Circle Shares
Sitting in circle, hearing other perspectives, practicing my own story…these reflections have changed my life.
I co-facilitate regular circle shares based on council traditions and would love to hold space for you.
Circle is borne aloft on currents of air, double-bladed. The prospect of other people can trigger the very worst in me, but they can also offer the most intimate space for reflecting who I am. Circle allows me to practice being myself in all of my contradictions and complexities.
And being seen in that way heals some very ancient wounds.
What’s a circle share?
An intentional gathering that allows participants, no matter where they are on their paths, to check in with their most authentic selves.
Most importantly—and oftentimes most challenging—participants hold space for others to do the same.
Realizing I have an opportunity to share my most authentic self incites a gathering of intent, a personal check-in with what and who I’m bringing with me. But however much (or little) I prepare, what comes out is not always planned. There is a letting go of the telling. Perhaps I brought one aspect of self with me, but another raises her hand and asks to be given a voice.
Speaking in circle makes me more conscious of myself as a narrator. As I share myself to become myself, what stories do I want to tell, or hide, or find myself repeating?
During circle
I experience myself as a speaker. I explore my story, practicing my voice to the point of verbally reminding myself to “use my ‘I’ words” whenever I lapse into generalities.
After circle
I notice so many patterns: multiple perspectives, a more nuanced understanding of my wants and needs, increased accountability to them, a more confident narrative...
Intimacy occurs within a container
The word intimacy comes from the Latin word for “inmost.” And the boundaries of a container create safety for our vulnerable insides. A well-constructed container invites the trust required for intimacy to blossom.
Join a Wider Circle
You're invited to opt in to Wider Circles — a monthly, co-facilitated gathering where we practice the language of human emotion and speak our truths out loud, together.
Our Bold Purpose
Container. We create co-facilitated containers where we practice the language of human emotion and speak our truths inside them — held by General and Focus Circle Guidelines, an Assertive Bill of Rights, and monthly prompts that give each circle its shape.
Connection. We cultivate meaningful connection by rumbling with vulnerability, leaning into discomfort and sharp edges, and building grounded confidence: the courage to walk alongside another person, and the discipline of story stewardship.
Celebration. We celebrate every form circling takes — General Circle Shares, Focus Shares, Experimental Circles — and keep the door open for new facilitators to grow into the role.
The support and love found in the container of these Circles nourishes, encourages, and supports all who are held within. It's a space where you can freely speak your truth. You will be heard, received, and held in respect, reverence, and the utmost confidence. All are welcome here.
What To Expect
Circles happen once a month, hosted by facilitators who sign up in advance. You can see what they’ve planned in this spreadsheet. Each month looks a little different, since leadership rotates based on who volunteers — but the shape is familiar: an opening to ground and center us, a shared reading of the Circle Guidelines, an introduction of that month's prompt or topic, and space held open at the center for us to practice sharing our truth.
The guidelines we take turns reading aloud at the start of a council sharing circle make it feel safe to share my inmost thoughts, my messy in media res. The perspectives others share add dimensions to my thinking. It’s like their words open portals to alternative realities that inspire my own questing. There is magic in not only being reflected but in holding up a mirror for another.
There are many ways to facilitate a circle share, and the format continues to evolve to meet the needs and wants of the community. Some months lean toward General Circle Shares, others toward a Focus Share on a single theme, and some months will be more Experimental. Let’s get weird! Some months will encourage a journal, art supplies, or other materials; you’ll get the full invitation each month.
How Does It Work?
We are circling back to some listserv technology hosted through Google Groups with a shared calendar. This supports opt in, one-way announcements, and shared calendar invites. It’s a low-tech option for high-fidelity communications.
Opting in to this distribution means you'll receive a note before each circle with everything you need to join — nothing more. You're free to step away anytime, no questions asked, using the unsubscribe link in any email.
Please click the button and select “Ask to join group”.
Crave connection?
Regular remote-friendly gatherings are going on now. Sign up to be notified by email of our next circle.