"I believe we can change the world if we start listening to each other. Simple, honest, human conversation. Not mediation, negotiation, problem-solving, debate, or public meetings. Simple truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard, and we listen well." ~ Margaret Wheatly
Dear and Wise Sisters and Brothers,
Dear and Wise Sisters and Brothers,
These times seem to call for more safe places for us to gather and connect more deeply - both with each other and with ourselves - especially in genuinely heart-centered ways…
A Wisdom Circle is a sacred space to speak from the heart...and to be seen, heard and witnessed in a profound way, that's rarely available elsewhere…
...with the knowing that whatever's shared will not only be held in the strictest confidence, but will also be received with respect and reverence...without judgement or interruption...and with comments, questions or advice only by speaker's request….
…and, thereby, together - in the old ways - higher and mysterious parts of ourselves and our truths emerge…
...sentiments and wisdom surfacing and flowing from us…sometimes in ostensibly magical ways....often in ways we couldn't have imagined before we took the opportunity to speak into such a powerfully safe and time-honored ritual space….
[ The late Terence McKenna spoke of an "archaic revival": As the dysfunctional and unsustainable systems on which our current society is built inevitably break down, we go back in history in search of time-tested wisdom...more organic and healthy practices and systems that allow us to course-correct and that can sustain us going forward. I believe the Native Council/Wisdom Circle community/ritual will serve us in this way. ]
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Have you noticed that humans think better, and feel more deeply, when they're being compassionately listened to without judgment or agenda? Yet, how regularly do most of us receive this - if ever…?
We'll use a (virtual) "Talking Stick" to hold space for you to be heard in the traditional, indigenous way of "The Council" or "The Wisdom Circle" — without interruption, agenda or comment. However, you never need speak unless you so choose: You get to decide how you show up in the circle. You are fully welcome, and a full participant in this community, even if you're nourished and connect solely by giving others the gift of your compassionate attention.
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"The power of the Circle...recognition of sacred space through ritual, the creation together of relational covenants to guide how we treat each other, the use of a talking piece to give everyone voice and promote good speaking and good listening, and a circle of collective wisdom where everyone is equally responsible for the outcome." ~ Tom Porter, Peace and Justice, United Methodist Church
"And let me tell you this for sure, and I know this from my life, I know this, from again, from 20 years of research, and 400,000 pieces of data. If you don't name what you're feeling, if you don't own the feelings, and feel them, they will eat you alive." ~ Brené Brown
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Would it be a balm to our isolated hearts and souls — during this time of unnatural and mandated social distancing — to experience the feelings of profound compassion that come when we recognize our soul's reflection in another...when that other person's pain or joy or solutions become our own...when the voice of spirit speaking through them touches us in surprisingly poignant ways...illuminating, inspiring and uplifting us all in unity…?
Is it worth our time and energy to be of service and solace to each other by simply giving the gift of our undivided attention and non-judgmental listening…and for us to receive the same in kind...?
…to experience "new bonds of kinship and belonging" as an antidote to fear and isolation…?
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Should you be feeling this call within you, then perhaps the time has come to remember the circle…to bring back one of the old ways…to resurrect some of this ancient and time-tested wisdom, power and magic...in a format apropos to the lifestyles and crises of today...and thereby bring this way of gathering back into our consciousness, into our lives, and into community….
Please gather with us to pass the virtual talking piece and take turns flowing loving attention to each other...each to use in our own way…and, perhaps, to speak to our basic inquiry: "How can we best survive, hope, dream, serve, support each other, and carry on during this time of global tumult?"
Details:
Light guidance and facilitation will be given on Wisdom Circle etiquette and guidelines to create and maintain a traditional, safe and powerful container. There will be a silent, meditative space to reflect and go within, a bio break midway through the 2 hour ceremony, and optional, open social time after the ritual space is closed. Optional, provocative, introspective inquires and prompts may be offered, borne from the landscape of the times in which we find ourselves, for anyone who happens to feel stumped or desires a bit of direction on what to talk about.
The power of a Wisdom Circle grows and matures over time. As we get to know each other and bond, the trust builds. As we learn how to both hold space for each other, as well how to best use the caring, kinship and attention available to us, the experience deepens for all. As such, the intention is for this to be a regularly-scheduled, on-going community upon which each of us can rely.
Like a sprinkler system that goes off automatically by timer, the circle can become a regular source of "watering the needs of our spirit and psyche" (connection, wisdom, belonging, support, etc). From experience, I know it can become a solid fixture of strength, growth and rejuvenation for us. When we decide to show up regularly, our investment in the community can pay huge dividends when we need them most!
The power of a Wisdom Circle grows and matures over time. As we get to know each other and bond, the trust builds. As we learn how to both hold space for each other, as well how to best use the caring, kinship and attention available to us, the experience deepens for all. As such, the intention is for this to be a regularly-scheduled, on-going community upon which each of us can rely.
Like a sprinkler system that goes off automatically by timer, the circle can become a regular source of "watering the needs of our spirit and psyche" (connection, wisdom, belonging, support, etc). From experience, I know it can become a solid fixture of strength, growth and rejuvenation for us. When we decide to show up regularly, our investment in the community can pay huge dividends when we need them most!
Experience (so you know you're in good hands :)
I'm currently studying with a successful community in Portugal (Tamera) on creating vibrant, healthy, harmonious, and truly supportive and sustainable community and culture, that serve not just the highest good of its members, but also the highest good of all life.
Also trained as an emotional counselor, trainer/facilitator and professional life coach, I've served for over a decade in each of those capacities, in both one-on-one and group contexts (including leading a men's group for several years).
I also bring experience living and studying with indigenous shamans, healers, elders, and communities in Ecuador, The Philippines, and the US…and from creating and facilitating an in-person Wisdom Circle that continued for 7 years, and has recently re-united in an online format. (This original circle was based on what I learned in those indigenous realms, as well as on the modern principles set forth in the book, Wisdom Circles: A Guide to Self Discovery and Community Building in Small Groups.)
I witnessed immense healing, growth and support for all members of that original circle...as well as the on-going blessings of deep bonds of community and friendship forged amongst the members of that group that have continued, for over two decades, to this day…. It's with a similar hope and aspiration that you'll be similarly nourished and supported by this new Wisdom Circle that I now offer my experience and service…and extend to you this warm invitation:
We would cherish the gift of your heart wisdom, compassionate ear, and beautiful presence at our next Wisdom Circle! Please join us - and/or pass this along to someone you think would be interested - and let's figure out how to best support each other and move forward together!!
In service, solace, and solidarity,
Rich
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Thoughts for Today:
It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
Connection is why we're here. It's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. This is what it's all about. What we know [from decades of research in multiple fields] is that the ability to feel connected is how we're wired neuro-biologically, it's why we're here. ~ Brené Brown
It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
Connection is why we're here. It's what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. This is what it's all about. What we know [from decades of research in multiple fields] is that the ability to feel connected is how we're wired neuro-biologically, it's why we're here. ~ Brené Brown
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