The Circle Method

07/03/2022

A few references about Rachel, co-founder The Circle Method

Martin Kalungu-Banda. Senior Faculty Member for The Presencing Institute (MIT), founder of The Ubuntu.Lab Africa and international speaker- kaulnga-banda@presencing.com

Rachel is a phenomenally skilled facilitator of personal and system transformation processes. Her capacity to connect
with people through Head [thinking] and Heart [empathy] enables her to be both an effective and trusted helper. I have
been fascinated by Rachel’s Cultural Quotient –ability to understand and relate with people across cultures –to awaken
the best in people, teams and communities.

>

The Honourable Madam Justice, High Court of South Africa: Namhla Thina Siwendu:
The Listening Circle Rachel holds cleverly and gently crafts,
cultivates and restores a place of safety and deep trust. No matter
how difficult the subject, we soon see that by listening and
witnessing, we have the capacity to hold and eventually
cogenerate the wisdom to solve most difficulties. Rachel has a
unique way of reframing human expression in a way in a language
that speaking to the human essence. Soon we emerge seeing that
the trust generated in the circle is the truth of who we are. Soon,
see that even if our views are different we are not the
difference. This restorative art of being human is needed more
than ever now!

>

Valentino Barrioseta. Founder of www.bridgesformusic.org
Mindfulness has been a key pillar of our curriculum at the Bridges Academy in Langa since our launch and we knew it
would be difficult to find someone who could drive that part of the curriculum with integrity and the empathy needed,
especially in a township context. Rachel brought her own knowledge and experience in holding safe spaces in other
local communities and made this part of our program the most healing and empowering of all. Through her listening
circles and other mindfulness classes she shared the importance of showing vulnerability and deep listening, developing
a sense of community, self-awareness and a profound healing bond with each other. I highly recommend Rachel in
leading deep listening circles, with diverse groups.

>

Maureen Cooper. I found myself in a safe space, going to inner places I have never been to before, and unravel my
deepest self-insights that have given me sagacity.

>
Dr Lee Kingma. Rachel is a wise and insightful facilitator. She helped me and many others find clarity.

>
Lauren. Camps Bay High, Teacher. Rachel holds a protective and caring space that allows a process to unfold. This
experience is enriching on so many levels. It gives access to the subtle workings of our inner being, whilst by-passing
judgements. Rachel’s gentle guidance is deeply allowing for healing to emerge.

>

George Gabriel. Innovation & Collaboration for Africa. hello@georgegabriel.com
Founder - UnicornZebra - citizen services marketplaces / Facilitator - Emerging - social impact design specialists
Partner - 44 on Long - creative conference venue / Rockstar - WorkInProgress - ABSA innovation lab.
I have had the privilege of experiencing Rachel's powerful and effective facilitation work in numerous settings. Each
time the situation was a potential minefield of historical trauma, unseen biases and challenging interpersonal dynamics.
Yet each time, Rachel’s deeply personal approach guided the process to understanding and reconciliation. I have been
in one-on-one coaching sessions where she helped me acknowledge and release deep-seated blockages. I have been
present as she artfully guided a very opinionated and culturally diverse group of individuals as they confronted some of
the most conflict-filled issues in this country. I have participated in events she has coordinated where all the guests,
regardless of their background or social status, feel welcomed and included. Rachel handles every individual and group
in the same way: with respect and a fearless love that can only come from true commitment and lived experience. The
World Economic Forum recently stated that the leadership qualities that are most needed today are high emotional
intelligence, creativity and compassion. Few people I know embody these qualities as much as Rachel does. When it
comes to bringing people on a journey to reconcile our common humanity, Rachel has my highest recommendation.

>

Dannielle Gordon. Counseling Therapist. 0835364642
It is with utter delight that I write this testimonial for any possible ones reading this, whom may be blessed enough to
soon be participating in a Circle Method Experience with Rachel Smith. I have over the years immersed in many of the
modalities that Rachel offers. I have used them to expand personally and within my own professional therapeutic
practice with my clients. Rachel brings a myriad of qualities into the spaces that she holds and I believe within my heart,
mind and soul that she is able to create cathartic shifts within the emotional, physical and spiritual realms. Rachel is also
a creative genius and unearths fear and resistance with those who are stuck and stunted creatively, the artist within me
arose like a Phoenix after sessions with Rachel. My life changed. Rachel’s biggest quality in my experience is her
profound ability to hold any space with and in love. She is able to hold many difficult human complexities playing out. I
am looking forward to my next Circle Method session with my nuclear family. The Listening Circle Rachel holds cleverly and gently crafts, cultivates and restores a place of safety and deep trust. No matter how difficult the subject, we soon see that by listening and
witnessing, we have the capacity to hold and eventually
cogenerate the wisdom to solve most difficulties. Rachel has a
unique way of reframing human expression in a way in a language
that speaking to the human essence. Soon we emerge seeing that
the trust generated in the circle is the truth of who we are. Soon,
see that even if our views are different we are not the
difference. This restorative art of being human is needed more
than ever now

