I’ll never forget that Thursday night. I knew I needed to be “circled,” to be the focus of an Authentic Relating circle, but every cell in my body resisted. Despite my apprehension, I volunteered.
“I don’t know what to do,” I confessed.
“That’s okay,” the facilitator reassured me, “I’ll guide you through this.”
Six of us sat in the virtual breakout room: the facilitator, myself, the man being circled, and three observers. Silence hung heavy in the air. I felt exposed, vulnerable, and an overwhelming urge to escape. Tears welled up as I shared my fear and the conflicting desire to stay.
Then, something shifted.
One participant, a woman, shared her initial impression of me – a sense of peace and familiarity. Another expressed how refreshing it was to witness my raw honesty. A third shared her appreciation for my openness.
Their reflections helped me see myself in a new light. The qualities I perceived as “boring” were actually sources of peace and authenticity. I realized that it was okay to simply be myself, without needing to entertain or impress.
As the circle progressed, I felt a growing sense of acceptance and belonging. Their curiosity about my experiences touched me deeply. I confessed, “I need this.”
Another participant, also a woman, reflected back to me a quality I had forgotten: my lovableness. She gently questioned if I could see that in myself. Tears flowed again as I acknowledged the deep longing for acceptance and love.
That first circling was a 50-minute journey of self-discovery. I went from fear and resistance to a profound sense of freedom and acceptance. It was a powerful reminder that vulnerability is not weakness, but a gateway to deeper connection.
The Transformative Power of Authentic Relating
Authentic Relating circles provide a unique space to:
- Explore your inner world without judgment.
- Experience the power of being truly seen and heard.
- Connect with others on a deep and meaningful level.
- Discover new facets of yourself and your relationships.
Ready to embark on your own journey of authentic connection? Join us at our FREE Circling events!
