Catherine O'Riordan
Circle of Trust
The idea of a 'Circle of Trust' is based on the writings of Parker J. Palmer who is a Quaker. A Circle of Trust group isn't religious as such, although each person will naturally bring their own philosophy and/or spirituality with them to the process.
A 'Circle of Trust' seeks to give each member of the group a secure, non-invasive space to tap into their deepest self or soul. It is unpinned by values of non-violence; the idea is for us to learn relate to ourselves and - one another - with utmost respect for our personal identity and integrity.
The group is facilitated by me in such a way that each person is given the chance to feel secure enough to dig deep and connect with themselves at a deep level. In the group everyone is invited to share as much or as little as they want without fear that someone will challenge them, speak over them, or 'advise' them. Silence punctuates the whole group process and this helps us to slow down and maintain connection at a deeper level beyond words.
As Palmer writes: "Like a wild animal, the soul is tough, resilient and resourceful, savvy, and self-sufficient: it knows how to survive in hard places". "Yet despite its toughness, the soul is shy. Just like a wild animal, it seeks safety in the dense underbrush, especially when other people are around". In a Circle of Trust we try not to get in the way of our soul-self showing up to ourself.
Each group member is there to create the supportive environment required to do this 'soul work', discover their own truth, and give silent, but presence-filled witness to the work another person is doing. In this way each participant can find direction and courage to make choices and take action that is most in keeping with themselves. Meeting regularly as a Circle of Trust over a period of months allows each person to develop a sense of belonging.
A Circle of Trust is a closed group of no more than 24 people. We will meet weekly on a Wednesday evening, 6.00pm-8.00pm for two hours for ten sessions. The doors will be open from 5.45pm. The dates will be: April 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th. May 6th and 13th. Then a two week break. And then, June 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. The fee is £25 a session however you will be expected to commit to all ten sessions making the total price £250 per person which can be paid weekly or as a block.
To register your interest in becoming part of this Circle of Trust please contact me: 07875 816 205
Palmer describes how a Circle of Trust works here: https://couragerenewal.org/hidden-wholeness-hub/
Two-Hour Circle of Trust Example Format (6pm-8pm)
6pm Opening
We begin by a short grounding exercise and a few minutes of silence. The principles of the Circle of Trust will be read out; everyone will be invited to show their agreement by waving.
6.15pm-6.35pm Small Groups
We will form small groups of four. Each person is invited to take five minutes to respond to two questions: ‘What are you setting aside to be present here today?’ and ‘Who or what are you bring today to the circle?’.
Take your time, less is more; allow silences to punctuate.
Can one person keep time for the person whose turn it is to share.
If a person does not want to share, the group can sit is silence for the five minutes holding the person whose turn it is. If the person whose turn it is wants the group to ask honest, open questions let them say this.
No ping-pong discussions, affirmations or responding.
Solitude in community is the aim.
6.35pm-6.45pm Return To The Group. Poem: Radical Gratitude Spell
The participant-facilitator will read the poem and then ask members of the group who feel like it to read the poem again stanza by stanza.
6.45pm-7.15pm Personal Reflection Time
You may want to get a cuppa tea, journal, move about, draw, etc.
The invitation is to allow the poem to speak to you and your own life situation. These are some questions that may help you but you.
Questions: What lines resonated with you? In what ways are you a walking miracle? What are you walking away from / towards in your life? What is your experience of swimming upstream? When have you chosen to be free? What supported you or got in the way? What does it mean / feel like for you to belong?
7.15pm-7.35pm Small Groups
Back into your small group of four. You are invited once more to share what your soul has spoken to you. Remember to keep to ‘I’ statements.
You have 5 minutes each, to share, sit in silence, or to be asked honest, open questions.
7.35pm-7.50pm Return To Group
Take a moment to silently check in with yourself and notice anything that feels important for you to listen to.
If you would like to share anything with the group, we have 15 minutes.
You may use a sentence like this “The wisdom I heard my soul speak is ….” Or “What I am taking away from this time together is ….”
7.50pm-8pm Closing
In the final moments I will read a closing poem, and we shall sit in silence and at 8pm you are invited to silently acknowledge this time together.
Start date: April 8th2026
End date: June 17th 2026
Wednesday, 6pm-8pm
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, Nottingham
Duration: two hours
Frequency: Weekly
Group size: No more than eighteen
Facilitator: Catherine O'Riordan