A circle of lovely, quiet people becomes the ring on my finger. ~ Rumi
Yesterday, I offered a workshop that was an introduction to circle process, a very adaptable and collaborative conversational methodology that I use in many settings.
The first part was informational. I gave people the basic principles, practices, and tools. The second part was experiential. We held a real council around real questions.
Our first round of listening to one another was based on, “Please tell us a story about a conversation you’ve been part of that carried heart and meaning for you. What made that conversation different than others?” Even though this particular configuration of people had never been before, the sharing was honest and oftentimes moving. The second round grew out of the first, responding to, “What do these stories teach us about conscious, collaborative, circle-based conversations?” I could almost see the creative sparks behind people’s eyes as they spoke.
Two things stuck with me from yesteryday’s gathering. First, taking time to slow down and really be with one another is so simple, yet it’s so vital if we want to remain connected. Whether seated in a formal council circle, chatting with a friend on the sidewalk, or calling somone we haven’t seen in a while, the intentional effort to slow down and make time for each other instead of making drive-by comments and sound-bite reports makes us feel good and strengthens the web of community. Second, the moments of silence were delicious. There were times when we simply waited to notice if anyone needed so say anything more. Everyone’s comfort with the pauses reminded me that we don’t always need to be filling each other’s ears with every thought that enters our minds. We can simply be in one another’s presence, savouring the quiet.
All of this makes me think that it would be helpful for me to start up a council of silence, perhaps one per season. We could light a candle, check in with one another verbally, then sit in silence for 45 minutes or so. The circle could end with a brief check-out, then we’d extinguish the candle. Simple and presence-making.
I’m grateful to all who participated in yesterday’s circle process workshop. You’ve heartened me and you’ve helped to plant a seed of something fresh and quiet.
Just reading about your workshop makes my day look and feel brighter. Thank you for sharing. And I love the idea for your “council of silence”. Might just have to borrow that one. with your permission, of course.
Please do borrow it! It’s meant to be something that ripples into our world.
Thank you James for a lovely heart centered afternoon yesterday. It was good to slow down and breathe deeply and to really recognize the healing powers in our interactions and conversations. It is so good to be listened to, especially when we may feel that our experiences or ways of interacting with life are ‘different’ from other peoples’. Yet it is in embracing our uniqueness that creativity can flow.
The circle has room for a lot, Barbara. It’s not always easy to find out how each thing fits with the other, but the circle holds that finding out well. It was an honour to have you with us!
This sounds like a place I would be happy to be. Blessings, Tamara
Me too, Tamara. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have a few “cells” of silent councils around the city?
Hi James
Thank you for hold space so graciously.
I am so inspired from being in the circle with you and all the lovely sharing hearts. I felt held a supportive embrace the whole time.
Silence is so evolutionary and I’d be energised by being part of any quiet circle. I believe the checkout after the silence could be deep and full of surprise.. hey who knows, we got to try it!
I invoke the ring on the finger in my own life.
Hugs,
Joanne
Hi Joanne.
You’re very welcome. What do feel contributed most to feeling that supportive embrace in the group?
May all the circles we need be invoked into being!
Hugs back to you,
James
Yes to the Council of Silence! A brilliant idea poetically stated. There was some interesting research done, I believe by the Fetzer Institute, on what created resonance and effectiveness in a group and time for silence was a key ingredient.
I’m getting the idea that this is something that’s being called for, whether consciously or unconsciously, Carolyn. Thank you for another confirmation of this. Let’s see what each of us can bring to our own communities.