They will also actively seek out the advice of community members who are experienced in resolving disputes. All the adult members of the community attend, and the parties are allowed to express their grievances and feelings publicly before the assembled community. One key function of the xotla is to give the parties a sense of being heard. Ury notes that the xotla can go on for days, until the parties have literally exhausted their negative feelings. Again all adult members of the community attend.
People sing and clap rhythmically while the dancers dance themselves into a hypnotic trance.
The tranced people are believed to receive divine advise, which they then transmit to the rest of the community. The trace dance process unites the community behind the common purpose of resolving tension. It also gives participants a broader perspective on the dispute. Bushmen tradition also emphasizes apologies and forgiveness. The offending party may apologize publicly and ask for forgiveness.