The Circle of Sustenance

I have come to understand the deep power of the circle.

I was always one who loved a campfire, circled with friends around the warmth and the glow. A campfire is the ultimate when it comes to being together, being in nature and enjoying the company of other humans.

One of the things I don’t like about churches is that the pews are usually not moveable. They’re heavy, old, bolted down. So there is only one seating formation option in a church, which means that it’s always about sitting passively and taking in what is happening up front. Sitting in a pew is a lot like sitting in an airplane: it’s uncomfortable and it’s hard to talk to your neighbor. Churches were designed with an authoritarian esthetic: the person up front has the information you need, so sit down, be quiet and pay attention.

I have been hosting circle gatherings for the past few months, just kind of figuring it out as we go, and it’s been incredibly enriching. There is one in Hanover, NH, one in Manchester, Vt, and one in Saratoga Springs. We meet once a month. Each circle has its own flavor and is taking on its own rhythm.

Last night we had our second Soul Circle in Saratoga and we talked about death and babies and energy and nature. We talked about the painter Hilma af Klint and jazz and channeling and horses. Everyone came to the circle with beautiful history and curiosity and kindness. We shared opening and closing blessings and in-between we engaged deeply, with respect and joy, life’s confounding ideas.

There is something so perfect about a circle when it comes to human connectivity. I believe we collectively raised the vibration of our lives last night. I know I left higher than when I arrived, in spite of the endless days of clouds and rain we’ve been having.

We ranged in age from 20’s to 80’s, with everything in-between, proving you’re never too young or too old to explore the existential questions we face as humans.

And, let me tell you, exploring them together is a helluva lot more fun than exploring them alone.

There were interesting strands of connectivity and great overlapping stories. Where one had questions, another had experience. In a circle everyone is a teacher.

In a world in which we are all hungering for insight, for understanding, for connection, last night we feasted on the banquet of togetherness. And all it took was a some chairs in a circle and a bunch of curious humans.

I love you all so much. Let’s keep returning to the warm fires of human kindness and curiosity.
xo, mo

Photo by Joris Voeten on Unsplash

You can check for upcoming events right here. I think we’ll be starting a Soul Circle in Peru, Vt soon, and this one might actually be outdoors, around a fire. Stay tuned!