03/03/2022

Retreat Yourself Festival 2022. Learning how to create safety together, so we can bravely share & deeply listen.

06/01/2022

L E T T H E R E
B E C R A C K S
When people access deep emotions, I invite us all to practice not stepping in to fix them with a tissue, with words like 'don't cry', or 'be strong'.

Let them feel. Sometimes it takes great courage to access emotions, and because we have been conditioned to 'be happy', seeing others emotional, brings up our fears...

Fears like 'what if they really break and I can't help them', or 'they are making me feel so uncomfortable', or 'I can make them all better.'

Many, if not most of us, are managing post traumatic stress at some level. For some, a life time of trauma has created complex PTSD. We must let others release otherwise many of us will become very stuck in the dark. We must practice radical self care. We must learn to hold others releasing emotions, which is often a silent, loving act.

If you wish to learn more, please follow this page to hear about the next workshop or email rachel@thecirclemethod.org

06/01/2022

Many guru's have told us for decades - ''let go of your trauma, step into your highest consciousness, and find long life happiness.''

I think this advice is unachievable and worrying.

So how do we find true happiness, or contentment?

It's proven that trauma memory sits in our million body cells. We cannot let it go, ever. We can meet our traumas head on, inviting them in so we learn and grow from knowing them intimately.

Knowing and embracing our dark and light parts equally, allows us to show up being authentic, in our truth. Surely we can only find happiness this way?

I have facilitated many people as they share their deepest unspoken traumas. I have experienced that if we give ourselves unachievable happiness goals, we struggle. I've witnessed if a safe space is created, traumas can be aired and the goal to living more peacefully, is more achievable.

Let's work on being more authentic, with the knowing being happy all the time, is a societal construct. If we are brave enough to acknowledge our 'dark emotions' whether it's grumpy, sadness or anger, this allows freedom and perhaps a road to living with greater contentment.

All questions and wisdom sharing welcome: Rachel@thecirclemethod.org

17/07/2021

''Listening to someone with great attention, with your whole self; allows you to really hear the sharers story, but also their feelings.

Practicing not responding or fixing the person you are listening to, is a challenge that allows our empathy to deepen.

It is through empathy that we find connection. We are reminded that vwe are all connected. We are one."

Rachel, founder of The Circle Method

15/07/2021

Circles for Transformation are needed now more than ever.

To sit, feeling safe, in a circle where you are HEARD allows the shedding of trauma's, the release of stuck negativity and the allowing to feel free, strong and confident.

Our people of Africa, by systemic default, have slowly created poverty mindsets that keep us small, keep us feeling that we have to rely on others to be a success.

I am starting a train the trainer program next month. A 6 week online training program where you will learn to hold deep listening circles. You will learn how to be a guide for others to transform and step into their highest possible self. I will share details here next week.

Until then stay stay, keep practicing speaking your truth even when your voice shakes and keep in movement.

Love Rachel
rachel@thecirclemethod.org

15/06/2021

Please feel free to use and share.
I am putting together an online Circle Method Facilitators course.
Watch this space.
All questions: rachel@thecirclemethod.org

09/01/2021

Here are a few simple acts that may help us navigate this challenge time.
❤️
1. Get a journal or paper...
2. Every morning spend time, even 5 minutes, writing down a visualizations (wishes) about your day ahead. For example... 'Today I see a gentle easy day, where I complete that piece of work, chat with a few friends, get some sun, eat really well and feel calm '. My mind might question my wishes, but I write them with the intention to have that sort of day. Close your eyes and allow your dreaming mind to see your intention for the day, try and embody it. Visualizations are a powerful way of shifting your life. Be creative and think big, when if you think it's unattainable.
🧡
2. Write a daily realistic To Do list. Tick stuff off. Be OK with not getting through everything. Times are tough. Seeing your list helps manage anxiety.
💛
3. Throughout your day, try and balance work + parenting/ family commitments + play time/ self care. Split the day into 3 parts for these basic needs. (Play can include dancing. It's a great medicine for the soul)
💚
4. Try and get regular sleep. For just 15 minutes before you sleep, write 3 gratitudes. Gratitudes raise our vibrations / trick our mind into positivity. Don't check phone after this, as your mind holds the gratitudes whilst you sleep. Start each one with 'I am grateful for...'
💙
These simple wellness practises could help many of us stay in movement during this time. In movement there is life. Small acts to keep us mentally stable and emotionally grounded are vital during this time.
💜
Sending big love to everyone. All questions welcome.

