A ‘circle’ as defined here is simply a circle of people talking, a meeting. Regenerative is about bringing new and vigorous life - flow. Regenerative circles are an integration of the two. It is a fractal of flow in regenerative culture, including governance, communication, mediation and co-creation.

Structure

Regenerative circles have the following components, based on indigenous practices.

• Shared purpose. A group functions best when its members clearly understand its purpose and perceive that purpose as worthwhile.
• Meeting space. Participants are seated in a circle when in person. With online meetings, everyone is encouraged to have their video cameras on to best replicate an in-person meeting.
• One person at a time. Only one person may speak at a time, and everyone must be allowed to speak once, and only once, in each round.
• Facilitators. Also known as keepers in peacemaking circles, they maintain a safe space, but are not responsible for the outcome. Two are preferred, and at least one that is respected by the participants (ie demographically).
• Opening and closing rituals. A group practice, whether breathwork, song, meditation or brief share, grounds the meeting at the beginning and the end.

Resources

Types of Circles