Open Listening Circles

This is a 90-minute experiment in listening, reflection, and conversation—guided by short texts.

We’ll sit together in a small circle and see what happens when people slow down, listen carefully, and speak honestly—without trying to fix, diagnose, advise, or persuade one another.

This is not therapy, not group counseling, not coaching, not diagnosing, and not prayer.

We’ll use a simple structure:

• brief check-in as we arrive
• a short reading (quote / poem / excerpt)
• quiet reflection + open sharing
• repeat (three texts total)

The readings will be short (often a page or less). No prep, homework, or background knowledge needed. This isn’t a book club or a class—it’s a shared practice.

Silence is allowed. Passing is always allowed. You won’t be put on the spot.

Rather than rules, we’ll be working with a few shared intentions:

• listen without interrupting
• speak from your own experience
• stay curious about what others say
• notice when silence is more helpful than response

Come as you are. Just bring a willingness to slow down and try something a little unfamiliar.

This is a one-hour experiment in listening and conversation.

We’ll sit together in a small circle and see what happens when people slow down, listen carefully, and speak honestly—without trying to fix, diagnose, advise, or persuade one another.

This is not therapy, not group counseling, not coaching, not diagnosing, and not prayer.

I’ll offer a simple starting structure and help with basic time-keeping, but much of what happens will be shaped by the group in the room. We’ll figure some things out together: who wants to speak, when to pause, how to listen, and when it feels right to respond—or not.

There’s no requirement to share personal stories. Silence is allowed.

Passing is always allowed. You won’t be put on the spot or asked to perform. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I supposed to talk?” or “What if I don’t know what to say?”—that’s part of the experiment. You’re welcome exactly as you are.

Rather than rules, we’ll be working with a few shared intentions:

• listen without interrupting
• speak from your own experience
• stay curious about what others say
• notice when silence or reflection is more helpful than response

Think of this less as a facilitated program and more as a shared practice—a chance to try a different way of being in conversation and see what it’s like.

You don’t need any background, beliefs, or experience. Just a willingness to try something a little unfamiliar.