Circles of Willow

‘Thank you,’ from Circles of Willow Neurodiverse

It has been an incredible privilege to work with families and their wonderful children through our neurodiverse physiotherapy service. From 25/11/2024 onward, I have retired. Up until this date,, we ran a parent child physiotherapy group, individual neurodiverse physiotherapy sessions and general physiotherapy for individuals who are neurodivergent. It is a glorious high energy space which has taught me so much. I would like to thank the parents for their tireless effort and unwavering support of the children. They have their children’s backs. The decision to finally retire from my career as a physiotherapist has not been easy to make. When I review my 43 years of service, the last year was a the pinnacle of my learning. Neurodiversity is a gift, one to be gently unwrapped and celebrated. I wish everyone well going forward and hope you can implement some basic tips from our time together.

• If possible, hold your calm

• Bubbles are amazing way to break the cycle

• Breathe together just 5 concentrating on the outbreath

• Go outside

• Water is calming, water those plants, children love this

• Vigorous play, races, jumping, shaking can diffuse pent up energy

Term 4 features: Joy in Bloom Finale Banquet

‘Joy in Bloom,’ invites appreciation and reflection.

This year spewed curved balls . Our challenges and how we respond to them form our reality. They are the brushes that colour the canvas of our lives. Stress limits our response-ability. And as such, we tend towards reactivity. The festive season creates its own wind. A frenzy that drives people forward. Does it have to be this way? Don’t you deserve some time to reset? Wouldn’t it be nicer to feel excitement as the year draws to a close?

The time we give ourselves to gather in circle is a valuable aspect of self-care. In our overly busy world we rarely have time to really connect. Our banquet, is a time to come together in gratitude. Over a flower adorned table, in the soft glow of candlelight, we will acknowledge and celebrate each other. It is s time to reflect on how far we’ve come, especially in the face of difficulty or change. Cut your self some slack and say: well done!

The common humanity we find in circle helps us face of old societal beliefs to acknowledge our entirety. There is no denying that we are complex beings with physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. What’s more we are framed by our culture and are influenced daily by ever-changing societal values. Our increasing interaction with social media, can add confusion blurring our authentic expression of who we are. In circle create space to touch our authentic nature.

Even when we find authenticity, it takes grit to live it. Most of us reinvent ourselves many times throughout our life cycle. I believe it is normal and also healthy to do so, to take advantage of change and flow smoothly into a new future requires time, clarity and support. Our circles offer all three. A small group of intergenerational women, we hold space for each other. The variety of life experiences allows us to help each other. New perspectives open up new lines of enquiry in the self.

Take a day to heal from the lies that you’ve told yourself and the ones that have been told to you. Maya Angelou

On 27/11/2024, we gather for our last circle this year and resume in term 1 2025. From our heart to yours, we send peace joy and healing to you. We are located in Sunbury providing service for our local area and the Macedon Ranges offering a bespoke and unique experience. If you’d like to try give us a call. Kindly visit our FAQ page as it addresses many commonly held concerns.

To stay informed of ‘Circle of Willow’ happenings and for helpful hints follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/circlesofwillow/

The Circle

Our circles are growing and I continue to be amazed by the process as it unfolds. People are coming home to themselves and are beginning to live their truth in a heart-centred way. One participant who had been ill missing two circles said: I really missed coming here. As we grow, our connection to our internal resources strengthens. And we can be there for each other as the need arises. And it does. Life is life.

Are you still unsure about circle participation? My daughter and son in law helped produce a video that gives you a peek into the circle process. Thank you. I also thank the women in circle the day of the filming for their generosity. They allowed us to film them to allow you to give you an idea of what we offer at Circles of Willow. Our What’s New page will keep you up to date with our latest happenings.

Circle participation calls us to remember our uniqueness. In the safety of the circle we can speak, be listened to, and show up as we are that day without judgement. At ‘Circles of Willow’, we gather, connect, honour, and glow. We hold space, that is we are there for each other. Life is busy and uncertain, but circle space welcomes. It supports us through the power of authentic connection which is vital for our wellbeing.

