Intentional Social Spaces Series #1

Social Solidarity Circle: the Power of Bearing Witness

My personal reflections after hosting 16 weekly circles during COVID-19

Coaching circle is my favorite method in the Theory U universe. So when social solidarity circle came along as part of the GAIA journey, Presencing Institute’s rapid response to COVID-19, I jumped on the band wagon immediately. Between end of March and end of July, 2020, I hosted 16 social solidarity circles altogether. With the new u.lab cycle starting in September, our social solidarity circles merged organically into coaching circles again.

I have many fond memories from the social solidarity circles I was fortunate enough to share with old and new friends. It does not matter the state I entered the circle, invariably every time when I leave, I always feel more energy, and less burdened. There is a physical sensation associated with every emotional state. I always feel physically lighter when I am happy, as if I were ready to fly. Well, that is how I always feel after each circle.

This is my third year in the Theory U community. As I gain more practical experience hosting circles in my personal and professional life, I come to see that a social solidarity circle can be any intentional space where…