What to expect at Calm Circles
Launched in 2021, the Calm Circles initiative was born out of a vision to champion mental well-being by providing a safe space for the community to engage in open, meaningful conversations. Today, two and a half years later, our mission remains steadfast. Conducted bi-monthly in virtual settings and occasionally in-person, Calm Circles continues to serve as a haven for individuals seeking connection, support, and personal growth.
If you're contemplating taking your first step into our community, we understand that the prospect of joining Calm Circles can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Questions like 'What happens during Calm Circles?', 'Who will I be meeting?', or 'What if I don’t know what to say?' may be crossing your mind. Rest assured, your curiosity and any reservations you may have are completely normal and valid. To allay any anxieties and provide clarity on what to expect, let's demystify what happens during Calm Circles!
Welcome to Calm Circles (15 minutes)
The first 15 minutes of the 1.5-hour session are guided by one of our lead facilitators, setting the stage for subsequent discussions.
Check-in:
Beginning with a brief check-in, the lead facilitator will encourage you to tune into your inner weather by responding to questions like “How are you feeling today?” or more lighthearted prompts such as "What animal best describes you today?". Use this moment to attune and be mindful of any emotions, thoughts, and feelings shaping your current state. Participants often bring a diverse spectrum of feelings and experiences, so feel at ease to join us exactly as you are.
Agreements brief:
Next, the lead facilitator will familiarise you with our Calm Circles Agreements. These agreements serve as the guiding principles for our discussions, creating a safe and respectful space for everyone to express themselves openly.
Exploration of theme:
Each Calm Circles session delves into a thoughtfully chosen theme related to well-being. Before discussions begin, the lead facilitator will introduce and elaborate on the session's theme, unravelling key concepts and presenting thought-provoking questions to guide and shape your conversations.
Grounding exercise:
Concluding the opening segment, the lead facilitator will guide the group through a brief grounding exercise, anchoring everyone in the present moment and preparing for the meaningful conversations ahead.
Breakout Discussions (55 minutes)
1st Breakout Session (20 minutes)
Meet your group and introduce yourself:
To foster greater intimacy and connection, the majority of your session discussions take place within a small, curated group of 4-6 individuals. Each group will be facilitated by one to two trained members of our Calm Collective team, dedicated to guiding the conversation and upholding our Agreements for a safe sharing space. Take this opportunity to meet your group, introduce yourself, and share your intention for attending the session!
Let’s get the ball rolling:
Following the introductions, your facilitator will present discussion prompts to kickstart the conversation. At this point, you may have started to form some initial thoughts or observed emotions arising in connection with the session's theme. Feel free to share these insights with your group at your own pace and comfort level. It's perfectly acceptable not to have all the answers at first; you can also choose to listen actively, embracing others' perspectives with curiosity and compassion.
Breather (5 minutes):
After sharing and/or holding space for others for the last 20 minutes, it's time for a short 5-minute break. This provides an opportunity for everyone to consolidate their thoughts and recalibrate before moving forward. Engage in activities such as journaling, grabbing a drink, using the bathroom, or any other self-care practices that resonate with you!
2nd Breakout Session (30 minutes)
Diving deeper:
Having heard from fellow participants and facilitators during the earlier conversation, reflect on what stood out to you. Are there aspects you resonate with or find inspiring in someone else's sharing? Take this opportunity to bring up these observations and explore them further within your group.
Wrapping up:
In the final 10 minutes, facilitators will guide the group towards a reflection on the shared experience. Discuss commonalities, insights gained during the session, and extend encouragement to other participants.
Closing: Final Reflections (10 minutes)
Transitioning to the final segment of the session, participants will gather as a whole group again, where the lead facilitator will invite groups to share their reflections and key takeaways. This segment aims to bring together the diverse experiences within the various breakout sessions. Take this time to listen attentively, learn from one another, and contribute to the collective wisdom of the Calm Circles community.
End of Session + Exit Survey (5 minutes):
As we conclude the session, spare a few moments to complete our exit survey, and express appreciation to yourself and the Calm Collective community for dedicating time to participate in Calm Circles.
We hope that this detailed breakdown of a Calm Circles session gives you a clearer picture of what to expect and helps alleviate any uncertainties you may have had about joining our community. Remember, Calm Circles is designed to be a welcoming and supportive space where you can authentically connect, share, and grow. We look forward to having you join us in our next session, contributing your unique perspective to our community of compassionate individuals.
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Calm Circles are held twice a month and are usually held virtually. We host in-person Calm Circles occasionally and you may stay tuned to our Instagram, Linkedin, Telegram and Email Newsletter for the latest information on in-person sessions.
Sign up for our next Calm Circles here.