On International Women’s Day, I attended a women’s circle.
Yes, indeed. It’s a topic many men easily chuckle about, and many women dare not think of ever being caught in it, from what I hear.
Too bad for them. And I know what I'm talking about. Because I was such a woman. Not that I knew what a women’s circle was. Only a few years ago, I hadn’t even heard about them. But as soon as I did, I was certain it wasn’t for me. Just imagine - sitting in a circle by a campfire, humming and doing some esoteric stuff while lolling about cosmic feelings with a gang of hippy women. Nope. Hard pass.
Spoiler alert – that is not what a women's circle is about.
Which I discovered firsthand when I finally leapt over my own prejudice and gave it a try. Step out of your comfort zone, that kind of vibe.
So I spent ten sessions getting to know myself in unexpected ways. Triggered by seeing how each woman repeatedly chose to speak honestly about doubts, sorrows, desires, and dreams, ... and that the other women listened attentively. Not to follow up with solutions, cheering, or reprimands, let alone subtle spiteful remarks. There was none of that.
A women's circle is first and foremost a temporary space in which you have the chance to speak about something you do not or cannot otherwise speak about, and to be heard and seen. And above all, to not be judged in any way. It was a wonderful experience.
Try joining one. If you can allow yourself to let go of the hot and clashing thoughts that come up (or practice that anyway), and replace them with the question, "What can I learn here? And what can I give back?" you’ll have a very precious experience.
Today was like that too. In a group of six, we connected via Zoom. Everyone shared at her own pace and on a topic of her own choosing. What she says, and what she doesn't say, is her choice. We talked about people in our own neighbourhood, strangers, people you meet at work, ... About granting and wishing the best for one another and about a shared willingness to be able to put aside your judgement, including that of yourself.
On this Friday, that’s what I take with me: granting.
I grant all women, and perhaps even more so the young women in our world, that they may be encouraged by all the women around them.
