In an increasingly fast-paced world, talking and listening circles are a helpful tool for yoga teachers and other wellbeing professionals to offer connection, build community, and address specific topics in a safe and professional manner. This practical resource guides the reader through the various stages of talking and listening circles, including the initial intention for setting up a circle, opening the circle, sharing guidelines, introducing topics, and closing the circle. Filled with valuable insights from interviews held with circle holders, this book offers advice on a wide range of topics and styles. This includes grief circles and LGBTQ+ circles, as well as an in-depth chapter on how to work with children and teens, complete with activities and embodiment practices. Written with professionals in mind, it also offers advice on managing group dynamics, the differences between online and in-person circles, and marketing. Each chapter includes practical exercises, templates, and stories to support you in running your first circle or improving the quality of existing circles.
Julia Davis is a circle holding trainer, yoga teacher trainer and mentor & senior yoga teacher. She is founder of Yoga Teachers Forum an organisation that provides CPD/CET training, business support and mentoring for yoga teachers. She runs a wide variety of circle holding training courses and also trains yoga teachers in Yoga Nidra & Perimenopause. She has written articles for Spectrum Magazine, The Menopause Exchange and the Yoga Teachers Forum E-Magazine. Julia has spoken on a number of podcasts including The Embodiment Podcast and Life an Inside Job on topics ranging from Menopause to Circle Holding. She lives in London, UK. Tessa Venuti Sanderson, PhD, has been running talking circles for nine years, including at trainings, retreats, and festivals. She is a senior yoga teacher and trainer and she co-facilitates the Yoga Nidra and Circle Holding course with Julia Davis. She has written a number of books for women and children and she has written articles for Juno, Green Parenting, OM Yoga, and Mother & Baby. Tessa has spoken at a number of organisations and conferences, specifically on perinatal health. She lives in Reading, UK.
Your practical guide to hosting talking circles with intention, purpose and meaning.
As an individual working in hospitals and prison settings, Circle Holding was a transformational read. I was excited for the philosophies and real-time practices that offered light bulb moments in thinking about shared listening and speaking spaces. In the exploration of meaningful connection, the author's heartfelt voices were especially moving as they led us to gain intimate insight into how various communities engage with the shared values of inclusivity, personal and communal growth. I rode the wave of this book with barely a pause, and I came out the other end with a more visceral understanding of what deeply considered compassionate care can look like. -- Shoshana Perry, Narrative 4 Story Exchange Facilitator & Mindfulness Educator
