Circling is the facilitation, training and/or coaching of a communication system based on authenticity, deep empathic listening and meditative presence. It consists of a combination of distinct qualities, skills, and principles that strengthen both interpersonal communication & relational intelligence, and extend our perceptual range. This psychosocial technology creates a forum for mindful connection where individuals can get to know both themselves and one another more deeply, share the experience of this knowing with one another, and create mutual understanding, trust, psychological safety and intimacy. It can also open doors for transpersonal experience and emergent collective intelligence within groups.
Some additional capacities developed within the Circling training include:
Many people have never felt truly seen, which can be very isolating and painful. When you’re deeply seen for both your unique gifts and beauty – AND the shadow parts you usually keep hidden – you effortlessly become comfortable in your own skin.
These blind-spots are often where we push love and connection away without even knowing it. Waking up to the ways of being that you have previously been blind to gives you radical access to authenticity, connection, choice and possibility.
By paying exquisite attention to the present moment and the dynamic experience of relating with others, you can very quickly enter states of embodied awareness. In this way, Circling can be considered a form of “relational yoga” or
“relational meditation”.
Practicing the Original Circling® Method will exponentially increase your ability to vulnerably express your experience as it arises, moment-to moment. It will also teach you the art of getting someone else’s world in a way that has them feel seen, known and appreciated, perhaps more deeply than they ever have before. These skills can skyrocket your capacity to bring truth, authenticity and connection to every relationship in your life.
A Circle always starts with a group of (typically 4-10) people or a single facilitator putting their curious & open attention on you (or the person getting “Circled”).
Then, with the help of the facilitator, they notice what it’s like being with you moment by moment, share impact and observations, and co-explore what your experience and world is like, essentially getting into deep relationship with what is most true and alive for you.
We don’t give advice or try to fix anyone. Rather, the intention is simply to connect with you, to welcome and stay with “what is”, so we can relax into the truth of our experience, feel supported and know we are not alone.
As the Circle progresses, you may see things about yourself that you’ve never seen. You may feel emotions that have been stuck, buried or numbed. You may find yourself sharing things you were hiding and dissolving feelings of unworthiness and shame. You may find yourself expressing your desires and gaining the courage and freedom that comes from speaking your truth.
By relating in the present moment – beyond stories, expectations and predetermined ideas about who you are – Circling® develops the capacity to reveal your true essence and cultivate deep connections. As everyone engages with genuine curiosity and shares their personal experience of being with you, you discover that who you ARE is more magnificent than any limited idea about who you “should” be. Because of this, Circling® is often deeply nourishing and can lead to spiritual insights and awakenings.
The experience of “being seen” for who we authentically are is one of the most rewarding experiences we can have as human beings. Circling® teaches us exactly that, how to see and celebrate each person for the unique flavor they bring to the world.
Jon Cotton (Co-Owner) has been practicing the Original Circling® Method for over 10 years. He is a personal growth seminar creator & facilitator, psychic reader & healer, nutritionist, natural health expert and UC Berkeley MBA. He has taught workshops for 25 years in meditation, healing, intuition, practical spirituality, NLP, Firewalking (for personal power, overcoming fear & creating what seems impossible). He also taught Breathwork, Speaking Circles, intimacy, authentic relating and the Art of Circling® and led trips to swim with dolphins.
Jon creates an uncommon atmosphere of safety, trust & intimacy. Through a loving and compassionate presence he shares how to fulfill our deepest human needs, to create unconditional love and community in our lives. You can also find more about Jon’s health practice at www.TotalHealthSecrets.com