S h a r i n g D i a l o g u e s
"The Sharing Circle"
Eckhart has indicated, that beyond the basic format of, Video Meetings, and
Meditation Meetings
~
" The
next step in groups, is when people share. Together they talk about
how they were present, or not present in certain situations.
That is a beautiful thing, and requires, great alertness, because it is at this
point that
the mind may take over."
In our Glasgow group we have originated a simple dialogue structure called "The
Sharing Circle."
which has helped us to share our views together, without the group being
dominated by
reactionary mind activity.
This simple structure may prove to be of help to other groups, or it could be
modified to suit the needs
of each particular group situation.
As an introduction to this form of circular dialogue, we play a little relaxed,
recorded music.
The group facilitator then distributes, printed sheets with simple guidelines
for everyone who participates.
" The Sharing Circle."
In a relaxed atmosphere, all are seated equi-distant and
equal in a circle.
Each person takes it in turn to ask a question of the group
As the questions travels full circle, we share our responses,
one by one.
It helps to have a little silence between each speaker.
It helps to limit the time of our responses to approximately
three minutes.
It is most important, that we all agree, not to have any
cross circle conversations.
Quotations from Eckharts books may be shared.
Questions involving personal problems should be avoided.
All "Sharing Circle." meetings conclude with a period of
" Being here together in silence."
Eckhart also suggests some
helpful hints here, concerning group sharing.
"Whenever someone in the group has
expressed what they want to say; step back internally;
from that thought movement,
into stillness. To notice the end of thought streams is important.
When another person is
speaking, listen in an open and receptive way.
The collective mind will wish
to challenge, pretending that something in the mental realm
is absolutely important
(my viewpoint) Be alert, step back into stillness."
" I am not going to give you
any methodology on what to do in groups, it needs to arise
organically from
presence.
The essence of the
gathering is stillness, how you do it will vary from group to group."
"As helpful as sharing
information may be, it is always of secondary importance.
Of primary importance
is....The arising of inner stillness."
Eckhart Tolle.
Please note that our
Group Sharing Circle in Scotland, (with a group size of ten people)
has proved to be of high
value, as a conclusion to our weekend retreats.
For larger Group Sharing
Circles however; the time allocated for speech, per person,
would have to be reduced
to suit the size of the group.
For a more complete
understanding of Eckharts views on group sharing. I recommend
listening to
1) Practicing Presence. The Abbotsford Retreat. 2001 (6 tapes)
2) A Guide for the Spiritual Teacher. Retreat 2003 (5 tapes)
On both these sets
of tapes, Eckhart refers to the importance of listening with body awareness.
He also explains
the importance of group presence as a >Global Activity