Why a Goddess Circle?
It’s been a year since I ran my first Goddess Circle! Wowsers. I had no idea that it was going to grow and lead to many more exciting things! At the time that I ran my first Goddess Circle, I was experiencing huge change. Things had just come to an end with a guy I was dating. I was recovering from Glandular Fever. It was also during a time I’d been telling ‘My Story’ via a blog, to help me become ‘un-stuck’ with my business.
I recall prior to this, I was sitting under a tree doing some writing. Writing down all the things that I love, and love to do to help me with giving my business a new lease of life. Some of these things included picnics, meaningful conversations, flowers, yummy healthy food, meeting new like minded people, sunshine, crystals, writing, and the moon cycle.
A dear friend that was helping me through the process of telling ‘My Story’ via a blog, suggested I run womens circles. She said she used to run some in a park in Adelaide, and gave me a little insight into what she did and how they worked. I thought it sounded amazing, and didn’t really know of any womens circles; nor had I ever been to one!
There was still part of me thinking, holy shit, this is out of my comfort zone, but there was a bigger feeling of wanting to give it a go. Not only did I want to give it a go, because I loved the concept and it included so many of my favourite things; but also because I was craving that genuine connection with people.
Being a country girl, in the city, I was missing that country community feel. I knew lots of people in Adelaide, but I was craving more of a connection. I didn’t want to just talk about the weather and what they’d been up to for the weekend. Nor did I want to spend my weekends out at pubs, drinking and having late nights. I wanted some more soulful conversation. I wanted to learn about what lights people up. Their experiences. Their challenges. What their goals and dreams are. The things in life that fascinate them. Conversations that feed my soul, and help me connect with people on a deeper level.
First thing, was to think of a name for my womens circles. Through the process of telling My Story, and connecting with a more authentic version of myself, more than anything, I wanted to feel like a goddess. I felt like I’d neglected that part of myself, or even rejected it. It was at this time that I’d started being more adventurous with the clothes I’d wear. I started wearing big earrings and headscarves. I would dance around the house more. I started to nurture the goddess within me, instead of thinking I wasn’t good enough to be a goddess. I basically started to embrace myself more. All the different parts of me; even the parts I’d hidden away.
I wondered how many other women felt that way? Felt that they could never feel like a goddess because of xyz? I wondered how many women would feel awkward of the thought of even considering themselves a goddess? I wondered how many other women were in need of connecting with their inner goddess, with other goddesses and that feminine energy?
That’s when I thought bugger it. I’m going to call these womens circles, Goddess Circles, because I want everyone to get more used to the concept of being called a goddess and feeling like a goddess. I wanted to create a womens circle where women of all different ages, backgrounds, and personalities could all come together, and do something just for themselves. Get that female connection which is so important for women. A space where women could be open and honest and share what ever they felt too.
So I did exactly that, and that’s how the Goddess Circles were born. Over the past year they have evolved so much! The first Goddess Circle had no theme/topic, and now each goddess circle has a topic to bring like minded women together, to share, learn & grow. I’ve also now added in Oracle cards, and a release and let go ritual as well.
One thing that has stayed the same with the Goddess Circles though, is that they are a safe space. They’re welcoming, warm, pretty, feminine, inspiring, and non judgemental. I’ve seen friendships that have been formed through the Goddess Circles, and I’ve seen people have break throughs, uh huh moments, and feelings of inner peace knowing that they are not alone, and that other people go through similar things to them. I have seen first hand how valuable these Goddess Circles are to women, and it lights up my heart & soul.
I think there’s a bit of a misconception where people think Goddess Circles are a place where everyone gets extremely vulnerable and share everything, and that there’s loads of tears. I’ve had a few people say that they’re not sure about going to a circle because they’re not sure what’s going to come up or happen.
There are tears shed from time to time, and sure, some people do open up and get quite vulnerable; but on the flip side of that, some women sit in the circle and don’t speak more than a couple of sentences. Instead they sit back and take it all in. In fact those women, are the ones I often get an email from the next day saying ‘thank you so much for last night Steph. I know I didn’t say much, but I got so much out of it!’ As a Soul based Coach (and an open and honest individual), I share my insights and tips here and there. I’m open to answering any questions people have, but most of all, I keep the conversation kind, flowing and respectful.
Creating a SAFE SPACE is my number one intention. Being a highly sensitive soul, and someone that has experienced social anxiety, I’m very mindful of creating a safe space. The last thing I want is for anyone to rock up and feel uncomfortable. Every one is warmly greeted, and shown where to get a cup of tea and put there things, and then walked through to the other goddesses in the circle.
I’ve continued to get feedback from people, saying that they feel so comfortable at my events, and that makes me so happy! I’m so grateful that The Goddess Events has attracted so many beautiful, kind hearted souls that bring such a wonderful energy to the space.
The format of a Goddess Circle is something like this:
arrive, and you’re greeted by me at the door! :-)
pour a cup of tea; enjoy some yummy food, and make yourself comfortable
welcome circle (we go around the circle and everyone introduces themselves)
a short guided meditation
I have some questions to help get the conversation rolling (sometimes worksheets as well)
release and let go activity (which is a writing one)
farewell circle
collect your goodie bag/gift, chat to other goddesses and head home
The Goddess Circles go for around 2.5 hours, and the time goes so fast! Oh, the Goddess Circles are just divine, and I hope for all women to experience at least one at some stage.
With the amazing success of the Goddess Circles, it blows my mind to see what has now evolved. The business ‘The Goddess Events’ wasn’t even a thing when I first started the circles. Not only is there now Goddess Circles, but also Goddess Gatherings and soon to be Goddess Retreats (and a couple of surprises to be announced soon)!
I’m really excited for the future of The Goddess Events, and I hope that the community it’s building continues to grow, with more friendships formed, more inspiration being spread, and more goddess vibes all round.
Keep your eyes peeled as there’s more exciting things to come. In the mean time if you’d like to attend a Goddess Event, I have the following events coming up (& would love to see you there!):
An Afternoon in the Studio, Pottery Workshop (Adelaide, SA), 18th August 2019. FULLY BOOKED
The Passionate Woman Workshop (Adelaide, SA), 8th September 2019
Goddess Circle (Ignite your Spark, Keith SA), 21st September 2019
Goddess Circle (Self love & acceptance, Adelaide SA), 12th October 2019
Any questions? Feel free to comment below or reach out to me at hello@stephbartlett.com
To all the goddesses that have attended my Goddess Events so far, THANK YOU! And to the goddesses that are curious and wanting to attend an event with me, I can’t wait to meet you soon!
Don’t forget to nurture your inner goddess, and let her shine.
Love,
Steph xo