In our Celebrate Winter self-care afternoon, we dropped into our heart-space and wrote a sentence that encompassed our hope for the future from that perspective. We then shared the poem, each reading our own words within the circle. Our hearts rang out, received unconditionally by all the women who attended. The experience enriched us, reminding us of our purity, power and authenticity. I share our words below.

Hope for the Future: from my heart to yours

May I always be open to the love surrounding me

peace, acceptance and love

to find safety and sanctuary

live with authenticity, your true self

peace and love in my life

to love and forgive those who have hurt you

family gatherings filled with joy

I am strong and beautiful

I may go dark and twisted but I always come back to peace and love

It will be okay, love heals all

you are worthy and valuable

may you have the sweetness of joy

happiness and love 24/08/2022

Rebecca attended Saturday Morning Circles. Here are her words about the experience. Thank you Rebecca.

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed attending  'Circle' with Circles of Willow. Merima has created a beautiful safe space to come together and have some time out for ourselves.  It is an opportunity to go inward with a sense of curiosity  and explore what really matters to us as individuals and as a collective, to nourish our souls. An opportunity to honour our authentic selves !

Circle also provides a gentle introduction to tools such as meditation, breathing exercises, creative art , Mindfulness and other techniques that can be used in our daily lives. I leave Circle feeling supported, uplifted and with a smile on my face!’

We emerge but we emerge changed. Life has given us time to reflect and make choices. The future is at our feet, but do you feel a vague sense of unease? It’s different now. Has the way you interact with others changed? Humans need to interact with each other. In circle we connect. In circle we come together to heal.

The circle archetype is the foundation of our human community. It is the council that brings human beings into a respectful space for conversation and can be used for conflict resolution. Our forebears gathered around campfires to eat, worship, and share wisdom through stories. These often circular gatherings were a source of empowerment.

‘Circle space is very different than social space.’ Imogen Bailey

Circle communication also honours the non-verbal. It is real, equal, and respectful. Each person sitting in circle is seen as a valuable contributor to the experience. Together we create a metaphorical vessel. It accepts us as we come. And holds us without:

• Judgement

•   Minimisation

• Comparison

•   Competition or

•   Manipulation of outcome

Support offered is from heart thinking, embracing each individual’s sovereignty. Advice is only offered if requested. Within this space we are free to glimpse our innate wisdom and reconnect to our intuition. Humility and kindness create a container where it is safe to be authentic, even to fall. Although Women’s Circles are more widely known, our circles are open to both men and women.

‘I do not offer therapy, I offer space.’

Our lives ebb and flow, awash with complex emotions. The Circle allows everyone to make their own discoveries and traverse the terrain of their lives in their unique way. Circles foster wholeness.

 let’s gather, let’s connect, let’s share, let’s glow

at ‘Circles of Willow’

When my father died, something crucial to my well-being slipped from my shoulders. Years later through my circle training, I could finally name it. My father held space for me. He simply sat beside me. He allowed me to discover who I was in this life. Sometimes, he redirected me, ‘I’m not so sure about that,’ he would say. He empowered me. I began to wonder if other people had experienced a similar void and took a chance. I began to learn about ‘The Circle.’

‘The beauty in my life comes from a blend of mystery and science. This alchemical process underlies all I am.’

Why the willow?

The old willow tree stands proud, rustling gently in the wind. Fronds sweep the ground. It is cool and safe beneath her arms. And the river flows by emotional life, fluid and free. Traditional meanings given to the willow include:

•   Hope

•   Inclusion

•   Safety

•   Stability and

•   Healing

I think these align well with what I am offering.

‘There are many Women’s Circles, I offer ‘Come as you are in the moment circles.’

Circle Agreements

Each circle has its own agreements. These guide us and ensure that every person who wants to be heard has the opportunity. Agreements generally include four or five brief statements about:

•   Presence

•   Attention

•   Intention and

•   Confidentiality

‘We live increasingly independent lives. The price I find is a vague unease, a gentle reminder of our separateness.’

When we gather we shall determine our own circle agreements. In circle, each individual contribution is valued. We realise that the whole is composed of all the individual parts.