In Indigenous societies, coming together in a circle has been as natural as sitting around a fire and reflecting on shared concerns. It inspires a different quality of conversation. People tell stories and share experiences. We are more likely to speak from our hearts and listen from our hearts as well. We want to experience each other not as adversaries but as fellow human beings. We find a place where we can share what is going on with us, whatever that may be.
Circle Process brings these qualities into a modern experience. Circles offer a different way of dealing with the challenges of everyday life as well as a way of responding to the larger challenges we face so that this way of being becomes a way of life instead of a once-a-month experience. Every voice is heard and valued for its contribution to the whole, a much-needed authentic experience in our culture. We believe that well-trained Facilitators are key to supporting a Circle in its process of being a brave as well as safe space for conversation.
Though participants may not realize it at first, Circles offer a structured form of dialogue. The idea is that we can engage in difficult conversations most fruitfully when we first nurture our shared values. Setting aside time up front to build relationships based on what we have in common, Circles create a safe space for participants to express different viewpoints and strong emotions as they discuss difficult issues later on. The process is useful for both communicating and making decisions.
