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How our Focusing Empathy Circles Work
An empathy circle, practiced in a Focusing way, is at first a regular Focusing exchange, however it is held by the entire group. As such, there is a Focuser, a listener, and the remaining participants act as observers/witnesses.
After the Focusing, all are invited to pause and sense what is happening in them now. An empathic reflection can then be offered by all who choose. The empathic reflection can be what was or is now felt physically (felt sense), or the word, phrase or image (handle) that came or now comes to mind.
After all who wish to share have shared, the Focuser can then say what more comes in hearing the empathic reflections.
Empathy circles are powerful, as many kind-hearted people holding space allows for deep healing work!
Each Empathy Circle will have a specific topic, and this is how we’ll spend our time together:
- we will begin with a guided grounding/centering and Focusing exercise on this month’s topic
- then we'll have a few rounds of the Empathy Circle (as described above), where you’ll be invited to offer an empathic reflection if you choose
- you'll also have the opportunity to share in breakout rooms,
- and then we’ll have a brief closing.
The Empathy Circle will be recorded and shared online afterwards to help build common humanity with those unable to attend live.
Our next meetings are:
- Grief: Wednesday, November 13th, 11:30 am to 1 pm Eastern Time. This empathy circle will be co-led by PUPA Focusing Trainees Ciara O'Neill and Jane Cecilia.