CIRCLE CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER
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From: Rhonda H.
Date: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 8:04 PM
Subject: Circle Connections Newsletter
ID: 272245
Untitled Document
August 20, 2011 |
Volume 1 Issue 6 |
In This Issue
~ Circle Connections Update
~ Circle Story
~ Circle Tips
~ More on Circles
~ Event's Diary
~ Share this Newsletter
Welcome to Circle Connections Newsletter
Vol 1 Issue 6 ~ edited by Rhonda Hull ~ www.circleconnections.com
Circle Connections Update
Circle Connections is changing, growing and evolving! There's nothing better than connecting in person to
experiencing the power of Circle, however more and more find it becoming ecologically and economically challenging.
We hope to offer you the next best thing. Coming in October we will be bringing you the intimacy and power of a
Circle experience online. Using the latest in Teleconferencing, we will offer a virtual TeleCircles Event, Make a
Difference and Thrive.
In order to better serve you and keep you informed about this and other upcoming Circle events and
offerings, we are changing our email system. We value your connection with you and don't want you to miss anything,
so please take a moment to visit our website at http://www.circleconnections.com. Once on our site, you will find
on the right a purple opt-in box. Please in-put you name and email and sign up (again) to become a member.
This small step will keep you in our database AND in appreciation, you will receive a FREE download,
"How to Make a Difference and Thrive Using Circles". Thanks, and please do it
right now before you forget.
Thanks for remaining a valued member of our Circle Connections Community.
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by Bonnie Kelly, Imagine the Good
(We invite you to submit your 300 word circle story for consideration to
rhonda@circleconnections.com)
It is my great pleasure to report on a women's event that took place in San Francisco (April 28-May 1, 2011)
that I think contributed greatly to women learning to trust each other, as sister allies, on a planetary adventure
and mission together.
The name of the event was "The Alchemy of our Spiritual Leadership" and it was
beautifully orchestrated by Women of Spirit and
Faith. Please go to their website to read more about them.
My article below is more of an emotional rendering, rather than a clinical
report on the event. I was very moved and I need to write about this gathering from a personal point of view. The
wonderful website is www.womenofspiritandfaith.org
I am using the word "alchemy" (in the title) for a special reason, in as much as this meeting
gave me a fresh understanding of what alchemy means. I remember reading about it being used in ancient times,
referring to a rather simple metal substance being transformed into gold, or something more precious. That's about
all I knew of alchemy, and yet the word always fascinated me.
The definition used in the program was "transmuting a common substance, usually of little value, into
a substance of great value." Well, let me tell you about the great value of this meeting itself. The basic
orientation of the conference was to bring women who think of themselves as having "spiritual
perspectives" ( I am one of them, a die hard devotee of this word), together with women of various and diverse
faith traditions.
It was an extraordinary melange of women. We came with curiosity and deep respect for the values, voices
and beliefs of every woman present. In fact we were (are) all leaders with unique gifts that are urgently needed at
this time. We were whole parts and we were The Whole. Both/And. And -- we adapted respectfully, even reverently at
times, to the newness of each other. We knew collectively that our unique patterns of knowing are parts of a larger
pattern of feminine wisdom and we listened earnestly, respectfully, always realizing we come from a place of deep
wisdom within. It was so very feminine. A delight.
I myself loved having the opportunity to step into an inside view of meeting women who are in service to
certain faith disciplines that I admire hugely, but don't understand completely. I listened to them a lot. I wanted
to bow at everyone's feet in the room, because each one of all of us, are aware of the miracle moment in human
history we're living in, and breathing in, together. We are The Ones we've been waiting for.
As I said, please go to their website.
Read about the sensitive work these foundational organizing women are doing. The planet is very fortunate to have
women coming into leadership these days. We're ready, and we love this work. As Joan of Ark said, "I am not
afraid. I was born for this."
Bonnie Kelley
Filmmaker, in partnership with Cheryl Gould
Documentary: The Heart to Lead, Women as Allies for the Greater Good.
www.imaginethegood.com |
Planning and Facilitation of a Circle Gathering
submitted by Ann Smith
ann@circleconnections.com
First, it is wise to have everyone serving on the planning circle agree to use Circle Principles.
I highly recommend using 'win/win' communications especially when a conflict arises. When someone is upset
with one or more circle planning members they need to go directly to those members. They may go to another member
for help in collecting their thoughts and practicing 'win/win' communications. Aggressive, passive aggressive and
passive behavior destroys healthy communications and group dynamics. These behaviors must be stopped.
It is important to make decisions by consensus when ever possible although there are times when a decision
needs to be made before all the planners have a chance to come to consensus. When these quick decisions are
unavoidable, the 'point people' for the planners use their best understanding of the shared mission and objectives,
holding the highest and best for all in mind. The decision and process are communicated to the whole group, and if
they need to be changed this can be done with group consensus.
If people on the planning circle do not follow the agreed upon Circle Principles, in doing so they
self-select to be invited to leave the planning circle. This can be a painful experience for all involved, and yet
necessary for healthy group dynamics.
Start and end each planning session with 'check-ins' and 'check-outs'. Celebrate the work and all
progress. Be generous with praises and acknowledgement. Have fun while planning the event. By staying congruent
with Circle Principles the event has the best foundation for success. It becomes a wonderful experience for all
involved.
|
Zero Circle
by Rumi
Be helpless, dumbfounded,
Unable to say yes or no.
Then a stretcher will come from grace
To gather us up.
We are too dull-eyed to see that beauty.
If we say we can, we're lying.
If we say No, we don't see it,
That No will behead us
And shut tight our window onto spirit.
So let us rather not be sure of anything
Beside ourselves, and only that, so
Miraculous beings come running to help.
Crazed, lying in a zero circle, mute,
We shall be saying finally,
With tremendous eloquence, Lead us.
When we have totally surrendered to that beauty,
We shall be a mighty kindness. |
Event's Diary
Compiled by Rosjke Hasseldine
www.womenspowercircles.com
August 14 - 19, Whisper with the Whales and Discover Your Deepest Self
Contadora Island, Panama, US$1,995, double occupancy
anne@whalewatchingpanama.com
September 24 -10, The Circlework Leadership Training
Ithaca New York with Jalaja Bonheim
icw@instituteforcirclework.com
If you have an event you would like included in our next newsletter, please email the follow details to
Rosjke Hasseldinerosjke@circleconnections.com
1. Date and time
2. Name of event
3. Where the event is
4. Cost
5. Web link and/or details of who to contact
Please send me ONLY the above information in an email. This makes the job so much easier.
Remember, it is far more fun to stop running in circles and become a part of one!
Wishing you powerful connections and joy-full colaborations,
The Co-Creators of Circle Connections |
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