Love Rachel,
Founder of The Circle Method.

06/01/2021

Co-founder Rachel shares:
'Co-creating a safe space for groups to work in, has become a common request. As part of an inspiring team of nearly 500 change agents throughout Africa, I recently facilitated the co-creation of The Ubuntu.Lab Institutes new agreements for collective work.`

Feel free to be inspired and use these in your team or better yet...connect if you wish your team to process finding your unique set of team agreements.

Rachel@thecirclemethod.org

10/11/2020

Learn more about and .


With gratitude to everyone who has co-created circles, the and

Lets talk about how you and your organisation can use these methods to work from a new state, with new perspectives that prepare us for the emerging future.

07/09/2020

There is a new wave of depression sweeping through many...

It may arrive at your door as an exhaustion, a nausea, a headache, irritability, a body pain, a sore heart, heavy head....

Offerings...
1. Try and surrender living gently in the unknown. Live in the questions. The answers will unfold. Release the future. Live this moment.
2. Put an alarm on your phone for 30 minutes everyday at the same time, to take quiet time in nature (or a quiet space) to take deep breathes and find that part in you that feels pain. Breathe deeper into that part sending your thoughts, love, light...ask me if you want some of my recorded 10 minute daily meditations to help you through
3. GET Away! Go visit a friend or family in another town. During that time, rest rest rest. Getting away from your space will offer new energy, new perspectives and a pause.
4. Eat lots of green food and drink at least 1 litre of water a day
5. Think of who will listen to you talk your stuff out of your head. That someone doesn't need to fix or offer you solutions... Just listen and listen then hug you without words exchanged.
6. Get into water. If you can bath, have a deep bath with Epsom salts. Float, feel your body light and held. The sea is best to heal it all. Dive into the waves.
7. Dance. Put on a house mix and shake your body. Shaking releases extra adrenalin that causes anxiety. Even you shuffle in your slippers and onesie, it's mint, at least move your body....
8. Get sun on your skin. 30 minutes a day. As much skin as possible. Don't forget sunscreen on the face.
9. Hug someone for as long as you can, and if tears flow, let it flow flow flow. Let out your salty rain. Imagine each tear as little toxins getting out your body.
10. Stop. Stop the to-do-lists and hussling. Pause now, to produce productively in 2021. The end of this extraordinary year is to find our Centre, our Source, our Self care practise and our absolute Self Love. To wake up.

Sending love to all those suffering with depression & anxiety. It's very real. It's very common. It's debilitating.

17/08/2020

Shout out to all Teens!!

14/08/2020

A carefully curated 6 week course for teenagers, to be in a safe community space, to be heard and seen during this extraordinary time.
2 groups of 10 per week.
Please share. Thank you.

04/08/2020

Calling all young people...
Join us in a space where you can arrive just as you need to for that moment, share your truths in absolute confidence, and take a much needed out breathe. Feel what it's like to be in a space that has no right or wrong, no rewards, no expectations, and find freedom.

Footnote to parents (as we like to know outcomes and what we are investing in): The Circle Method matures EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE and builds CONFIDENCE and COLLECTIVE AGILITY.

All questions very welcome…

12/07/2020

Our problems are way too complex to solve ourselves. Collective work is now essential. The most needed skill as a collective, is .

As founder and co-creator of the I see how this method gentle guides us into a new way of being as a blooming collective.

Please get in touch if you'd like to know more about this pioneer method for your boardroom, classroom, home, or as a facilitator.

03/07/2020

02/07/2020

A sharing circle for educators (teachers). Learning a new way of being supports everyone navigating this time. Teachers learn, learners learn, ground staff learn, and so.... PROFOUND and begins.

The Circle Method teaches :
Deep listening.
Deep empathy.
Shifting language.
How to operate wisely as a collective.
Understand ourselves.
Step into our highest possible potential.
Shift from an ego system to eco system.