There is something sacred about women meeting in circles; something powerful, something ancient and something important. We need women to do more meeting in circles and we need to provide more opportunities for women to meet in circles that are safe, nurturing and non-judgmental. I have met with many women, in many circles, over the years. Some have been safe but not productive, others have been open but competitive and some have been unsuccessful because they were used as a counselling community rather than a soft landing.
When a circle is held correctly, every participant should feel safe, relaxed and seen without judgement. There should never be a necessity to share or exchange, only an invitation to. The space should offer a quiet, reflective energy that can be transformative and connective when used appropriately. I seek circles where every women has an equal obligation to mindfully uphold the energy of a circle gathering and ego's are left at the door.
An effective circle also offers an escape from the busyness of everyday life and an opportunity to reset, relax and nourish the self. There should be a opportunity to share mindfully without the obligation to, and sharing should be offered without anyone's need to offer reflective opinion or the rush to 'fix' a perceived problem. The effective circle is a soundboard of sacred energy, not a vortex to pour your darkness in to and it should be respected and observed as such.
I have had some really unfortunate circle experiences where women have over used and disrespected the sacred space of a circle; leaving the energy stale, stagnant and drained. I have literally left women's circles feeling like I was utterly drained with a rotten headache and a deep sense of overwhelm. This is counter-productive to what a circle is for and it is important for every woman in a circle to understand and respect the exchange and purpose of the circle in order for the flow to be positive and mutually enjoyable.
The circle is only safe when it is respected and so it is not a space for anger, aggresssion, vanity or comparision. All women should be free to speak or not speak their truth as long it brings no harm to another and no woman in the circle is of greater value or importance than any another. If the circle is built on respect - then the circle is wellness. If the circle slips in to comparision, competition or combat - then the circle has failed and the energy balance has been lost. I have also seen this occur before and it is not only uncomfortable, but it is impossible to gain any healing in environments that have these kinds of dynamics at play, in short they are unsustainable and unpleasant.
So, in search of a powerful and sacred circle, I have started my own women's circle, meeting once a month for just two hours to exchange and celebrate life, the seasons and the self. To be quietly present and respectful of other women, to practise old ways and to learn new skills. My circle observes connection to country, respect for feminine energy, crafting and art, meditation and mindful practise. We have had two gatherings so far and if a woman is meant to be there, then they are - it is really just that simple.
I consider it a new adventure for 2026 - the circle. May the energy be healing, safe and nurturing.
When a circle is held correctly, every participant should feel safe, relaxed and seen without judgement. There should never be a necessity to share or exchange, only an invitation to. The space should offer a quiet, reflective energy that can be transformative and connective when used appropriately. I seek circles where every women has an equal obligation to mindfully uphold the energy of a circle gathering and ego's are left at the door.
An effective circle also offers an escape from the busyness of everyday life and an opportunity to reset, relax and nourish the self. There should be a opportunity to share mindfully without the obligation to, and sharing should be offered without anyone's need to offer reflective opinion or the rush to 'fix' a perceived problem. The effective circle is a soundboard of sacred energy, not a vortex to pour your darkness in to and it should be respected and observed as such.
I have had some really unfortunate circle experiences where women have over used and disrespected the sacred space of a circle; leaving the energy stale, stagnant and drained. I have literally left women's circles feeling like I was utterly drained with a rotten headache and a deep sense of overwhelm. This is counter-productive to what a circle is for and it is important for every woman in a circle to understand and respect the exchange and purpose of the circle in order for the flow to be positive and mutually enjoyable.
The circle is only safe when it is respected and so it is not a space for anger, aggresssion, vanity or comparision. All women should be free to speak or not speak their truth as long it brings no harm to another and no woman in the circle is of greater value or importance than any another. If the circle is built on respect - then the circle is wellness. If the circle slips in to comparision, competition or combat - then the circle has failed and the energy balance has been lost. I have also seen this occur before and it is not only uncomfortable, but it is impossible to gain any healing in environments that have these kinds of dynamics at play, in short they are unsustainable and unpleasant.
So, in search of a powerful and sacred circle, I have started my own women's circle, meeting once a month for just two hours to exchange and celebrate life, the seasons and the self. To be quietly present and respectful of other women, to practise old ways and to learn new skills. My circle observes connection to country, respect for feminine energy, crafting and art, meditation and mindful practise. We have had two gatherings so far and if a woman is meant to be there, then they are - it is really just that simple.
I consider it a new adventure for 2026 - the circle. May the energy be healing, safe and nurturing.
NIGHTBITCH
Release Date: 2024
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 99 mins
Written and directed by Marielle Heller and based on the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder, Nightbitch explores what it feels like for a woman to sacrifice her career to become a stay-at-home mother by unpacking the monotony, isolation, boredom and maternal expectations that society thrusts upon new mothers.
A previous artist and new mother is struggling with her day to day life as the primary carer for her two year old son. Her husband travels regularly for work and she finds herself escaping into flights of fancy and begins to believe that she is turning into a dog. Through explorations of her 'wild self' she finds new joy in life, in her son and completely reimagines her artistic expression.
I loved the book when I read it and was excited to see where they would take this as a film. The smartest move was casting Amy Adams in the lead role because she nails the body and soul of this story and delivers something stirring, funny and; I would imagine for many mothers, something seriously relatable. I laughed and I cried as I watched this, and I connected with the material in a personal way. If only I had been able to become a 'nightbitch' too on those lonely and relentless child raising days. Definitely one of for all of the women out there that had a full life and years of potential ahead of them when they become a mother.
FINAL SAY: Do you ever feel like the big secret is that we are gods?
3 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2024
Rating: MA 15+
Running Time: 99 mins
Written and directed by Marielle Heller and based on the 2021 novel by Rachel Yoder, Nightbitch explores what it feels like for a woman to sacrifice her career to become a stay-at-home mother by unpacking the monotony, isolation, boredom and maternal expectations that society thrusts upon new mothers.
A previous artist and new mother is struggling with her day to day life as the primary carer for her two year old son. Her husband travels regularly for work and she finds herself escaping into flights of fancy and begins to believe that she is turning into a dog. Through explorations of her 'wild self' she finds new joy in life, in her son and completely reimagines her artistic expression.
I loved the book when I read it and was excited to see where they would take this as a film. The smartest move was casting Amy Adams in the lead role because she nails the body and soul of this story and delivers something stirring, funny and; I would imagine for many mothers, something seriously relatable. I laughed and I cried as I watched this, and I connected with the material in a personal way. If only I had been able to become a 'nightbitch' too on those lonely and relentless child raising days. Definitely one of for all of the women out there that had a full life and years of potential ahead of them when they become a mother.
FINAL SAY: Do you ever feel like the big secret is that we are gods?
3 Chilli Peppers
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