What is Circle Process?
Circle Process uses a series of prompts to help groups discuss issues of common concern. The purpose of a Circle is not to solve a problem but to gain an understanding of other’s experiences. Often times, the Circle process results in participants feeling more deeply connected to their shared experiences and/or humanity. The facilitator offers the group a prompt in the form of a question and each member of the group takes a turn at answering the question. Cross-talk is discouraged; each person takes a turn sharing their response to the prompt while the others in the group listen.
What happens in a Circle Process session?
A circle of chairs (or sitting cushions) is arranged around a visual altar. The altar contains elements from each direction: North, South, East, West. The altar is meant to be a visual grounding or centering point for circle participants. The facilitator opens the circle with a prompt and then, one at a time in clockwise direction, each participant shares their reflection on the prompt. Three or four rounds of prompts and participant responses are made. The prompts are customized based on the nature of the group and the issue that brings them together. The facilitator may choose to add a “reflection round” where participants reflect on their experience in the moment.