Today you meet for the first session of this program. This is the beginning of a new project for you and the participants. You may know some of them well or this may be your first encounter. Consider how you want to be with them. How will you meet their emotional, physical, and intellectual needs? How will you show them that this is a safe, compassionate gathering to which they may bring their honest selves? The establishment of the group environment on this first day is important. You will have many chances to start again—you need not be perfect—but this meeting is a special start. Give yourself time to imagine how you will encounter the group. What images do you have that will keep you feeling connected to your best self? What phrases are helpful to remember? How can you model honest, compassionate interaction with one another? What will help you enjoy this new beginning?