Women's Circles
Circle Principles for Everyday Life
By Deborah Koppell Mitchell
May 1, 2006, 22:50

Art by Rita Sahakian

A landmark UCLA study has not only confirmed what many women have known all along - that women gain strength and comfort from meeting together and supporting one another - but that the chemical oxytocin, which is released when women are under stress (as opposed to testosterone in men) actually encourages us to gather our children and meet with other women as an alternative to the fight or flight response that men are limited to.

Apply the following circle principles in your everyday life:

Create a Sacred Space- Even if it is simply taking a pause before you begin something—Taking a deep breath, lighting a candle, playing soothing music, soft lighting, etc. -- Create a safe, “quiet” environment.

Center Your Self- A simple action may be pausing and breathing deeply. You may choose to envision a strong root extending from your “root chakra” into the core of the earth—and a golden cord of light extending from your “crown chakra” at the top of your head, to the Universe and ALL That IS--

Be Fully Present- Have your attention outside of yourself, and in-the-moment. If a distracting thought comes to you, simply let it drop away and push out from your heart to the person, place or thing you are in the presence of.

No Judgment of Your Self or Others- If a thought or “comment” comes to your mind, simply let it drop away and come from a loving and compassionate State-of-Being .

Create a “Circle Setting”- for Your Meetings and Gatherings.

Communicate and Speak From Your Heart- You may take a moment to pause before you speak, and even simply place your hands on your heart to bring your attention away from your mind to communicate from your heart.

One person speaks at a time, with the full attention of all in the Circle. This creates a sense of honor and safety for all participating.

What is shared in the Circle stays in the Circle. – Honoring what others share, as private and using discretion, creates a safe environment and encourages authenticity and vulnerability.
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The following scientific fact is encouraging women to make an effort and create the time to come together.

A Healthful Reason For Women to Gather:

A landmark UCLA study has not only confirmed what many women have known all along - that women gain strength and comfort from meeting together and supporting one another - but that the chemical oxytocin, which is released when women are under stress (as opposed to testosterone in men) actually encourages us to gather our children and meet with other women as an alternative to the fight or flight response that men are limited to.
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Deborah Koppell Mitchell is a Circle Facilitator and publisher of Spheres Circles Magazine and website. Spheres magazine and website serves as a connecting tool which is a resource and forum for expression of the feminine heart, (recently expanded to also include men in a one-of-a-kind “Yin/Yang style” magazine!) Deborah is a contributing-author of the book, “From Inspiration to Realization: Real Women Reveal Proven Strategies For Person, Business, Financial, and Spiritual Fulfillment.” Drawing on more than 10 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and event promotion, her work continues to evolve as she creates more venues for connecting with the intention of benefiting all through sharing of the heart.
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Visit: www.sphereswomenscircles.com for fantastic Resources, inspiring articles, guidance, and to learn more about Spheres Circles magazine, Spheres Circle Salons and Events, and Services.

Spheres Circles Founder and Publisher, Deborah Koppel Mitchell
is also available as a speaker and facilitator, and for interviews.
To contact Deborah and to be on the Spheres Circles announcement list,
call: (505) 988-1718 or e-mail: mailto:spherescirlces@earthlink.net.
Please call or e-mail if you’d like a complimentary copy of Spheres Circles Magazine. Subscribers will receive the current Special 6 Year Anniversary, Health & Renewal Issue!