Wombs-of-Peace for World Peace & Prayer Day

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.