How To Create A Wise + Wonderful Women’s Circle

Hello, my wise + wonderful women!

Earlier this month, we discussed organizations that could help you network, learn new skills and boost your career trajectory. This week, I want to focus on how connection can improve your emotional well-being.

Studies show that when you belong to community groups, religious organizations and even sports teams, you develop a healthier mindset, increase your confidence and experience a greater enjoyment of life. And as busy women who are also natural nurturers, perhaps it’s even more important for us to find time to refill our spiritual cup. That is why I love Women’s Circles.

Plain and simple, a women’s circle is a safe space for women, by women. It’s a place to find community, connection, support and empowerment. I am a part of a wonderful women’s circle that is aimed a bit more towards entrepreneurs — and is heart and spiritually centered. It’s been an amazing experience — meeting phenomenal, inspiring women — and feeling like I have a big circle of support, wisdom and strength surrounding me.

And if you’re not sure where to start, and you’re in the Los Angeles area, I have the perfect place! My friends Staci Levine and Tia Tuenge created Sacred Woman Retreats. These powerful gatherings create a sacred space for women to come together — free of competition and judgement — and provide the space to be authentic, the opportunity to connect in sisterhood, be supported by community, receive encouragement, and be immersed in sacred rituals and ceremonies. I mean, can I get an AMEN SISTER?!

While there are many organizations out there you can link up with, if you don’t live in a large urban area or you don’t vibe with any of the options you find, why not create your own? There is something so satisfying in personalizing your experience to sync with you and your girlfriends and what matters most to you.

Here are my Top 5 Tips to build your own wise + wonderful Women’s Circle.

Take It Seriously

According to Ann Landaas Smith, founder and director of Circle Connections, “Circles with a sacred center are ancient, the oldest form of social interaction. The fire was in the center as the people cooked and ate their food, heard stories, worshiped their gods and goddesses, and passed down the traditions and wisdom that kept them alive and healthy.” There is evidence of women gathering together since as early as 800 CE to celebrate aspects of feminine life like menstruation and childbearing.

It can definitely feel a little woo-woo or awkward at first to bare your soul to others with all eyes on you, but it’s important to put the moment in context. You’re participating in a sacred act that millions of women before you have experienced, and the more seriously you take it, the more open-heartedly you approach it, the more you will receive back.

And don’t worry, it’s also good to laugh at yourself every once in awhile, so please don’t think I mean you can’t have a good giggle too. 😉

Tiny But Mighty

According to Shel Pink, founder of  SpaRitual and a women’s circle organizer, 15 women is the winning number for circles. She also recommends keeping the same list of guests each time, as this builds trust amongst the group. It will also help keep your gathering running smoothly since everyone will already be on the same page with the process.

Pick A Theme

What you do in a women’s circle really varies, and that is part of the beauty of it. While ritual is certainly an integral aspect, there is no right or wrong answer for WHAT rituals you include. So if celebrating the new moon or meditation isn’t your thing, that’s totally fine.

Here are some out-of-the-box suggestions: write letters together, share your favorite poems or words of wisdom, build care kits for the homeless to donate to a local shelter, do a small gardening project or cook together, or even hold a quilting circle (ala How To Make An American Quilt; those women were badass).

Or keep it super simple, and just pick a topic to discuss during your meeting, like gratitude, curiosity, forgiveness, resilience or joy. Go around the circle and have each member share a moment from their week that touched on this topic and their feelings around it. Or like the circle I’m a part of, we pick a topic that one or two members can specifically speak to – whether it’s business, personal or spiritual – and they lead the discussion.

Bookend For Better Results

When you bring a group of people together, you can sometimes get off topic, especially when you’re talking about raw emotions with vulnerability and honesty. To bring everyone back together, begin and end each of your meetings with the same rituals.

For example, you might begin each meeting reminding everyone that this is a safe space to share and ask your guests to respect one another and show love and compassion. You might close the meeting with a blessing, prayer or mantra. No matter what you choose, just be sure to stay consistent.

Remember To Not Take It Personally

Not everyone is excited about being open and vulnerable, and the idea of a women’s circle, while ancient, is still a new concept for people, so it may take time for everyone to go all-in. Plus, with busy schedules, demanding jobs, families who need us and unexpected conflicts, you will not have a full house at every meeting. But if you gain perspective and emotional and spiritual replenishment from your Circle’s rituals, continue to show up for yourself, even if you only have 5 other guests or are flying solo that night.  

And finally, don’t forget that all good gatherings are better with snacks! 😉 So be sure to plan ahead and have some healthy, delicious appetizers or desserts at the ready.

Do you already participate in a Women’s Circle? If so, how does it add to your life? If not, are you ready to take the leap and start one with your girlfriends? Let me know in the comments below!

 

LOVE + powerful connections!