Women's Wisdom Circles


"Stories move in circles. They don't go in straight lines. So it helps if you listen in circles. There are stories inside stories and stories between stories, and finding your way through them is as easy and as hard as finding your way home. And part of the finding is the getting lost. And when you're lost, you start to look around and listen.”
Sue Bender (1995). Everyday Sacred: A Woman's Journey Home

Why Wisdom Circles? Women's work has traditionally been done within a community of women. Our culture and economy have eliminated most structures for women to share their wisdom and lives in meaningful ways. The telling of our stories and sharing our wisdom is part of finding connection with each other and our traditions. There is a sense of meaning gained from telling our stories and being heard in that telling. Although there are very wise women to be found in the wider world, a deep wisdom arises from the sharing of community. It is believed that each woman comes with her own wisdom and therefore does not need to take care of others or be taken care of within the circle. . Confidentiality is respected-what is said in the circle, stays within the circle.


This is a quote from, and a paraphrase of, the call to participate in a circle of women on the campus where I work. I think it sounds like a great idea, but it is also what I’m doing in my blog, and by reading other blogs of friends and family. I’d like to see more of you get on board with your own blogs. I want to hear what you are thinking!