Why Join A Women's Circle?
Have you considered joining a women’s circle? Want to know more about what to expect?
I’m happy to share my personal experience. I have been hosting circles for more than 20 years, and have experienced the magic of what happens when women come together in community.
The practice of gathering in circle is ancient and intuitive. Most likely it is how our ancestors came together in community, sharing wisdom through stories, holding each other in support. If we search deep within ourselves, we may remember.
My journey began 25 years ago as a psychologist working within the community. I was part of a team offering parenting groups to families. I knew, once a new parent arrived, the circle itself would wrap them in a blanket of welcoming and care. For these parents, who had often been chronically isolated, living without connection to family or close supports, the power of this nurturance was profound. The sense of holding and acceptance provided by the circle was often all that was needed to help open a path of hope and healing.
My most profound memory was of the efforts we went to prepare the space. With diligence, we’d set up a beautiful plate of fruits and biscuits, and a warm cup of tea. This actual nourishment radiated a vibration of nurturance, which in turn rippled into individual family homes. We watched as our members settled, took a breath and relaxed, realizing in this space we were moving away from judgements of doing right or wrong, helping all to feel their value and giving opportunity to contribute. It created a thriving, alive space, filled with precious moments of shared humanity. Laughter and tears, empathy, compassion, new ideas, friendships and a real sense of community cohesion.
Those early foundational learnings around nurturance, equanimity, acceptance and safety within community have carried into the heart of what I do today. What began as a weekly online circle in response to the pandemic 6 years ago, has grown into a whole host of community offerings including the mandala mentorship circle and in-person retreats.
For the women who have moved through these spaces, it has been such a joy to get to know them, and to witness the growing cohesion of our community (despite being in different geographical locations across the USA and Canada). We have been a part of each other’s journeys, through the ups and downs, and it is truly incredible to witness each other’s growth. Thank you to all those who have been part of this journey, your warmth, openness and commitment has made the circles what they are today.
Joining a circle offers a simple magic … it is a place in which one becomes part of something greater. A place to practice holding and receiving space. A place to witness to each other and celebrate success, and often, through this process it helps us to see ourselves in a new light. It is a place for participation, contribution and voice. We learn of our shared commonality, and uniqueness, and develop clarity on our own direction.