For this introvert, trying to speak from the heart, and express vulnerability, with strangers, sitting in a circle, can feel make me want to run out the door!
And yet each time I sit in a circle in this way, either holding this space on retreats or in classes, or guided by other teachers, I feel how potent this medicine is.
In a world that can so easily feel disconnected and broken, what could be more important right now than making time for authentic, real life, honest connection and regulation - not only to nurture our own sense of wellbeing, but to support each other too. Both in the moment, and far beyond.
But what is a Women’s Circle anyway? Is it all woo-woo, sage-smudging, wafty white clothes... (spoiler. The answer is no!)
Why We Gather in Circles
There’s something about sitting in a circle that just feels different. And I don't mean sharing banter down the pub, or nattering around a coffee table (although all that can be great soul food too).
Reading The Women’s Circle by Anoushka Florence reaffirmed what I’ve long felt—circles are not just gatherings; they are medicine. One of the oldest ways humans have gathered—around fires, in ritual, storytelling, support each other, honouring menstrual cycles and seasons, passing down wisdom through generations - has been in Circle.
A space where we can pause, breathe a little deeper, where we are reminded that we don’t have to figure everything out alone. Or even need to have it all figured out at all.
And sure, we might get these chats from our closest mates, the ones who really know how to listen. But often well meaning friends interject, or reflect back with an experience in their own lives. Or try to fix or suggest. Or Prosecco, or Pina Coladas are involved. No judgement here. BUT I hear (and feel) more and more that women are craving deeper, meaningful connection. Quiet spaces in our full lives to be truly seen and heard, and to look after inner wellbeing.
In my own work, I see time and again how the simple act of coming together—without hierarchy, without performance—creates something deeply nourishing.
Whether it’s a circle of new mothers sharing their realities, exhausted, juggling so much, laughing and crying, and having space to recognise how strong they are by showing up, despite it all.
Or a retreater showing up, solo and anxious, feeling brave to be there, but taking the leap as they give a sh*t about how they show up in the world, and are craving true connection with others who feel the same.
Or a morning Rest workshop, a circle of strangers, who connect through meditation, journaling, shared reflection, nature connection and sauna, and leave grounded and chatting like they've known each other for years.
I am humbled to witness these circles time and time again.
The Essence of a Circle
A circle is more than just a group meeting—it’s a space held with intention. Unlike many spaces in our modern lives, a circle is not about fixing, improving, or achieving. Instead, it is about witnessing, listening, being and allowing (or at least practicing this, because we do not have to strive to be 'perfect' either).
Equality: There is no leader or hierarchy; we sit as equals
Mutual Support: Each person is both held and holding space for others
Honest Presence: You can show up exactly as you are—no masks, no need to perform
A Sacred Pause: A chance to step away from the relentless busyness of life and reconnect with your inner world
You don’t have to explain yourself. You can feel seen and heard, without judgment. It can feel hard, but so can some of the most transformative experiences in life.
If you do not feel like talking, that's cool too (in my circles anyway). Know you are bloody strong to be honest with these sticky feelings, and show up anyway.
Why Now? A Time to Come Together
In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, that can feel broken every time you read the news, that can carry so much load and expectation.... gathering in circle is an act of quiet, radical resistance.
Circles remind us that we don’t have to do everything alone. They offer a space where we can share the weight we carry, and leave feeling lighter. Where we can rest without guilt (or question and be kind to these feelings). Where we can be reminded of the strength that exists within an authentic community, and in ourselves.
"A session with Carolyn doesn't just nourish you for that moment, it charges you up and stays with you. Her skill in holding the space and bringing a deep respect for healthy and nourishing rest and self-connection is radical and transformative."
This is not just self-care—it’s collective care.
When we nurture our own well-being, we show up differently in our relationships, in our families, in our work. When we tend to our own nervous systems, with kindness, community and care, we can feel more regulated, present, grounded, and more able to be honest with our feelings, and communicate them too. And so we carry these strengths with us, creating ripples that can positively impact not only ourselves, but our relationships, children, our communities, and the wider world.
This is Yoga - the joy of the interconnection of all beings, and the universe. But this can start sounding pretty woo-woo, and so perhaps a simple Circle can reflect this, and feel more accessible?
Let's Gather : My 2025 Offerings
I love sharing classes, workshops and retreats (and kids yoga) in circles. Interesting, I always have always intuitively favoured a circle, rather than me standing at the front, and its only recently dawned on me why.
These spaces is built on the foundation of gathering with intention, belonging as messy humans, whilst empowering presence, rest, and authentic self-connection.
Spaces to know you are enough, you are loved, you are you.
What a bloody beautiful thing to celebrate!
Mama Yoga (BYOB) / Tuesday mornings
A yoga circle for new mothers, where movement and rest support postpartum well-being.
Mother’s Circle / First Sunday each month
A monthly gathering for mothers to reconnect, restore, and be held in community.
Restore & Replenish: Yoga & Sauna 27.04.25
An uplifting Spring morning for women to rest, replenish and reconnect, with mindful yoga, sauna and wild dip
A Women’s Retreat for mindful, joyful and restful connection abundant with nature connection and creative fun / June 2015
The Rested Mother Retreat / Nov 21-23rd
A nurturing retreat for mothers to unwind into uplifting rest in peaceful Devon countryside
All classes above are currently IRL, in Bristol, and retreats are near the New Forest and North Devon.
If you’re feeling the call to gather, to slow down, to be part of something that nourishes and sustains, rather than exhausts and drains —you are so welcome here.
All booking now via the links above. Or if you are interested in a Private Women’s Circle, or private group yoga class for you and your best people, please connect here.
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