In a fast-paced world where stress and disconnection seem to be the norms, the concept of women's circles offers a refreshing approach to nurturing wellbeing, mental health, and community connections.
What is a Women's Circle?
A women's circle is a safe and sacred space where women gather to utilise our voices, connect, assist, and encourage one another. It serves as a container for women to exchange their stories, wisdom, and insights in a nurturing and protected atmosphere. Women's circles have been an integral aspect of various cultures and customs over time, fostering a feeling of community and sisterhood. Within a women's circle, every woman's voice is welcomed and honoured as a 'keeper of wisdom', fostering an environment for profound listening and true expression. The circle serves as a threshold that we can cross over into, leaving behind the ways in which we are required to 'show up' in the world, creating a space where we can come as we are, without masks or the need to 'perform'.
The key feature of the circle are the women/people who gather to create it and what they wish to 'give voice too. Through rituals, ceremonies, and storytelling, women's circles provide a means for women to delve into their spirituality, creativity, and personal development. They give space to delve into themes like self-care, healing, empowerment, and social justice, with the goal of uplifting and motivating women to lead genuine lives in harmony with their authentic selves.
A Women’s Circle is a safe space where women from all walks of life can come together to share their stories, support each other, and celebrate their unique journeys. In this circle, there is no judgment, only understanding and compassion. Each meeting is an opportunity to connect on a deeper level, to listen and be heard, and to find strength in the collective wisdom of the group.
What to Expect at a Women's Circle?
Circle will often begin with a welcome & invitation to introduce yourself, the circle host/facilitator will go over circle guidelines and establish any personal ones. The space is often opened with a meditation or some inspiring/thought provoking words, from poetry, story or myth. From here the space is open for sharing our truth, stories or what's on our hearts. This is where the magic & mystery unfolds as we step out of our own way & give space to own voices (or our silence!)
There is no right or wrong way to be in circle, we welcome all forms of your expression from poetic to imperfect. You are in no way required to come and share, you are welcome to come, hold compassionate space and be witness to others, while feeling held in its container also.
One of the beautiful things about circle process, is that it is an invitation into the unknown! We might do some journalling, guided meditation, listen to music, intuitive movement or just dance. Maybe we will sit still!
Whilst their is a structure and art to circle and space holding, what happens often arises from the needs of those who have gathered to form it. Circle is a collaborative process, where we all sit as equals and as wisdom keepers.
In Circle, you are invited to come as you are, there is no need to wear a mask, nor is there a need to perform, all of you is welcome.
The Ancient Origins
Women's circles are far from a modern invention; they trace their lineage back to ancient times when women gathered in sacred spaces to share wisdom, support one another, and connect with the Divine Feminine. These gatherings, often held under the moon or in nature, played a central role in the spiritual and communal life of women across various cultures.
The tradition of women gathering in circles dates back to ancient times, with roots in African cultures stemming back to 800CE. Whether it was priestess circles in Ancient Greece, Red Tents in the Middle East, or Indigenous women's ceremonies globally, the core essence was consistent - providing a safe and supportive environment for women to express themselves, listen to each other, and find solidarity in sisterhood. These gatherings encompassed a range of activities such as storytelling, rituals, dances, and healing arts, all serving the common goal of celebrating and weaving individual narratives within a collective fabric of shared experiences.
From art, paintings and ancient relics, evidence has been retrieved showing the gathering of communities and tribes in circle, with fire playing a crucial role to its development; as we gained control of the flame, the circle grow around its warmth, light and food!
The Benefits
Research has shown that such supportive environments have tangible benefits on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting self-esteem and resilience. The act of authentic sharing and being witnessed by our peers can be a powerful antidote to the isolation and self-doubt that many women face in their daily lives.
Empowering Wellbeing and Mental Health
In a world where women often juggle multiple responsibilities and societal pressures, these gatherings offer a sanctuary of self-care, nourishment and empowerment. By engaging in deep listening, empathetic sharing, self-reflection and mutual support, women's circles become spaces where vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength. Through sharing and listening, women can gain deeper insights into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This self-awareness can lead to greater self-acceptance, self-awareness and personal growth.
Nurturing Community Wellbeing
Alongside individual healing, women's circles ripple out to create positive impacts on the wider community. As women come together to uplift each other, they also foster a sense of belonging and solidarity that transcends borders and differences. The bonds forged in these sacred yet secular circles can extend far beyond the meeting space, leading to collaborations, activism, and shared initiatives that amplify the voices of women in society.
In a world hungry for human connection and compassion, women's circles serve as beacons of hope, reminding us of the innate sisterhood that resides within us all. By fostering compassion, curiosity, respect, and inclusivity, these circles become catalysts for positive social change, inspiring a ripple effect of kindness and understanding. This can also aid us in cultivating more compassion for ourselves an others, as we recognised the common threads which connects us all.
Reduction of Stigma
By creating safe spaces void of judgement for open sharing, women's circles can help reduce stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage women to seek support. It can also support us through other societal stereotypes and expectations placed on women particularly those born of a patriarchal ideology that negatively impact many.
Embracing the Wisdom, Preserving Tradition
The collective wisdom and experiences shared in women's circles can contribute to a richer understanding of human nature and society. As we embrace the power of community, may we remember the words of an unknown sage – "When women support each other, incredible things happen."
Women's circles have been a traditional practice in numerous cultures for generations. Engaging in these communal gatherings allows women to stay connected to their cultural roots ( or to reconnect) and uphold significant traditions. In a world filled with obstacles, self-care is a precious commodity for some; community can serves as a safe haven, and women's circle can provide us as space where we can turn inward and tend to our roots.
As we honour the ancient lineage of women's circles, those who gathered this way before us and embrace their modern manifestations, we invite you to consider joining or creating a circle of your own. Whether in-person or online, these gatherings offer a profound opportunity to centre inward, tap into your inner wisdom, cultivate self-love, and contribute to the collective tapestry of feminine energy that sustains us all. May we continue to honour this ancient practice, and where needed; revive it, embracing its wisdom and reaping the benefits it bestows upon our minds, hearts, and souls.
Love & Honour Always ☥
LiLi - NATURAL MYSTIC 🕊
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