Great Discussion! Thank you all for the ideas, thoughts, and questions it has my mind wandering in healthy places!
In my research, the circle, or council, is an ancient form of meeting that has gathered human beings into respectful conversation for thousands of years since fire was invented! Ive always used circles as a form in my work from restorative justice circles in Hawaii, dialogue circles in Newfoundland, to Open Space circles in Alaska, Siberia, Canada, and wherever I can! Often, the circle offers the process (the way of being together in conversation) and the intention of the group offers the content. There have been discussions around a circle among business colleagues and a circle among family members that may have similar rituals of opening and closing, but very different content, while some circles may share similar content with very different rituals. Whatever the setting, what makes a meeting into a circle is the willingness of people to shift from informal socializing or opinionated discussion into a receptive attitude of thoughtful speaking and deep listening. Some forms use forms in the middle of the circle to signify intention. Thanks Don for referring to the circle as your friend in the process pretty well articulates it for me! cheers Judi Judith Richardson, M.A. www.ponoconsultants.com www.emergentfeminine.com Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (902) 434-6695 * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
