ourselves and regain awareness of our purpose simply through the process of sharing with others. Most importantly, passing the talking piece in circles builds a stronger community for circles, so that when they are needed to address conflict, circles are already part of the culture. One series of circles we do is called “Bravest Women Talk,” which gives us space to laugh, cry, and be uplifted by sharing our wisdom and our strength each month. Our May 2019 circle was extended to invite women from all of the city agencies through FDNY’s Women to Women Summit: Co-Creating Courageous and Compassionate Communities. Part of the day-long summit included 12 circles to develop community among women throughout NYC. Afterwards, many women expressed a feeling of gratitude for a safe space to share and a true sense of belonging—more than they’ve ever felt in the workplace before. I was trained in circle-keeping by Elizabeth Clemants. Her restorative circle intensive was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had. Not only did I learn technique, but I also experienced the benefits of the circle as a participant. I developed more clarity regarding my relationships with others and gained a deeper insight on how to move forward with my goals. Most importantly, the weight of several emotional burdens that I carried were lifted. Our ancestors and indigenous communities share wisdom we have long forgotten: circles are powerful vehicles to heal discord, address harm, and resolve issues. They also provide communal respect, mutual admiration, and self-empowerment. By passing the talking piece in community, circles create better communication, more trust, and greater harmony. All of these benefits lay the foundation for a more compassionate workplace, where people of all backgrounds feel included and valued. As my mother says, “Let the circle be unbroken.” I now understand her words. She is not talking about the periphery of a single circle but about the sanctity of a long-standing tradition of circle-keeping. Yes, let the circle be unbroken; there is much that it can teach us. Published on the Catalyst Blog on August 21, 2019
Social Connection Podcast Episodes
Jay Shetty’s On Purpose's “How to Build Relationships That’ll Elevate Your Career & Create Financial Abundance in Your Life”
Psychologists Off the Clock’s “Social Connection: Exploring Loneliness and Building Intimacy”
NPR’s Hidden Brain's “A Social Prescription: Why Human Connection Is Crucial To Our Health "
Brene Brown’s Unlocking Us's “Dr. Vivek Murthy and Brené on Loneliness and Connection”
NPR'S TED Radio Hour podcast episode, "IRL Online"
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