Now that you have the outline for your first circle, and you’ve enrolled the ideal women to join you in your sacred circle, you are almost ready for lift-off! I want to share with you some of the nitty-gritty details that ensure your circle will flow smoothly and that the Goddess’s energy will be unhindered.
Have a Checklist
In the days before your circle, create a checklist of EVERYTHING you will need to bring with you. As you think of things throughout the week, jot them down on the list. Before you leave, check your list! We always think we’ll remember certain items, but it’s best to leave nothing to chance.
Remember to include on your list:
- The outline of your circle activities
- A clock
- Music equipment (MP3 player, speakers, power cords)
- Refreshments, if planned (including cups, napkins, serving utensils, dishcloth)
- Extra yoga mats
Create a Welcoming Space
First impressions are so important. You want your participants to feel welcomed from the moment they step onto the property. Make sure the pathway to your space is clearly marked, or add signs if necessary.
In your room, make the environment as pleasing to the senses as possible. Play music that evokes the mood you want, and incorporate color or artwork in the space. Consider the scents in the room, using aromatherapy, incense or fresh flowers. Experiment with the available lighting in advance, bearing in mind what time of day your circle will be held (you may want to bring additional soft lighting).
It may help to set up a few yoga mats or other markers to indicate the seating arrangement you intend, so as people arrive they will know where to set up their seat. You may need to have a plan for those who are not comfortable sitting on the ground.
Plan ahead so that you can set up the room and be ready for your guests to arrive without feeling rushed. Consider asking someone to help you set up, so you can be relaxed and receptive.
Keep Comfort in Mind
Ask in advance how to control the temperature in the room you are using, getting any necessary training on thermostats, fans, or windows. Your guests’ physical comfort will greatly affect their ability to be present during the circle.
Know where the bathrooms are located (and check to make sure they’re clean and well-stocked!) so you can direct your participants.
Be Present in your Heart
Before your first guest arrives, take a moment to ground into your own heart. Send out your intention that each woman receive the community and support she is most needing in your sacred space.
As each woman arrives, be available to welcome her personally. Introduce yourself individually to any newcomers, and take the time to introduce women to each other. If yours is a larger circle, identify an ambassador in advance to help with welcoming the women to the space.
When it’s time to start, invite everyone to come to the circle. Again take a moment to connect to your heart and the Divine, knowing She is holding the circle in her infinite wisdom and caring. Take several deep breaths, and let Her lead through you.
Throughout the circle, check on the time, adjusting your outline as necessary. Some activities will take more time than you anticipate, and some will take less. Be ready to let the energy of the circle lead you, without sticking too rigidly to your outline.
End with Clarity
Before you close the circle, let everyone know when the next circle will be held and any other planning details. If you are offering an option to commit to a series of circles, leave ample time to explain these logistics and the price before the circle ends. Invite them to pay for future circles right after this first circle, which will make them more committed to show up at the next one.
Be sure to end on time. This is an important aspect of keeping a healthy container for your circle. If there is a closing ritual, ensure that everything is complete by the time you promised. You can invite people to linger afterwards (if that is an option), but also be clear about the needs of the space if there is another event after yours. You may want to arrange in advance for a volunteer to help you clean up the space afterwards.
If possible, be available to say goodbye to each woman. Again, this personal touch will make all the difference to creating a sense of connection and warmth so women will want to return again and again.
Tips from Inside the Circle: One Client’s Experience
“At the first women’s circle, as a facilitator I found it is beneficial to have a list of agreements that you expect the participants to adhere to. This way, everyone knows participant expectations. I’ve discovered the key component of any circle is to have the participants feel seen, held, and heard. Every woman has a voice. It is important that every woman has an opportunity to share how she is doing, exactly as she is.”
~ Meta Lackland, Yoga Teacher & Trauma Release Facilitator, San Francisco, CA, www.MetaLackland.com