Agreements for Circle Spaces

When we gather together in groups, I ask us to agree and commit to the following:

Compassion & understanding:

We are coming together as ever-growing, imperfect humans, having an experience on Earth that is both beautiful and difficult; full of magic and heartbreak.

May we remember that this is true for each of us, and greet each other with kindness and patience.

Each of us have had our own lived experiences, which have granted us with particular insights, wisdoms, blind spots, and skills.

Everyone has something valuable to contribute; and everyone has more to learn.

Autonomy, support, & privacy:

We come together to listen and learn; to focus on our own growth and healing; and to support others in their own growth and healing.

We cannot grow or heal for anyone else.

We do not offer advice unless it is explicitly requested.

All group-sourced advice is best taken with a grain of salt; this is not a network of trained mental health professionals, etc.

Emotional injury & repair:

We assume the best of each other. If we are hurt or offended by something said by another, the best default is to assume good intent. We can still name the hurt, while remembering that everyone is trying their best to be kind and helpful.

If we are the one to cause hurt, we apologize, understanding that our intentions and the impacts of our words or actions are different things.

Inappropriate behaviour:

We understand that anyone behaving in a disrespectful way that threatens the safety of the community or the container will be asked to leave. This is for everyone’s protection. Any serious concerns or discomforts may be privately addressed to the facilitator (Candace).

In the event that someone is asked to leave for such a reason, they are not entitled to a refund. A space is held for each person upon registration, and we are all responsible for our own choices and actions. While a conversation around this may be requested, a refund is not the default result in this scenario.

Listening & Responding:

Each person’s voice matters.

We let each other speak without interruption.

When we wish to respond, we pause to consider whether we want to respond for ourselves (a personal need to be heard, or to show what we know, etc), or if it is to benefit the person we are responding to.

If it is the former, let us reconsider responding at all.

If it is the latter, let us ask first if this is wanted.

We do not offer unsolicited advice.

We respect each others’ stories by letting them be told by the person who has lived them only; we do not pass on anyone else’s story for them. What is mentioned in the circle is kept there.

We remember that listening is a gift, and that this is often enough. We are not trying to fix each other, and often don’t need to respond to anyone else’s share with more than a heartfelt “thank you.”

After anyone shares, we say thank you. We let them know that they have been heard, and that we care what they say.

Consent:

Each person’s right to know and choose what is right for them matters.

If someone says no, honour their no.

Honour your own no’s.

Also honour your own yes’s.

Participation in any facet of any workshop or event is optional.

Thank you for reading this.

Thank you for joining this circle.

Thank you for your heart.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

♡