Circles are spaces where people come together with a shared commitment to be present with each other.

This is not a therapy group (yet is deeply therapeutic). It's mutual and its sole purpose is presence without agenda.

What makes a group a Circle?

Are Circles new?

Not at all! The basic Circle format has been around for 1000s of years. Consider how our ancestors in pretty much every ancient culture of the world 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.

What if we could find a way to do something like this in 2026? Not to appropriate another culture but to create authentic spaces for these times. "Culture" in the sense of living within our current era of late stage patriarchal capitalism.

When we know deep down, maybe we might even say at a soul or a gut level that that something is missing ... we can yearn for it ... and then we can re-member it, together.

Gathering together

"Openhearted" is a specific word which resonates strongly for me when I think about the process of gathering together in circle...

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.

Self responsibility

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

It is not however a space for "processing".

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

Gratitude

I completed my 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.