What is Circle practice?

Circle Practice: Let’s Talk, Really Talk, and Build Something Together

Ever feel like meetings are just… well, a waste of time? Like everyone’s talking at each other, not with each other? There’s a better way. It’s called circle practice, and it’s all about creating a space where real communication happens, trust grows, and communities become, well, more of a community. You might also hear it called “The Way of Council,” and it’s got roots that go way back, drawing from Indigenous traditions around the globe. From schools to offices to even the justice system, people are rediscovering the power of sitting in a circle and truly listening.

What Makes a Circle, a Circle? It’s All About the Values.

More than just a seating arrangement, circle practice is a whole mindset. It’s built on a foundation of core values that set the stage for open, honest sharing. Think of it like this:

• Respect: Plain and simple, valuing everyone for who they are.
• Honesty: Saying what’s real, being genuine.
• Humility: Coming in with an open mind, ready to learn from others.
• Inclusiveness: Making sure everyone feels welcome and heard. No one gets left out.
• Shared Responsibility: We’re all in this together, and we all contribute to the circle’s well-being.
• Empathy: Trying to understand where others are coming from, even if you don’t agree.

So, How Does a Circle Actually Work?

Okay, so you’re sitting in a circle… now what? While every circle is a little different, there’s usually a basic structure that helps create a sense of safety and focus. Here’s the gist:

Where Can You Use Circle Practice? Everywhere, Really.

The cool thing about circle practice is how flexible it is. You can use it in all sorts of situations:

• Building Community: Getting to know your neighbors, creating a sense of belonging.
• Sorting Out Conflicts: Talking through disagreements in a respectful way, finding common ground.
• Making Things Right (Restorative Justice): Bringing together people affected by harm to figure out how to repair the damage.
• Making Decisions Together: Ensuring everyone’s voice is heard when making important choices.
• Growing as a Person: Learning to listen better, understand yourself, and connect with others.
• In the Classroom: Creating a positive learning environment, dealing with behavior issues, and teaching responsibility.

What’s In It For You? The Awesome Benefits of Circles

Honestly, the benefits are huge. When you create a space for real communication, amazing things can happen:

• You start to get each other: Empathy goes up, misunderstandings go down.
• Trust grows: People feel safe to be themselves.
• Everyone gets a voice: No more feeling like you’re not being heard.
• You feel like you belong: A real sense of community develops.
• Conflicts get resolved: Healing happens.
• You learn about yourself: Self-reflection becomes a habit.
• The world gets a little better: Seriously, more justice and fairness for everyone.

Back to the Future: Circle Practice is an Old Idea Whose Time Has Come

Circle practice isn’t some new-age fad. It’s a return to the way humans have gathered and connected for centuries. By embracing values like respect and honesty, we can build stronger communities, resolve conflicts peacefully, and create a world where everyone feels like they belong. So, whether you’re in a classroom, an office, or just hanging out with friends, give circle practice a try. You might be surprised at what happens when you really listen.