Women’s Circles
Get connected by joining a women’s circle that suits you
Throughout history, women have had a tradition of gathering in the round to discuss their hopes, struggles, secrets, or just their days. From prehistoric gatherings around a campfire to candlelit ceremonies in modern yoga studios, women’s circles are a timeless image of sacred connection. Moon circles (a practice of gathering with other women on a new or full moon) can be traced back to 800 A.D., and the concept of “talking circles”, borrowed from Native American tradition, is now used in everything from therapy groups to prayer circles to activist meetings. Today, women around the world are putting their own spin on women’s circles by centering them around common goals, activities, or experiences.
While a typical circle might involve intention setting, facilitated discussion, and sharing, there are no hard and fast rules and circles can be as vibrant and varied as the women who attend them. At their core, though, circles depend on three important tenets: Trust, connectedness, and growth.
Circles of trust
By nature, circles are non-hierarchical. While there may be a facilitator, equal regard is given to each person’s voice and insights. This judgement-free zone creates a powerful opportunity for participants to truly hear one another and become aware of different points of view. In her book, The Magic of Circlework, Jalaja Bonheim shares an example of how circlework has helped women from Jerusalem and Palestine bridge understanding and move towards reconciliation after years of protracted conflict. It should be implicitly understood that what is shared within a circle, stays in the circle. This encourages vulnerability and genuine connection that enable participants to talk to each other in an honest way. Jalaja believes that what makes women’s circles so special is that they are safe spaces to share and be heard, experience genuine connection, build a support network and learn from other women’s experiences; something many of us are missing in our lives.
Circles of connectedness
As humans, our need to feel connected to other people is one of our biggest drivers, and yet loneliness is reaching epidemic proportions across the globe.
Misty Maree Goodgame, the founder of a women’s monthly moon circle, explains that often the connections we have with other people can feel shallow and rushed, as we dart from meeting to coffee date, to phone call. In contrast, circles, “create spaces for deeper, more meaningful conversations.”
“The conversations that take place in the circle, are slower, and more intentional. Circles create a safe space to explore and share your inner world with other women in a supportive environment.“
Circles of growth
Authentic connectedness can be a powerful thing, and women’s circles have often facilitated healing and growth both internally and within society. Circles (or “consciousness-raising groups,” as they were called at the time) were one of the key tools used in the Women’s Liberation Movement. These circles saw small groups of women gather to discuss a variety of topics such as abortion and pay inequality and propelled them to organise and raise awareness.
Many of today’s circles are similarly centered around creating an impact in our communities. Ladies Circle International, for example, sees women all over the world connect to support worthy causes, with local chapters meeting regularly to discuss their progress.
Of course, the biggest impact we can have on the world will always start within. That’s where circles’ greatest strength lies. It is nearly impossible to interact vulnerably and authentically with others doing the same and not find ways to grow as a human being.
“There is something really empowering and healing about gathering with other strong women and being uplifted by them,” says circle participant Megan Jones.
“When one woman shares, it paves the way for you to be open and vulnerable too.”
Ultimately, for many women attending a circle; taking this time for themselves can be an act of self-care.
Finding your circle
There is a perfect circle for everyone, but it might not be easy to find. Consider what you want out of a group and then look to your community for a circle that will fill your needs.
If you’re looking for spiritual growth, you might enjoy a moon circle. Modern moon circles include meditation, journaling, the reciting of positive affirmations, and the opportunity for women to open up in a supportive environment.
Lean-in circles are more career-focused and attract busy working professionals who support and empower each other to reach their goals. Typically, these circles can include group learning, goal-setting, and discussion of topics such as negotiation and gender-bias at work.
There is no end to the kinds of circles you could encounter, from wellness circles to knitting circles, and if you can’t find one that suits you, then you can always start your own. It might take time, but the slow growth is worth it.
Circles are an important part of our history and our future. They foster growth and catharsis that can be hard to find on our own. Most of all they allow us the chance to know and be authentically known. To support and be authentically supported.
Jalaja puts it best when she says, “In these times of turbulence, transition and transformation, we simply cannot do without the resources of courage, wisdom, and strength [that circles] give us access to.”