Circles

One of the oldest, most widespread, and effective tools for creating personal and social change is the Circle. This organizational form is used for an array of purposes and appears under different names in a variety of contexts and cultures in countries around the world.

In Sweden and Norway, study circles are an institutionalized part of the adult education system, with millions of participants coming together in small groups to learn and engage with one another. In the United States, millions of people form self-organized literature circles, otherwise known as book clubs. In Japan, hundreds of companies like Toyota and Honda invite employees to join quality circles, a kind of self-managed work team, to develop employees’ talents and contributions and improve organizational processes and products. And in India, NGOs and banks regularly create lending circles to deliver financial services to the poor and to encourage community development.

Why are Circles so widely embraced? Because their very structure creates the conditions for personal and group growth and empowerment. As an archetype the Circle represents an ancient form of meeting that encourages respectful conversation. It stands in contrast to the Triangle, an alternative archetype of social interaction that reflects hierarchy and reminds people of their place within a power structure.

In a well-functioning Circle, members experience a strong sense of belonging, a compelling commitment to shared goals, a high level of accountability to themselves and to the group, a robust climate of joint problem solving and learning among peers, an intense feeling of involvement, and high trust relationships. Everyone sees herself as an equal part of the whole. The nonhierarchical nature that is the foundation of Circle interaction encourages every member to be a facilitator and a leader by sharing her knowledge and skills.

It is my opinion that “worship” as “we in the US know it” should be a circle.  A community.  Being that circle is about conversation, well that leaves many religions out.  I believe in questions, learning, growing and allowing everyone the free agency to recognize what their truth is, what their enlightenment is.  It is after all, their life isn’t it?

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One circle at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals