Begumpura Conference Call, 3/25 – High-level notes

The call began at 11:00am, Anne started the group off with a meditation, concluding with a request for each person to consider what they were experiencing about the group, and to hold that.

Attendees: Sartaj, Mandy, Gary, Anne, Chris, Jeff, Neeraj, Cliff, Neil, Mike, Kelly, Vikas, Yvonne, Bill

Introductions: The group provided information about themselves and their interest/energy around Begumpura.

NOTE: On the Begumpura blog, each of us has the ability to create a profile that mimics the information we shared yesterday, plus the ability to upload a picture.

REQUEST of Members:
It might be very helpful for other members if we each take a moment to populate this area. May I make a request for each of us to create their bio on the blog by April 20th, to provide all of us the opportunity to refresh our memories from the call in advance of the retreat (and have that information to refer back to later)? Several of our members have already done so – CHECK THEM OUT! (me, Jeff, Vikas, Gary, Neeraj)

To Create your Bio, go to the blog and click on your name under “About The Authors” and click EDIT my Profile

OFFER to Members:
If any of you need assistance, I will be glad to help you get your bio populated, please just contact me, 202/494-2849 or ckayser@xperienceit.com.

Retreat Logistics was discussed
The question of the dinner at Sartaj’s house – was that the beginning of the retreat? Answer, NO. It was an opportunity to meet and travel together, essentially facilitating travel. The official start of the retreat is Sunday morning at 9:00am.
Dates:
April 27th Sunday, 9:00am start
April 29th Tuesday, 2:00pm end

Cost Sharing Questions:
Ivonne agreed to be the accounting person for the group with assistance from Vikas. Ivonne will make any necessary requests on details regarding submission of receipts to be reimbursed, etc.

Key Objectives
1) Get to know each other through a mix of inner and outer focus
2) Look at the issue of commitment to Begumpura
3) Look at capacity and what energies may be missing – gaps

Discussion:
Ambitious agenda – could be difficult to split time on community, structure, revenues, practices, etc.
Question of “commitment” and what allows for confidence to commit at that point
Metaphors: Marriage, dating, internet dating
Hierarchy of needs—easier for some to commit when basic security questions have been answered, easier for others to commit when spiritual questions have been answered
“Progress” contributes to commitment and “reflection” also contributes to commitment
Iterative process, circular that will deepen over time as it evolves

Day one—get to know each other
Cliff, Neil, and Sartaj

Day two—outer focus structure items
Gary, Neeraj and Sartaj

REQUEST of Group—Confirm attendance for the Retreat by March 28th!