To the editor:
Did you know that right here in our community is a thriving women’s circle culture? And did you know that having such a thing is still quite a rare and unique thing in the world?
We call our women’s circle practice Walking Our Talk.” We also refer to it as A Women’s Creation Circle. The premise of our circle rests on a handful of beautiful pillars: that circle practices are vital for a community’s health and well-being; that women’s values, perspectives, contribution and leadership are much needed for the healing of our deeply distressed global society; that when women come together in a culture of care, respect and empowerment all kinds of totally awesome stuff happens that benefits everyone!
We meet in a structured format that serves as a “container” – a ship, so to speak – in which a very profound journey takes place. Two times a year (fall and winter/spring) we embark on this journey. A circle, made up of between 10-15 women, begins an 8-week “trek,” meeting once a week for two hours, during which we engage in an array of practices. In our last winter/spring Round there were 70 of us local women participating in six circles. And over 180 of us have participated in at least one round of circle over the last four years. That’s a lot of us sharing an embodied experience of a culture of respect and care!
We welcome any woman – of any age, race, faith, financial class, proclivity, flavor and spice – to come into circle, where she will find a deeply held space for supporting her self-expansion, success, and solidarity as a woman in community.
We find that when women come together in a space of respect, care, dignity, and support, magical things happen! All kinds of magical things: New friendships; new networks of information and collaboration; successful engagement with projects; self-confidence and acceptance; a rich capacity for open inquiry; a great wealth of collective female intelligence; a sense of safety in community; transcendence of judgments and assumptions of others; moving past old divides, competition, and insecurity amongst women; the healing of social and family wounds; inter-generational wisdom and connection….
I could go on and on. Which is part of why circle is such a wonderful thing! Because this “oh so simple yet oh so profound” circle practice keeps bringing precious blessings in so many unexpected and inspiring ways…
If you are a local woman and this catches your attention, tickles your fancy, or might be right up your alley… come to one of the two Introduction Evenings we are hosting: The first one is this coming Sunday, September 25, 6:30-8:30. The second one is Wednesday, October 5, 6:30-8:30. Both are held at Sruti Yoga Center, upstairs at 33 Railroad St. in Great Barrington. Or if you have further questions you can email: WOTBerkshires@gmail.com.
With great inspiration,
For the flourishing of a bright and beautiful future…
Maia Conty
Great Barrington
