Circling: Mindful & Authentic Relating @ CERES

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WHAT IS CIRCLING?

Circling is a powerful interpersonal meditation practice, in which mindful awareness is brought to the experience of being ourselves in connection with others.

It is a practice of authentic relating, embodied presence, and radical being with – allowing and opening to the fullness of what is here within and between us.

You need not show up in any particular way, and there is no goal other than opening more skilfully and truthfully to what is here. In other words, you will be met – and encouraged to meet yourself – exactly as you are, where you are. From this place, a wide range of experiences can emerge both individually and as a group, including authentic self-leadership, embodied intuition and aliveness, and collective intelligence.

Circling can have similar benefits to meditation, coaching and therapy, but is a distinct practice. For instance, it is not a practice of silence or stillness, unlike some common types of meditation; and is not goal-oriented, unlike some common therapeutic and coaching modalities.

The simple practice of being authentically present with self and other often leads to powerful experiences of insight and personal growth. Participants are often deeply touched by the authenticity and openness of the space. Longer-term practitioners frequently experience profound shifts in their connection to self, other and life; and in their ability to live from surrender, truth and aliveness. The practice can also be confronting and challenging, and may reveal deep-seated relational patterns or struggles. Please reach out if you are unsure if this event is for you.

For those interested to learn more:

Short trailer from forthcoming Circling documentary: https://youtu.be/ctK2bm4d_HQ

Circling Europe Co-Founder on ‘What is Circling?’: https://youtu.be/4uRPJKOC0-g

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WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

We will begin with a short meditation, to cultivate the presence and awareness that are the foundation of Circling.

You will then be guided into some one-on-one practices, where we will begin to deepen into our awareness of what it’s like to be ourselves in connection. These practices may include eye-gazing, the noticing game, skilful projections, and other authentic relating exercises. We will then introduce two types of Circling: Focus (a.k.a. Birthday Circling) and Flow (a.k.a. Surrendered Leadership). We will begin with Focus Circling, and depending on the group, we may do both.

In Focus Circling, one person receives the attention of a small group. The intention is to be with the Circlee in their world and explore what it is like to be them in this moment, following our curiosity and noticing what happens in our own experience as we are with them.

Flow Circling is better experienced than described. You will be invited to bring awareness to your present moment experience of self, other and group. There is no one focus of attention; rather, the Circle is guided by surrender to the emerging flow of aliveness and collective intelligence.

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ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Facilitated by: Isabelle Xavier

Isabelle trained as a Circling Facilitator with Circling Europe in Amsterdam, and is certified by Circling Europe and the International Circling Federation. She previously spent 18 months training in meditation in Buddhist monasteries and retreat centres in Asia, including 10 months on intensive silent retreat. She holds a B.A. from the University of Oxford and a Master’s from Harvard University. She is currently teaching at the University of Melbourne and Swinburne, and completing her post-graduate clinical training in Gestalt psychotherapy at the Relational Institute Australia. She is currently offering Gestalt therapy sessions on a 'pay from the heart' basis; you can join the short waitlist here:
https://forms.gle/iobVbHUWZ6nwt5cL9

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DETAILS

Sunday March 10

Sunday April 7 @

Multicultural Classroom, CERES Environment Park
2:30 – 5:30pm

Doors open 2:15pm for a 2:30pm start.

The event will conclude at 5:30pm, after which there will be (optional) time for tea, snacks and socialising. There will also be a short break during the event.

The Multicultural Classroom is located a few minutes’ walk from the park entrance. Maps are displayed throughout the park.

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TICKETS

Regular: $36
Bring a friend: Two tickets for $62

Early bookings are advised – the event will be capped at a small group for the benefit of the Circling process.