What to Expect ~ The Rituals and Practices of The Circle
There are some rituals and practices that have been brought into the Circle over time by the men who have co-created our own tradition. They came from their training, a personal spiritual practice, or both.
If you feel any discomfort or resistance towards these rituals, you have the right to pass. Honour your boundaries. At the same time, don't miss an opportunity to pause and be curious what the resistance is about? What beliefs are at the core of it? Where did they come from? How are they serving you? The new awareness might be one of the many gifts the Circle can provide.
Certain rituals were drawn from and inspired by Native traditions, for example Smudging and Calling the Directions that take place at the beginning of the Circle.
Smudging - is performed by burning dried leaves of sage, cedar, Palo Santo wood, or incenses, depending on tradition. The purpose is to cleanse the person's energetic field by directing a scented smoke over his body. Apart from the spiritual meaning, it could be a step towards leaving behind the buzz and hustle of your daily routines while stepping into a different space.
More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smudge_stick#Smudging_in_Native_American_traditionsormed
Expression - "Aho!" - is used to voice acknowledgment or empathy in some Native languages. In the MKP tradition, the AHO acronym stands for "Authentic, Honest, Open"
Use of these rituals and practices may vary from meeting to meeting.
If you feel any discomfort or resistance towards these rituals, you have the right to pass. Honour your boundaries. At the same time, don't miss an opportunity to pause and be curious what the resistance is about? What beliefs are at the core of it? Where did they come from? How are they serving you? The new awareness might be one of the many gifts the Circle can provide.
Certain rituals were drawn from and inspired by Native traditions, for example Smudging and Calling the Directions that take place at the beginning of the Circle.
Smudging - is performed by burning dried leaves of sage, cedar, Palo Santo wood, or incenses, depending on tradition. The purpose is to cleanse the person's energetic field by directing a scented smoke over his body. Apart from the spiritual meaning, it could be a step towards leaving behind the buzz and hustle of your daily routines while stepping into a different space.
More: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smudge_stick#Smudging_in_Native_American_traditionsormed
Expression - "Aho!" - is used to voice acknowledgment or empathy in some Native languages. In the MKP tradition, the AHO acronym stands for "Authentic, Honest, Open"
Use of these rituals and practices may vary from meeting to meeting.
Our Agreements
During the circle you will be asked to commit to the following agreements, which will be discussed in more detail at the circle:
Confidentiality ~ You are welcome to share your experience at the circle but not the experience of others
Lean of speech ~ Being lean of speech is about sharing the core / essence of your story rather than the in depth story. This ensures everyone has space to share and creates a focus towards getting to your work.
Start and End on Time ~ We have a commitment to begin on time and also to end on time.
Be Curious ~ Come with an open mind and healthy sense of curiosity for yourself and also for others.
I Statements ~ One of the main reasons to come to circle is to begin to take responsibility for our lives. When sharing our stories from the place of "I" we are taking responsibility for the person we can change in any situation.
Self Care ~ Participate to your level of comfort. You can pass at any time and take care of your needs.
Alcohol & Mind Altering Substances ~ You agree to not consume any alcohol or mind altering substances 12hrs prior to the circle.
Confidentiality ~ You are welcome to share your experience at the circle but not the experience of others
Lean of speech ~ Being lean of speech is about sharing the core / essence of your story rather than the in depth story. This ensures everyone has space to share and creates a focus towards getting to your work.
Start and End on Time ~ We have a commitment to begin on time and also to end on time.
Be Curious ~ Come with an open mind and healthy sense of curiosity for yourself and also for others.
I Statements ~ One of the main reasons to come to circle is to begin to take responsibility for our lives. When sharing our stories from the place of "I" we are taking responsibility for the person we can change in any situation.
Self Care ~ Participate to your level of comfort. You can pass at any time and take care of your needs.
Alcohol & Mind Altering Substances ~ You agree to not consume any alcohol or mind altering substances 12hrs prior to the circle.