What is a men’s circle?

In it’s essence, a Men's circle is a ritualized space where men gather to share with a commitment to growth, support and transformation, within a safe, confidential, and constructive environment, that follows the core principles of men’s work. Here, men born in male bodies come together to accept, respect, and commit to the group's purpose and intentions. But what are these intentions, and how do they manifest in the ground rules and agreements that govern these circles?

Principles of men’s circles

Within the container of men's circles, the practice of conscious communication tools is central. It is rooted around three fundamental guidelines:

Staying present - It requires a full shift of attention from inner and outer distractions into the circle, and everything that unfolds within the circle’s time and space. While circling, participants learn to be fully engaged in the present moment, setting aside any external distractions. This shift enables individuals to connect authentically with each other, paving the way for genuine and open communication.

Practicing active listening - Active listening transcends mere hearing: it involves a deep and empathetic understanding of the speaker's words, emotions, and perspectives. Participants are encouraged to suspend judgment and listen without any interruption. This practice not only fosters a sense of validation and respect, but also creates a space where individuals feel heard and understood, facilitating a more profound level of sharing and connection.

Promoting a space conducive to authentic sharing - Emphasis on the importance of establishing an environment that promotes vulnerability and trust. In men's circles this involves fostering a sense of brotherhood, where participants feel secure and supported enough to share their experiences, challenges, breakthroughs and aspirations, without fear of criticism.

These guidelines serve as pillars in this men’s circle for cultivating deep and meaningful connections among participants, allowing them to share, explore and understand their emotions, thoughts and patterns, within a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Exchange: pay by donation - all amounts are appreciated and a min of $10 is encouraged to help cover the cost to use the space. Venmo: @Chad-Curtis-14 (please put Men’s Circle 9/22 in the notes)