If the circle provides sanctuary, touches the heart, and guides us on our path, it’s a healing circle.
Michael Lerner
What are healing circles?
- Healing circles help us step out of ordinary time into an accepting environment in which to explore our healing.
- With open minds, we explore together ways to deepen our capacity to heal, alleviate our suffering, and find meaning in both challenge and joy.
- With open hearts, we access our own inner guidance to understand where the greatest healing—in body, emotions, mind, and spirit—can occur.
What agreements protect a circle?
- We treat each other with kindness and respect.
- We listen with compassion and curiosity.
- We honor each others unique ways to healing and do not presume to advise, fix, or save one other.
- We hold all stories shared in the circle confidential.
- We trust each of us has guidance we need within us and we rely on the power of silence to access it.
What are the practices of a healing circle?
- Listen with attention.
- Speak with intention.
- Sharing is voluntary—no one is called on to speak.
- We refrain from cross-talk, interruptions, comments, or direct references to each other’s shares.
- We speak from our own experience using “I” statements and leave time for others to share.
What are the Circle roles?
- Every member of the circle has an equal voice and is responsible for their own healing.
- 4 roles can help the circle flow smoothly:
- The Host convenes and pays attention to the flow of the circle.
- The Guardian watches time, holds the bell, and protects the agreements.
- The circle participant shares from the heart and speaks with intention.
- A scribe can keep notes if the circle participants choose.
- When a circle has done its work, the Host should know how and when to end the circle well.
How do I prepare to host a healing circle?
- Create a beautiful, welcoming space—clean, well-lit, comfortable chairs.
- Create a center for the circle – candle, flowers, or shared object.
- Allow a time for social interaction—refreshments, warm welcome, casual conversation
- Create a smooth transition from welcoming time to circle time.
What’s a simple, sample healing circle?
- Entering the circle – silence, candle, and optional (poem, music, etc.)
- Check in/heart sharing – talking piece mode – can be more than one round
- Harvesting/learning – learn from collective wisdom in the circle.
- Close/ leaving the circle
- Note: Importance of social time before and after circle
What are other types of healing circles?
- Healing circles are a space for those with a common condition to share their experiences and harvest collective wisdom.
- Discovery circles are for those who like to process whatever they are facing through a specific form of creative expression.
- Learning circles are for those who share an interest in a topic or wish to develop a skill.
- Caring circles support those who care for others, including family, friends, professionals, and volunteers.
How do we deepen our circle work?
- By creative expression – Examples: Ritual, art, poetry, music, and movement
- By addressing soul questions – Examples: Meaning & purpose, grief, fear, uncertainty, and joy
- Deepening our own personal work – Examples: Love, trust, compassion, and gratitude.
- By humor and laughter