In an inspired breakfast conversation, post the February HHH retreat, we got to spend time with Steve Ryman, a pilgrim at heart and life coach to many around the world. Here are a few tips from Steve regarding Circles from his own experience as well as his Bible on the topic called Circle Way. A lot of this content is already practiced in magical (and often invisible) ways in our eco-system, but sometimes even the invisible needs to be presence-d so that us younger pilgrims can learn from the elders.

Circles are the oldest forms of gatherings.  Circles are where civilizations started when hunter-gatherer tribes got together at the end of a hard day's work and shared food and experiences. Circles get called by invitation, not coercion. Everyone in the circle is an equal, a peer (with presence of elders to whom the circle may defer from time to time). Let the invite for a circle come from the heart. A circle is called for holding space for that which needs to arrive/ emerge/ happen.

Focus on the center, speak to the center first, then each other.  Consider the circumference as the container, as the rim of this energetic space created. It helps to have a beautiful central artistic mandala, as a visual and energetic aesthetic, that helps holds the attention of the participants. It helps to have a talking stick/ piece which evokes speaking/ sharing from a deeper space of knowing. Person holding the stick speaks with intention, while others in the circle listen with attention.

In opening circle (Check-in), when the stick moves towards left of anchor, it means we are energetically going inwards and inviting depth. In closing circle (check out), when stick moves right, it means the energy is rippling outwards into the Universe. Be conscious of the opening and closing of any circle, by making it sacred and intentional. For opening, you could go with any options from following: prayers, ringing of a bell, holding hands, etc.. Similarly for closing circle, you could try prayers, dance, singing etc.

When there are first time circle participants, it helps to give an overview of what it means to be in circle. Share a few of the agreements for our time together such as:
 
1. In circle, we speak for about 5% of the time, and listen for 95%. So actually, we are here to practice deep listening.
2. We have about 30 of us and 2 hours in hands, which means each of us get around 4 minutes each. It is our joint responsibility to finish in time.
3. If anyone wishes to pass, please share your name and pass.
4. We all have the responsibility to hold this circle together, thru our attention and intention.
5. Let us be mindful of each other's need for space and privacy around what is shared. What is shared here, stays here.

Check-in: Imagine you are at the airport and checking in. You need to announce yourself (show ID), go to your flight counter and drop off your luggage at the counter and then enter flight. Similarly, you check in to a circle by stating your name (or a movement, gesture), drop off your luggage of fixed-identity and conditionings, and take off an a journey by reflecting on the opening question (what brings you here, any aha moments, etc) 

Check-out: Similarly, check out is like arriving at the destination, saying good bye to fellow passengers and crew, and then heading over to pick up your baggage. However, in a good circle we would hope that by the time you have landed most of your luggage of "self" has either evaporated or reduced considerably. Maybe instead of reclaiming baggage, some would choose to entirely let it go.

Difference between host, anchor and guardian: Many of us are already familiar with roles for hosts (who tend to stay back end and invisible), anchors (visible and laddering from the front). However, there is also presence of a guardian who is consciously attending to the energetic needs of the circle. This person can keep a bell to remind circle of time in hand, can decide if a break (toilet, tea) is needed, can ring a bell to slow down or speed up the conversation or invite a pause to acknowledge something profound that has been shared and needs to be acknowledged, etc