Most people will spend their whole lives feeling what they are allowed to feel and calling the rest overreaction or weakness. The rare ones will ask what is actually there and discover that the feelings they were most afraid to admit were the most honest things about them.
Awakening Together is beginning a new Sanctuary offering called Circling.
đź“… Thursdays (beginning August 27th)
⏰ 9:30 a.m. ET
đź“Ť Zoom Sanctuary
🧑‍🏫 Facilitated by Anne Blanchard, Kate Brennan and Rhoda Makled
Circling is a process where members of the circle choose to join in the intention to be as present as possible to what is actually arising in them, moment to moment. While all members of the circle are inherently equal, symbolized by sitting in an actual circle, there are members who have more experience both navigating and guiding others through this shared experience of undefended emotional truth-telling.
Circling typically starts with a round of check-ins by the members. This consists of sharing, not so much all the details of the story, but what it feels like to be within whatever story is playing out in life at present. The invitation at the conclusion of the check-in is to identify, if one were to do “work” today — that is, go deeper into the fullness of the current experience — what the “work” would be done on and how intense the current charge is.
The heart of Circling is when, after check-ins, a member recognizes their willingness and desire to do the work: to sit in the fire of their feelings and their current reactivity while being supported and guided to stay connected to their actual experience. Often, continued encouragement is offered to let go of conceiving of this moment as something to fix or as containing something to get rid of. Instead, the continual invitation is to simply allow and become more conscious of all the layers and expressions of sensations, emotions, and thoughts. In short, we allow the energy that’s arising to be felt so fully that it processes itself.
To support the integrity of the container, participants are asked to honor the following:
Participant Access and Expectations
All are welcome to attend with a willingness to be present, honest, respectful, and attentive to the shared container.
Because this is a confidential and intentionally held space, please arrive on time. Once check-ins begin, the room will be closed to additional participants.
- Participants should arrive on time. Once check-ins begin, the breakout room will be closed and no additional participants will be admitted.
- Participants should be told in advance that:
- The session is confidential.
- The session is not recorded or broadcast.
- The session is not therapy, counseling, medical care, addiction support, or crisis intervention.
- Each participant is responsible for their own participation and well-being.
- Participants may pass at any time.
- Participants are encouraged to listen inwardly and participate at the level that feels appropriate.
- Participants should not share another person’s process outside the circle.
Disclaimer
Circling is offered as a spiritual and self-awareness practice. It is not therapy, counseling, medical care, addiction support, or crisis intervention. Participation is voluntary, and each participant is responsible for their own well-being and level of engagement.
If you are currently in crisis or in need of mental health, medical, addiction, or other professional support, please seek assistance from a qualified professional.