How to Know the Beauty & Power of a Women’s Circle

The first women’s mindfulness circle gathered at the Barred Owl on October 28^th under the full moon. While I have held countless circles for college students, I have never convened a women’s circle before. Being in the company of women in this way was a privilege and a treat.

As I have grown older, I appreciate the company of women more and more. Further, in many recent conversations, women (especially post pandemic) have expressed a disconnect with others and themselves. Therefore, the idea to gather a circle seemed inspired. The goal was simply to create an intentional, thoughtful space in which we could TAKE A PAUSE, breathe, reflect, and have some fun.

The history of women’s circles dates back to ancient civilizations. Circles have held a cherished place in many cultures throughout time and across the globe. They have offered community, solutions, shared wisdom, sacred spaces, and places for individuals to be seen and heard. They are not just social, but containers in which to go deeper with one another, often around a specific theme or need. Circles provide structure for getting to know each other on an other level.

In many cultures, circles have celebrated the cycles of life and nature—like birth or the full moon, which coincidentally, occured on OCTOBER 28^th, our first circle. With the illumination of the lunar eclipse, we shared a bit of our truths, we practiced a couple of brief meditations, journaled, and got outside amidst the changing New England seasons.

The plan is to meet two more times on November 4^th and 18^th and see where the circle wants to go from there. Some circles exist for a brief time, and some keep on rolling.

Want to convene your own circle? Here are 5 Simple Steps to Get You Started:

1. Define the purpose, theme, or intention of your circle? Is there a topic or skill you want to focus on, or do you just want to create a safe, structured space in which women can gather?

2. Choose the place and time. It’s preferable to actually have a venue large enough to gather in a circle and partake in some activities together. The place can move, and hosting can be shared by group members. Further, you may want to poll folks to discover what day and time during the week works best. A simple shared google form is a good way to do this.

3. Invite Participants. You can use personal invites from your email list, social media, and online groups or platforms to spread the word. Keep a manageable size: 6-14 people.

4. Create a welcoming environment and circle center. Create seating in a circle in a warm, inviting space. The circle should have a center: an object, candle, or items of importance provided by group members. 
5. Maintain a format.

• • Opening Ritual: read a poem, do a meditation, simply light a candle or incense, or a combination of these.
  • Set ground rules as a group. For example, confidentiality is part of the sacredness of the circle. What goes on in the circle stays in the circle, like Vegas. Further, you might want to use a talking stick or object to encourage speaking in turn. Note, individuals can always pass when sharing in the circle.
  • Complete a check-in question near the start of your circle.
  • Complete an activity together (or several) and share out on your experience. Here are ideas to get you started:
    
    
    • a.) Free write together on a journal prompt.
    • b.) Listen to and sit together for a guided meditation.
    • c.) Complete an art or collage exercise together, do a simple scribble drawing then write about what you see in it, or create mandalas .
  • Complete a check-out question and close the circle before parting ways until next time.

For ideas and inspiration, a classic book to reference is Sacred Circles by Robin Deen Carnes & Sally Craig, or you can visit this online Medium article by Micaela Piccolo. Want more on creating your own circle, email me and let’s chat!

We are all journeying together, “walking each other home” as spiritual teacher Ram Dass once wrote. How good to be in a circle of women amidst a sacred and much needed pause to share in the experience of being human.