The Guidelines For Women's Circles Revisited

In our circles, as we open with a song or reading initiated by the facilitator of the week, we then begin to pass an object, a talking stick or flower or stone, honoring whomever is holding the object to be the the sole speaker in the group.

Hold confidentiality with great care

Listen solely and deeply to the woman currently speaking

Be spontaneous and unrehearsed at your time of sharing (take time to breathe and check in before you begin to speak)

Speak from the PRESENT moment. See if you can drop the stories, the drama, the issues and focus on where you are in your bones, in this room, in this circle, right now. If you had a big intense experience, focus on what about you is growing or searching---not the story about all the players and who did what. BE with yourself and your circle in your present moment.

Be aware of the amount of time you speak---feel it---allowing yourself "lean" sharing and allowing time for others

Speak from "I" in a deeply personal way that reveals what is happening for you--allow yourself to deeply hear yourself and to trust the circle to hold you in their care (note: they will hold you in the way each understands. You must also hold yourself.)

Take responsibility for your own experience---your own thoughts, feelings, reactions, responses, attitudes.

Save information, announcements and input for later. Keep the sacred "container," the circle you have opened and where you pass the talking stone, as sacred. It is for hearing the heart and soul and journey. Matters of logistics and daytimers are more mental---busier thoughts. Share them after the closing of the circle or by written material or email.

This applies to planning as well. Save the "who is facilitating next week" and relative questions for after closing the circle.

If you feel strongly to give advise or input, please give it one-on-one after the circle, and only after asking the woman if she wants it. Honor her own journey as hers.

Notice if you feel more deeply connected to yourself and your circle afterwards. This is a reflection of yourself and what energy you moved inside of yourself---how deeply you connected. Ask yourself how you can go more deeply into the heart of your life and of this circle. Listen to yourself and growing awareness.

What a blessing is this opportunity to be together as women in community.