Last Thursday was the first outdoor Women’s Wellness Circle in Holland Landing for the 2012 season co-hosted by my friend and colleague Jill Hewlett and myself.  Mother Nature blessed us with a perfect evening to be outside enjoying the beauty of our surroundings, the fire, the comradery and our incredible presenters!  Terri Segal of Rhythmic by Nature and Elisha MacMillan, sociologist and dance educator led us through African dancing and drumming with lots of Jambi’s provided by Shaw Percussion of Sutton!  We had close to 40 women attend ranging in age from their 20’s to 70’s with joy experienced by all!

For 8 years now, this circle has gathered monthly in York Region at various locations with a different presenter each month, though we do have our favourites who are invited back bringing new material to share!!

For me – the circle is magical.  A circle is a sacred geometrical shape found in nature and used throughout our history as a symbol of oneness, of wholeness and of the connection of all things.  So – when we gather in circle each month – we feel connected yet our individuality is honoured.  We create a sacred space to allow for learning from our presenters and from each other.  In our busy life style – circle provides an opportunity to take precious time out for ourselves, leaving behind our “to do” list for a few hours and just allowing space “to be”.  Women are drawn to attend once a year or more frequently, it is open for whatever works in your life.  One thing is certain though – we always leave feeling connected and fulfilled in some special way. Our sense of community is enhanced and we know we are not alone. Our topics range from music to learning about gems, crystals, tarot, intuitive skills, sacred geometry, astrology, brain gym, women’s health, hoolabics, qigong, herbology or inviting women who lead in the community or have traveled the world and come to share their experiences.  We do have men present from time to time and they have been a gift in offering their insight and skills.

Men and women have shared time together in community throughout history yet we have busied ourselves away from this very simple and intrinsically valuable practice.  I give thanks to Jill for listening to the call of women in her life who expressed a desire to gather and share. I also give thanks to the women who answered the invitation to join in this monthly circle gathering and to the numerous presenters who have shared their time and talents.  My life has been enriched by each of you.  I wish for each of you reading this post that you have the opportunity to gather in community and share in a sacred space. I would be most interested to hear of other gatherings that inspire and feed your heart and soul!

If you have attended our circle and would like to share your experience, please feel free to leave a comment here on the site. Don’t forget to leave a link back to your own blog if you have one, via the commentluv feature here on the website. Or, if you would like to attend a future Women’s Wellness Circle, you will find our calendar by clicking here.  Feel free to contact me if you have questions!

In gratitude,

Karen