The power of circles.

Over the past few years, I have found myself creating circles. Spaces where people can simply come together to sit, share, witness and heal. I didn’t really think too much about it when I started putting these offerings together, but now I am seeing how potent these circles can really be. In this current climate of chaos and destabilization, there is a increasing need to ground, to grieve, and to grow in connection with each other.

When did we move away from connecting in circles? How did we get so isolated from each other? There is always a bit of hesitation from people on retreat or in sangha when it comes to sharing. Will I take up too much space? Do I have anything worthwhile to say? What will people think about me if I get vulnerable? There are usually one or two people who are more comfortable with groups, who have felt the power of this type of connection, who end up leading the way. But once it gets going, most people want in. Maybe there is some ancient part of us that remembers that we are meant to be in these circles, to be sharing in this way with each other.

As I have spent more time sitting in different circles, I have found that each person is carrying a piece of the puzzle. On this last retreat, one man shared that he was trying to be gentle with himself as he struggled with different thoughts and feelings that were arising in the silence. This was a huge invitation for each participant, who undoubtedly needed this reminder. Another person shared how they were working with a younger aspect of themselves, embracing and attuning to parts that had been neglected. I imagined many younger parts showing up after this sharing, excited to be seen maybe for the first time. One person’s shared struggle is another person’s “aha” moment. One person’s shared reclamation of self is an invitation for everyone to come home. Circles create opportunities for authentic expression, growth, compassion, interconnectedness and healing. Does this sound like what we need more of right now?