I believe

Connection is our primary need

Yet most people are more isolated than ever

Our world is in trouble

By and large, the ways we communicate don't work

At least not outside of our own clans

Therefore, the only way things will change on a micro or a macro level ....

is if we find new ways to connect

What's the vision?

The Circle format has been around forever. Consider our ancestors in practically every ancient culture of the world who used to gather around a fire. These were multi-generational spaces where people shared their lives. They also marked significant rites of passage, grieved together, celebrated success. Often there was an element of ritual or ceremony, bringing a "specialness" to the space. It was so ordinary in its familiarity yet "other" in the comfort, connection and belonging it offered.

I find myself wondering what it might be like if we could find a way to create a space to authentically connect .. perchance even to belong. I think there's something we've "forgotten" how to do. But not really forgotten, as if we feel something is missing ... then we can remember. And I certainly feel like something's missing.

My vision and hope is to gather openhearted people to explore together what is possible. "Openhearted" is a specific word which resonates strongly for me when I think about this process. Dictionary definitions refer to kindness, warmth and generosity. There is also an honesty and a straightforwardness about an openhearted person. We know and trust our shared humanity and our interdependence on each other. We see people without hierarchy and commit to curiosity above judgment. We are willing to connect and share from our hearts.

*Note* My Circles are open to people of all genders and none. They are LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming spaces.

Circle Basics

Circles are intentional spaces where people gather in a literal circular shape.

The group of people come with a shared commitment to be present with each other.

The quality of our presence with each other is unique because we listen and witness each other without responding through dialogue or back and forth conversation.

A circle has the capacity to "hold" great depth.

Circle seems to support a distillation whereby as each person commits to both giving and taking space there is truly "room" for all to be seen and heard.

Self responsibility

Circle is a community space where we share some aspects of our stories and inner lives with each other.

It is not a therapeutic group or a place for "processing".

If you are experiencing a crisis or acute trauma symptoms, a Circle does not take the place of appropriate professional services.

If we have a previous or ongoing therapeutic relationship please contact me to discuss.

Might you be interested?

Here are some things which it might be helpful to consider:

- Would I like to experience a space where I might connect with myself and with others in a deep way?

- Do I long to be seen and heard in confidence by a caring and attentive group of people ... and to offer this to others?

Am I willing to go gently with myself and others as we learn together how to be with each other in a different way?

If you answer yes (or "I think so, maybe ...") to those questions, here are some more which might be helpful to go a bit deeper with:

- How am I with more "being" than "doing" during a group process?

- How does the prospect of not knowing in advance what I might say feel to me?

- How do I feel about setting aside my own needs to be present to others for a significant amount of the time?

- Am I willing and able to participate without expecting or offering advice and / or ongoing support?

Further info

I have participated in Circle Facilitation training with Gemma Brady, whose information is here:

Gemma is a key pioneer in bringing Circles to the UK and beyond. More than this, she is a person of deep integrity and authenticity. I have no hesitation in signposting you to Gemma and to any of her offerings if you would like to experience the essence of Circle for yourself and wish to do so with someone quite a bit further down the line than me. There is also a women's circle directory here.