What?
A clearness committee (or “circle” as we are calling it) is a group of Friends appointed to help a member of the meeting find clarity around a leading. It’s a Quaker practice dating back to the 1660s (they did not have clerical leaders to solve problems for them so they needed a way to draw on both inner and communal resources).
It’s based on the belief that each of us has an inner teacher or a voice of truth that offers the guidance and power we need to deal with our problems. Layers of “stuff,” though, can keep us from accessing this inner wisdom.
A clearness committee’s job is to clear the way for access to the focus person’s inner wisdom and to discover together whether there is clarity to move forward with a matter, wait, or take other action.
Why?
To practice a different way of being in relationship with one another based on deep listening, companionship, mutual respect and non-anxious presence.
To make this kind of space for those who need it. If you are in need of some trusted companions to walk with you toward deeper clarity about a direction you are considering or a challenge you are facing in work or life, we are making this space for you.
How?
The circle of friends (at least 4 people), will show up with:
Presence & a willingness to pay close attention.
No fixing, no saving, no advising, no setting each other straight - “I may think I know the answer to your problem, and on rare occasions, I may be right. But my answer is absolutely no value to you.” - Parker Palmer
Only honest, open questions
As the focus person you will prepare, and bring with you:
A concise statement of the problem or area you are seeking clarity; this could be an area in life where an individual is feeling stuck or really challenged or has a hunch about a direction, but is still unsure.
A recounting of relevant background factors that may bear on the problem or possibility on the horizon.
An exploration of any hunches you may have about what’s on the horizon regarding the problem.
A question: If you were to summarize into one question what you are seeking clarity about, what would it be?
If you are interested in learning more or in being the focus person for a clearness circle, please fill out this form.
Clearness Circle
Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.
- Rainer Maria Rilke, Letter to a Young Poet