• FRIENDS • MENTORS • inquiry circles

The Whole of the Holy Life

Forms of Friendships

Wise Friends

2 or more friends who offer mutual support and reflections as they work through the RD program. See Community Wisdom’s Wise Friendships Guide

Mentorships

 A pair of wise friends. The mentor is further along the path, and  offers support and guidance to the mentee in the RD program. See RD PDX’s Mentorship Guide

mentorship icon

Inquiry Circles

A group of three to ten wise friends who meet weekly in a commitment to complete the inquiries.

HOW DO I GET A WISE FRIEND, MENTOR, OR INQUIRY CIRCLE?

(1) BECOME AN ACTIVE PART OF THE COMMUNITY, BE WILLING TO LET PEOPLE IN & LET THEM MATTER

      • Listen, first and foremost. A relationship without listening cannot develop into a true friendship. Practice listening with your eyes and your heart. Becoming a wise listener is among the most fundamental parts of forming wise friendships. 
      • Practice remembering people’s names. It matters because it shows you see, hear, and value others. It shows you are willing to let someone in and let them matter. 
      • DM/Text: Ask others if they’re coming to the ____ O’clock meeting (it’s an act of service in disguise)
      • Come early, setup, welcome others. Stay late, cleanup, and make sure to sign-up for service roles. Service gives us purpose when feeling purposeless, and hope in times of hopelessness.
      • Try to build up your comfort with sharing during discussion — if that’s hard, try a brief share (such as sharing your gratitude for the meeting space and those in service)
      • Online Meetings: Leave and keep contact info in chat after the Dedication of Merit
      • RD Community Wisdom’s – Developing Wise Friendships Guide

(2) PUT IT OUT THERE

      • Announce it in (1) meetings or (2) on forums (like a Recovery Dharma Facebook Group.)
      • Expect to hear no before hearing yes — and don’t take no’s personally.
      • Keep on asking – even if people are busy at that time, they could connect you with others also looking.
      • RD Portland’s – Mentorship Guide by PDX

(3) TO FORM INQUIRY CIRCLES: 

Recovery Dharma Friends Act – The Practice Guide