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Usually one or two people initiate a circle.
Make your intentions and hopes for the group, and the fact that you will be using this
format, clear to everyone invited to participate. We recommend a circle of 3-12
people, meeting monthly or more often. Length of meeting is affected by the number
present (1-3 hours). A common opening ritual is to have each person light a candle
and ask to be informed by our best human qualities. Expressing gratitude and putting
out a candle is often used as a closing ritual. It's best to pose topics in a
question form. Rather than "Let's talk about relationships," ask:
"Why do relationships fall apart?" or "What can you do when one person in a
relationship is changing and the other isn't?" Ask hard questions such as:
"What's the most challenging thing you're facing right now?" Finish one
round before you begin another question. Each person needs to feel safe from
embarrassment or criticism in order to risk deep truth-telling. The constants are
meant to be guidelines. There's no need to be stiff or solemn.
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Home | Voices From
The Circle | Introduction
| Our Heritage in Circles |
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If you have comments, feedback or questions,
e-mail WISDOM CIRCLES.
Those initially reticent to speak find their
voice. Those facile with words discover a deeper, more authentic source to speak
from. You learn how to listen non judgmental. Tears come as you recognize
yourself in another person's story. healing occurs when you laugh at yourself.
You body deeply relaxes when you dare to speak your truth and you feel truly heard.
There is relief in knowing that you are not alone in crisis or in marking a rite of
passage. And it is profoundly satisfying to see your conscious behavior within the
circle translate into a healthier way of being in the world. 