Purpose
At the Center for Spiritual Living Olympia (CSLO), we are devoted to cultivating a safe, supportive, and Spirit-centered community. This agreement provides guidelines for communication, confidentiality, and resolution of concerns based on the teachings of Science of Mind, the practice of Compassionate Communication, and our shared value of Oneness.
Our Collective Agreement
As members and friends of the Center for Spiritual Living Olympia, we agree to:
• Speak from love, listen with compassion, and act with integrity.
• Bring concerns directly to those involved, honoring our no-triangulation commitment.
• Respect the sacredness of confidentiality in all matters.
• Follow the prescribed pathways for resolution in a spirit of Oneness and possibility.
• Remember that we are each called to be a beneficial presence in the world, beginning with our words and actions here at CSLO.
Guiding Principles
We agree to:
• Recognize Oneness: We remember that each of us is a unique and sacred expression of Spirit. We treat one another with dignity, compassion, and respect.
• Practice Compassionate Communication: We listen deeply, speak truthfully, and share from the heart. We use language that builds connection and understanding.
• Honor Confidentiality: What is shared in trust—whether in spiritual counseling, classes, community meetings, or private conversations—remains confidential unless permission is explicitly given.
• Avoid Triangulation: We commit to direct, honest communication. We do not use third parties to carry complaints or unresolved issues.
Compassionate Communication Practices
When speaking with one another, we commit to:
- Listening – Be present with the person and with what is being communicated.
- Observation – Share what we see or hear without judgment.
- Feelings – Express our feelings openly and authentically.
- Needs/Values – Connect our feelings to the universal needs or values at the heart of the matter.
- Request – Make clear, specific, and respectful requests that support mutual understanding or resolution.
Pathways for Communication & Resolution
When challenges or concerns arise, we follow these steps in order, honoring the sacredness of each level:
- Take it into prayer, perhaps working with a Practitioner to uncover any of your own issues that may be contributing to the conflict.
- Direct Communication – Speak directly with the person involved, using Compassionate Communication and a spirit of love.
- Engage a Practitioner – If resolution is not reached, invite the support of a licensed CSL Practitioner to hold sacred space and facilitate constructive dialogue.
- Ministerial Support – If more support is needed, bring the concern to the Minister, who will prayerfully and lovingly address the matter with all involved.
- Community/Leadership Engagement – If the concern remains unresolved, it may be brought to the CSLO Leadership Council/Board, who will handle the matter in alignment with our bylaws, values, and commitment to Oneness.
Confidentiality Commitments
• Practitioner/Ministerial Sessions: All sessions are held in complete confidentiality, with the only exception being where required by law (e.g., harm to self or others).
• Community Conversations: Information shared in community circles, small groups, or meetings is confidential unless explicit permission is given to share beyond the group.
• Leadership Conversations: Concerns brought to leadership are treated with discretion and shared only with those who need to know to support resolution.
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