In one of my past meetings, we participated in a visioning session focused on the direction for the particular group I was working with at the time.
As background, visioning is the ‘brain child’ of Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, minister and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City (LA area). 
Rev. Beckwith describes his visioning process as follows:
“Visioning is a process by which we train ourselves to be able to hear, feel, see and catch God’s plan for our life or for any particular project we’re working on … it is based on the idea that we’re not here to tell God what to do or to ask God for things but to absolutely be available for what God is already doing, to open ourselves up to catch what’s already happening.”
Lots of interesting ideas came out of the visioning session that evening, but the discussion afterward, was also something that caused me to ponder deeper
The group meetings are a place to learn and share spiritual principles. Those who attend find the meetings useful, inspiring and uplifting. But there is an underlying caution about future growth, as sometimes, organizational bureaucracy may tend to take over.
All of us, at one time or another, participated in groups that, after a period of time, deteriorated and totally unraveled from its original purpose. This process can be disappointing, hurtful and devastating to those involved.
What can we do to prevent this in our group and relationships?
After prayer and seeking direction, one of my mentors helped me realize the cause of most tensions in group relationships come from a spirit of complaining, criticizing and gossiping about one another. His advice: Just stop the destructive behavior!
Of course, that is sometimes easier said than done! I realize that the best way to replace or prevent a destructive behavior is to fill all spaces with positive behavior. So instead of complaining, gossiping, and criticizing, let’s uplift, compliment and be thankful for one another. Think about all the help we give each other and ourselves when we adopt a heart of love for all.
Let’s continue to express positive loving thoughts to all and see the good that comes back to us.