Courage and Renewal: "Circles of Trust"
"Circles of Trust" is an intentional method of coming together with others to explore the full range of inner wisdom in each of us and to find the courage to release that wisdom, so to live more deeply into our authentic selves. Through applying core principles and practices identified by the Center for Courage and Renewal, the sponsoring organization of this practice, we move toward aligning our inner life --- our soul --- with our outer work in the world --- our role. Coming together in various formats --- full groups, small-group diads and triads, individual reflection --- through storytelling, poetry, art, music, nature, and more, we develop the clarity, courage, and resilience to bring our true selves to our life’s work. Connecting with others through this work we set the stage for transformation in our families, workplaces, and communities. The principles of the “Courage” way have been developed from the spiritual exploration and writing of Quaker Parker Palmer, in particular from A Hidden Wholeness (2004).
An important activity in any "Circles of Trust" meeting is the Touchstones, which articulate the covenant by which the group is gathered together.
An important activity in any "Circles of Trust" meeting is the Touchstones, which articulate the covenant by which the group is gathered together.
I incorporate "Circles of Trust" to great effectiveness in my ministry with congregations in transition. Aimed at exploration of the "authentic self" born in each of us, this approach to spiritual deepening encourages new habits in building trust, in particular to open new doors to compassionate communications. Expanding trust is especially important in congregations with a history of interpersonal challenges and conflict, with one another and with ministers and other professional staff. Many formats are available for "Circles of Trust." I offer workshops for congregations as part of an adult faith development programs: workshops can range in duration from two hours, to a full day, to multi-day retreats. I also lead "Circles of Trust" for my minister colleagues: this year for the national UU Ministers Association, the Interim Ministry Network, and Murray Grove Retreat Center, previously for the professional development conference of UU Interim Ministers, and more. I promote this practice for colleagues not only to expand their "toolbox" for their ministries but also for their own personal spiritual renewal and deepening. During pandemic, Courage and Renewal we facilitators have honed and expanded our skills in leading online workshops and retreats: going forward I can offer either in-person or online sessions for congregations.
In these times of challenges to both our health and safety and to our social and political integrity, in my view we all need “Circles of Trust” now more than ever. As a credentialed Facilitator with the Center for Courage and Renewal, I am able to cross-list on this Center’s national retreat schedule any events which I design for particular local groups, so to attract a wider audience beyond local participants. I am also authorized to lead "Clearness Committees," a Quaker-based group practice which supports an individual in discerning an important challenge or decision in their life.
Circles of Trust Conversations
"Circles of Trust" program which I am available to lead include:
Geography of Grace
The Seasons
Habits of the Heart:
The Five Habits
Outline of Typical Workshop
Weekend Retreats
Geography of Grace
The Seasons
Habits of the Heart:
The Five Habits
Outline of Typical Workshop
Weekend Retreats
Trust is the daughter of Truth.
She has an objective memory, neither embellishing nor denying the past.
She is an ideal confidante --- gracious, candid, and discreet.
Trust talks to people who need to hear her; she listens to those who need to be heard;
She sits quietly with those who are skeptical of words.
Her presence is subtle, simple and undeniable....
Ruth Gendler, The Book of Qualities
Trust is the daughter of Truth.
She has an objective memory, neither embellishing nor denying the past.
She is an ideal confidante --- gracious, candid, and discreet.
Trust talks to people who need to hear her; she listens to those who need to be heard;
She sits quietly with those who are skeptical of words.
Her presence is subtle, simple and undeniable....
Ruth Gendler, The Book of Qualities