Watch, Listen, or Read
Transcript Audio MP3 Video MP4
Invitation
A circle of support helps us navigate life with more grace and a felt sense of safe, respectful support. It is stronger and more resilient than making one relationship carry everything.
Imagine several beautiful beings around the geometry of a circle. There is no head of the circle. Each has a different vantage point, role, and kind of care.
Who or What Can Be in the Circle?
A circle may include:
- friends, kin, or chosen family;
- a coach, therapist, bodyworker, doctor, or other professional;
- people who help with practical needs or acts of service;
- animals and the natural world;
- a community or spiritual practice;
- loved ones, ancestors, or non-physical beings; and
- your own body and inner capacities.
Physical human connection is deeply important for some people. Others thrive with solitude, animals, nature, or non-physical relationships. Co-create the circle that fits your actual life, needs, consent, and guidance.
Look for Safety and Respect
If healthy relating is unfamiliar, start with possibility:
Do beings exist who could hear that I am stressed and respond with curiosity,
respect, breath, tapping, or steady presence?
Not everyone belongs in your circle. Togetherness does not erase discernment. Notice who can hold space for emotions, pain, celebrations, boundaries, and your reality.
Tapping: Open to a Circle
Side of the Hand: Even though I barely have anyone I feel safe and
respected with right now—and perhaps I have no one—I am open to the possibility
of a circle of support.
Even though a circle sounds pretty good, part of me does not believe it is
possible for me.
Top of the Head: Part of me does not think this is possible.
Eyebrow: I have so many painful experiences with others.
Side of the Eye: And that is in the process of changing.
Under the Eye: I would love people who can hold space for me.
Under the Nose: Space for my emotions.
Chin: Space for my pain and celebrations.
Collarbone: I would like to offer that kind of space too.
Under the Arm: Part of me is scared and anxious, and I am exploring.
Release the All-or-Nothing Choice
Support does not mean everyone. It does not mean dependency on one person. One professional can be joined by another person with a different skill. A friend can be joined by a furry companion, a spiritual connection, a helpful neighbor, or someone whose act of service lets you feel cared for.
Top of the Head: I am wanting relief.
Eyebrow: There has been so much tension in me.
Side of the Eye: So much feeling that I had to do it alone.
Under the Eye: That is starting to loosen.
Under the Nose: It is a relief not to have to do everything alone.
Chin: And a relief to know not everyone belongs in my circle.
Collarbone: Some people are not supportive.
Under the Arm: There may be beings who can hold that space.
Top of the Head: I am open to exploring what my circle could be.
Let Yourself Belong to the Circle Too
You are not only a receiver. Notice the ways your work, family, community, presence, or care already make you part of other circles. Mutuality does not require equal roles at every moment; it means your place and perspective also matter.
Browse the complete course
Key 1: It’s at Our Fingertips
Key 2: Be WITH+IN Our Body
Key 3: Together is Better
- 03-01 · Feeling Like You Have To Go It Alone
- 03-02 · Together with Nature – Gravity, Breath, Water, Trees, Sun
- 03-03 · Together with Beautiful Beings You Love and Trust – Physical and Non-Physical
- 03-04 · Cultivate a Circle of Support — current lesson
- 03-05 · You Can Go Deeper By…
- 03-06 · What's Next?