Connections- By Dana Droller

Sitting on the beach in Choco, Colombia, under the moonlight of the full moon with two other women, breathing in the fresh ocean air, and just being still. Sharing whatever was on our minds in that moment – sharing the struggle – sharing the beauty – sharing the quiet. We suddenly looked at each other - the last, and only other time that the three of us were together was virtual, at a full moon circle that Sierra led, literally a year ago. At the time, one of those women was a stranger, as was Sierra. And now, these women are friends. Women, I feel deeply connected to. Women, I feel I can open up to and safely share whatever is on my mind and in my heart. Having these kinds of relationships can be rare. And I am beyond grateful to have made so many of these similar connections through Integral Women Women’s Circle.

Another synchronicity, as Sierra would say, one Saturday morning, a woman new to Circle mentioned she was going to a rooftop yoga class that evening. Well, I happened to be going to the same one – in Medellin. We met for the first time that night and have stayed in touch ever since. We’ve gone out to lunch, shared personal experiences and are going to the same yoga retreat back in Choco. Sure, a lot of this is because I am living in Colombia where there’s a small expat community. But I also have this unexplainable feeling that I’m meant to connect with these women. I feel more comfortable opening up to them than I do with most people. There’s something special about the connections you make during circle. Something I can’t always put words to. For much of my life, I have struggled to share and be vulnerable with other people, and yet with the women, I feel I can be an open book. 

I wonder if it’s because we skip the small talk. We get right into our emotions and experiences. Speaking from only my own personal experience, we join these spaces because we need the time and space to check in with ourselves. To process where we’re at. To have a safe space where we can be heard, seen, validated without any judgment or anyone expecting anything of us. We just show up as we are. Our relationships begin differently than most.

Last month at Women’s Circle, one of the women described the connections you make during circle as “soul connections”. That resonated with me. The bond you form with the women you’re in Circle with is a powerful one. I suspect it may be because we all share from the heart and from our most vulnerable, raw selves. I have come to realize just how important that is. I feel so fortunate that so many of the connections I’ve made in Circle have naturally turned into some of the most meaningful friendships, and friendships that just feel like they were meant to be. We meet and then reconnect in unique ways that continue to amaze me.

I’ve always believed that you are where you are and with the people you are with for a reason. My experiences in Integral Women Women’s Circles continue to prove that. 

Are you seeking a space like this we would love to welcome you to Circle. Join Now or ask about the free trial.