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The format that I devised was exciting to me because it used the PeerSpirit principles to a fuller extent than I have yet applied them in my work settings. (My work, Sound Wisdom Retreats, involves classes and retreats for women revolving around health issues including mind/body/spirit connections.)

This retreat was going out on a limb for me, as I was going to trust and let go to an extent that I hadn't tried before. The women were gathered with the directive to bring something to the weekend that renews them that could be used for group participation. It could be anything -- silence, an activity, music, a walk outside, a nap, painting your toenails, journal time, pondering big questions, dancing, cooking together, or doing nothing. It became necessary for each of us to reach into our souls to discern what would support us in our renewal process and to find a way to share it. The process of letting go and trusting was very scary to me. Being a facilitator and used to being in charge, I had the chance to trust that each woman would be responsible for her own well being for our time together.

We met at a retreat site on Friday evening. I passed out pieces of paper for each woman to write down her offering. We laid them out on the centering table and each one was described. I was done. In the course of the weekend we worked our way smoothly through nearly all of them -- if the time was not right to present one, it was put on hold for another time. I mostly relaxed, trusting that this shared responsibility would work. The wonder of co-creating our time together was magical. I felt we were able to use the circle structure fully -- the three principles, the three practices and the four agreements. It was very exciting and energizing for me to have an opportunity to experiment to this depth with these concepts. I didn't doubt that it would work; yet to experience the beauty of it was special.

When I returned home, I found that I was not exhausted in the way that I usually am after facilitating a weekend. I was tired, in the normal way of being energized and interacting with a group. I was full and recharged to move right out into the world rather than needing several days to rest.

The experience of using the circle was a gift that I hope to tap into more as I process what this co-creativity has meant and how to adapt it further. Gracious thanks to Christina and Ann for persisting in putting this work into the world.