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The notion of a circle brings to mind seemingly endless images, concepts, and emotions. In nature, all is a circle: our Earth's water is always in motion—moving on, above, and below the surface of the planet, flitting between states of liquid, vapor, and ice, transcending time and space. And, this water cycle drives all other biogeochemical cycles: the flux of carbon and nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. We talk of the circle of life, ripple effects, planetary and lunar cycles, spherical coordinates, daily and annual rotations. We look to the circle as a symbol of totality and wholeness, original perfection and infinity. We aim to be centered and focused; speak of circles of influence, cycles of emotion. We create mandalas and spirals, wheels and discs, cogs and gears. We see circles all around us: in the shape of barnacles and urchins, beets and onions, the moon and the sun; ripples in water, cells and solar systems; gyres of air and water, whorls on fingertips. And, in seeking wholeness and connection, there is no better vehicle than a Circle. Variously called Healing Circles, Talking Circles, and Peacemaking Circles, these gatherings are deeply rooted in the traditional practices of indigenous peoples. Today, we find this Circle model used to heal addiction, teach children, improve communication, work through disagreements, connect communities—with documented improvements in mental health, decreases in substance abuse, and decreases in primary healthcare costs. In my Water Womyn Circles, we use this model to foster a community of equals seeking expansion, wholeness, and connection. Check out more of my writing here.
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