Community Circling Night

Please read the full description for important details.

You are invited to a Community Circling Night facilitated by Sean and Laureli. Attendance will be limited to 7 people, so please update your RSVP if your plans change, even if it is last minute. A wait list is not possible due to technical constraints; please keep checking in to see if a space has opened. We ask that all participants refrain from using personal fragrances prior to the event so those with chemical sensitivities can participate.

WHO THIS IS FOR: Circling is best suited to people who have some experience with authentic relating, or have done work with other spiritual and personal growth practices. We recommend that new members attend a few Games Nights prior to attending Circling, but we understand if you are unable to due to scheduling conflicts.

WHAT HAPPENS AT CIRCLING NIGHTS: Circling is a way for us to practice presence in relationship. It is a group experience that leaves space for individual emotional expression, reflection and sharing of impact - where we are encouraged to follow our impulses, speak our truths, and explore relating with one another authentically in the present moment.

The practice of circling allows us to slow down, bring our attention to our own felt experience, and share our inner worlds with one another, noticing what happens within us and what arises within the group as we do so. The intention is to connect from a place of curiosity and to strive for clarity as we bring awareness to what is implicit and make it explicit. The goal is not to change one another, but instead to be with what is, celebrating and honoring who and where we all are right now. As we circle, we practice breaking through the assumptions and projections we may have about each other to allow for deeper connection and greater understanding to emerge.

PROGRAM:

6:20 - Doors open

Please arrive and be settled by 6:30.

6:30 - Check-ins, description of and context for Circling shared

6:45 - First circle

8:00 - Break

8:15 - Second circle

9:15 - Closing remarks and group discussion

9:30 - Event Ends

EVENT TYPE: Facilitated practice + some social time during break

EVENT BY: Authentic Portland (Sean and Laureli)

COST:
We request a contribution of $10 for Authentic Portland's expenses, and a portion of this goes to facilitators in appreciation of their efforts. $2 is Meetup's processing fee. A refund is available only for cancellations more than 24 hours in advance of the event. Please send the host a message that you cancelled, as soon as you cancel, to receive your refund.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but in the interest of transparency, please talk to us ahead of time if you have trouble paying.
If you wish to expressly reward us for our time and facilitation, if this is of value to you, and if you have the means, please give any amount beyond $10 that feels good to you, at the event itself.
Additional funds are used for facilitator development, hosting special events, Authentic Portland upkeep and growth.

PARKING & LOGISTICS: Parking is on-street (there's no dedicated parking lot for this building). Please come early enough to find a space to park.

REQUIREMENTS:

• willingness/ability to self-reflect and share your inner experience with people
• willingness/ability to treat yourself with kindness and respect
• willingness/ability to treat others with kindness and respect
• willingness/ability to feel curiosity about the experiences of others
• willingness/ability to lean into the edges of your growth and learning

WHAT TO BRING: You are welcome to bring items that will help ensure your comfort such as: a water bottle, warm layers of clothing, cozy blanket, etc.

OTHER IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

• Circling is a practice that is most effective when you are able to show up fully. We would like for all participants to arrive as well rested as possible and nourished with a clear and unaltered mind, this also includes not having a drink or cannabis beforehand.

• Please also note that this is not a therapeutic setting and the facilitators are not there in the role of counselors. If you have needs that would best be served by a mental health professional, this practice should not be considered a substitute for any such care.

• If you have recent, significant and/or unresolved interpersonal trauma or group-related trauma, please be aware that some of the things we do might be triggering for you, or you may at times lose access to knowing that you are always at choice about how to engage. If this applies to you, we advise you proceed with caution and at your own risk.

• The doors will be closed once the event has begun. Please plan to be prompt and allow extra travel time for the likely possibility of traffic.

• We ask that participants plan to stay for the full duration of the event. If you have a conflict that requires you to leave early, please inform one of the organizers prior to the start of the event.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask one of the organizers or to share them on our community Facebook group.

TO REGISTER: Please RSVP on Meetup to confirm that you are coming, and please change your RSVP if your plans change!