The intention of the committee is to assist an individual to seek clarity on an issue by using the wisdom of a group. This process is done by only asking questions - no advice, no evaluation, no criticism, and always confidential. Committee members do not talk among themselves after or during the meeting. The procedure honors that the focus person (the person seeking clarity) has the answers within himself. He is asking for help to unlock what he already knows.
          To convene a clearness committee for yourself, you ask 3-5 persons to join the group. People with varied ages and diverse backgrounds bring more depth to your process. Set a place and time of at least two hours. Before the group meets, write up a summary of the issue to be addressed so that each member knows the problem. Give a copy to each member. Upon convening, one person needs to act as clerk. He will open and close the meeting, make sure that only questions are presented, and handle the physical details like temperature comfort, drinking water and suitable chairs. Another person needs to act as recorder. He will write down the questions asked and make note of significant responses to help the focus person remember them.
          The meeting opens with silence allowing each person to adjust emotionally and physically to the new space and situation. When the focus person is ready, she presents a summary of the issue. The group may then proceed to ask brief, caring questions. The intention is that these questions will assist the focus person in connecting with her own inner guidance that already knows the right answer. She has the right to pass on answering any question if she can't address it at that moment. Since the recorder is writing down the questions, the focus person can work with the tough ones later on. When silence happens, treasure it. It doesn't mean that nothing is going on. Insights can develop from quiet.
          After at least one hour, the clerk may ask the focus person if she wants to change the format from questions to advice, problem solving or hearing from the group what they are observing. All the participants must give up the notion that they know what is right for the focus person. Only she is in a position to make that discovery and decision. Friends are offering a loving and supportive environment for the focus person to come into more direct contact with the inner knowing which is available to all of us.
          This is a brief synopsis of the 'clearness committee'. As mentioned, more detailed resources are available if this process attracts your attention. The premises of this committee are powerful. You ask for help. You acknowledge that you need clarity on a life issue. You are aware of the collective wisdom available. You also know that you are ultimately responsible to make the best decision for yourself.

APPLICATION OF THE 'CLEARNESS COMMITTEE'

          After learning about the 'clearness committee' process, I was hoping to find a real life example to share with you. The confidentiality involved makes this tricky. Unless I found a focus person to talk to me I would need to imagine it. As luck would have it and providence intervenes, I found myself in a situation where I was moved to ask for help. I can share this story because it comes from my experience and show you how it was adapted to meet the situation.
          I have a beautiful dressage horse named Radix. He became part of our family two years ago when he was five years old. He is big, young, green-broke, full of mystery and wonder for me. I am an older amateur rider who didn't begin riding until I was well into my forties. I am doing quite well at my riding skills, but was finding that this elegant creature was not a great match for me. We spent two years attempting to train each other with the help of a patient and wonderful instructor. I took a fall that resulted in a concussion. My gut feeling told me I needed to take a serious look at my riding life in terms of safety, fun, and accomplishment. My initial response was to burst into tears every time I thought about this. Would I need to give up riding altogether? How could I sell this dream horse that worked so hard with me? Is there room in my heart for another equine partner? Could I overcome the fear that arose from the tumble?
          Where I live we have a dressage club. We are a group of passionate people who aspire to dance with our horses through the discipline of dressage. As I was going through the agony of processing my options, our group was due to have a meeting. The agenda for the meeting included business, popcorn, and root beer floats followed by watching inspiring horse videos. My inner guidance suddenly kicked in with a bang asking me to consider this supportive group of friends to act as a 'clearness committee' for me as I thought about my riding options. The idea seemed valid, but the reality of asking for what I needed was another issue. I finally decided that if I didn't ask I would feel like I didn't do the right thing. If the group wished to follow the process and help me, that would be fine. My job was to ask and be open to whatever happened.
          On the evening of the meeting under new business, I garnered my courage to ask if the group would be interested to help me. I briefly told what I had in mind, about the Quaker tradition and how it worked. The club members were wonderfully willing to witness for me and ask questions. One woman acted as scribe and kept the notes. We set the timer for forty-five minutes and launched into action.
          The process was adjusted to meet these circumstances. I wasn't able to send out a statement ahead of time to prepare the participants, so I gave them a brief synopsis of the process and issue. They all tried hard to stay within the discipline of only asking questions, not giving advice or telling their own experiences. They asked many wonderful and thoughtful questions that helped me think of things that I hadn't considered. This activity was a stretch for the group as we mostly meet on a less intimate and less vulnerable level. A definite bonding was established by what we accomplished together through honoring this process. I also hoped that by offering this example of problem solving in a real life model that members might be able to use it in their own lives when they needed to sort through a matter close to their hearts.
          Now that I have the experience of being the focus person through his process, I can tell you with a full heart, that if you have an issue for which you desire some clarity, are willing to ask for help, are willing to be vulnerable with a select group of supportive people, then you may want to consider the gifts of the 'clearness committee'. For me it is amazing to tap into a three hundred year old resource knowing how this process has supported others through the ages. It connects us today with the wisdom of history and gives us a window of clarity.

          Do you have a story that might inspire others? Please tell us about it at info@mark-the-moment.com