Last May I was part of a gathering on Whidbey Island – the First Fire Gathering – who came together for two purposes: To explore the shift of the Circle Way from primarily being carried by its founders and pioneers (Ann Linnea and Christina Baldwin) to it’s next generation of practice and scope. To participate […]
Tag: PeerSpirit Circle
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Start Points
I almost always use a check-in and check-out flow when I’m with a group, and sometimes also weave in the practice of a start point. From PeerSpirit: check-in helps people into a frame of mind, where the verbal sharing weaves the interpersonal net. It helps us land in the present moment, tuning into ourselves and the others […]
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Questions Questions
One of the delights in my days is to harvest great questions I come across. Here are some shared in the PeerSpirit Circle Tale September 2012 : In congregational life, significant questions can start groups on a quest from being a congregation to being a community. Some of these questions might be: Who are you? Why are […]
I’m always on the lookout for interesting and meaningful pieces to use as a talking piece. The PeerSpirit Circle Guidelines describes the use of a talking piece: Talking piece council is often used as part of check-in, check-out, and whenever there is a desire to slow down the conversation, collect all voices and contributions, and be able to […]
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A Little Bit of Circling
A couple of weeks ago I set up two separate 45 minute conference calls to connect with some leaders who have embarked on a journey in a new role. When the calls started we began with a check-in question. Two years ago that moment would have brought butterflies into my tummy. Using a check-in within […]
A gift in an article of Bob Stilger’s, from Ascent Magazine in 2008: When I have a problem or issue that won’t go away, I don’t usually look to someone who will give me advice. I look for someone who will give me listening. Ten years ago, I organized a healing group when my friend Robert Theobald was diagnosed with esophageal […]
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Down, I am Slowing
We met in the hallway with the typical “Long time no see… how’s life… good… busy.” Turning to continue on our separate ways. But then I looked back and said, “How is life for you, really?” This opened a different door in our conversation, one about kids growing up so fast and life moving so […]