Talking circles
Talking circles are extremely effective to inspire those involved to get to know themselves and others better through active listening. They are based on communication that promotes respect, thoughtfulness, and attention. As a result, everyone feels heard.
Historically, Native Americans have used talking circles as a way to communicate and solve problems. The circle represented wholeness, completion, and the cycles of life. It is a way to remove barriers and to allow people to express themselves with complete freedom—openly and honestly.
How it works:
Everyone sits in a circle and an object (like a stick) is passed around clockwise.
A question or topic of discussion is presented.
Each person speaks as long as they wish (or within the time agreed upon) and then passes the stick to the next person. If someone does not wish to speak, they pass.
There are a variety of different types of talking circles for different purposes.
GUIDELINES:
Based on the idea that we are meant to live our lives to the fullest and when you say it out loud to a group it makes a difference.
Talking circles are extremely effective to inspire those involved to get to know themselves and others better through active listening. They are based on communication that promotes respect, thoughtfulness, and attention. As a result, everyone feels heard.
Historically, Native Americans have used talking circles as a way to communicate and solve problems. The circle represented wholeness, completion, and the cycles of life. It is a way to remove barriers and to allow people to express themselves with complete freedom—openly and honestly.
How it works:
Everyone sits in a circle and an object (like a stick) is passed around clockwise.
A question or topic of discussion is presented.
Each person speaks as long as they wish (or within the time agreed upon) and then passes the stick to the next person. If someone does not wish to speak, they pass.
There are a variety of different types of talking circles for different purposes.
- Sharing circle—people merely say what is on their mind. They create a sense of harmony and unity among the group.
- Healing circle—moderated by the leader with a question to provoke thought or to address a particular issue.
- Intention circle—gives each participant a chance to present a problem and be heard in a supportive environment.
GUIDELINES:
- One person talks at a time (the person with the stick)
- Dialogues are not part of the circle
- Speak your name.
- Speak from the heart
- Listen with respect. Listen in the way you would expect others to hear you.
- What is said in the circle stays in the circle.
Based on the idea that we are meant to live our lives to the fullest and when you say it out loud to a group it makes a difference.
