The power of sharing circles and support groups in 2023
It's a dreary Saturday in January 2023 and I'm sitting on the floor in a circle with a group of local Portsmouth women of all ages. I'm holding a branch entwined with pink flowers and reading from a page in my journal about my pain and my resolution. I don't know any of the other ladies except our group leader - a wonderful reiki healer called Heather. The other women listen gently, with kindness and without judgement. They don't interrupt. Then I pass the branch to the next lady. There's no analysis of what I've said. There's no one offering advice. Just silent acknowledgement of my truth and respect for my bravery and vulnerability.
I've attended plenty of other sharing circles this year - some virtual and some local - and they are always super empowering and supportive, coming at just the right time in my life. After each one, I felt like part of something; a "thank you, it's not just me" moment that is so reassuring and uplifting, particularly when I've been facing a challenging time.
Right now, it feels like a lot of us are searching for more meaning and connection in our lives. And these micro communities and support groups may well become more common, both virtually and physically.
Perhaps they're necessary in this world, where it's so easy to feel isolated. To compare yourself to others' external achievements. To get into a funk about where life is vs what you want. These groups and their leaders can soothe you and help with challenging transitions. They teach you how to be vulnerable in a safe space, when we've been so conditioned not to share pain with others in most parts of our lives. This is more than liberating and powerful. It's healing.
If you're curious about how to find a support group for yourself, they are built around many themes - some help you become more wealthy, others focus on relationships, your health, your career or a particular activity like swimming or yoga. I'm not talking PR networking events! I'm talking groups that are healing and non-judgemental, where you can bring your whole self and really be there for others.
My advice?
Pick a theme that feels relevant to your key life challenges right now - Look for women's groups, mum's groups, men's circles, meditations, or meetings with more depth to them than your typical networking event. There's nothing wrong with networking too, but it serves a very different purpose. You'll know it when you find your community
Snoop on your favourite Instagram influencers - who is inspiring you? Who is speaking their truth to you? Some brilliant people on social platforms offer amazing membership programmes. Keep a look out for a leader that draws you in
Go local - virtual groups run by leaders with millions of followers are wonderful but face to face can create a very unique transformative and supportive energy - and there are some really talented healers and holistic therapists all over the country running local groups. Check out your yoga studio, wellbeing centre and holistic therapists for events and gatherings
Invest with the best - this is money so well spent so sign up and subscribe to their programmes, which are usually super affordable. You'll make new friends, learn and heal together, plus get a whole new stance on life from people living in tune with themselves
Find a yoga retreat - if you've never done this, make it happen! The bonds that form as part of the week are such an important part of the work and can really give you a chance to share and be vulnerable.
If you'd like any more personal recommendations for groups and communities, I'd be happy to share my suggestions based on your needs if you want to get in touch.
And did you know that there's a Megawatt community? This is an amazing group of senior comms professionals who meet twice a month to share wins, challenges and get some personalised coaching advice and tools from me. You have to be a current or past client to be part of the group and it's a great follow-up to my one-to-one support. Here's what the members say about the sessions:
"It was such a great session. Open, honest, welcoming, positive and thought provoking."
"The group of women you’ve brought together is wonderful and I for one cannot wait to see what unfolds for all of us."
This is Madeleine - she's one of the brilliant women in the Megawatt support group that meets virtually twice a month. I was lucky enough to meet her in person at the weekend when I took a trip to South Gloucestershire and we got together for coffee and a catch-up "In Real Life"!!