At my first Council sessions in England, I was surprised by how deeply I experienced the “feeling of connection.” Rob, who facilitated the sessions, didn’t offer teachings; we were simply present together, sitting in a circle and sharing our stories. It felt like coming home: people’s inner selves met others’ authentic selves. Our hearts opened, and we could feel that we were all equally human, sharing similar pains and joys, deeply interconnected. We didn’t speak about spirituality, yet it was a profoundly moving experience. I felt that this kind of connection could lead to healing and a more peaceful world.
ooking back on our personal experiences, Council can evoke a sense of coming home. The practice of devoted listening and heartfelt speaking deeply resonates within us. Participants often describe feeling a profound sense of belonging and a deeper connection to their inner wisdom and to others.
Council is both an ancient path and a modern practice, deeply rooted in nature. It draws inspiration from the wise traditions of indigenous cultures, where sharing circles were an integral part of their relationship with life and the earth. The healing power of Council’s non-hierarchical circle communication brings profound benefits: it fosters a genuine sense of community by ensuring that every voice is heard and every story is shared.
In today’s globalized world, awakening this deep heart-soul connection is more important than ever. The path of Council offers an experience of unity’s wisdom and strengthens trust in the sacredness of all life. Whether in business, community, family, nature, prisons, or schools, Council provides a way toward healing, understanding, and connection.
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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