Although we call our weekly circle a "Healing Circle", it could
also be called a talking circle, or sharing circle, or prayer circle. The
purpose of our particular circle is to share struggles, pain as well as
joys and successes; we also take time to share the smudge and pray to the
Triune Creator (Father, Son and Great Spirit). Healing takes place when
people can share and pray together in a spirit of respect and mutual
support. Our circle is set up as a mixed circle; in the past we have held
mens only and womens only circles.
At our Centre we have a special room set aside which is called a
ceremonial room (or prayer room). This is the place we have our circles.
We sit in a circle on cushions on the floor. Our sweetgrass, sage, drum,
and feathers are kept in this room. We make sure their is a good supply
of kleenex tissue; as people share together their pain and brokenness, tears
long held back often spill forth.
Talking circles are useful when the topic under consideration has
no right or wrong answer, or when people need to share their feelings. The
purpose of a sharing/talking circle is to create a safe environment for
people to share their point of view, and share their feelings with others.
This process helps people gain a sense of trust in each other.
The basic rule is that the group sits in a circle and each person
gets a chance to say whatever is on their mind without being criticized or
judged by others. Sometimes groups pass around a feather, stone, or
talking stick. Whoever is holding the object has the floor.

In our circle, the elder begins by sharing the smudge, saying an
opening prayer, and introducing one of the objects mentioned above. Then
we go around the circle sharing whatever we wish to share from our hearts.
After the elder says a few words from his perspective, we go around the
circle again to each offer a prayer. Finally the elder concludes with a
closing prayer. Our circle, with approx. 10 persons attending, usually
takes approx. 45 minutes to complete. Having enough time available is
important as their may be one or two individuals who require more time to
share and to pray.
During the circle time, people are free to respond however they
want as long as they follow these rules:

1. All comments should be addressed directly to the question or issue
not to comments that another participant has made. Both negative and
positive comments about what anyone else in the circle says should be
avoided. Just say what you want to say in a positive manner. Speak from
the heart.

2. Only one person speakes at a time. Everyone else should be
listening in a non-judgemental way to what the speaker is saying. Some
groups find it useful to signify in some way who has the floor. Going
around the circle systematically is one way to achieve this. Another is to
use some object (such as a feather or a stone) which the person who is
speaking holds and then passes to the next person who has indicated a
desire to speak.

3. Silence is an acceptable response. No one should be pressured at
any time to contribute if they feel reticent to do so. There must be no
negative consequences, however subtle, for saying "I pass".

4. At the same time everyone must feel invited to participate. Some
mechanism for ensuring that a few vocal people don't dominate the
discussion should be built in. An atmosphere of patient and
non-judgemental listening usually helps the shy people speak out and the
louder ones to moderate their participation. Going around the circle in a
systematic way, inviting each person to participate by simply mentioning
each name in turn can be an effective way to even out participation.

5. It is often better to hold talking circles in groups of ten to
fifteen rather than with a large group, because in samller groups each
person has time to say what they need to say without being pressured by
time.

6. No comments which put down others or oneself should be allowed.
Some agreed way of signaling the speaker when this is occurring should be
established (e.g. holding up a card labeled "Put Down"). Self put downs
include such comments as, "I don't think anyone will agree with me, but
...," or "I'm not very good at ....".

7. Speakers should feel free to express themselves in any way that is
comfortable: by sharing a personal story, by using examples or metaphors
,by making analytical statements, etc..

8. Some groups have found it useful to encourage participants to pray
silently for the one who is speaking, or to at least consciously send the
speaker loving feelings. In this way listeners are supporting the speaker
and not tuning out while they think about what they will say when it is
their turn.

9. No one who is under the influence of any mind altering substance
should participate in the circle.