Something very heartwarming, nourishing and healing happens when we gather in a circle as a group of open, conscious and like-hearted women. I find it difficult to express in words how fulfilling such soulful connecting can be. When women respectfully gather as equals, regardless of agenda or intention there is a rich opening and liberation that magically occurs. It touches my very core.
Women supporting one another
"Women instinctually know how to nourish each other,
and just being with each other is restorative."
Tanja Taljaard and Azriel Re'Shel
In the past and still today in many indigenous cultures, the idea of women coming together to listen and support one another was integral to community living. Women cooked, worked and looked after family together. The idea of the red tent where women gathered together during moontime is a beautiful tradition. In modern society there is less space for such communal support with more nuclear families and busy lives. It is something I value dearly and increasingly experience more of this wonderful connectedness in my life (while I appreciate time alone too). Supporting one another is a very important aspect of the doula role.
When women gather consciously in circle, there can be a mutual respect, listening without judging or trying to fix things that simply happens. For each woman simply being heard and held in the space by the others present is enough. The willingness to openly share and be touched by each others stories, encourages particpants to be more forthcoming and expressive.
When women gather consciously in circle, there can be a mutual respect, listening without judging or trying to fix things that simply happens. For each woman simply being heard and held in the space by the others present is enough. The willingness to openly share and be touched by each others stories, encourages particpants to be more forthcoming and expressive.
The feminine part of us is strong, empathic and compassionate. We feel our connection to Mother Earth. Being in conscious circles encourages us to connect with our wild feminine and our wholeness and supports us in expressing this more freely in our lives. It inspires and enhances my feminine creativity. A women's circle is a place where I feel accepted, valued, understood and equal. A safe place where I feel free to allow my intimacy and vulnerability be seen.
"Women forget how much we can inspire one another.
No one understands us like us."
Alex Elle
Creating a community circle
The content or aim of a group doesn't necassarily matter, though it can be useful to have a common bond or interest that unites those present. The intention may simply be to share our stories and explore what is happening in our lives with one another. There doesn't even need to be many words, it could be a dancing, meditating, singing or creativity circle. The value comes in the community spirit and connection, something that is way beyond words (which is probably why I find it difficult to articulate the value of women's circles, I knowingly feel it in my grateful heart).
I also acknowledge that it is not always plain sailing, women are strong and passionate and sometimes there will be divergence and challenges. Such challenges when openly communicated and respectfully explored offer great opportunity for personal growth and development. Sometimes it can be useful to name boundaries at the beginning of the circle, particularly if it is a new or less experienced group. It can be beneficial to name issues such as confidentiality, freedom or other things that help participants feel safe and build trust in the group and processes.
I also acknowledge that it is not always plain sailing, women are strong and passionate and sometimes there will be divergence and challenges. Such challenges when openly communicated and respectfully explored offer great opportunity for personal growth and development. Sometimes it can be useful to name boundaries at the beginning of the circle, particularly if it is a new or less experienced group. It can be beneficial to name issues such as confidentiality, freedom or other things that help participants feel safe and build trust in the group and processes.
"When women support women, incredible things happen"
If this article resonates, perhaps you feel to join or initiate a circle of your own. There are always possibilities. If you have any questions or would like to explore further, feel free to get in touch.
I acknowledge that men's groups can also be wholesome and valuable places for men to connect and explore.
With gratitude, love and blessings as we connect heart to heart, womb to womb,
Fiona
Fiona
One of my favourite ways of connecting when in circle is to sing together, this is one that encourages bonding among the sisters gathered:
We are sisters on a journey, singing now as one
Shining through the darkest night.
The healing has begun, begun,
The healing has begun.
We are sisters on a journey, shining now as one.
Remembering the ancient one,
The women and the wisdom.
The women and the wisdom.
We are sisters on a journey, watching life unfold
Sharing warmth of heart and hands.
The knowledge of the old, the old
The knowledge of the old.
We are sisters on a journey, standing at the door.
Remembering what passed long ago.
Let's turn the key once more, once more.
Let's turn the key once more.
Shining through the darkest night.
The healing has begun, begun,
The healing has begun.
We are sisters on a journey, shining now as one.
Remembering the ancient one,
The women and the wisdom.
The women and the wisdom.
We are sisters on a journey, watching life unfold
Sharing warmth of heart and hands.
The knowledge of the old, the old
The knowledge of the old.
We are sisters on a journey, standing at the door.
Remembering what passed long ago.
Let's turn the key once more, once more.
Let's turn the key once more.
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