At my first Council session, I had a surprisingly powerful and profound experience of connection. The session leader, Rob, didn’t say a word about spirituality; we were simply present and sharing our stories in a safe space using this ancient “way.” For me, it was like finding my way home: one’s self, behind roles and masks, was able to meet another person’s honest self. People’s hearts spontaneously opened, and we felt that we were all human, with similar challenges and joys, connected to each other. I felt that this experience is not just powerful and important… it is needed if we wish for the world to become a better place.
Reflecting on personal experiences, council can feel like a homecoming. The practice of devout listening and heartfelt speaking resonates deeply. Participants often describe a profound sense of belonging and a deeper connection to their own inner wisdom and to others.
Council is both an ancient way and a modern practice, deeply rooted in the natural world and spanning diverse cultures and religions. Inspired by the wisdom traditions of First Nations and indigenous cultures, which included strong circle practices integrated into their life and relationship with the earth, council’s roots in these cultures and the healing power of non-hierarchical circle communication bring profound benefits. It fosters a true sense of community by ensuring every voice is heard and every person’s story is shared. In our current global climate, awakening this deep relational heart-mind is more essential than ever. Embracing council is embracing the wisdom of the whole and growing in trust with the sacredness of all life. Whether in business, community, family, nature, prisons, or schools, council offers a pathway to healing, understanding, and connection.
Council is a collaborative, compassionate, and inclusive way of communicating, particularly effective in group dynamics. It promotes deep listening, attentive focus, and authentic, meaningful expression. In Council, we practice listening without paying too much attention to our own judgments or stories, and without stigmatizing what we hear others say. Instead, we focus on the substance and wisdom of what is being said. The intention of Council is to create a shared space where participants can connect with their stories and feel confident to share them. Through sharing, Council becomes a practice that builds community, curbs loneliness and insecurity, and fosters a culture of honesty, growth, and the value of listening.
Speaking and listening from the heart can authentically connect people, strengthen relationships, deepen relational consciousness, and build stronger communities. Conflict exploration, co-visioning, and decision-making flow more productively in the council environment. Communication within families and between intimate partners flourishes when council practice is embraced. Council creates space for new insights, understanding, wisdom in decision-making, and healing. It is particularly beneficial for families, guides, teachers, therapists, caregivers, and anyone whose work involves groups.
Similar to the Rogersian principles, which emphasize an “unconditional positive attitude” and a non-judgmental environment for exploring thoughts and feelings, the Council uses a circular format to ensure that all voices are heard equally. Both approaches aim to foster “intra-psychic” and “interpersonal” growth, deepen self-awareness and promote community cohesion through authentic, empathic dialogue.
Council is practiced in diverse types of communities, fostering a sense of belonging, mutual respect, and collective wisdom. By promoting shared leadership and mutual support, council transforms communities into more inclusive and resilient spaces.
Council is particularly compelling in family and intimate relationship settings. Often initiated by children, family councils are held weekly, promoting open communication, mutual understanding, and strengthening family bonds.
Council is the art of relationship, making it a natural fit for
business environments. Since the 1980s, council has been integrated into
various corporations, both profit and non-profit, promoting effective
communication, team cohesion, and a collaborative work environment.
Many council practitioners integrate nature awareness into their practices. Nature-based learning and wilderness programs often incorporate council, enhancing participants’ sense of interconnectedness with the environment and promoting ecological stewardship.
Council serves as a restorative practice in prisons, providing opportunities for deep listening, bearing witness, and heartfelt speaking. This practice has transformative potential in restorative justice settings, helping to heal wounds and foster empathy and reconciliation.
Council is a powerful social and emotional learning strategy in schools, promoting trust, respect, and understanding. It encourages students to share their stories, fostering connections, and enhancing communication between students, teachers, and other adults, improving overall school climate.
Learn more at: waysofcouncil.net
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