A women's circle is a gathering where women come together in a supportive, non-judgemental environment to share experiences, wisdom, and connection. These circles typically involve sitting in a circle formation where each participant has the opportunity to speak and be witnessed by others without interruption or advice-giving.

Women's circles can take many forms - some focus on specific themes like motherhood, career transitions, or personal growth, while others are more general spaces for sharing whatever is present in participants' lives. The format usually includes opening and closing rituals, guided sharing rounds, and sometimes some creative activities like journaling, meditation, or gentle movement.

The essence of a women's circle lies in creating authentic connection, fostering personal insight, and experiencing the power of being truly seen and heard by other women in a safe, sacred container.

Women's circles offer numerous benefits for personal growth and wellbeing:

Emotional Support & Connection: You'll find yourself surrounded by women who understand your experiences and challenges. This sense of belonging can reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional nourishment that's often missing in our busy daily lives.

Safe Space for Authentic Expression: Circles provide a rare opportunity to speak your truth without fear of judgement, criticism, or unsolicited advice. This practice of authentic sharing can help you clarify your thoughts and feelings while building confidence in your own voice.

Personal Insight & Self-Discovery: Hearing other women's stories often illuminates aspects of your own journey that you hadn't considered before or had lost sight of. The reflective nature of circles can help you gain new perspectives on your challenges and recognise events and patterns in your own life in a new light.

Stress Relief & Nervous System Regulation: The supportive atmosphere and deep listening practice can activate and support your parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Many participants report feeling more grounded and centred after circle gatherings.

Community & Sisterhood: You can develop meaningful connections with other women who can become sources of support, friendship, and encouragement in your daily life. These relationships often extend beyond the circle meetings themselves, and our community, The Circle of Us, is available to offer and facilitate the growth of these connections.

Leadership & Communication Skills: Regular participation in circles can help develop active listening skills, empathy, and the ability to hold space for others - valuable qualities that enhance all areas of life.

Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of women's circles and is typically established as a fundamental agreement from the opening of every gathering.

What is said in the circle, stays in the circle is a sacred principle that all participants commit to honouring. This means that personal stories, emotions, and experiences shared within the circle are never discussed outside the group, even with anyone who was present during the sharing.

Circle facilitators are dedicated to upholding these confidentiality standards and will usually begin each session with an acknowledgement by participants of these agreements.

This confidential container is essential for creating the trust and safety that allows women to be vulnerable and authentic. When you know your words will be held with respect and privacy, you're more likely to share openly and receive the full benefits of the circle experience.

Please note: Like other support groups, confidentiality agreements typically include exceptions for situations involving immediate safety concerns or legal obligations.

No, you never have to share or speak. Many women's circles operate on the principle of your silence being just as valid a contribution as your sharing. You're invited to share, but there's no pressure or expectation. Some participants choose to simply witness and listen for their heart may not have anything it wishes to say, which is completely honoured and respected.

When you do feel moved to share, you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. It might be simply to say "I'm here and grateful to be in circle" or you can share what's present in your heart. The beauty of circles is that your presence and authentic participation - whether through words or silent witnessing - contributes to the collective energy of the group.

Emotions are not only welcome in women's circles - they're honoured as sacred expressions of your authentic self. Tears, laughter, anger, joy, sadness and everything in between are completely natural responses that often arise when we feel truly safe to be ourselves.

Most circles keep tissues readily available, and facilitators are trained to hold space for emotional expression. Other circle members understand that emotions are part of the healing process and won't try to "fix" you or make you feel better. Instead, you'll be witnessed and the space held with compassion and acceptance.

Many women report that being able to express emotions freely in a supportive environment is one of the most healing aspects of circle participation. Coming to circle is not therapy, but it can be therapeutic!

Online circles maintain the same sacred essence as in-person gatherings while offering unique benefits for our digital age. Most virtual circles use video platforms like Teams, Google Meets, or Zoom, creating an intimate gallery view where you can see each participant's face as you would in a physical circle.

The typical online format includes:

Opening ritual - lighting candles from your own space, shared breathing, or a brief grounding meditation

Check-ins - each woman shares from her own sacred space

Guided activities - journaling prompts, oracle card pulls, or reflective questions

Closing ritual - gratitude sharing or intentions for the week ahead

Benefits of online circles:

Accessibility - join from anywhere, no travel required

Comfort of home - participate from your own sanctuary with your favourite tea and blanket

Flexible participation - easier to attend consistently without commuting

Geographic diversity - connect with women beyond your local area, potentially from other countries

Many women find online circles feel surprisingly intimate and connected. The focused attention through screens can actually create deep presence and authentic sharing.

In-person circles offer the irreplaceable magic of physical presence and shared energy in the same space. These gatherings typically take place in comfortable, welcoming environments - homes, community centres, or beautiful outdoor settings.

The in-person experience usually includes:

Sacred space creation - arranged seating in a circle, often with candles, flowers, or meaningful objects in the center

Opening ritual - may involve introductions, the lighting of candles, telling of a story, a grounding practice like meditation, perhaps singing, or movement, music or shared intention-setting

Sharing rounds - speaking and listening in the circle formation

Creative activities - art, journalling, movement, drumming, or working with natural materials

Closing ritual - often includes physical gestures like hand-holding or group hugs (with consent)

Unique benefits of in-person gatherings:

Energetic presence - feeling the collective energy and group dynamics

Physical comfort - hugs, supportive touch, and non-verbal communication (with consent)

Sensory experience - shared scents, sounds, and the feeling of a sacred space being held by the group

Creative expression - hands-on activities that engage all senses

The physical presence allows for deeper nervous system regulation and the profound experience of being truly witnessed by other women in your full embodied presence.