The Massage Class – A sacred circle

When “holding” a circle:

When facilitating an opening or closing circle, it is our belief that it is essential for the instructor to create a feeling of safety for deep sharing to happen. Often we refer to the circle as a “safe container”, where students and all participants can soften their guard, and invite a more innate capacity where compassion, deep listening, and empathy can flourish.

There are several things a facilitator should keep in mind as the group comes in to share their experience.

Honor the circle as a sacred space by taking the time to name it. As students come to circle, wait for all to arrive, and acknowledge their arrive. Remind students of the confidentiality of the circle, and the sanctity of the time together. Make the start time, and the end time of the circle be clear, and delineated.
Begin the circle with a clear objective, and model what it would like. Be the first to talk to launch the sharing. The deeper the facilitator goes, usually the deeper the group goes. It is a form of modeling by doing. Set your intention, and allow it to flow.
Model listening skills by making eye contact with the one speaking. Help students feel “seen” in their process, and also assist them in staying on task as their story wonders off base. Note your internal process; are you feeling interested, compassionate, calm?
Express gratitude for the opportunity to share in truth, and compassion. Invite all to share without interruption, and be sure to hold the space without interruption. The “safe container” needs continual attention from the facilitator.
Model “listening from the heart” for the students. Circle is intended to offer a compassionate witness, not an opportunity to be an advice council. To be an effective witness requires paying attention to what’s being said, without interpretation, judgment, or a need to rescue. Manage anyone’s attempt to blame anyone else for their experience. Encourage all speakers to stay in their feeling.
Speak from your heart, which models for students to speak from their heart. Use I statements, and avoid abstract ideas and teaching/lecturing. Embrace “silence”, and allow all to sit with silence and notice any comfort or discomfort.

The Massage Class – A sacred circle

When “holding” a circle:

There are several things a facilitator should keep in mind as the group comes in to share their experience.

Begin the circle with a clear objective, and model what it would like. Be the first to talk to launch the sharing. The deeper the facilitator goes, usually the deeper the group goes. It is a form of modeling by doing. Set your intention, and allow it to flow.

Model listening skills by making eye contact with the one speaking. Help students feel “seen” in their process, and also assist them in staying on task as their story wonders off base. Note your internal process; are you feeling interested, compassionate, calm?

Express gratitude for the opportunity to share in truth, and compassion. Invite all to share without interruption, and be sure to hold the space without interruption. The “safe container” needs continual attention from the facilitator.

Speak from your heart, which models for students to speak from their heart. Use I statements, and avoid abstract ideas and teaching/lecturing. Embrace “silence”, and allow all to sit with silence and notice any comfort or discomfort.