CIRCLES
Singing is Alejandra from Uruguay
Click on the PDF below
for some Basic Guidelines
for Calling a Circle
(from PeerSpirit)
Why a Circle?
We know that the circle is the most ancient way for human beings to come together. In circle, there is no hierarchy and no separation. With a vase of colorful flowers on a beautiful scarf in the center, or some other object of beauty or meaning, we create a focal point. In very large gatherings, we use our ingenuity to create the sense of connection and intention that circle brings.
Within GTW, we come together to examine our beliefs and their origins. We help each other recognize who we are now, and who we would like to become. Together, we explore changes we would like to effect in the world. The possibilities are infinite when women are inspired and encouraged by each other. We also find support and renewed energy in circle for what we are doing in our lives.
A GTW circle can be involved in the bigger picture of activism, but there does not have to be a specific agenda, other than to be inspired, affirmed, and/or empowered. The circle can also simply be a safe place for renewal. GTW encourages gathering in circles for the betterment and empowerment of ourselves and all women.
Gather the Women has many circles in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Portugal,
the Canary Islands, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Israel, Germany, Denmark,
Uganda, Zimbabwe and in Australia.
Pictured from left: Pat, Tu Bears, Lisa and Dawn
"Working Circle" at the 2019 GTW Annual Gathering in Maine.
GTW Circle Principles
All GTW activities and offering are guided by the following Circle Principles.
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Gather the Women Circles welcome diverse perspectives, offer a sacred center to hold space for the spirit of the Circle and an intentional Rim to embrace the energy created.
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Gather the Women Circles encourage the use of a talking piece for each Sister’s voice or her silence to be heard in the Circle. We practice deep listening, refrain from side conversations and comments, and we do not offer advice.
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A Circle offers a safe place for women to share their personal experiences.
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A Circle Guardian may use a sounding device to call for a pause for moments of reflection and to re-center the circle.
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Gather the Women acknowledges that there is a leader in every chair and each Sister is responsible for the health of the Circle.
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Personal information shared in Gather the Women Circles remains confidential.
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Gather the Women leadership understands that ours is not the only way or a better way. Ours is simply another way.
Opportunities to Join in Circle
Over the years, we have literally created the global matrix our Founding Mothers envisioned. You are invited to attend all of the circles and we look forward to seeing you there.
Circle of Stones
Monday-Sunday (7 Days a Week) 8:00-8:45 am PT
Wednesday and Friday at 5:30-6:15 pm PT
How might your life be different if you had a place to share your truth, to be heard with love and respect? Come to one or more of the Circles. There is no roll-call, just drop in to speak or be honored in silence.
Circle Conversations
2nd Monday of the month at 9:00-10:30 am PT
This circle covers topics related to leading and/or being in circle. There is a presenter and breakout circles are used for further discussion.
Sage Sisters
2nd Tuesday of the month at 10:00-11:00 am PT
This circle provides women with sacred access to guidance from our experience and understanding of Circle practice. Whether you are new to the practice of Circle or desiring to expand your understanding and awareness of sitting in Circle or perhaps having the intention of hosting a Circle, we invite you to experience as well as explore all aspects of the Circle process.
The Long Walk
Every Sunday at 4:00 pm PT on the GTW Zoom Line
Gather the Women has created The Long Walk, so named because, throughout our days, weeks, months, and years of sitting in Sacred Circle, we become part of the Long Walk of our lives together as we continue to walk each other Home with deep listening, understanding, non-judgment, and love.
The Long Walk has a predetermined topic each week and participants can share on the topic through their own personal stories, insights, and self-discoveries. These will be stories shared at the heart level, not head teachings. Topics will be announced in the GTW newsletter.
Turning of the Wheel
This Circle meetings on or near each Solstice or Equinox. Watch for announcements to appear in our Newsletter.
For Privacy reasons we are not publishing the Zoom login information to protect all women who attend the Circles. We invite you to sign up for the GTW Newsletter and join the GTW Facebook Group.
There you will find the log in information to join any of the Circles on Zoom.
Or, you can email us at gtw.circlequestions@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there.
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Gather the Women Global Matrix has more Sisters sitting in circles around the world than ever before.
All you need to do is show up, bring your talking piece and put your voice or your silence into Circle.
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Welcome Home, Sister. We have been waiting for you!
