Preparing for the Women's Empowerment Circle

Leading a women's empowerment circle doesn't mean entering from a place of complete embodiment of power. It requires me to get quiet and allow the truth of my experience to speak, to be known. It can be quite vulnerable. I remember the first circle I attended and the powerful sense of wholeness and fear as we actually took the time to look into one another's eyes and "see" one another. We allowed ourselves to be seen. It may sound strange, but with all of the technology out there in this world and all of the layers of screens we look through, there is something magical about being together.

When I lead an empowerment circle, I want to be in kinship with other women. I want to be authentic and hold space for the emotions, intentions, and dreams of others who join me. Leading does not mean that I am more important or "special" than anyone else. We meet in a circle to create a sense of equity and union.

So what is the circle like? If you are joining online, you will receive a link to join with Google Meets. You'll create a little space for yourself and let others in your household know that you are in a meeting so you can hold a boundary for your healing. If you are joining in studio, you will be entering a small and comfortable space with cushions and gentle lighting for relaxing, meditating, and communicating.

Materials encouraged

Online:

1. water for hydration

2. a pot with 1/3 water and a tight-fitting lid

3. a candle and matches or lighter

4. writing utensil

5. paper (small works well) as we will burn it later

6. journal if you like to keep notes

7. comfy clothing, blankets, pillows, crystals or other items that help put you at ease

8. your computer

   Please mute until ready to begin.

In Studio:

Arrive 10 minutes early

1. water for hydration

2. wear comfortable clothes or dress in a way that honors your inner goddess/spirit/heart

When the empowerment circle starts, we will light a candle and share a poem or brief meditation. We will practice gentle breath work to come into a more grounded present mental and emotional space.

Each circle is unique and requires that all who attend are treated with respect and confidentiality. The parts of the circle will change based on the needs of the participants, the inspiration of the leaders, the nature of the world at the time, etc.

But each circle will offer some combination of prompts for reflection, visualization, gentle movement, or creation.

There will be time to share your thoughts, reactions and feelings- but sharing aloud is by choice, not a requirement.

We will write down things that we want to let go of (unhelpful thoughts, actions, feelings, or memories) and we will welcome in new healthier habits, thoughts, and opportunities. We will write and burn those thoughts as a ritual of release and gathering. The circle is not religious, but it is sacred. By that, I mean that women have entered into circles for ions and the roots of a circle run deep across many cultures and traditions. Each woman will bring her own sense of "spirit" to the circle. This could mean she is agnostic or atheist and see beauty in the logic of the natural world- and in living one moment at a time. A sister can bring a strong sense of her own religious beliefs in a more traditional sense or fall anywhere on a broad spectrum.

This is genuinely an amazing moment to begin to trust other women and uplift one another. I personally love learning from other people- hearing family traditions and belief systems and growing my own sense of communion with the present moment and all of the wonders that it holds. We all have pain to release, joy to share, and a lifetime of decisions, dreams, and, seeds to nurture. Holding a circle is a way to honor that lived experience with other women who care about their relationship with the self, their own evolution, and their relationship with others. The circle will last about an hour.

This February circle will center around releasing negative thoughts that are on repeat and visualizing what is possible for our lives. So, if you could use a little quiet and peace to clarify your inner hopes, this is a great circle to attend. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have!

I do hope you'll consider joining us!

With Love,

LeeAnn