12 PRINCIPLES OF CIRCLEWORK

Circlework™ is a practice developed by Jalaja Bonheim that facilitates dialogue among individuals and communities.

Circlework™ is not just the practice of gathering in circles, nor is it a question of performing certain prescribed activities in a prescribed way. Rather, Circlework™ is an expression of a certain consciousness. The following commitments reflect the nature of this consciousness, and can serve as basic guidelines to the practice of Circlework™.

  1. We approach the circle as a mandala, a sacred circle, a source of wisdom, guidance, and healing. We meditate on its teachings, and try to remain conscious of its presence at all times.
  2. We open to Spirit, in whatever ways work for us. We invite the holy presence, and honor it in ourselves, in one another, and in all beings.
  3. We commit to the practice of kindness, and do not condone any form of abusiveness, judgment, or blaming.
  4. If we find ourselves caught up in blame, we take responsibility for shifting into a place of compassion for ourselves and others.
  5. We try to speak from the heart, and we practice deep listening. We do not interrupt each other. We don't rush to respond.
  6. Although at certain times we might focus on just one person, in general we make sure that all members of the circle have equal opportunity to speak, and be heard.
  7. We pay attention to our bodies, be it through watching our breath, practicing forms of healing touch, moving, dancing, and resting. We do not force the body to continuously take back seat to the mind.
  8. We acknowledge the limitations of our minds. We recognize that all thoughts and beliefs are mental structures, incapable of grasping the ultimate truth. Knowing this, we practice intellectual humility.
  9. We value inner and outer spaciousness. As members of a society addicted to thinking and doing, we learn to detach from thought and give both mind and body opportunities to rest.
  10. We practice heart-thinking, which is holistic thinking. Heart-thinking sees first the whole, and only secondarily the part. We view the cosmos, the planet, and ourselves as mandalas: whole, sacred, unique, and essential to the greater whole.
  11. We are committed to serving the well-being of our community, both globally and locally.
  12. We enjoy life. We hold pleasure sacred, provided it is governed by love. We welcome the opportunity to laugh, play, and celebrate.

© Jalaja Bonheim 2008