Please note, Circles are currently offered weekly “off-platform”. To register for a 60-minute circle session, click here.
What is a Meaning Circle?
A Meaning Circle™ is a real-time experience in which a small group of participants share and reflect on what they find meaningful/less. Hosts are trained to create a caring and judgement-free space to enable exploration and deep reflection. There is no ‘cross-talk’, debate, or discussion on what anyone has shared. Only acceptance, free of judgement.
This unique event works by re-framing how people have traditionally been taught to interact in society. Participants engage their active listening skills and are stimulated by diverse perspectives, rather than listening only to think of a response or worrying about filling silences. In doing so, Circles open the minds of participants to achieve significant new understandings simply by listening, without motive, as others give their own unfiltered perspectives.
Circles have been described as "thought-provoking," "mind-broadening," "perspective-altering," and simply "magical" by past participants.
How do Meaning Circles work?
During a Circle, a host will introduce the guidelines for participation and share the stimulus question as well their own reflection on the question. Following that, Explorers can share their reflections. They are free to speak when they feel compelled to, or they may choose to participate only as a listener. Once everyone who wishes to share has done so, the host asks for final reflections before closing the Circle.
There is no discussion or dialog about any individual's thoughts. The only goals are to openly share your own thoughts and fully take in the thoughts of others.
How do Meaning Circles help me?
Meaning Circles support Explorers to reflect on their work journey, offering stimulus in the form of perspectives from others on the many ways individuals may experience meaning. Reflecting on one's own journey alongside others can help Explorers identify changes that might bring greater fulfillment.
We believe that meaning seeking is a uniquely human practice. What each person comes away with will be unique to them, but the opportunity to hold the space for each others' reflections enables everyone to find themselves with deeper or new perspectives that inform how they might experience more meaning.
The Details
- Stimulus Questions: These questions always relate to meaningful work
- Who: 8-14 Explorers
- Where: Circles can be virtual or in-person. Due to COVID-19, all Circles are being held virtually.
- Cost: Circles are free meetings of the mind. There is no cost associated with attendance.
- Privacy: We respect each others’ privacy and all participants commit to not share anything they have heard in the Meaning Circles.
To view our upcoming Meaning Circles and register, click here.