Sharing Circle

Sharing circles have a long history within psychedelic spaces for supporting integration and fostering a shared sense of community. The concept is relatively straightforward. Attendees share a personally meaningful story related to a psychedelic experience. Each person tells their story to the group while the others listen attentively. Once the person completes their story, the person to the right will begin sharing their own story. We will go around counter-clockwise until each person has had a chance to speak. There is no talk-back between stories. This helps limit the amount of time that is spent in the circle and ensures that everyone gets equal and ample time to speak. If you do not wish to speak, that is fine, we will simply go on to the next person. If, for whatever reason you decide that you do want to speak after passing. You will have another opportunity to share at the end. 

For those speaking, the sharing circle provides an opportunity for you to organize your thoughts about the experience in a way that is understandable by you and by others. This is important since psychedelic experiences can often feel like they are beyond the realm of understanding. Putting your experience into words and sharing it in a group setting can begin the process of meaning-making and ensure that meanings which were salient during the experience do not get lost. For those listening, hearing about the experiences of others can provoke insight and provide a shared sense of recognition that you are not alone in the significance of what you have felt. 

Refreshments will be provided after each session along with an opportunity to mingle with other members. Since this is a sharing circle, attendees are welcome to bring food to share with the group. Healthy food such as fruit, nuts, and prepared vegetarian food are encouraged—for those who have had them, consider the kinds of foods that you have enjoyed eating during your psychedelic experiences ;) 

With that said, this is a non-consumption event, meaning that there will be no consumption of illicit or consciousness-altering substances during the circle (this includes vaping and cigarettes). Attendees are also kindly asked to refrain from bringing these substances to the meeting as they cannot be consumed on the premises.