What do I mean by a Circle?
Circles are very simply spaces where people gather with a shared commitment to be present with each other.
Literally gathering in a circular shape rather than in rows automatically facilitates greater opportunities for connection and mutuality.
A circle has the capacity to "hold"great depth and to offer profound opportunities for each person to be seen and heard.
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.
How is a Circle different to therapy, friendship or other groups?
I see Circle as a space which is distinct from therapy and other supportive relationships or groups.
Circle can definitely be therapeutic in the sense that it sits alongside practices such as meditation, yoga, massage, wild swimming, journalling ... or laughter, watching our favourite shows or listening to the music we enjoy.
The added dimension of Circle is in the quality of the collective "holding" space. When someone is sharing, everyone in the circle commits to deep listening and kind attentiveness. There is a difference between being witnessed and attended to in that way by a group compared to by one person.
The mutuality of the space distinguishes it from therapy and the lack of "guidance" or "solution focused" back and forth interaction distinguishes it from most other group or team processes.
How might you know if it's right for you?
Here are some things which you might like to consider if you are thinking you might like to join a Circle:
- 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 the group?
- 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?
*Note* My Circles are open to people of all genders and none. They are LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming spaces
Are you curious to find out more?
My website for Circles is www.circleswithsiana.com
You are welcome to email me at circleswithsiana@gmail.com if you would like to discuss further whether Circle feels like a good "fit" for you at this time. If I believe that your current needs would be more helpfully met by another facilitator or in another context I will be open with you about this.
It is particularly important to note that the relationship we enter into within a Circle context is not one where I am your therapist. My role with Circle is as a Circle Facilitator. Circle is also distinct from group therapy and other support groups.
Further information
For more information you might be interested in this link which was one of the first ones I found when I was beginning to explore the concept of Circle. I don't have any affiliation with this centre but the definition of Circle was a good introduction for me.
I have participated in Circle Facilitation training with Gemma Brady, whose information is here:
There is also a women's circles directory here.