She walks alone in the
desert. Hot, exhausted, she alternately experiences pangs of
hunger,
loneliness,
and anxiety.
Coming over a hill, not
sure she can go much further without collapse, she sees a
blessed oasis in the
distance. There is a crackling fire encircled by people. It looks
nurturing,
inviting, and restful.
Though a bit timid, she
steps her way to the circle, and finds a place already prepared
for her. Fed
and
encouraged to rest, it takes some time before she is able to be part
of the
group.
The man seated next to
her looks over with an expression of welcome, openness and
warm compassion. He asks her story -- How she comes to be in the circle? The woman
has the
sense of truly being seen.
The rest of the group is
talking, but it’s not really a conversation or exchange. It's
something
different.
There are periods of silence, some short, some long. Periodically,
someone
speaks an idea, a feeling,
an observation, or a desire. The others do not
respond directly.
There is no attempt to
convert others to a point of view. The participants receive the
speaking as
though the words are a new log being added to the fire. Over time, the fire
actually burns larger and
brighter, as though the circle is expanding in strength because of
the
speaking – because of the listening.
Occasionally the woman
adds a 'log' to the fire. Her thoughts begin to move rapidly -- new
ideas
pass in
quick succession. It is like being a surfer carried on a fast moving wave.
She is
exhilarated, energized --
no longer tired or anxious. She is part of the circle.
No one feels time pass.
Then it is time to go home. The circle is disbanding for now. All are
saddened and
excited, because each will go home and apply newfound ideas in individual
ways.
There has been no
closure, no problem solving, no consensus, and yet there is absolute
confidence
that this circle will result in solutions at home. She leaves the circle
knowing it is
always with her, and
that she will return.
Marybeth Fidler 1991
Circles are an ancient form of relating. They:
Are an adventure – a journey into the unknown.
Are a container inviting the spirit of the community to be present and be received.
Involve a mystery of spirit that cannot be described or predicted.
Promise the healing that comes from putting personal
stories, yours and mine, side by side
allowing them to speak to one another.
Give us the chance to experience and become aware of what
works and what does not work
in our attempt to be in community.
Call up from within, an authentic expression of self.
Promise revitalization and hope.