Deep listening, thoughtful speech, embodied presence

‘This is the ancient made modern. Under skies, under stars, in living rooms, around kitchen tables,women have gathered for millennia.’

(Gemma Brady, Sister Stories)

People have gathered to sit in circle together for millennia, to speak, to listen, to co-operate, to strengthen bonds, and to build community. Circles are lightly formalised, lightly facilitated, spaces that offer the chance to sit down and slow down in an environment designed for thoughtful communication and receptive listening, where every voice can be heard. Circles can be used to foster safe, social, methods of dialogue, to share stories, to build community and to hold meetings in a collaborative manner. The format can be applied within work and social contexts, for discussion, learning and/or decision-making, at times of appreciation and celebration, and through difficult times and conversations. Meeting in circle creates a shift from informal socialising and opinion-driven discussion to a more collaborative approach.

The regular community circles I hold are sharing circles – a dedicated place to share your stories and experiences in a supportive environment committed to acceptance and inclusivity. Circles typically begin with a guided practice to help us transition from our everyday lives. There is then an introduction and explanation of the guidelines, after which the space is opened for participants to share whatever they’d like to give voice to. We leave time at the end for a closing check-out and transition back to the rest of the day.

It’s more important than ever that we learn new ways of being with ourselves, our families, our friends and our workplaces. Circles can create deep shifts at the individual, community and collective levels.

  • Monthly community circle - first Monday of the month, 18:30-19:30 UK time

    Monthly city circle - first Wednesday of the month, 20:00-21:00 UK time

  • Circles are held online, via Zoom. A link will be sent to you when you register.

  • Circles are not recorded.

  • No, you can share as much or as little as you like. Deep listening to others is a powerful part of attending circle, and you can benefit as much from this as you can from speaking.

  • Typically, there will be no more than 12 people. There may be occasions when larger circles are facilitated, and this will be communicated in advance.

  • Circles are not therapy or coaching. Only share what you feel comfortable to share in the context of the particular circle and its participants, and where you are able to take care of your needs.

  • Everyone is welcome to share, and no one is obliged to. Silence is welcome.

    The invitation is to have your camera on.

    Everything discussed is confidential, and should not be shared anywhere outside the circle. For the women’s city circle, participants will be asked to agree at the start of each circle that the circle is for personal and social purposes and that no business information will be shared.

    You’re encouraged to close other applications and not to use the chat during the circle.

    When you want to speak, raise your virtual or actual hand, and the host will invite you to unmute.

    When people are sharing, listen without interruption. When you are sharing, indicate when you’ve finished speaking.

    Speak to your own experience – this is not a space to offer advice or respond to what others have said.

    Only share what you feel comfortable sharing in this context and where you have capacity to take care of your needs.