Recently The Circle Center held 2 Firekeeper's Circles to discuss what people are learning as they facilitate and participate in Peacemaking Circles. Through this process we came up with Circle Truths; ways to be that are inherent of the Peacemaking Circle process.
- Trust the process
- Acknowledge Tagish Tlingit
- Every moment is an opportunity
- Use humor and lightness
- Know your audience
- No fixing
- Celebrate everything
- There is something sacred here
- Be fluid
- Be aware of energy
- Go slow to go fast (introductions/trust building)
- Freedom in structure
- Remember integrity of process
- Connectivity through storytelling
- You have a choice
- No experts
- Don’t ask others to go where you are unwilling to go
- Guidelines make a difference
- Every Circle is different
- Share Circle wisdom/FAQ
- Know the symbols (centerpiece/talking piece/etc…)
- Circle creates understanding but not always solutions
- Be patient
- You can’t get to a good place in a bad way EVER
- Allow for self learning/discovery
- Confidentiality
- Trust/Trust self
- Allow
- Build trust especially when we think we know each other
- Learn to listen
- Go where it’s safe
- Freedom
- Time (know aspects of time)
- Practice equality
- Have a vision
- Be intentional
- Acknowledge elephants (what is not being said)
- Keep doing process (no matter what)
- The Circle has the answer
- Don’t force circle
- Value diversity
- Allow flexibility
- Gifts come from Circle
- Self reflection
- Respect for each participant
- It’s not about me
- Shared leadership
- Empowering those who sit in the shadows
- Allow for imperfection wholeheartedly
