PULL IT ALL TOGETHER: CIRCLEWORK
CIRCLEWORK
Everything spins. The universe moves in circular motions. From orbits to rotations in physical space to our inner thoughts. Sometimes, what we need most is to stop spinning, to find a center, to rest… but even then, it seems, the paradigm of a circle can come into play.
Circlework, a practice developed by Jalaja Bonheim, PhD, of Institute for Circlework, helps to connect with a global consciousness and an inner peace, using physical and spiritual circles. While it was initially designed for women, it is valuable for all genders. Global consciousness holds the key to healing ourselves, our communities, and the planet.
Humans have been gathering in circles for hundreds of thousands of years, yet today, millions are living in a state of spiritual famine. Many are no longer involved in religious practice, yet they still crave spiritual nourishment.
Psychologist C.G. Jung called the circle “the archetype of wholeness and divinity.” Mandalas are spiritual and ritual circular symbols in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing the universe. Circlework can harness the archetypal power of the circle in service of peace and healing.
Circlework opens hearts. It is important in all relationships, especially in situations of conflict. Circlework teaches the art of relationship by imparting the skills of peaceful co-existence, skillful communication, and compassionate love of self and others.
Circlework invokes the presence of the sacred. It provides a place where people of diverse faiths (or no faith) can experience a higher plane, without subscribing to specific beliefs. Circlework invites us to detach from thought and open to other sources of guidance.
Circlework invites us to celebrate life. Circlework empowers us.
To date, Circlework has enabled thousands of women to co-create an entirely new kind of spiritual community -- one based not on beliefs or ideologies, but on a simple commitment to kindness, peace and global sisterhood.
Today, Circlework is practiced in Australia, Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Israel, Palestine, Norway, Germany, and many other countries, as well as throughout the United States. Highly adaptable, it’s made its way into hospitals and yoga centers, activists’ gatherings, colleges, boardrooms, and community centers for all genders.
With Circlework, women have bonded to form a global sisterhood that transcends all national and religious boundaries. For example, Circlework is an effective peace practice that is being used in the Middle East to unite Jewish and Palestinian women.
Through a wide range of tools that include movement, touch, and immersion in nature, a safe sacred space is created. Here, participants can listen deeply, both to their own hearts and souls, and to one another.
“Old beliefs dissolve and new insights emerge, along with a new sense of centeredness, balance and peace,” Bonheim explains. “Women leave empowered and clear, with full hearts and renewed hope.”
Until now, Circlework was only accessible to people attending Bonheim’s retreats or trainings. Now, Bonheim’s new book, The Magic of Circlework: The Practice Women from Around the World Are Using to Heal and Empower Themselves, reveals the concepts and tools that make Circlework such a magical experience for everyone.
“The Magic of Circlework” teaches us to tap this powerful inner source that can help us stay centered, balanced, and whole, even in the face of turbulence.
“The Magic of Circlework” includes the stories and voices of many women who are using Circlework to heal their lives and relationships -- stories of life-altering encounters and awakenings.
Read “The Magic of Circlework” and you will learn:
How to create sacred space and live in it, all the time.
What third stage circles are, and why we need them.
How to use the power of sacred geometry to bring healing and connection.
How circle gatherings can foster inner and outer peace.
Why we usually misunderstand the nature of the sacred feminine and why we need her.
What leadership grounded in feminine values looks like.
How to heal old wounds caused by group rejection.
How Circlework can be used as a tool for mental health practitioners.
Skillful conflict resolution.
How we can create ripples of healing and transformation.
The book includes access to valuable online resources, including a list of recommended music for circles, and audio meditations with Bonheim.
You may never attend a circle, but here is a simple four-step process you can follow:
Confront thought addiction. Listen -- not just with your ears, but with your whole body. Listening will take you out of your thoughts and into the mystery of the present moment.
- Step out of your ordinary routines into a sanctuary where both your body and mind can rest. Grant yourself moments of retreat.
Find ways to touch and be touched. In our culture, many people aren’t touched anywhere near as much as nature designed them to be. Raise your hands and touch your face. As you do this, imagine how a loving mother would stroke her baby’s face, and offer yourself the same tender touch.
- Reconnect with love. Love yourself. You are not perfect but you are beautiful and valuable.
Learn more about Circlework and the Institute for Circlework.
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