Please reach us at gill@withwarmthandheart.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
There are a few simple rules that we collectively agree to by sitting in Circle
- EQUALITY, everyone sits on equal ground, our stories are all honoured and equally valuable, the facilitator acts as a gentle guardian
- PRESENCE, we arrive fully, slowing down and offering our full attention to ourselves and those present.
- DEEP LISTENING, we listen with curiosity and care, to truly witness what is being said, in listening we offer our support
- CONFIDENTIALITY, what is shared in the Circle stays in the Circle, we respect and honour another's vulnerability by holding their stories.
- NON-JUDGEMENT AND COMPASSION, Circle is a place where we can show all of ourselves and we meet each other with kindness and compassion.
- VOLUNTARY SHARING, sharing is an invitation not an obligation, silence is honoured as much as words.
- SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SPACE, everyone helps to hold the container of the Circle - through presence, care and mindful participation, the space is co-created.
- RESPECT FOR DIFFERENCE, Circle honours and makes space for diversity - of background, identity, experience and perspective. All are welcome here.
- REVERENCE FOR PROCESS, Circle unfold organically, whether through words, movement, meditation or ritual we trust the process without forcing an outcome.
- SACREDNESS OF SPACE, even in its simplest form Circle is a sacred act - gathering with intention, to connect, reflect and be together. We hold the space with care and respect for its purpose.
· Circles are their own experience, we do not strive to create an outcome and as such the space may feel different to other spaces that you are familiar with. The pace is slower and there will be periods of silence, this silence is both welcome and beautiful allowing us the space and time to reflect.
· Circles are not a therapeutic or coaching programme, the space is co-created with all those present, which when entered into with openness, curiosity and heart can offer a rich tapestry of new experiences, perspectives and understandings of yourself, your life, your community and the wider world.
Story-telling is a communal act, it is how we learn about ourselves and what it means to be human.
Coming together in community and telling stories is the way that we make sense of the world around us and our place within it. There is a power in telling others about our lives, our thoughts, our experiences and it can help us to express and to clarify our thoughts and emotions. There is an almost deeper power in listening from the heart and witnessing the words of others as we expand our compassion and understanding both of ourselves and our community.
It is completely normal to feel unsure of anything new but trust in your instinct, something has drawn you to this work, perhaps there is a longing to connect with others or perhaps you are gently curious as to how Circles work.
However you arrive you will be welcomed with warmth and heart exactly as you are, there is nothing that you need to know or prepare, there is nothing that you need to learn or believe in advance, there is only you being present alongside other women for 90 minutes being held in a space that moves at a slower and more intentional pace.
This may feel scary now but how might it feel to join us in our next Circle?
Now, more than ever, there is a need to come together and create connection, to bring calm and compassion to our communities. By sitting in Circle, sharing our own stories and deeply listening to the stories of others we are understanding what it means to be human and in witnessing these words we are connecting to our shared humanity