[Note: This community feature is currently undergoing beta-testing. Please try it out and let me know how it works for you. Thanks for helping build our community. Peace and love, Albert 10/27/2006]

The Talking Stick is a tradition in which each member of a community is given the opportunity to speak their voice into the circle and have their voice be heard. This tradition is sometimes also called "attunement" or "checking in" or sometimes simply "sharing."

Whatever the name of the various traditions, the instructions are the same. Speak honestly, speak truthfully, from a place of depth and meaning in your being. Try not to rehearse. And stay present with what is.

You are invited to participate in the circle of the Talking Stick.

Here's how to participate:

1. Take a few moments to quiet yourself and get centered and grounded.

2. When you feel ready to speak, record yourself on your computer via YouTube or as an audio recording on your own computer. You may need to set up your microphone so that it can record into your computer. If you want to, you can also share video, but this is not necessary.

3. Post your video as a blog on iThou or upload your audio to the site -- and tag it with the phrase "talking stick". Your message will be spoken into the Talking Circle and will show up on this page, listed below.

Thank you for being a part of this circle.

Thank you for being a part of this love.