The topic of a circle is only a starting point. Every circle evolves organically from there. An ideal number of people is six to eight, but it works with as few as two.

SET THE SCENE
Make a circle with floor cushions or chairs. Create a simple ‘altar’ at the center. Place a candle there, perhaps some fresh flowers and your chosen ‘talking piece.’ Before you start, explain the principles of sacred circle and how to use a talking piece. Make it clear that the circle is a safe space in which anything shared is confidential.

OPENING RITUAL
Begin with a simple ritual. Sound a bell or a chime. Light a candle or burn incense. Invite everyone to close their eyes as you speak a few words, such as: ‘I bless this circle and set the intention that every person here be empowered to discover and share more of their authentic voice for the good of all.’ Remind the circle of your chosen theme. Say it’s, ‘What brings you greatest bliss?’ Place the talking piece in the hands of a circle member and let the process begin.

SPEAK FROM YOUR HEART
As you sit in circle, waiting for the talking piece, you may have an urge to rehearse what you will say. Resist it. Instead, listen attentively to what others are sharing. Dare to risk having nothing to say when your turn comes. When you receive the talking piece, spend a moment in the silence. Connect with your heart. See what, if anything, comes to you. Speaking in circle is not about making an impression. It’s about being honest and expressing your personal truth. When you do, you set up a field of intention in which others are encouraged to do the same. It’s an exciting experience.

HONOR THE SILENCE
You may find that nothing comes. If so, honor your silence and simply pass the talking piece on to the next person. Silence can sometimes be our most authentic contribution.

LISTEN FROM THE DEPTHS
Heart-centered listening is a powerful practice for personal and social transformation. In ordinary conversation we compete for attention. We often interrupt someone before we really hear what they say. Or we reinterpret their words to suit our own beliefs. Learning to honor and receive what another is saying in silence, even if you disagree with their views, can impact every relationship in your life. As the Quakers say: ‘To listen a soul into disclosure and discovery is the greatest service one human being can do for another.’

PASS THE TALKING PIECE
Depending on the number of people in your circle, and how much time you have, you may want to set a limit of say two minutes for each person’s sharing. This helps balance the circle. Two or three rounds with the talking piece works well. Bring it all to a close with a “gratitude round” where each participant gives thanks for whatever she’s grateful for. Close by asking that the blessings of the circle be shared with all life.

"If the only prayer you say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice."  Meister Eckhart

You might like to set up an on-going circle group that meets once every couple of weeks with the intention of each participant moving towards greater freedom, self-expression, creativity and joy.