Witnessing Circle Guidelines

Guidelines for Hosting Witnessing Circles

Witnessing circles are sacred spaces for individuals to share their stories and be heard without judgment. In a world where division often overshadows connection, these circles offer a sanctuary for belonging and healing. Feeling seen and heard is vital for our well-being, yet it can feel nearly impossible to achieve when met with judgment, prejudice, or isolation. Witnessing circles help bridge this gap by fostering genuine human connection and understanding. They remind us that we are not alone and that our stories matter. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you hold your own witnessing circle.

1. Setting the Tone

The success of a witnessing circle depends on creating a safe and inclusive environment. Here’s how to set the tone:

• Welcome with Warmth: Open with a grounding exercise or intention-setting moment. Acknowledge the courage it takes to share and witness stories.
• Clarify the Purpose: Explain that the circle is a space for sharing experiences and witnessing others without offering advice or judgment.
• Create Agreements: Share ground rules such as:
  • Confidentiality: What is shared in the circle stays in the circle.
  • Active Listening: Everyone listens fully without interrupting.
  • Nonjudgment: All stories are valid and deserve respect.

2. Choosing a Format

Witnessing circles can be structured or open-ended. Here are two approaches:

• Structured Sharing: Use prompts to guide participants.
  • Example Prompts:
    • “Describe a moment when you felt unseen but longed to be understood.”
    • “Share a story of resilience that shaped who you are today.”
    • “How have you experienced prejudice, and how do you need to be acknowledged in your experience?”
  • Each participant takes turns sharing, while others listen quietly.
• Open Sharing: Allow participants to share freely, following their intuition.

3. Facilitating the Circle

As a facilitator, your role is to hold space and guide the flow. Here’s how:

• Opening the Circle: Start with a grounding exercise, such as deep breaths or a short meditation. Share the intention for the circle.
• Guiding the Sharing:
  • Use a talking piece (e.g., a stone or virtual cue) to indicate who is speaking.
  • Allow each person their time to share without interruption.
• Witnessing Responses:
  • Witnesses may nod, place a hand on their heart, or offer a simple “Thank you” to acknowledge the speaker without judgment or analysis.

4. Closing the Circle

End with gratitude and grounding to help participants transition out of the space:

• Gratitude Practice: Invite participants to share one word or feeling they’re leaving with.
• Closing Ritual: Blow out a candle, play soft music, or lead a short visualization to symbolically close the circle.

5. Choosing a Topic

When choosing a topic for your witnessing circle, think about themes that resonate deeply with your community or reflect shared experiences. A good topic should invite participants to explore meaningful aspects of their lives in a way that feels safe and approachable. Consider starting with universal themes like belonging, resilience, or transformation, which offer a gentle entry point for storytelling. You might also use prompts to help participants focus their thoughts, such as:

Theme: Stories of Belonging
Prompt: “Share a moment when you felt a deep sense of belonging, or a time when you longed for it.”

6. Inviting Others to Start Their Circles

Encourage others to hold their own witnessing circles:

• Share this guideline as a resource.
• Invite them to join a dedicated Facebook group for facilitators to connect, share feedback, and inspire one another. Join here: Witnessing Circle Community.
• Highlight successful circles in your community to celebrate the movement and inspire new facilitators.

Conclusion

Witnessing circles are a spontaneous yet deeply intentional idea born from my own experiences in women’s circles. I have felt the power of sharing my stories and being witnessed without judgment, especially as a Greenlandic woman navigating prejudice and systemic challenges. The healing and connection that come from being truly seen are transformative.

In a time of global crises, where minorities are often targeted, bullied, and suppressed, we need spaces like these more than ever. Spaces where we can bond over shared experiences, find solidarity, and reclaim our power through storytelling.

I invite you to explore this practice, whether by hosting your own witnessing circle or joining the movement to create a more connected, compassionate world. Let’s build these spaces together and foster healing and unity, one story at a time.

If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect! Find me on Instagram @feelgoodrebelacademy and share your thoughts, experiences, or questions. Let’s create something truly transformative together. 🌿✨