Formed by women of color and queer women, the Inner Fields Sangha is an inclusive, BIPOC-centered space for the shared practice of meditation. We welcome all to join us in enacting a space free from white supremacy, cis-heterosexism, ableism, and all other forms of oppression and domination. To help us in this vision, we have adapted the below Shared Agreements as an integral part of our practice. These Agreements are intended as a tool for mindful and compassionate interaction, both within the sangha and the larger world. We invite all participants to help us evolve and hold one another accountable to these Agreements, even if you are new or only attend once. When harm arises, we will work together to heal, weaving our experiences together as we actively embody a just and equitable world, today. ARRIVE GENTLY, BE WITH: We begin and end our meetings as scheduled. Arrive and leave when best for you. TRY IT ON: Be willing to “try on” new ideas, or ways of doing things that might not be what you prefer or are familiar with. PRACTICE SELF FOCUS: Attend to and speak about your own experiences and responses. Do not speak for a whole group or express assumptions about the experience of others. Resist the urge to offer unsolicited advice. UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTENT AND IMPACT: Try to understand and acknowledge impact. Denying the impact of something said by focusing on intent is often more destructive than the initial interaction. Take some time to reflect before responding to feedback, so that you're able to respond rather than react. PRACTICE “BOTH / AND”: When speaking, substitute “and” instead of “but.” This practice acknowledges and honors multiple realities. REFRAIN FROM BLAMING OR SHAMING SELF & OTHERS: We practice not performing quality control on others’ expressions, or our own, understanding that powerful emotions can arise as a shout, a stammer, a cry; and that these expressions, too, deserve space and care. MOVE UP / MOVE BACK: Encourage full participation by all present. Take note of who is speaking and who is not. If you tend to speak often, consider “moving back.” If you tend to speak less, empower yourself to share. Be mindful of privilege and whose voices tend not to be heard. We will invite BIPOC voices to speak first in all group discussions. PRACTICE MINDFUL LISTENING: Try to avoid planning what you’ll say as you listen to others. Be willing to be surprised, to learn something new. Listen with your whole self. CONFIDENTIALITY: Take home learnings but don’t identify anyone other than yourself, now or later. If you want to follow up with anyone regarding something they said in this session, ask first and respect their wishes. RIGHT TO PASS: You can say “I pass” if you don’t wish to speak. Adapted from “Agreements for Multicultural Interactions” at East Bay Meditation Center in Oakland, CA and “Community Agreements” at Brooklyn Zen Center in NY.