Circles as a Path to Personal Transformation with Rob Smith

Show notes

In this interview Rob and Julia discussed: • Attended his first circle during lockdown for support • Had transferable skills from being a personal trainer, knew how to give person space to speak • Co-facilitates the circle at Uncommon Man – bring different skills and give each other support e.g. debriefing and planning • Also has support through Whatsapp group with other men’s circle facilitators • Charges for men’s monthly circle and a lot of this goes back into promoting sessions, including having a videographer there for marketing e.g. clips of breathwork to demystify what happens at the circle • For venues, think of spaces like offices that aren’t used in the evenings or co-working environments that may wish to support mental health • Tips on how to get started with a men’s group • Important to include moments of comedic relief in circles ie humour • Relaxed start with non-alcoholic beers and music playing (also a guideline not to bring alcohol or arrive inebriated) • With 20-25 men, will get agreement to guidelines with a hand raise • After initial circle, go to triads because less intimidating than 121 because can move eye contact between the two others • After group share with 5-10 people sharing, do breathwork session and final group share (time for everyone to speak) • Do breathwork because it’s a powerful way to help release emotion • Advice to new facilitator would be to have someone there to support you e.g. in setting space up, doesn’t have to be a co-facilitator and to give it a go with three friends.

Find Rob https://www.uncommonman.co.uk

You can order our book Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles here: https://www.circleholding.org/book

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To learn more about facilitating circles you can join one of our trainings: https://www.circleholding.org

Circle Holding Fundamentals - introductory 3 hour workshop https://www.circleholding.org/circle-fundamentals

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Yoga Nidra & Circle Holding https://www.circleholding.org/yoga-nidra-circle-holding

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Circle Holding Residential Retreat https://www.circleholding.org/autumn-residential

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We love to hear from circle facilitators and circle goers so please email us at info@circleholding.org

Music credit: Fabio Venuti