Taking Counsel in a Circle | by Madisyn Taylor When we sit in a circle together and share our thoughts and feelings, we participate in a powerful, unifying practice whose origins stem from the very beginning of human time. All early cultures practiced some form of this ritual, which gives each individual in the group a voice, and at the same time reveals the one voice, and the ultimate unity, of the group. This profound and simple way of talking and listening has experienced a modern rebirth in counseling, social work, and spirituality. Most circles benefit from the presence of a leader who opens the circle by calling in angels, spirit guides, and ancestors - beings of light who will be present with those taking counsel. The leader may announce a theme for the circle, or one may simply evolve from the unstructured expressions of each participant. The circle continues for as long as feels right, at which point the leader may summarize what has been said, perhaps leading everyone in a moment of silence before the circle disbands. One of the most powerful components of this work is the talking stick, which can be any object - a crystal, a flower, or a candle - that is passed around the circle from person to person. The person holding the object speaks until he has fully expressed his feelings, and no one else interjects, interrupts, or even responds until they are holding the stick. This enables people who have a hard time speaking out to express long buried feelings and points of view. This is powerful because in a community it is often what is not said or acknowledged that causes the most pain and suffering. The circle, which contains no hard edges or angles, is the ideal container for these difficult truths. As we hear the many perspectives the subject at hand inspires, we begin to see that our individual truth is just one of many. Our own hard edges begin to soften as the circle flows from one person to the next, and each wave of words cleanses us of one more layer of mental and emotional armor, freeing us to be closer to the people around us. Try using counsel during your next family meeting, school class, or any setting where you feel a centering communication method is needed. | DailyOM Course Spotlight by Sadie Nardini So many weight loss and fitness plans are inherently flawed. They work on part of you, so they only partially work! When it comes to finally losing weight for good, having a lean, toned, and most importantly, a whole, healthy body, mind and heart that lasts a lifetime, you need look no further than yoga! Along with the teachings of yoga, or the art of living in balance, comes a map for how to stop sabotaging your best efforts, drop pounds, and transform into your best body--and beyond. If you're seeking weight loss, increased strength, muscle tone, flexibility, more energy, less stress, total happiness and much more, you can now have it in only 21 days or less! In just 21 days, you'll learn exactly how to move, think and eat for total body transformation with Sadie's super-easy poses, tips and secrets. You'll free yourself from cycles of over (or under) eating, lack of exercise motivation or feeling out of control in any aspect of your life. You'll be able to lose weight and maintain it, amplify your confidence, and gain precious insights about how to get, and keep, in control of your fitness on every level. Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. 21 Day Total Goddess Workout 2. Overcoming Self-Sabotage 3. You are a Badass at Habits 4. 8 Week Whole Body Makeover! 5. The 4-Minute Peaceful Warrior Workout 6. 21 Day Yoga Shred 7. Break the Grip of Past Lovers 8. Reinventing The Body, Resurrecting the Soul 9. A Year to Clear What is Holding You Back! 10. 60 Meditations for Greater Happiness
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