Women have gathered since the dawn of humanity. For thousands and thousands of years, women have gathered throughout civilizations, ethnic groups and cultures around the world.
Women gather for specific purposes; women gather to share in the responsibility of the children of the village; women gather to sow seeds, women gather to harvest; women gather to cook and preserve food for their tribes; women gather to sing and dance and pray; women gather to make baskets, haul water, and to create beautiful functional art. Women today are busier than ever before. Villages have become sparse and women have become isolated in this modern world. Women tend to lose sight of self care because we are the caregivers. When women gather, we renew the inner fire in our hearts, we brainstorm solutions to global problems, we connect to the earth in a profound and beautiful way. When women gather, they offer their hearts to the world. Women in my community have been gathering with the changing seasons, with the new moon, and with the equinox and solstice.
Women’s circles hold the space for releasing and renewing, for broadening perspectives and for dreaming big. They offer a safe, gentle and nurturing space to grow and evolve through personal struggles. Women’s circles honor Mother Earth, the elements, all life and the magnificence within all living things.
When women gather, boundaries are erased and vulnerabilities surface in order for growth to occur. Honoring the potential within all women, following our hearts throughout the journey and tapping into our innate intuition and ability to love and nurture are just fragments of the magic that occurs when women gather.
I began a Luna Circle in our town a few years back as a sacred support circle for a dear friend who was diagnosed with cancer. The healing space allowed her to release anger, frustration, anxiety, fears, and isolation associated with the battle with cancer. She fought hard. She was a warrior; she was still shining light on the world even with just months to live. Our friendship with her was one of gratitude and reverence. Our dear friend passed away in the spring of this year and she is sorely missed. She gave us a gift of clarity… to see the world through grateful eyes and to live every second as if it were your last. She has been an inspiration to everyone she has ever known. Read Legacy of Jaimie Hines to learn more about her.
Women’s Circles are especially helpful for women working toward positive change for the environment within their communities. Most of the women in the circles I have attended work for Sierra Club, grow gardens or farm, teach children, create art or are in the field of nurturing modalities. Women who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place need each other to uplift, inspire and encourage one another through the process. Women thrive when they are given the opportunity to express their creativity.
In honor of every woman who has ever inspired you along the journey of life, hold a women’s gathering to facilitate growth, to be uplifted and inspired and to cultivate lasting friendships within your community.
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