Circle Creation: Healing Through Connection

Most of us have strong opinions about many things. Whether it’s politics or parenting or cultural issues, how do we engage with others productively and in integrity with our own values on contentious issues? How can we be heard well and listen well?

Gathering together in circles is a powerful tool to support connection and understanding, a simple, ancient social technology that is beautifully suited to an increasingly polarized world. By taking turns to talk within an intentional structure, we reduce reactivity and increase space for self-regulation and empathy. This age-old format can support the exploration of any theme, whatever your community needs; grief and loss, parenting in the age of technology, identities, aging etc. Circle work is based on the understanding that you are the expert in your own experience and needs. Within that framework it is useful to have a guide not a specialist or professional.

What if the person who can bring your community together is YOU? What if you had the tools and self-awareness to create unifying spaces that can heal and increase compassion focused on our shared humanity? In this workshop you will lean into your ability to be both powerful and vulnerable in an intentional circle format and practice guiding others doing the same. This is mental, spiritual and community health support at its most grassroots level.

In this workshop you will:

• Learn to create a circle structure for connection and co-regulation in a tumultuous & disconnected world.

• Be confident in how to hold a strong circle container for folks to be heard and listen in your own community.

• Review and practice four of the main components that allow for strong circles:

  • Agreements

  • Themes and techniques to increase depth

  • Emotional regulation

  • Consistent circle structure

• Participate in multiple circles to ease into finding your own voice as a circle guide.

• Be invited to participate in meditation and easeful body movement as a somatic tool towards nervous system regulation.

• Connect to the natural world as a vibrant and peaceful regulation tool.

• Fill your cup, return home rejuvenated and inspired.

This is a tangible, grounded and accessible workshop that will leave you feeling equipped to start circles in your own communities.

Structure:

Before the event consider doing the following as a means of preparing for the retreat.

1. Journal around these prompts:

• When have you recently felt most righteous or most activated around something that you felt was unjust? What was the subject matter and why was it so important?

• What supports you in calming down after feeling activated?

• What can people do to allow you to feel heard? What helps you feel heard and understood?

• How well do you feel you listen? What strategies do you currently use to be available as a listener?

2. Time in nature:

• Take silent walks in nature after or before journaling. What comes up? What senses are you engaging? How does your body feel? What else do you notice?

Friday

3-4pm: Arrive & get settled

5-6pm: Optional meet and greet on the lawn

6-7pm: DINNER

7-8:30pm: Welcome circle at the yurt

Saturday

7:15am-8am: Optional meditation and stretch

8-9am: BREAKFAST

9-11:30am: Exploring core circle principles: Agreements and Themes

11:30am-1:00pm: Time to explore the beauty of the natural world around us and practice bringing nature in as an important tool towards increased relationship building and meaning.

1-2pm: LUNCH

2-3pm: Rest and digest self care

3-6pm: Exploring the circle principles part 2: Co-regulation and Structure

6-7pm: DINNER

7pm: Individual time: practicing emotional regulation through self care

Sunday

7:15am-8am: Optional meditation and stretch

8-9am: BREAKFAST

9-10:00am: Sitting in your guide seat, practice circles

10:00am-11am: Break for self regulation

11-12:00pm: Sitting in your guide seat, practice circles

12:00-1pm: Closing circle, reflection and incorporation

1:00pm: LUNCH

A limited number of scholarships are available. If you require a reduced rate for attendance, please fill out this form.