A group of women meet once each month in one of their homes. Four or five up to 8 seems to be the best number- more than that makes it harder to share intimately as it requires much more time for the sharing circle.
Using the following format, there is no need for a facilitator: (It should be stated, however, that confidentiality will be expected, and that only support is offered, never confrontation or judgment.)
Each woman brings something to eat. Shoes are left in the entry. Meeting time is often in the early evening; dinner is served and eaten in first hour. Before eating, hold hands and say a blessing. Thumbs point left to signify one hand giving, the other receiving. Any simple blessing such as, ' We give thanks for these friends, this food, and for all of the abundance in our lives.”
Following dinner, the women move to the living room and sit in comfortable chairs. Some type of inspirational cards are placed face-down on the coffee table. (The Angel Oracle cards by Ambika Wauters have been the favorite of many groups.) Each woman draws one or two cards and a short meditation
period follows. A bell or a Tibetan Singing Bowl may be used to signal the end of the meditation.
According to native tradition, a ' talking stick” or stone is placed on the table. Whoever feels moved to speak first takes the object and holds it while she shares. Most women speak of the obstacles they’ve overcome and the issues they are still addressing. The angel card drawn usually relates to the topic. The group actively listens and holds silence until the last person has talked. This silence is sacred as it honors each person’s innate ability to access their own sacred power and inner resources to process and transform problems into possibilities for creative and inspired living.
When the sharing circle is complete, the women stand and again bless the group, give thanks, and affirm that their lives are unfolding perfectly.
Sometimes the women stay longer and invite discussion of the sharing. Or some may stay awhile, while others need to leave. A reminder is given of the next month’s meeting date. Other activities may be planned.
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