We Like Sheep - Wandering Astray

This is the welcoming ritual I wrote for our demostration CRC during the last symposium, I think it worked pretty well.

Ritual Welcome – We don't come to this space empty, a tabula rasa or blank slate. We come as people with history, narrative, baggage, and scars. We stand on the backs of those who have come before us. We stand within rich traditions, inheritors of deep wisdom, and the rubble of many failed experiments. Whatever you bring with you, you are welcome in this space.

{a bell is rung and a candle is lit}

We come here dreaming of the future, full of plans and strategies, hope and fantasies. Our freedom enraptures us and overwhelms us. This time was not planned in the absence of motive. There is intent and ideology all over it. However you hope to journey – However you end up journeying after tonight, you are welcome in this space.

{a bell is rung and a candle is lit}

We come here. Whatever structure and systems we construct to describe ourself, whatever stories you tell about yourself. Whoever the thou is that I am addressing, you are welcome in the space.

{a bell is rung and a candle is lit}

I have found the CRC a wonderful beacon, that calls me out of the past, and out of my dreams of the future, into the reality of this moment. As we practice silence together, I ask that you allow yourself to be present here, mindfully engaged. That mysterious essence of you, is welcome in this space.