June Moon WOP Circle

These Guidelines are based traditional Indigenous Talking Circles, which exist in different forms in Indigenous traditions. These guidelines were identified, gathered and handed-down to us by our late Yupi'k Elder Rita Blumenstein.

At the beginning of every such circle, the facilitator will read aloud these guidelines (like setting the table for the meal, even if everyone knows where the forks are).

Talking: Let the Circle do the talking, while we all are doing the listening.

Innocence: Listen with the innocence of a child, without judgment or resistance. Let a story be offered alongside another story, truth by truth, like dishes at a potluck.

Respect: yourself, other-selves, time and attention. This is a potluck of offerings. Be respectful even if something doesn’t nourish you, for it may be nourishing for others.

Free: Stay Clear of agendas, titles and flags; listen without counseling, marketing, lecturing, advising, arguing, or planning a reply. Allow yourself to open to what your other-self is sharing. (No need to embrace everything, but we ask that you listen).

Share your words: You'll be given an opportunity to share. You don’t have to. Even if you do-not speak you will be heard. No cross-talking.

Ripe: speak when the words and moment are ripe.

Truth: We only speak of what we know to be true in our own lived experiences (not taught, or borrowed or a 'maybe'. Don’t speak on behalf of anyone but yourself.)

Expand: Make room for different truths that may be opposite to yours, but just as valid.

Changes: Suggested changes will be offered in writing now, and discussed when we meet, till consensus is reached, before the circle commences.

Welcome to Wombs of Peace.