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Circle Tale #42, July 2003: Circles on My Feet

PeerSpirit Circle came into my life through a practicum, two writing retreats, and Christina's book. I have introduced my church to Circle by facilitating a book study, and by using what I have learned in meetings, gatherings and ceremonies. As I go through my life I tell people about Circle when the chance presents itself. And I dream, write, talk, and sing about a world where hierarchy is replaced by all people taking their places at the rims of the circles they move in, sharing resources, responsibility and the unique gifts that everyone brings.

Around the time of the Winter Solstice last year I was thinking about ways to remind myself of my priorities. I, like everyone else I know, frequently feel that I'm doing a better job at envisioning the ways I need to live than I am at actually manifesting that life on a day-to-day basis. So I was trying to come up with a way to remind myself, every day, of what is really important to me.

Some years ago both my daughters got tattoos which they really like, and they tried to get me to do it, too. I couldn't come up with any part of my body that I'd want to permanently dye and show to people, so we settled for a second pierce in my ears which I have enjoyed. This past winter, however, the tattoo idea surprised me by coming back in a form I never expected.

I came up with an idea for a tattoo for the top of each of my feet. The center design was my own personal Yin and Yang; fire with a spiral inside on my right foot, and a spiral with fire inside on my left. These centers are surrounded by the same thing - a Circle made of leaves, with stars in the four directions. I worked on the designs for a month, and when I was happy with what I had, I asked three women who have tattoos to accompany me to get them put on the tops of my feet.

Tattoos may seem to be an extreme way to be in touch with my priorities. (Wouldn't jewelry or notes on the mirror work just as well?) However, I am happy with my decision because every morning when I wake up I see The Circle on my feet - the place where I touch the Earth every day. I remember, at a time when the world looks very different from my visions for it, that there is a healthy container we can use to learn to be with each other in better ways. I am reminded of who I am - a Fire on a sacred journey. I remember to be grateful for the Earth that sustains and blesses us. And I remember there is a Spirit who holds it all.

I still haven't found the right sandals, but I haven't had a moment's regret. May we all carry Circle into the world in our own unique ways.

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PeerSpirit Circling: Making the World Round Again ....
brought to you by Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea from PeerSpirit, Inc.

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