The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters

In hearing their own voices, presented in the order of the day’s events, they are reminded of all we did together. I am also showing them how deeply they were listened to, and signaling to them that what they said was remembered. Finally, I come to my last quote. (Often it is something that was said by another participant in their closing comments

in my closing, after all the other participants have shared, I have them stand up, look at one another, and listen. I read aloud bits and phrases that people have said over the preceding day.

In my own Labs, as the very last act, I often have everyone stand in a circle. Then I mirror my opening,

The exit line can be physical and symbolic.

The closing’s closing, so to speak, should represent a marking and an emotional release.

THE EXIT LINE

Those closing moments can also be a time to connect your specific gathering to the universal.

RECALL YOUR PURPOSE

And one further point: Once you figure out an appropriate place to tuck any thank-yous, try to avoid making them actual, literal thank-yous. Try honoring instead.