The circle is especially important symbolically at the start to signal intended power relations and expectations of sharing. --Sue ... An engaged, attentive, quasi-spiritual tone for the entire gathering can be set by using a circle arrangement for introducing people to each other, the space, and the event they will be participating in. -- Tom
The welcome activity should include briefings on the larger context within which the conversation is happening and frame it as an aspect of the context for that conversation, specifically. -- Tom
This is the beginning of held space. How the opening is done sets the tone for the rest of the gathering. -- Tom
A good host welcomes their guests to the space they have created, orients them in it, and requests Feedback so that unforeseen needs can be attended to. -- Tom
The on-site part of hosting starts with Opening and Welcome. -- wiki
Your Presence during the formal Opening and Welcome draws people into alignment with each other and the task they face. Furthermore, part of your ongoing Presence is an ongoing spirit of Opening and Welcome to whatever comes. -- Tom
Significantly, a major aspect of most ritual is that it is formally bounded, with a clear Opening and Closing, setting it apart from the flow of ordinary life. -- Tom
In the Opening & Welcome, be sure to Set the Intention for the whole gathering. - Tom ................... When an event begins, intention is set with the participants during the Opening and Welcome. - Wiki
There is a Story about how and why we came together for this process. Telling that story is a significant part of Opening and Welcome -- as well as Invitation, Purpose and Priority Focus. -- Tom
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