Group Work -
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I deeply believe, given the right circumstances such as a safe and structured container, clear guidelines and a willingness to explore what it means to show up with an open heart, peace and harmony can be restored in even the most complex situations and relationships.
It has been over a decade since I have been introduced to the concept of listening and speaking in circles by one of my mentors Corinna Stevenson, a Metis Elder. At that time I attended a
workshop called
"The Principles of the Peace Keepers".
I was exposed to various examples of being in circle and one thing struck me in all of them...
I noticed how my heart would just open, even if I felt apprehensive towards some people at first. There was some kind of magic that happened within the space of these circles.
I was deeply intrigued.
I have witnessed countless situations that felt not short of miracles to me since. I have seen people who were angry at each other speak their truth courageously and yet vulnerably and have seen barriers dissolve as opponents witnessed each other speak about their true feelings, from the heart. This is where I believe the magic lies, within the heart.
If there is a safe container provided, our hearts have a tremendous ability to move through challenges and restore peace and harmony.
In Circle we use these 5 Principles:
This way of sharing, of resolving conflict and of creating greater intimacy has become one of my guiding compasses in life. I have used it personally as well as in groups or to support others in conflict resolutions.
And I am deeply grateful for those who have shared these teachings with me as well as those who were willing to try them out.
If you would like to read up on this, here is a book I would recommend:
Way of Council by Zach Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle
It has been over a decade since I have been introduced to the concept of listening and speaking in circles by one of my mentors Corinna Stevenson, a Metis Elder. At that time I attended a
workshop called
"The Principles of the Peace Keepers".
I was exposed to various examples of being in circle and one thing struck me in all of them...
I noticed how my heart would just open, even if I felt apprehensive towards some people at first. There was some kind of magic that happened within the space of these circles.
I was deeply intrigued.
I have witnessed countless situations that felt not short of miracles to me since. I have seen people who were angry at each other speak their truth courageously and yet vulnerably and have seen barriers dissolve as opponents witnessed each other speak about their true feelings, from the heart. This is where I believe the magic lies, within the heart.
If there is a safe container provided, our hearts have a tremendous ability to move through challenges and restore peace and harmony.
In Circle we use these 5 Principles:
- We Listen from the Heart - as others speak their truth
- We Speak from the Heart - about our own experience only
- We use Spontaneity - we don't plan ahead and trust what moves though us at the moment in time when its our turn to speak
- We use Brevity - we use words with care and don't ramble on to fill the space or to have any agenda with our words
- We use Confidentiality - keeping confidential all that has been spoken is a big part of creating safety and sacredness
This way of sharing, of resolving conflict and of creating greater intimacy has become one of my guiding compasses in life. I have used it personally as well as in groups or to support others in conflict resolutions.
And I am deeply grateful for those who have shared these teachings with me as well as those who were willing to try them out.
If you would like to read up on this, here is a book I would recommend:
Way of Council by Zach Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle
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