Gathering in circle
For those who read the previous newsletter, you will know that I have spent the past few months taking part in circle facilitation training. I am excited to be at a stage of taking the leap of offering circle space to this community.
Why circle?
Over the past few years I have been invited to give talks, take part in panel discussions and have even run a couple of gatherings, as well as having attended many as a participant too. They have been joyful, terrifying, nourishing - I have been pushed out of my comfort zone, it’s been a period of personal growth and it has been an honour to be a part of them. Many of these opportunities have meant that I have been given the chance to find and use my voice. The most enlivening part of them all, for me, has been the making of connections.
I think there is a hunger for connection.
And for all that these events have realised this need, I have also often been left wanting something more, both as a speaker and when I have been an audience member.
This is not to say that regular talks are no good. They are vital and necessary and serve an important purpose.
This is not an instead-of but an as-well-as.
I have had a sense that there’s a desire for deeper connection. And I know there’s power in having our voices heard.
Circle entered into my awareness at just the right moment, bringing together many floating threads and strands for me.
I had been wondering about ways of practicing and rehearsing the different world we so desperately need and that I believe is possible. As part of that I am particularly interested in new/old ways of relating.
I believe we need spaces in which we can connect, practice, learn, grow. We need spaces that are safe, yes, and also brave. Where we can practice holding space for each other, in our differences and imperfections as well as our commonalities.
I have felt a call to facilitate spaces where people can come together and experience the transformative power of being seen and heard - of witnessing and being witnessed. Of listening deeply and finding our own voices. There is access to a healing of sorts in community that can come with that.
I believe there is a yearning for ritual, ceremony, and honouring.
I believe there is a deep remembering to be had - of who we are in relation to each other and the world.
Circle, an ancient way of gathering, seems to me to offer up a fruitful path to that remembering.
My personal experience of gathering in circle is that they have the potential to be transformative.
For me, this is healing work.
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I don’t believe anyone does. I am on a continuing personal journey of learning and growth. In the spirit of openness and curiosity and with love, I invite you along with me.
Circle is a way of gathering that is outside the norm of our busy, everyday lives. An opportunity for us to reimagine and practice how we relate.
Circle is for everyone. All parts of you are welcome and you are invited to come exactly as you are. I hope to sit with you in circle very soon.
The first Radicle circle gathering
If this speaks to you, the initial circle that I am offering will be virtual/online and is being opened to paying subscribers of Radicle only.
My hope is to offer in person circles in the near future - including in outdoor and garden spaces! But whilst I figure out venues and other practicalities, I’m going to begin opening up virtual circle space online.
Below, subscribers will find a link to sign up.