Circling Practice

What are the benefits of practicing Circling?

• To practice speaking honestly

• To feel more connected

• To uncover relational blindspots and discover new insights

• To increase empathy and understanding

• To increase self-awareness, and therefore cause less harm in the world

Upcoming Circling Events

Circling, also known as, ‘Relational Meditation’ is a group process of discovering truth and aliveness. It has the potential to transform through radical acceptance. In Circling we bring our attention to the connection between people and what arises in ourselves in a social environment. Circling is a practice of seeing and being seen in a nonjudgmental, playful, yet potent container. We practice connection, honesty, intimacy and explore authentic expression.

Circling is for curious folks who love paying attention to nuance, subtlety, and the layers of relationship that aren’t often named. Circling is also for people who want to practice speaking their truth, even when it’s dissonant, or scary to express.

In Circling sessions, you will be guided through exercises designed to support you in connecting more deeply to yourself and others, and build resiliency skills to bring into your every day life. Read more about the Two Kinds of Group Circling Practice

What is the overall focus of Circling?

• Awareness; we practice becoming more aware and attuned to what is happening in the present moment

• Communication; we practice communication that is honest and non-blaming

• Relationship; we practice skills to address relational dynamics that would normally go unsaid and exercises to bring into our current relationships to create deeper connections

• No problem mind-set; we practice a mindset that there is nothing wrong and nothing to fix in the present moment.

Circling Practice Improves the ability to:

• Communicate honestly without blame

• Notice our unconscious motivations and fears

• See and be seen

• Let people know our inner worlds, share how others impact us

• Be with others without trying to change, fix, or give advice

• Discern and respond to aliveness in the conversation

• Embrace all parts of ourselves, especially those that are often kept in shadow

What People are Saying about Circling with Michelle:

"if you're ready to be vulnerable, this is an incredible growth opportunity. it can be scary and edgy at times, but it is worth it for the nourishment it provides."

“Being Circled is an opportunity to take risks and share parts of myself with other people in a safe and supportive setting. It’s healing.”

“I really appreciated the time to slow down and connect deeply. I feel like I've gained skills that I can take into everyday conversation. I have also been reminded of the importance of creating spaces that inspire, encourage, and hold this type of opportunity for connection. Michelle is a gentle, present, and skilled facilitator. I loved the series, and loved having her lead us.” - Zach Cohen

“Michelle's Introduction to Circling class was a tender and gentle immersion into Circling that left me feeling deeply content and seen at the end of each class. The practices that made up the bulk of each class were seemingly simple, but allowed us to spiral deeper and deeper into knowing one another through listening, observation, and present moment, awareness.

The person I came to know best, though, was myself. I was able to observe myself and the way I interact in a group in a way that I have never before experienced. The class left me feeling quite moved, and also with a strong desire to continue Circling, and the experience of communicating in a direct and truthful way. Already, I have noticed that I am more present with myself in all of my interactions, and I am able to respond to those around me in a more present way.” - Nola Glatzel, Early Childhood Teacher

Michelle's facilitation is: "Attentive, considerate, patient, alive, so refreshingly transparent, joyful, kind, gentle, aware, compassionate and skillful."