Bringing Back the Practice of Circle

This month we are grateful to share a few glimpses into the work Ms. Ngoneh Jagne is doing in The Gambia on equality and bringing back the practice of The Circle Way in her communities.

Ngoneh hosted a circle with members of an amputee football association shortly before they embarked on a tournament journey. The topic was centered on togetherness. Comments after the circle revealed that they had never experienced such a space, and appreciated the unique approach because of the pauses, check-ins and check-outs. Ngoneh reflected “this circle gave me the understanding that being in circles can take away our fears and allow us to narrate stories that were never said out loud”.

Another circle Ngoneh hosted was with “Safe Space for Girls”: a feminist group focused on girls’ well-being. The circle began with meditation and an introduction to The Circle Way. During check-in, participants shared photos and personal items along with stories of their importance such as a symbol of a heart that reminded one girl of taking care of her own heart, and a diary that was a ‘living soul’ of her life. As tender emotions came up, pauses were called for to support the circle’s well-being. The group shifted to talking about gratitude and their scenarios for practicing gratitude, and ended with painting something they were grateful for. We can feel the heartwarming stories and images shared in that circle!

A circle on grief was hosted with people from the government and private sector. They were invited to bring an object that meant a lot to them. Personal stories flowed as they placed the objects in the center and there were several pauses to host the emotions that rose up. During the check-out people talked about acceptance of grief, feeling comfortable about expressing grief, and others shared how such sessions are important in our society.

Another group Ngoneh hosted was with a group of teenagers who talked about togetherness and responsibility. The session gave the participants the opportunity to be able to express themselves and the challenges in their communities. Their youth leader expressed how the session came at the right time because these young people are going to be future leaders and a single individual cannot do the work needed in the community. Working together and sharing responsibilities would help them accomplish their common goal. During the check-out they shared words like motivated, inspired, happy, excited, and the most interesting part is their youth leader promised to adopt The Circle Way practice so their members could learn to host their own circles.

We celebrate Ngoneh’s work growing The Circle Way one circle at a time, and the ripples that go out from each of these circles reaching many other community members.

Ngoneh Jagne: Circle way practitioner and facilitator. I am also a young lady who’s passionate about women and children’s right. I facilitate sessions with women, children and differently abled people to discuss issues affecting them in their communities. I also intend to create more spaces in our communities with children where they can experience the importance of dialogues within the rim of the circle and adapt the practice in their own communities. The Circle Way has been a great tool in helping me to be aware of my inner strength and I also want to pass on the learnings to interested individuals within Africa and beyond. I can be reached via email: ngonehjagne1gmail.com