The Millionth Circle: How to Change Ourselves and the World by Jean Shinoda Bolen, (Berkeley: Conari Press, 1999.)
Women worldwide are presented with an inspiring paradigm in The Millionth Circle, calling them to action. Based on the idea that “when a critical number of people change how they think and behave, the culture does also, “Jean Shinoda Bolen’s work on Circles announces a new era. With each circle that forms, the world comes closer to the tipping point—the millionth circle--when the number of people who are already recognizing and practicing their interdependence will change the world. A great first read on Circles, Bolen helpfully provides both an introduction into the methodology of circle work and also practical ideas of how to initiate and maintain a circle.
A Circle is a collaborative, mutual enterprise among a small group of people who wish to come together to be transformed. They grow close to each other in a personal way through community, and serve as witnesses to each others’ lives. They share of their life experiences and aspirations for the world, and use the group’s experience and energy to operationalize their best hopes. Members of a circle know what it feels like to be known by another person. Entering a sacred space together, they experience “an island of free speech and laughter.”
Bolen’s practical suggestions prove to be quite meaningful as well. She recognizes that in initiating a circle the group might have a purpose or agenda beyond simply having the circle, and seek strength from each other for that effort. Providing helpful images of how one can center (and re-center) a circle, Bolen suggests the use of sounds (a bell, a drum, humming or a prayer), the lighting of candles, or holding hands around the center. She also gives guidance about how to ‘practice equality’ and to build a safe space by remaining equally committed to each other in honesty and wholeness. Members should be on the lookout for rituals which might become meaningful for the group (for example, lighting as many votive candles as there are members.)
This combination of methodological and practical guidance proves a winning combination. Bolen offers an accessible resource for circle participants, replete with methodological advice and inspirational examples. Her vision—as expressed in this book—makes a significant contribution to the emerging Circle Movement.
-Rachel Lyle
The Amazon.com link to this book is:
http://www.amazon.com/Millionth-Circle-Ourselves-Essential-Circles/dp/1573241768/sr=8-1/qid=1161961689/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-2022034-6727341?ie=UTF8&s=books
Other Helpful Resources Include:
Faith and Feminism: A Holy Alliance by Helen LaKelly Hunt
http://www.amazon.com/Faith-Feminism-Helen-Ph-D-Hunt/dp/0743483723/sr=1-1/qid=1161961973/ref=sr_1_1/102-2022034-6727341?ie=UTF8&s=books
Beyond Beijing: The Next Step for Women by Joan Chittister
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Beijing-Women-Personal-Journal/dp/1556129033/sr=8-8/qid=1161961805/ref=sr_1_8/102-2022034-6727341?ie=UTF8&s=books
Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women, Save the World by Jean Shinoda Bolen
http://www.amazon.com/Urgent-Message-Mother-Gather-World/dp/1573242659/sr=1-1/qid=1161962101/ref=sr_1_1/102-2022034-6727341?ie=UTF8&s=books
