Circle Contract

In Circle we come together with the shared aim of holding space for each other. You are invited to take space and to give space

It’s a confidential space and we don’t share what anyone else has said outside of the Circle *

There is no obligation to speak and you are invited to experiment with doing so. Your share does not need to follow on from the one before or to fit in with others; it’s your voice and your way

When someone is sharing we offer deep listening and attentiveness. We do this non verbally, although hand gestures can often feel nourishing and welcome to the person sharing. We don’t give advice or engage in back and forth conversation. It is truly a gift to be heard and witnessed without input or feeling the need to explain anything further

We agree to take care of our own needs before, during and after the Circle *

* I have a Privacy policy and follow appropriate safeguarding protocols if required. This will be shared with you as part of the sign up process

Our Commitment to each other

This is an extract from the group contract each member of a Circle is asked to sign up to when they join:

We will enter this process as fully as possible. Each time someone offers their voice in sharing, more space is created for others to do the same

We listen deeply and witness each other primarily without using words. Our collective attentive presence is a rare gift

We respect and honour each other as equal place-holders, whether we speak during a Circle or otherwise. We commit to being mindful of sharing the space

We understand we are all human beings with imperfections and blind spots, all walking a path of learning together

We are mindful of the privileges we bring into the space. We seek to be considerate and inclusive towards each other regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation and economic background

We trust that each of us does not intend to cause harm, and if our words unintentionally do that, we agree to be open to feedback and receive this with maturity and an open heart

with gratitude to Gemma Brady for original wording