Thank you so much for showing up today and doing your best. You decided to put your wellbeing first and got out of bed to show up today, which is more than enough. We are so grateful that you are here and want to celebrate the accomplishment and step of just showing up and being here. We acknowledge and see that you are here to prioritize your wellness and to feel a part of a community. You are not required to share or participate in any discussions or activities that you are not connecting with. So long as you are being respectful to others and the group, just being present and a part of the group is more than enough.

Confidentiality

What we see here, what we say here, STAYS here. Sacramento (and really The World) is a small community! It is more likely than not that we could know someone who knows someone within our group, so please be respectful when sharing your truth concerning others and hold what is being shared in this sacred space to yourself. Trust can only be built and sustained within our community if everyone feels this is a safe space to be authentic and genuine when speaking and sharing vulnerable truths.

Respect

We all share differences and similarities. Differences and similarities in beliefs and lifestyles are going to inevitably come up as we engage in community building and group work. We request that you respect the inner and outer aspects of every individual, the seen and unseen, acknowledging and honoring their complexity and how their unique backgrounds have shaped them to a particular choice or experience that may be new or unknown to you. Please do not let initial judgments influence your behavior or treatment of others in the sacred space.

Open Mind and Heart

Come with an open mind and heart to the practices, what is discussed, and the people that show in this space. Whether you are new or seasoned in community building and vulnerability, we ask that you keep yourself open to unexpected possibilities. Approach conversations with an open heart, listen without interrupting, and see others as complete individuals on their own unique journeys. We ask that you be present with the speaker, and listen to understand rather than respond. When asked for feedback, offer a gift of encouragement and support, reaffirming their individual path and nurturing their growth.

You are the expert of your own wellbeing and will always know best what you need in the moment to take care of yourself. With that being said, we trust you to honor your emotional and physical needs while in our space. This may look like removing yourself from a space to protect your emotions, pausing from the group to process emotions, or leaving the group to take a bio break. Whatever it is, we trust that you are honoring your needs, and taking care of yourself to better participate or respect where you are on your healing journey. Please know that no offense will be taken for anyone who needs to take a break to take a breath or to empty their bladder. 

Open your heart to the essence of what is being shared with you. Release the impulse to evaluate, judge, or compare, allowing yourself to step beyond the confines of your own mind. See each sister as a reflection of yourself, doing her best with what she has experienced. Every person has decided to join this space with you because they are looking for connection and a place to be seen and to see others. Often, the person beside you feels just as nervous and hesitant about connecting with a stranger as you do. You and the person next to you likely share more in common than not. In this space, beautiful connections can form, especially when there is a willingness to explore the potential for such connections. We kindly request that all participants approach our events with an open mind, fostering connections within the Kelsai community and embracing inclusivity. 

In our U.S. culture, we often default to reflecting compliments and praise rather than acknowledging and receiving them. This is a space where praise and appreciation are shared authentically and genuinely without any expectation of reciprocation or expectations. Be open to receiving acknowledgment, love, praise and let it sink in. When people share their love, admiration, and understanding, trust that they mean it. Learn to accept this positive energy with a smile and “thank you.” Know that you deserve it all. Receiving support and appreciation can also come through platonic touch or acts of service. A hug, loving arm squeeze, or a pat on the shoulder can feel very intimate to some, and can be healing. 

Recognize that this is an opportunity for you to exercise self-care by speaking your truth, being heard and expressing more of who you really are. This is a safe space to be vulnerable and honest. Remember that you will get out what you put in. You are the only person you are capable of changing. When sharing, use “I” statements. Own your feelings, perceptions, wants, needs, etc. We are all human and make mistakes, and that is okay. If you feel judgemental, shame, or embarrassed for how you’ve shown up, practice forgiveness, and give yourself grace so you can grow in this space.