What is a Circle?

Circle is an ancient practice that has been used in many contexts and many cultures for thousands of years. It is still a living practice in many traditional societies, where talking circles have been the traditional way to manage community and solve problems, both individual ones and group issues. In recent decades, Circles have been reintroduced to the western world in a multitude of contexts (schools, prisons, corporate board rooms, etc.), because they are extremely effective at removing the barriers that usually keep people feeling disconnected from one another, and allow people to express themselves with complete freedom. Simply put, the circle is a space where humans can experience the power of connecting deeply with others. The symbolism of the Circle, with no beginning and with nobody in a position of prominence, serves to encourage people to speak freely and honestly about things that are on their minds, while others are learning to respectfully hold space for them. It is a giving and enriching process for all involved.

The Circle process differs from other group gatherings because of the following necessary elements:

  • The Circle Keeper

A Circle Keeper facilitates and serves as the steward of the circle. He/she is not responsible for solving problems or for controlling the group. The keeper’s role is to initiate and maintain a respectful and safe space, and to engage participants in sharing responsibility for the shared space and purpose.

  • The Talking Piece

The talking piece is a selected item that is passed around the circle one person at a time. The person holding the talking piece is the only one speaking, and does so from the heart while the rest of the Circle listens to that person with an open heart. Everyone in the circle has an opportunity to speak, and everyone has the right to pass the talking piece without speaking.

  • The Center of the Circle

Centers bring people together and offer a common focus point. A Circle center can be simple or elaborate, and will always support the purpose of the particular Circle.

  • Common Values

At the beginning of every Circle, the group decides collectively and by consensus on values that the group will agree to honour when in circle. These can include respect, compassion, honesty, confidentiality, no-judging, etc.