ARTICLES & STORIES
Three
Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle
by Justine Toms
(reprinted from the Summer Solstice 2003 Millionth Circle
Quarterly Newsletter)
"Let us be companions in the quest that never ceases—the inquiry into who we are and why we are here. We remind each other of our inner truths and support each other in living our beauty. What a rare experience! To feel equally empowered to hold the circle, to question the process, to be held as vital and sacred by the others."
~From Wisdom Circles
by Charles Garfield,
Cindy Spring
and
Sedonia Cahill
Invariably when I tell someone that I've been meeting in a circle with the same people for more than twenty-two years, and another circle for more than eighteen years, they ask, "How can I have that in my life?" They are infected by my enthusiasm and are eager to hear my stories of the many ways circle has supported and changed my life for the better. Often, people who are new to this energetic feel overwhelmed about how to start a circle of their own. Taking those first steps are the biggest steps. But in truth, they are really baby steps. I find it is always the best to go for what is close to you.
Three-step advice:
1. Make the commitment to yourself and write it down
2. Put out the call
3. Be consistent
Step One: Set forth a clear intention.
Years ago I learned from Rev.
Mary Manin Morrissey that everything is born twice. First it is born
in the imagination and then it is manifested into the world. In the
beginning one must be very clear about the intention of starting a
circle. You will not know all the details, but you need to be clear
in the overall intention of meeting regularly and grow into what I
call, "friends of the heart." Instead of saying, "Having
a circle in my life is a good idea."or "Yes, I'm going to
create a circle in my life," say, "It's as good as done,
I'm going to make it so no matter what." This is the kind of
initiating energy you must create. It isn't hard work; it is having
a powerful expectation that your life will be well served for you to
meet regularly with others who are willing to be in their fullness
and authenticity. Write it down!. This explodes it into the world of
manifestation.
Step Two: Put out the call.
After you have made the inner commitment
you need to put up your sail and catch the wind, tune into other people
who want to travel this breeze with you. It doesn't take a lot of people
to begin with. In fact one or two others will be fine. There is no
complex magic about it. Talk to a friend about this idea. You may feel
awkward at first because you haven't done it, but be assured of the
fact that there is a field of energy holding you. As humans we have
been circling since the dawn of history. Check out books and web resources
that describe what sitting in circle is all about. If people turn you
down to begin with, do not be discouraged. Trust that the perfect people
will begin to show up. Remember even two people can make a circle.
It is my experience that if two people meet on a regular basis, using
circle principles, it acts as an attractor for others.
Step Three: Meet on a consistent basis.
Put your circle time in your
calendar as an important event. Keep this commitment to yourself, just
as you would a doctor's or dental appointment. When someone wants to
make an appointment with you and you look in your calendar and see
that it will conflict with your circle time, say, "No, I'm sorry,
I can't make it at that time, can you select another time?" There
will be times when you feel too tired to go. Go anyway. Push through.
Afterwards, you'll be truly delighted you went. As you respect this
sacred time, it will respect you and bring you many gifts. Being sporadic
in your meeting time will create a leaky container. Meeting consistently
builds a powerful and vitalizing bond.