In this podcast, we bring you insights into circle holding, whether you are an (aspiring) circle facilitator or attendee, through interviews with experienced circle holders and conversations between Julia and Tessa, the founders of Circle Holding.

In this episode, Julia talks to Lee Stagles - https://www.leestagles.com/

Our book Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles is available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/Circle-Holding-Practical-Facilitating-Talking/dp/1805013157/

Find details of the next free mini training and Q&A here and all our upcoming trainings on the Training menu above.

In this episode, Julia and Lee covered:

• How men are often attracted to circle when they’re at crisis point

• The application process for the closed group after being part of an open one

• The structure of the meeting allows deep sharings to happen: ‘freedom within form’

• How he provides several opportunities to talk, with longer each time for more depth

• Silence can be part of a person’s allotted time

• Structure, intention and timeframe are three important aspects to consider

• Rites of passage for men include grief and facing fear

• Working with 14-16 year old boys involves matching then with a ‘man of trust’ who has done his own work

• It’s important to attend a circle yourself as a facilitator and have your own self-practice

• Toxic masculinity is toxic terminology – there is zero tolerance to sexist, racist or homophobic language, but use of it rarely happens in circle

• Lee shares how to do an introduction to a men’s circle and a settling practice

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