
  2. Practice “Deep Listening” during check-in. Just listen; just hold each other’s words.
    No comment; no advice. No Kleenex (but have a box handy for people to get their own).
    No hugs; no laughter.
  3. Create space/silence/words after each person’s check-in; pause, then the group speaks “We
    hold you in our hearts…”
  4. Don’t be afraid of silence; never rush to fill it.
    Allow/invite/encourage silence: Make room for people to collect their thoughts and to speak as
    the spirit moves
  5. Remain open
    To new ideas
    To new members