Practice
1 hr 30 min
1 hr 30 min
Link to Join Us
Meeting ID: 844 8102 0071
Dharma Sharing Guidelines
Dharma sharing is an excellent opportunity to pause and reflect on our practice while expressing our joys, challenges, and questions in a sacred environment. We explore our insights and experiences related to neurodivergence and mindfulness, focusing on deep listening and loving speech —free from reactions, judgments, or advice—. Following meditation, the atmosphere is calm and safe, allowing us to comfortably share our ups and downs. By being open about our personal journeys, we enhance our community's connection and trust, all while ensuring confidentiality so everyone feels comfortable sharing.
-
BOWING: Before speaking, we may wish to make a sign with our hands and bow. This signals that we want to share, and Sangha bows back, showing they're ready to listen deeply. When we're finished, we bow again to let them know. This practice creates a safe and harmonious environment where we won’t be interrupted. It’s important to considerate to go around a time for everyone to have a chance to share.
-
DEEP LISTENING AND LOVING SPEECH: Our topics arise from personal experiences. Even when we strive to listen, our minds may wander due to various emotions. By staying aware of thoughts, we can refocus on the speaker. It's essential to communicate sincerely and kindly. Taking three breaths before speaking creates relaxed atmosphere for sharing insights, benefiting everyone involved.
-
SPEAK FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE, AVOID THEORICAL DISCUSSION: Try to use "I" instead of "you" when you speak. It’s all about sharing our own experiences rather than giving advice. Let’s stick to what we’ve lived through instead of diving into theory, which we can always read about on our own. Our time together in the Sangha is special, and we learn best from each other. During Dharma Sharing, feel free to share about your recent practices, any insights, or struggles you’ve had, focusing more on our personal stories.
-
ALL IS CONFIDENTIAL: "What’s shared here stays here." Maintaining confidentiality creates a safe environment for the group and helps avoid gossip. After our Dharma session, if you’d like to discuss something someone mentioned, just ask if it’s okay first. Sometimes, people may not want to go into more detail, and that’s perfectly alright —it’s important to respect their boundaries!
-
MINDFUL OF THE CIRCLE: Aware of the time and how many are in the circle, we try to give the opportunity to everyone to share. We’re all here to support each other. Let’s skip the side conversations and direct our questions to the whole group. If there are any questions by the end, the facilitator will make sure they’re acknowledged. This way, everyone gets a chance to join in and we all listen to each other. Just remember to keep our sharing balanced based on how many of us there are. As we close, the facilitator might invite anyone who hasn’t spoken yet to share and address any last questions.
