An exciting announcement everyone: this month marks the 15th year anniversary since I first launched the Women’s Wellness Circles!
I can hardly believe I’ve been sitting in Circle almost every month since. What a beautiful honour. If I’ve done the math correctly, that would amount to 180 Circle experiences. No wonder a Circle is my favourite shape. (I consider a heart, a Circle too!)
At one point many years ago, I was actually hosting two Circles each month. This is because I had moved and started another Circle in my new community, while I continued to co-run our flagship location with my dear friend and wellness colleague, Karen Armstrong, until she fully took it over.
Very soon my new Circle was blossoming. As well, the original location continued to flourish, where it’s not uncommon to gather a powerful 50 plus Women on a particular month.
Back then I remember saying to Karen, “Now that we have two Circle locations, I envision more developing: when the time is right and the hosts appear.”
A few years after making that comment, I had a series of women contact me, asking if I would be willing to mentor them in the process of starting Women’s Circles in their respective communities. I was touched, and ready!
What is especially neat about this occurrence is that those women didn’t know each other. They contacted me individually, all within a few weeks of each other.
Due to the uncanny synchronicity, I knew this cluster of inquiry was my official sign that the Women’s Wellness Circles were ready to expand further.
So I sat down and began to write the WWC hosting manual. I thought it would be a very simple guideline. However, it soon became robust with insights and wisdom.
The practical details of running a Circle are straightforward, however the deeper meaning of Circle: its essence, why it’s important, and what it provides, is almost hard to put into words.
Additionally, there is an ‘inner calling’ for those who choose to host and nurture Circle on a regular monthly basis. Along with it, the heartfelt desire to create connections and community.
Once the venue is established, each month the host decides on topics, locates presenters who are the right fit, and actively spreads the good word to all who may feel inclined to join in.
This requires a deep commitment and genuine passion.
Of course, every Host will readily say that Circle has become a beautiful part of who they are, and it’s priceless for the gifts it provides in return: such as community building, friendships, networking, learning and leadership.
From a participant standpoint, although each person’s reason to attend a Women’s Wellness Circle is unique to the individual, there are common themes.
Here are a few examples:
- New Learning – each month carries a different wellness topic and each presenter shares useful empowering information and strategies that participants can apply in their daily life, for themselves and their families.
- Fun and Light-Heartedness – while some topics are more contemplative in nature than others, every gathering evokes smiles, laughter, and a sense of fun and playfulness that is so essential to our state of wellbeing.
- Self-Care and Replenishment – the root of the word “wellness”, is “well”, and this reminds us of the importance of ‘filling our own well on a regular basis, so it doesn’t run dry. Circle is an opportunity to recharge our batteries and fill our own cups, so we become more balanced, vital and whole. In turn, this allows us to more genuinely give to others.
- Community Spirit – daily life can sometimes make us feel isolated and that we are carrying too many burdens or responsibilities on our own. Circle lightens our load, as we are surrounded by others who relate and care. This connection brings a sense of inner strength and fortification to our lives that equates to greater health and vitality.
- Personal Insights –when life is busy, we can merely skim along the surface and not have the time, energy or understanding of how to connect deeper within ourselves. In Circle, it’s common to have special ‘a-ha’ moments and to get to know yourself better. This leads to greater clarity, confidence and decision-making in life.
As the founder and mentor of the Women’s Wellness Circles, I can whole-heartedly say that I have experienced all of the above benefits firsthand on countless occasions.
It’s truly an honour to be part of this ancient tradition, provided in a modern day format that meets the needs of such a wide array of women: from those in their 20s to those in their 80s, single, married, with and without children, working, retired or in school, in a growing number of communities.
If you are interested in joining our ‘Women’s Wellness Circles’, as a host, attendee or presenter, please be sure to contact me. I’d love to chat.
Circles of Gratitude,
Jill
Founder & Mentor of Women’s Wellness Circles
