There is a quiet power
in women gathering,
in listening,
in being heard.
Connection is medicine.
my approach to circle
Small groups
I like to keep circles small, 6-8 people at most.
I have definitely enjoyed the dynamic of being part of larger groups with lots going on, but these days my comfort level is in smaller, quieter groups and I imagine there are many others like me.
A smaller group supports those who might be sensitive, shy, introverted, neurodivergent or anxious to feel more comfortable. I really feel that these voices often go unheard and love the opportunity to hear them.
Simplicity
I love my circles to be simple and accessible. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or specific needs you might have.
The format of the gathering is consistent. Whilst every circle will be unique and contain different elements, the rhythm of the time we spend together will stay the same.
This helps to provide familiarity and comfort, and the circle itself becomes a supportive ritual each time we meet.
Council
Council is essentially a practice in listening deeply to others and in allowing ourselves to be truly heard.
We sit in a circle, and everyone has the opportunity to speak. We use a talking piece, allowing the person holding it to speak without interruption, and to be heard with full attention.
There are four basic foundations of council:
Listening from the heart
Speaking from the heart
Spontaneous speech
Essential speech
The gifts of this practice are many, and extend far beyond the time we spend together, rippling out to benefit our individual lives and our communities.
Stillness
Stillness is how I like to describe a moment of inner peace that we might find in meditation, in nature, in heartful moments and in creativity.
Small moments here and there are all we need, and practice helps us to build up our capacity to find that stillness when we really need it most.
A circle will always include some moments of stillness practice; perhaps short guided meditations, writing, pulling oracle cards or gentle movement.
Circle
Women are dealing with a lot in the world right now, and there is strength, solidarity and voice to be found in the company of other women. A lot of fun too!
The circle is somewhere that we can arrive as we are, messy as that might be. There’s no need to perform, nothing to achieve, no-one to impress.
In circle women are invited to share openly and to listen deeply. Instead of competing or comparing, we focus on presence and authenticity.
Conversations naturally move beyond the surface, and we recognise parts of ourselves in one another’s stories.
It becomes a place where we can gently shed the masks and roles we carry, to be seen and heard in our lightness, our darkness and everything inbetween.
Gender
Currently I am focusing on circles for women, though in the future I hope to add all gender circles too.
There is a need for all combinations, we find benefits in being amongst our own circles and also in being a part of the whole.
Trans people are welcome in the circles.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.