Celebration Circle

Would you be interested in participating in a group that would continue this discussion and find concrete ways to follow up on these suggestions?

By Circle

YES! Continue discussing.

'' . . continue this discussion. .''? YES!

I think the discussion started in the Open Circle workshop scratched the surface (a good scratch) and it would be healthy to continue dialoguing in a similar group forum

As an organization, Celebration Circle is continually self-redesigning to simultaneously be both inside and outside of the ''box'' at the same time. How then, as a largely undefined/defined group, do we find direction? Define our shape? Shape our voice? Set new courses of exploration and growth? Chaaaaannnnnggggee (that scary, scary word)?

The people who have accepted the responsibility of guiding Celebration Circle on its path are Rudi and Zet, the inspirational, spiritual and executive leaders of Circle. And the Council of Stewards, Circle?’s board of directors. . . . . . . . . . . . Rudi and Zet are our Executive Branch; Circle?’s chosen leaders responsible for running the day to day operations and keeping Circle's course straight and true. The Council of Stewards is Circle?’s Senate, a small group of devoted men and women committed to careful deliberation on the well being of the Circle. Could a bi-monthly Open Circle Discussion Group be our House of Representatives? The larger more general voice of the people?

Genuine efforts have been made in the past (annual congregational meeting) to include the general ?“congregation?” in being informed Circle participants. But I believe they were poorly attended (someone, correct me if I?’m wrong) and discontinued for lack of interest.

I think we saw a good and interested attendance at the Open Circle workshop. Maybe it?’s time to attempt a general discussion amongst those who might wish that they could be heard but just don?’t know how. Maybe the Open Circle Discussion Forum is the new format to involve interested voices in shaping ?“our?” Circle. I?’m all for continuing the Open Circle Discussion, perhaps meeting after Circle once every two months.

Shalom! neil jarrell

A focused discussion

Good thoughtful post, neil, and I enjoyed reading.

I've tried to make myself willing to share ideas and opinions when asked, and sometimes before I am asked or even despite not being asked (heh heh). I don't know that a lot will be gained by just continuing discussion in an undirected, unending, way. I don't think the idea of the discussion is ''being heard.'' I think I'd like to see a focused discussion, where the focus is about how we can become more welcoming towards one another. Somehow we seem to dance all around that topic, and not ever discuss it, like it is taboo or too ''hot'' to talk about wanting to get to know one another.

I haven't participated much in the Circle government, mainly because I've been OK with things the way they are. I sure don't want more government, or focus on government, for the Circle or for this discussion format. In my opinion, we have enough Circle discussion and it functions fine. I could be wrong, but who cares about that?

As I have thought long and hard about what I think the ''real'' discussion is about, it is about ''connection'' and our apparent mutual ambitions and frustrations in feeling connected, in helping one another feel ''part of'' and in giving real true articulation to our collective desire to get connected or to improve connection in the Circle.
We say ''we are one,'' even when we feel like we are two, or twenty two. To me, those are tough issues to talk about. I don't think we'll get very far if we don't (talk about connection or lack of, or these ''focused'' discussion topics).

My two cents: lots of folks who come to Circle reflect a certain detachment, un-involvement, or disconnectedness. We seem to draw that somehow. Maybe it is a sense of personal isolation, I am no professional analyst, I just observe and try to write what I feel and see about this. I don't think the detachment I see is purposeful or malicious in any way, and others might not agree at all. One person told me once that they have ''too much connection'' in their life and wanted more breathing space and yearned for more private or personal time. Maybe Circle is that for lots of people.
If so, there isn't much to discuss, because it isn't wrong, and isn't something to fix. But if more people want more connection and more a sense of involvement, then that won't happen without us taking responsibility to make it happen.
These are just my ideas about this. I'm no expert. I would sure like to hear more from other voices.
David Morris

A focused discussion

Good thoughtful post, neil, and I enjoyed reading.

I've tried to make myself willing to share ideas and opinions when asked, and sometimes before I am asked or even despite not being asked (heh heh). I don't know that a lot will be gained by just continuing discussion in an undirected, unending, way. I don't think the idea of the discussion is ''being heard.'' I think I'd like to see a focused discussion, where the focus is about how we can become more welcoming towards one another. Somehow we seem to dance all around that topic, and not ever discuss it, like it is taboo or too ''hot'' to talk about wanting to get to know one another.

I haven't participated much in the Circle government, mainly because I've been OK with things the way they are. I sure don't want more government, or focus on government, for the Circle or for this discussion format. In my opinion, we have enough Circle government and it functions fine. I could be wrong, but who cares about that?

As I have thought long and hard about what I think the ''real'' discussion is about, it is about ''connection'' and our apparent mutual ambitions and frustrations in feeling connected, in helping one another feel ''part of'' and in giving real true articulation to our collective desire to get connected or to improve connection in the Circle.
We say ''we are one,'' even when we feel like we are two, or twenty two. To me, those are tough issues to talk about. I don't think we'll get very far if we don't (talk about connection or lack of, or these ''focused'' discussion topics).

My two cents: lots of folks who come to Circle reflect a certain detachment, un-involvement, or disconnectedness. We seem to draw that somehow. Maybe it is a sense of personal isolation, I am no professional analyst, I just observe and try to write what I feel and see about this. I don't think the detachment I see is purposeful or malicious in any way, and others might not agree at all. One person told me once that they have ''too much connection'' in their life and wanted more breathing space and yearned for more private or personal time. Maybe Circle is that for lots of people.
If so, there isn't much to discuss, because it isn't wrong, and isn't something to fix. But if more people want more connection and more a sense of involvement, then that won't happen without us taking responsibility to make it happen.
These are just my ideas about this. I'm no expert. I would sure like to hear more from other voices.
David Morris