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. This one will be on shame, and be co-led by PUPA Focusing Trainee Danielle Lemottee.
We will begin with a centering and guided Focusing exercise about shame experience you have or have had in your life
followed by a few rounds of Focusing in the Empathy Circle, where you’ll be invited to offer an empathic reflection if you choose
then you can choose to share in breakout rooms, and
finally, 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.
