Over the past 6 issues of this newsletter, I have shared the necessary steps for you to birth a new women’s circle into the world. From brainstorming your creative ideas, to establishing a structure, to filling your circle with the ideal women and welcoming them into your space with heart wide open – we’ve covered a lot of ground!
And there are a few more powerful tips I want to share with you to help make your circle vital and strong as it finds its legs in the world. Here are 3 steps to take after your first meeting.
1. Nurture Yourself!
Like a new mama who has just given birth, after your first circle you may feel jubilant, grateful, and peaceful – or you may feel exhausted, drained and self-critical! It’s so important to be gentle with yourself and to give yourself room for all of the emotions that come up.
Plan in advance for lots of creature comforts when your first circle is over – have a yummy meal ready and nothing else pressing on your agenda. Plan to be with someone who is nurturing and can focus on your needs. Be sweet to yourself and acknowledge all you have done.
If this was your first time leading a circle, it may have been a really big step into your leadership, which can feel exposing and vulnerable. If so, plan to meet a friend afterwards – or better yet, have a friend participate in your circle and stick around to help you clean up and debrief afterwards.
2. Reflect
After your circle, set aside some time to review how the gathering unfolded, what worked and what didn’t – and take good notes. (We always think we’ll remember the important stuff, but get in the habit of keeping detailed notes and you’ll appreciate it later!)
Compare your plan with how the circle actually unfolded. Often we expect an activity will take a certain amount of time but in the moment, inspired by the Goddess, it may take more or less. Record the actual sequence and timing of activities, and it will be a more realistic guide for next time.
It’s not uncommon to feel a little let down or deflated afterwards – kind of a post-partum blues. Some of us become hyper-focused on the things we didn’t like or we may blame ourselves for something that went wrong. We can blow up in our mind one or two little things that didn’t go the way we wanted, completely dwarfing all the things that went well. A trusted friend can help you be more objective (especially if she was there).
It is also important to record what worked really well – which music got people on their feet, which activities really opened people up. These can serve as a springboard for designing future circles.
Create a file to store your reflection notes and your circle outline. It can be very helpful to keep good documentation of your circles.
3. Keep Building
After your first gathering, it’s important to keep momentum going so your circle sisters are excited to come back for the next meeting. Help them feel the value of the circle between meetings, reminding them of the connection and support that was so tangible when you were together.
You might send a follow-up email or “snail mail” note including a poem you read at the last gathering, or a journaling prompt. You could create a YouTube video with a brief reading or exercise for them to do, or provide a recipe for them to try. Think of what would be particularly meaningful for your women.
You may also need to start your invitation efforts again, to bring new women to the next gathering if yours is a new or growing circle. Return to the ideas I explained in part 5 of this series, “Invite and Enroll the Ideal Women,” and expand your reach.
Remember that people’s lives are very busy — if they didn’t come to your first circle, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not interested! You might send out another email invitation to your whole list including a photo from your first circle or feedback you’ve received. Re-post your flyer in public places, and include the details in your e-newsletter.
If you are still growing your circle, you might give those who came to the first meeting a “bring a friend for free” offer for the next gathering. The women who are already excited about your circle are often your best ambassadors. They can be the ideal way to reach more women who will relish the opportunity to connect.
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I hope this series of articles has been helpful for you in creating your powerful offering to the world. A women’s circle can establish a rare, deep connection between the members. We lift each other up, and help each other to feel supported and inspired. We bring new light into people’s lives.
Holding the space for such a meeting of the hearts is a profound service to humanity. I am grateful you have joined me on this exploration. May your circle be filled with joy, grace and the presence of the Goddess herself.
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