What is circle?

When we talk about sitting “in circle”, we’re referencing the formation of gathering – a literal circle. However, the circle is symbolic. It represents equality, as everyone sits side by side, with no heirarchy, order, rows or leader.

Circle formations can be used in education, group counselling, or for any gathering where the purpose is to share, listen, and contribute equally.

Our Circle, during our Connect + Flow events, is meant for precisely that – to openly share and connect with others. For one hour, we sit to discuss a theme of the month that revolves around self-reflection, growth, or mindset. We ask that everyone contribute to the conversation. Everyone gets their chance to talk, share, and ask questions. Circle IS NOT counselling. And though many circles (especially women’s circles) may include spiritual practices, ours does not. It is simply a meeting to connect and engage in meaningful conversation.

There are a few simple rules to Circle. You must be respectful. You must do your best to genuinely and completely listen while someone else is talking – refraining from thinking of what you’ll say next, waiting till it’s your turn to talk. You must also do your best to refrain from giving advice, unless it’s specifically requested. To get the most out of Circle, you will come willing to open up and to be vulnerable.

The benefits of Circle are immense. This is a chance to get to know complete strangers on deeper levels in a short amount of time; to build relationships with people in the area who have a common interest of wellbeing and value spending time in nature. It’s also a chance to reflect on our theme for the month – to dive deep into your own emotions and recognise what feelings come up.

I was personally inspired to create this safe space from a couple of my life experiences, where I got to reap the benefits of Circle – getting to know people I would’ve otherwise never met and opened up to. Joining circles while traveling, where complete strangers from different walks of life can share their perspectives with respect and honesty helped to change how I see the world, and how I see others. It’s built compassion while inspiring me to be open-minded, and at the same time – it gave me a safe space to be my authentic self without feeling judged by others.

I truly believe that it takes all these elements to create a better world – to care about the future of our planet and see that we are all connected and one.

I hope that you can join us in Circle at our Connect + Flow events, on the first Saturday of each month.