Blog entry for:

am i inclusive to members i do not when they show up at my home group? an interesting question to inventory this morning. without thinking or pondering the question, my first response would be, "of course, after all i want to share my gratitude with everyone!"
the truth may be close to that but as a imperfect being, i know the answer is not always. i get caught-up in my own shit and pass over those faces i do not recognize, whether they are new to the program or just new to the group. and some days i start talking and leave that task to others, after all they too have the same responsibility and it is my place to allow others to be of service. or the worst one of all, she is a newcomer and it is better for the women in the group to welcome her! well those are both excuses for my behavior, wrapping a spiritual principle around my bias or prejudice, so i can walk away with the feeling that i have done no harm. not exactly something i enjoy seeing pop-up on my daily inventory and certainly noting i want to hear about from my peers and friends that comprise my home group. i forget what it felt like to walk into the rooms all those days ago, and the warm welcome i did not get. most of that was my stuff, i have a way of putting people off, being isolated and standoffish, and then walking away pissed-off. i do not believe that i am unique in this, but what other members do and feel is once again no excuse for my behavior.
so what conclusion does this moment of self-flagellation lead me to? well, for one, to do whatever i can to warm and welcoming to those new and different faces. and most of all remember that i too was once an outsider to this inclusive fellowship. a hug and a warm welcome from me, may be just the straw that brings that new face back to have the chance to recover too!

∞ DT ∞