Question 1

What exactly is a circle?

Accepted Answer

A circle is a form of group gathering where conversation follows a shared set of guidelines. Usually that means speaking from your own experience, listening without interrupting, and letting go of unsolicited advice or judgment. Different circles can vary widely in theme, style of facilitation and practices.

Question 2

Are circles only for women?

Accepted Answer

No. There are women's circles, men's circles and mixed circles. Each can have a somewhat different dynamic and intention. On be here. you can find the space that matches what you're looking for right now.

Question 3

What's the difference between a men's circle and a women's circle?

Accepted Answer

The core guidelines can be very similar: presence, confidentiality, listening and taking responsibility for your own experience. The difference mostly comes from who gathers in the circle and the topics that arise in that particular group. Men's circles often create space to talk about relationships, fatherhood, work, responsibility, life changes or one's own understanding of masculinity. There's no single model of a men's or women's circle.

Question 4

Do all circles look the same?

Accepted Answer

No. Some circles are built mainly around conversation, others use movement, bodywork, meditation, contact with nature, ritual elements or creative practice. Facilitators also vary in experience. That's why it's worth reading the descriptions and choosing consciously.

Question 5

What does a circle gathering look like?

Accepted Answer

Every circle has its own structure: an opening, a shared introduction (for example meditation, breathwork or a small ritual), a sharing round, a moment of silence and a closing. At the center is an intention, the theme the meeting is built around. Candles, sounds, herbs or symbolic objects often accompany the gathering, but they aren't required. What matters most is presence.

Question 6

How long does a gathering last?

Accepted Answer

Usually between two and four hours, depending on the circle. You'll find the exact time, start hour and information about how late you can join in the description of each event.

Question 7

I've never been to a circle. Can I just show up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You don't need prior experience. It's worth reading the description of the specific gathering, checking its guidelines, and finding out whether it's open to newcomers.

Question 8

What if I don't know whether to choose a women's, men's or mixed circle?

Accepted Answer

Think first about what you need right now and who you want to explore that topic alongside. For one person, meeting only with people of the same gender matters most, for another a mixed group feels right. You can also start with a single gathering and see how it feels.

Question 9

Do I need to be "spiritual" to come to a circle?

Accepted Answer

No. Circles can be developmental, community focused, spiritual, therapeutic or simply relational, depending on the facilitator. If symbols, rituals or spiritual practices are part of a gathering, that should be clear from its description. You can choose a space that fits who you are.

Question 10

How do I know if a particular circle is right for me?

Accepted Answer

Check who leads it, what the intention of the gathering is, who it's meant for, what the guidelines are, and what you can expect. Notice whether the description gives you a sense of clarity rather than just the promise of an extraordinary experience.

Question 11

When is it worth reaching for a circle?

Accepted Answer

When you need to pause and reflect, when you want to feel close to other people, when you're looking for support and balance in everyday life, or when you want to consciously work on your relationships. Every story adds value, in a circle nothing is too small or too difficult.

Question 12

Do I have to speak?

Accepted Answer

No. In a circle, everyone has a choice. If you don't feel like sharing, you pass the talking piece along and stay in silence. Sometimes that silence is the most valuable gift you can offer the group.

Question 13

Do I have to talk about my emotions during a circle?

Accepted Answer

There shouldn't be any obligation like that. You can share as much as feels right for you. In a well held space, staying quiet and listening can be just as valid a way of taking part.

Question 14

What if it's hard for me to talk about myself in front of others?

Accepted Answer

That's completely natural. A circle doesn't ask you to force yourself open. Your role is simply to be there, in whatever way feels authentic to you. You can speak, stay silent, cry or laugh. You can also just listen, without judging or advising.

Question 15

Do I need to know the other people in the circle?

Accepted Answer

No. Many people come to a circle on their own. That's actually part of its strength, we meet as people who don't need to know each other's stories to build a space of trust together.

Question 16

What is the talking piece or power stone?

Accepted Answer

It's a symbolic object that gives the right to speak to whoever is holding it. It helps us practice attentive listening, without interrupting, commenting or advising.

Question 17

What does the facilitator do?

Accepted Answer

The facilitator is the person who holds the space of the gathering. They look after safety, attentiveness, the balance between speaking and listening, and the flow of the whole process. They aren't a therapist or a teacher, they're the guardian of a space where others can be themselves.

Question 18

What happens to what's shared in the circle?

Accepted Answer

It stays in the circle. Confidentiality applies: we don't retell other people's stories, comment on them, or judge them. This is exactly what creates the atmosphere of trust that allows people to open up.

Question 19

Do we talk about other people in a circle?

Accepted Answer

No. We only speak about ourselves, about what we feel, think and experience. We avoid judgments, interpretations and comparisons.

Question 20

Is a circle a form of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not every circle is therapy. A circle can be deeply supportive and strong emotions may come up during it, but the word "circle" alone doesn't mean psychotherapy. If a particular gathering has a therapeutic character, it should be led by someone with appropriate qualifications and described clearly as such.

Question 21

How much does it cost to take part?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the facilitator and the location. Some circles work on a donation basis, others have a fixed price that covers the venue and preparation of the gathering. This information is always listed on the page of a specific circle.

Question 22

Do circles take place online?

Accepted Answer

No. All circles on be here. are in person, this is about real presence: a shared space, the body, silence and live contact.

Question 23

Can I join a circle that's already in progress?

Accepted Answer

Some circles are open and you can join at any point, others are closed for the length of a cycle. The facilitator will let you know when confirming your registration.

Question 24

How do I find a circle near me?

Accepted Answer

Use the search tool, enter your location and check the closest upcoming dates. You can also browse facilitator profiles and choose someone whose voice resonates with you.

Question 25

I lead circles. How do I add my profile?

Accepted Answer

We set up facilitator profiles by invitation or after an application and a conversation. If your circles fit these guidelines, you'll get access to a dashboard where you can add your own circles, dates and content to your profile.

Questions about circles?

What a circle is

Who it's for and why

Taking part

Facilitation and safety

Organization and community