❤️ In order to maintain the sanctity of the writing circle, it is obligatory for new members to read this document in its entirety before attending the circle.

A seeing stone for worlds internal.

The Writing Circle is a collaborative practice that fosters connection through radical sharing of perspective and experience. It's a community-owned initiative where everyone is empowered to lead and contribute.

🤲 Purpose of The Writing Circle

To create a viral practice that interconnects and aligns participants while teaching them to lead writing circles in their own communities or inspire them to develop their own altruistic community-owned practices.

📝 Structure & Format

  • Monthly gatherings lasting 2-2.5 hours
  • Leadership rotates monthly among members
  • Members are welcome to bring snacks, food, drinks, stickers, or other small energy to share throughout the practice. There is no obligation to bring anything other than a pen, paper and an open heart.

Session Flow:

  1. Reading of inspo material
  2. Sharing of jump-off lines
  3. Timed free-writing (typically 10ish minutes, has ranged from 1-25 minutes)
  4. Sharing in a circle

📚 Inspo Material

  • Can include any text-based content:
  • Book passages
  • Poems
  • Film quotes
  • Lyrics
  • Even nutrition facts!
  • Keep selections concise (maximum 2 pages)
  • Content should be short enough to be easily retained in memory

✨ Rules

The writing circle is a vulnerable space, a prepared for space, a space of deep trust and radical sharing. In order to respect the energy of all members we ask that you follow these rules

  • No critiques or verbal feedback: show appreciation through snaps, smiles, or silent gestures 🙏
  • Consent: Ask "May I reference your work?" before commenting on others' writing
  • Respect physical boundaries: no touching unless explicitly requested
  • Please arrive on time
  • We understand unexpected situations arise. However, in general, please be on time.
  • Punctual arrival ensures others aren't kept waiting, prevents disruptions during readings, and ensures that the monthly lead does not have to repeat context.

✏️ How we write

  • Keep pen to paper during the entire timed session
  • Write stream-of-consciousness style, get ahead of the inner critic
  • Helpful prompts when stuck:
  • "What I'm feeling right now is..."
  • "Here's what you need to know..."

🌿 Breaks

Regular pauses for stretching, water, and bathroom breaks are incorporated throughout the practice.