Women’s circles have a long history. Women have been gathering in circles since the beginning of time to share stories, ideas and experiences, and to connect on a deeper level with like-minded women.
Often the women drawn to a women’s circle (or sister circle or goddess circle), are women who are experiencing their own awakening or personal transformation. Women who are asking deeper questions of themselves, seeking deeper connection, and are wanting to bring awareness to their inner emotional and mental world in a more conscious way.
What is a women’s circle really like? My experience.
To fully appreciate the power of a women’s circle, it has to be experienced
The first time I ever attended a Women’s circle I was initially nervous as I didn’t really know what to expect. Unfamiliar with women’s circles I was anxious that I would say or do the wrong thing, and was wondering if I was “spiritual” enough to be there.
I trusted that whatever had guided me past mere curiosity and googling “what is a women’s circle”, to purchasing my ticket, to showing up in my host’s loungeroom, meant that I was supposed to be here. So I might as well lean in to the experience. Under the heartfelt guidance of my circle host I approached my first women’s circle experience with openness, curiosity and playfulness.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A WOMEN’S CIRCLE
I arrived to my host’s home and was warmly greeted by her. I hadn’t met my Host in person but we had a mutual friend and I had followed her online and resonated with her message. I was directed to choose a spot in the circle, and was shown where to put my personal belongings. I made myself a cup of tea and mingled with other women present for a few minutes as we waited for the other circle participants to arrive.
We took our chosen seats (a pillow on the floor) and the circle was opened with an intention for the evening. We did a short body and breath meditation to ground us into the space, and were invited to share our names and how we were feeling. Our host expertly guided us through the evening, and as the night progressed I felt myself relaxing and opening up.
The evening consisted of group sharing, journaling, partner sharing and a mindful flower ritual that we did together. During the sharing aspect of the circle a “talking stick” was passed around and each woman had the opportunity to and share and reflect on what was coming up for her. It was powerful to be witnessed with such presence, and without interruption. The evening was closed with a grounding meditation and some group singing.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF A WOMEN’S CIRCLE
Women who began the night as strangers, all shared a deep connection as we expressed our truth and listened to each other share. As each woman shared, I could see parts of my own story reflected in her words. I was awed and humbled by the vulnerability and authenticity of what was shared, but also by the overwhelming support and love that was present. Women supporting women.
In a society where we as women are often pitted against each other on looks and achievements and are societally programmed to judge and compare, it was empowering to see that we all face similar challenges and struggles. Being present in a Women’s circle you are empowered to show up as yourself fully, dropping all masks and pretense, to be fully seen and heard. Connecting within, and with other women on a deeper level.
Women’s Circles offer a safe and gentle space for women of all ages and backgrounds to come together and share. When you join other women in circle, you are held in the nurturing power of the collective energy and are empowered to share openly, and to witness other women doing the same. There is power in shared vulnerability.
I loved my initial women’s circle experience so much, that afterwards I became a circle regular with my initial host, and attended other women’s circle events offered by other hosts. The circles varied in format and content each time, but I felt significant energetic and practical shifts in awareness after each one, and I met some wonderful new friends too.
EXPERIENCE A MELBOURNE WOMEN’S CIRCLE FOR YOURSELF
I believe in the transformative power of Women’s circles so much that in February 2018 I did a week long intensive circle training in order to facilitate and host women’s circles in my community.
If you would like to join me at my next circle in Melbourne then check out my women’s circle events here. I would love to hold space for you to experience the transformative power of a women’s circle.
And if you have any lingering questions, please get in touch!
