Circling
Circling is a presence-centred exploration of present-moment experience. People often feel deeply seen and held, and it opens them to see more clearly their reality, both within their daily life, and also within the bigger picture.
It invites attention to what is happening in the here and now. it invites looking closely at our experience and seeing what is actually there. checking our assumptions, getting curious where truths seem to diverge, holding the possibility that they might be multiple.
It invites self-leadership, and surrender to something bigger than ourselves.
It’s a powerful cultural practice —- discovering what it’s like to be, in connection with others and the world around us. and it can be beautiful —- there are endless surprises emergent when we simply show up as we are and pay attention.
I discovered circling in January 2020, and have spent 1300+ hours in the practice. I have participated in two circling leadership trainings (SAS), and am certified by circling europe to lead birthday circles. I am currently in the long process of learning to skillfully lead surrendered leadership, and excited to be growing a thriving circling community in oxford, uk. i just started a 2 year training in surrendered leadership with Circling Europe.
To learn more, there's a video here and info here.
Photo: Emi Bykov Photography
“I really enjoyed being circled by Stephanie. I experienced her as being very present the whole time. I felt I could be safe with her and it helped creating room for letting go of protective layers in myself, and be in deep authentic contact both with her and my most inner self. At times the deep contact evoked fear, but that also felt safe to explore. I got a lot of energy in my body. It was a beautiful spiritual experience feeling my soul deeply connected with her and at the same time experience a feeling of expanding and being connected with everything. I warmly recommend circling with Stephanie.””
““Steph creates a safe space in which to explore authentically sharing our in-the-moment experiences with each other. I’ve already learnt a lot about myself and who I am in connection with others. My circling journey has only just begun, guided gently by Steph””
““Steph has a deep respect for people, herself, and how the practice of circling can help us inhabit the world with clarity. She sets clear boundaries for the practice, while welcoming uncertainty, confusion, and discomfort. I trust Steph deeply and would recommend her to anyone taking their first steps into circling””
““i’m so grateful to steph for introducing me to circling, and creating a space to explore, learn, and experience being with others without any feelings of judgement or control. circling with steph has opened up a whole world of self understanding and self awareness which has helped me immensely in my day to day life. im excited to do more.””
