Circling is a group communication practice.

Part conversation, part meditation, in each circle we ask ourselves, “What is it like to be here, with each other, right now?”

What is Circling?

(Video courtesy of Circling Europe)

What Happens in a Circle?

There exists a world of possibilities in each circle, with no two circles being alike. However, each circle follows a similar format:

  • We sit or stand in a circle (hence the name) for 20-50 minutes.
  • Each circle starts with the facilitator setting context and explaining the process. When everyone knows what the rules are and what to expect, we can all engage more fully.
  • The facilitator guides participants through a short individual meditation. By bringing awareness to our own sensations, we’re more able to observe our reaction to other group members.
  • From here, we’ll do one of two things:
    • In a “Birthday Circle”, we all put our attention on one participant. While our attention may shift to other group members, we keep returning to the one person (In the same way that, at a birthday party, everyone gets to participate, but we’re all gathered to celebrate one person).
    • In an “Organic Circle”, our attention moves “organically” between participants.
  • In each case, the facilitator will guide the conversation and encourage input from group members. The facilitator might ask questions, offer observations, or describe their emotional response. Each facilitator brings their own unique style to the group – some are more hands-on, others give the group more space.
  • Rather than talking about past events or abstract philosophy, we keep the conversation grounded in present-moment experience.
  • Once time’s up, we’ll debrief as a group for 5-10 minutes. This is a chance to zoom out, and share our experience of the circle as a whole, without going back into the “content” or the circle. It’s also a time for more experienced participants to “talk shop”, and discuss circling technique.

Why Circle?

Have you ever had a conversation with a good friend, where time slipped away, and you walked away feeling stimulated, inspired, nourished, or deeply understood? All of these experiences are possible (but not guaranteed) in a circle. When a group places caring, empathetic attention on us, we can uncover blind spots, and see the “water that we’re swimming in”.

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