My very first experience of being a part of a women’s circle, was when I embarked on my journey to become a doula, and attended the Developing Doulas preparation course in 2010. Up until that point I had never heard the term ‘women’s circles’ let alone understand the power of them, and full transparency had I heard that term prior to this, I know I would have shied away from them.
So what is a women’s circle?
A women’s circle is a gathering or community of women who come together to share, support, and connect with one another in a safe and nurturing environment. The circles can vary in size, structure, and purpose, but they generally involve women sitting in a circle and engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing personal experiences, and offering mutual support.
The concept of women’s circles is not a new thing, it has been present in many cultures and societies throughout history. Traditionally, these circles have been spaces where women could gather to share wisdom, pass down traditions, support each other through life’s challenges, and celebrate their joys. However in more contemporary settings, women’s circles are often seen as a response to the need for women to have a dedicated space to discuss topics that are relevant to them and to foster a sense of community and sisterhood.
Women’s circles can be organised for various purposes, such as personal growth, empowerment, healing, spiritual exploration, or even specific topics like motherhood, entrepreneurship, or wellness.
And with the strong sense of community, those that play a part in these circles often find them to be powerful and transformative experiences as they allow for authentic expression, vulnerability, and deep connections with like-minded individuals.
Women’s circles can be facilitated by a trained facilitator or simply be a casual gathering among friends or acquaintances, with the emphasis on active listening, empathy, and creating a non-judgmental space where each woman’s voice is respected and honored.
For me. participating in a women’s circle provided me with a sense of belonging, emotional support, and personal growth, making it an invaluable and meaningful experience for me, and for the many women I have been in circle with.
And it is for this reason that this year I have felt a strong desire to bring women’s circles to my offerings, most recently in the form of ‘Pause & Reconnect Women’s Circles’ at The Nesting Place, Chelmsford.
With a world consistently more on line, connection and community is changing, and not always for the better. Women’s circles bring a sense of belonging and feeling less alone, and when women support one another, magical things really do happen.
If you would like to know more about my women’s circles, click HERE, I would love to welcome you in.
Steph xx