Behind The Front - AR & Circling
Authentic Relating and Circling
Authentic Relating (AR) and Circling are relational practices designed to help foster a deeper, more whole, connection to self and others.
This is very different than a “social” or even events like “speed friendings”. While both of those have the intention to serve as a bridge for connection, AR and Circling are completely different beasts.
What you can expect at these AR and Circling events are facilitated “games” you “play” in pairs, trios, or groups that bring you into your direct, in this moment, felt experience and sharing what it’s like to be you, while with us. This can feel extremely edgy for people (like myself) who are used to adapting their shares to try to manage the other person's emotional response. People who often sacrifice authenticity for pseudo belonging.
Impact on me
The impact AR and Circling have had on me and why I am sharing this: This practice has given me the felt understanding, for the first time ever, that maybe who I am, with all my relational numbness, anxiety, self centeredness etc… maybe with all the parts of me I’ve exiled, I’m enough. Additionally this practice has been a place to test out bringing my “unacceptable/exiled parts” into relation with others and being able to stay with the impact of that. This practice has been the most awakening and integrative tool I have encountered. And that's not even mentioning the incredible deep and rich connection that can come from being able to truly be yourself with another.
Some Disclaimers
This is not therapy nor a place where we try to change or fix another or even ourselves. This is a space to honor exactly who and how we are in this current moment and being with that, while with others.
If that sounds a little scary, it can be. Being uncomfortable, triggered, or/and activated while here is welcome and expected. It’s often said this practice isn't designed to be a “safe place” but rather a “brave space”. The essence of that is this space isn't tailored to be polite, and agreeable. But it's to get past the social niceties and truly share what is alive for you. This may be curiosities, judgements, attractions, aversions, sensations, feelings, etc.
At the beginning of the event we will go through agreements of how to share and behave in a way that honors yourself but also the others in the group.
I share all of this, not to try to scare you (these spaces are actually the places I feel safest by FAR due to the transparency) but to really filter IN the people who wish to discover more of themselves and are willing to face activation along the way.
Details
Participants are maxed at 10 people due to the intimateness of this and the size of the space. This will be held in my home.
This is a PWYC event, would love to have you even if all you can/wish to continue financially is $1. Seriously.
We start on time at 6:30pm, you can arrive up to 20 minutes before at 6:10 as there will be tea provided if you wish to have one and or just to get yourself settled in.
Leading up to the beginning of the event, will be a silent container. Meaning there won't be talking to others while arriving. This is to create a space to connect with self and also to remove the BS small talk used to follow some societal norm. I will greet you at the door when you arrive, show you the bathroom, where to get tea, and where we are sitting. If you have any questions you wish to ask me for your own comfort, you can do that as well, but besides that there will be introspective silence between other participants.
The Structure
6:30pm: Group meditation Intro The Rules
7:00pm: AR Games
8:00pm: The Circle
9:00pm: Debrief
9:30pm: End
Absolutely no experience needed. Just a willingness to be open, be seen, and get uncomfortable