• Types of Circles

Circles follow the lead and needs of their surrounding community. Like the fires that we’ve gathered around for millennia, each circle gathers around a shared intention. These intentions can be as diverse as the people within the circles.

Four types of circles have emerged:

  • Healing circles are safe environments in which those who are impacted by a condition or circumstance can share their experiences and harvest collective wisdom. They are the foundation on which other circles are built.
  • Discovery circles are for those who want to gain insight into whatever they are facing through intuition, inner exploration, and creative expression. The people within them share a common way of processing life but may not share a common circumstance.
  • Learning circles are for those who share an interest in a topic or wish to develop a healing skill.
  • Caring circles support those who care for others, whether as a family member, friend, volunteer, or professional. They can also include experiences for caring for ourselves.

Healing circles

Often form around things such as cancer, chronic illness, chronic pain, aging, end-of-life issues, grief and loss, trauma and resilience, addiction, parenting, race- and gender-related issues, and other shared conditions or circumstances.

Discovery circles

Embrace expressive arts such as:

Poetry

Writing

Art

Music

Movement

Learning circles

Foster activities such as:

Community conversations

Book circles

Explorations of a specific topic/theme

Skill-development

Caring circles

Support the care of others as well as the self.

Caregivers of others

Family caregivers

Professional caregivers

Healing Circles hosts

Caring for the self

In circles of one

In circles of two

Through contemplative practice

Through movement and walking

Through social connection

Healing Circles Langley

For an example of multiple ways to access healing, view the calendar at Healing Circles Langley, which serves South Whidbey Island, a community of 20,000 people. The population of Langley is 1,000. Nevertheless, Healing Circles Langley supports 29 ongoing circles, which is evidence of the many ways people enjoy coming together in pursuit of a richer, healthier life.

Healing Circles Houston

Located in the fourth largest city in the U.S., Healing Circles Houston serves a much larger community of 2.3 million. Through collaborating partners, it offers circles that meet different needs, including:

  • Cancer
  • Grief and Loss
  • Trauma and Resilience
  • Veterans
  • People in recovery
  • Parents of children with special needs
  • Survivors of sexual abuse
  • People going through divorce

For the latest offerings, view the Healing Circles Houston calendar.

Header photo by David Welton

Photo above courtesy of Healing Circles Langley