I don’t yet have circle in my tactile, in-person life. But I notice its absence. Right now, I have many questions. Like, should I invite my closest friends or newer people I’d like to connect with? A mixture of both? How do we set intentions for this space in a way that is nourishing for all participants? I am still pondering.
Maris, so many good questions. To me, the circle can be anything! It helps me to start with purpose. What is the circle for? What do I want to foster in it? One of my most sacred circles is 5 women who don't overlap in many other parts of life--we aren't all mothers, we are different ages in different life stages, we aren't a "social group" that hangs out all together that much, though we do sometimes. It's very sweet and holding. The person who "created us" and called us together had a very clear intention and continues to steer us in that direction and we co-create together. We've found a great spot of having a WhatsApp group where we update each other a lot on life so that when we meet in person 1x a month we go into a more ritual and intentional space, not chit-chat. Though a friend told me recently that her circle eats dinner and chats for 2 hours and then goes into intention for the next 2 hours... I also love that. Always fluid. If you are the circle creator, then you can set the tone and container and then the co-creation begins.
I really appreciate the questions you offered here and the reminder that circle can include people who don't overlap in other parts of life. Thank you for sharing snapshots of what one of your sacred circles looks like. It helps me to think bigger about what being a circle creator could look like.
I do not have any community in face 2 face life. And the retreat showed me what is possible. I have no idea how to make it happen although I did get a copy of How We Show Up, at your suggestion Molly. I have to believe it's possible.
I want to be real about my position. Mom with kids. It's easier for me to people because I am around people all of the time. I wonder about activity groups, you know? Pickle ball, scuba diving, lectures at a university, knitting, or a volunteer organization. etc. Those are random examples. That kind of thing, where you might meet like-minded folks.
Thxs Molly. So far none of those kinds of things have worked either. I will keep trying...I am hoping that with a new awareness there will be new openings.
Hi Dianne! Oh, so glad you got to go on retreat. Going to share a few ideas:
I like checking out flyers at local libraries & certain grocery stores to see possible events/workshops that interest me. (Also: local newspapers) Then it's a win-win even if I don't hit it off with another, I'm still getting a knowledge/experience that I value. (Land conservation non-profits have hosted meaningful work-days for me, farm tours, etc.)
I used Meetup.com during many moves to meet folks in my new town. There are hiking groups, foreign language groups, lots of different interest groups... and you can attend "meetups" that interest you. What worked well for me there was going to events that met biweekly or weekly -- so I could interact with the same folks a few times in an organized fashion which allowed for time to develop friendships (rather than a one-off event).
Volunteering can be a great way, and so many avenues there.
You can also put up your own flyers in places that you like being at (For me that'd be small bookshops, tea shops, certain metaphysical shops) with what you're seeking! I've had a magical experience with a flyer I made once.
Another idea that came to mind with you: hosting a Soul Collage workshop at a local library (they love this, and do all the advertising for you!) or community center... or even a picnic table at a public park! Could attract folks that you could have a deeper connection with, especially if it's a monthly thing.
Looking back, I've met quality folks while doing things I deeply value. So, a great starting point is identifying what you love doing, how you enjoy spending your time -- and that can help narrow down places to look.
Sending you encouragement and light on this friend-making journey!
Molly, it’s great to see you here! I have so much admiration for you and the magic you facilitate on the page and in-person. Sending so much love to you!
If you’re interested, check out our ‘Temenos’ account on Substack. David and I just started it. :-)
I don’t yet have circle in my tactile, in-person life. But I notice its absence. Right now, I have many questions. Like, should I invite my closest friends or newer people I’d like to connect with? A mixture of both? How do we set intentions for this space in a way that is nourishing for all participants? I am still pondering.
Maris, so many good questions. To me, the circle can be anything! It helps me to start with purpose. What is the circle for? What do I want to foster in it? One of my most sacred circles is 5 women who don't overlap in many other parts of life--we aren't all mothers, we are different ages in different life stages, we aren't a "social group" that hangs out all together that much, though we do sometimes. It's very sweet and holding. The person who "created us" and called us together had a very clear intention and continues to steer us in that direction and we co-create together. We've found a great spot of having a WhatsApp group where we update each other a lot on life so that when we meet in person 1x a month we go into a more ritual and intentional space, not chit-chat. Though a friend told me recently that her circle eats dinner and chats for 2 hours and then goes into intention for the next 2 hours... I also love that. Always fluid. If you are the circle creator, then you can set the tone and container and then the co-creation begins.
I really appreciate the questions you offered here and the reminder that circle can include people who don't overlap in other parts of life. Thank you for sharing snapshots of what one of your sacred circles looks like. It helps me to think bigger about what being a circle creator could look like.
I do not have any community in face 2 face life. And the retreat showed me what is possible. I have no idea how to make it happen although I did get a copy of How We Show Up, at your suggestion Molly. I have to believe it's possible.
Dianne, yes. So glad to hear this! It is possible and you got a big wonderful taste of it. Keep me posted.
I wish I even had a cllue about where to begin. To begin to meet people. My old faithfuls: school and church no longer work. ideas welcome!!
I want to be real about my position. Mom with kids. It's easier for me to people because I am around people all of the time. I wonder about activity groups, you know? Pickle ball, scuba diving, lectures at a university, knitting, or a volunteer organization. etc. Those are random examples. That kind of thing, where you might meet like-minded folks.
Thxs Molly. So far none of those kinds of things have worked either. I will keep trying...I am hoping that with a new awareness there will be new openings.
Hi Dianne! Oh, so glad you got to go on retreat. Going to share a few ideas:
I like checking out flyers at local libraries & certain grocery stores to see possible events/workshops that interest me. (Also: local newspapers) Then it's a win-win even if I don't hit it off with another, I'm still getting a knowledge/experience that I value. (Land conservation non-profits have hosted meaningful work-days for me, farm tours, etc.)
I used Meetup.com during many moves to meet folks in my new town. There are hiking groups, foreign language groups, lots of different interest groups... and you can attend "meetups" that interest you. What worked well for me there was going to events that met biweekly or weekly -- so I could interact with the same folks a few times in an organized fashion which allowed for time to develop friendships (rather than a one-off event).
Volunteering can be a great way, and so many avenues there.
You can also put up your own flyers in places that you like being at (For me that'd be small bookshops, tea shops, certain metaphysical shops) with what you're seeking! I've had a magical experience with a flyer I made once.
Another idea that came to mind with you: hosting a Soul Collage workshop at a local library (they love this, and do all the advertising for you!) or community center... or even a picnic table at a public park! Could attract folks that you could have a deeper connection with, especially if it's a monthly thing.
Looking back, I've met quality folks while doing things I deeply value. So, a great starting point is identifying what you love doing, how you enjoy spending your time -- and that can help narrow down places to look.
Sending you encouragement and light on this friend-making journey!
Molly, it’s great to see you here! I have so much admiration for you and the magic you facilitate on the page and in-person. Sending so much love to you!
If you’re interested, check out our ‘Temenos’ account on Substack. David and I just started it. :-)
Stacy! Hello, so great to hear from you. I will definitely check out Temenos. So exciting.
Thank you, Molly!