So what actually happens at a women’s circle?

Someone asked me the other day, “So what happens at a women’s circle then? Do you all just sit around and have a bit of a chat?”

And it really stayed with me… enough to inspire this piece.

Because the truth is, a women’s circle is something quite different from a social conversation.

In circle, when a woman is speaking, nobody interrupts. There are no questions, no advice, no opinions offered.

There is simply listening.

Deep, respectful, wholehearted listening.

And that alone is more powerful than it might first sound.

It means that, for perhaps the first time in a long while, you have space to really hear yourself. To feel your thoughts as you speak them. To pause, to reflect, to find the words as they come — not rushed, not shaped for anyone else.

And as you speak, you are witnessed.

Not fixed. Not judged. Not redirected.

Just heard.

In a world that is moving faster and faster — where our attention is constantly pulled in different directions — this kind of presence is rare. We are so used to half-listening, to be thinking about what to say next, to be skimming the surface of conversations.

Circle invites something different.

It invites us to slow down. To be present. To listen deeply — to others, and to ourselves.

And in that space, something begins to shift.

It’s actually quite hard to fully explain what happens in a circle, because it is something you feel more than something you understand. But to give you a sense of how my women’s circles flow, here is a gentle outline…

We arrive and settle in. There’s tea, maybe a biscuit, and a chance to land before we begin.

I’ll welcome everyone and share the foundations of the space — things like confidentiality, deep listening, and speaking from our own experience using “I” statements. There is no pressure to perform, no need to have the “right” words, and silence is always welcome.

Before the circle, I send out a reflection question to gently guide you, but whatever is truly present for you on the day is always welcome.

We begin with a short grounding meditation, allowing everyone to arrive fully.

Then the circle opens.

We use a talking piece. When you hold it, the space is yours.

You can speak, sit in silence, process your thoughts out loud, or simply be. Nothing has to be polished or make perfect sense — this is a space for real, honest expression.

As one woman shares, others often find memories, feelings, or recognitions arising within themselves. There is a quiet, shared resonance that builds — a sense that “I’m not alone in this.”

When it feels right, others may then share when they receive the talking piece.

There’s no strict order, and you can speak more than once if you feel called.

I gently hold the structure and time, making sure the space feels balanced and supportive for everyone.

And then, slowly, we close. Usually with a final round of reflections… and a sense of something having softened, shifted, or opened.

Women often leave feeling nourished. More connected to themselves and to each other. With a deeper sense of belonging, friendship, and community.

It may sound simple. But it is not small.

It is powerful to be heard. It is powerful to listen. It is powerful to sit in a space where you don’t have to be anything other than who you are.

If you’ve been curious, if something in you has been wondering, or even if you feel a little nervous—that’s completely natural.

If you feel a quiet yes as you read this… I would love to welcome you.

My next Soul Sisters women’s circle is on 12th April, and there is a space here for you — just as you are.

You can find more details and book your place here.

If you have any questions or just want to reach out before coming, you’re always welcome to message me.

Fay x