Changing Scripts through Deep Listening - The Wisdom Circle is developed by Dreamcatchers during its 15 years of work with vulnerable children. It celebrates each individual’s life experience, their unique insight into the mysteries of life and develops the patience to hear another’s world view. Sonali Ojha, Founder & Director, Dreamcatchers Foundation

1. What is deep listening?
“Deep listening occurs when your mind is quiet. Your thoughts are
flowing rather than crowding your mind with distractions,
interpretations, judgments, conclusions, or assumptions.
Your mind is open, curious, interested -- as though you were
hearing this person for the first time. Deep listening applies not only
to communication with another, but also to listening to ourselves
and to life in general.
The goal of deep listening is to hear beyond the words of the other
person and yourself, to the essence of what the words and feelings
are pointing to. Your mind and heart are joined in union -- you are
listening wholeheartedly.”
To be able to listen one has to develop inner silence.
Joe Bailey: www.selfgrowth.com

2. Wisdom circle

3. Wisdom circle
The Wisdom Circle is a way to bring people together
so
that their natural ability to
hear each other,
appreciate each other and
take care of each other is unchained and freed.

4. A group of people sitting in a Wisdom Circle,
dialogue in shared exploration of their
circumstances, their problems, their strengths
and the possibility of a different kind of future.
Recognizing oneself in all others establishes the
knowledge of how we are all connected and a
part of a whole.

5. It is a way for collaborative learning and for
building mutual understanding.
It is a space free of judgment and stigma.

6. An opportunity for people come together to
understand the multidimensional nature of every
situation
A coming together to renew their social bonds
with each other such that there is mutual respect
and shared responsibility.

7. i) The opening and closing of a Wisdom Circle are
marked by a ritual of some kind such as silence, a
poem, a song, etc.
This invites participants to be present with one
another in a different way than in an ordinary
meeting.
Key elements

8. ii) The Talking Piece an aspect of the Native American Circle
tradition is an object that is passed from one person to the next to
facilitate and share speaking time.
The object can be a stone, a smiley ball, a treasure box - anything
that links and connects to the theme of the dialogue that is about
to take place.
The talking piece always moves clockwise – in the direction of the
sun. No one speaks without the talking piece. When one has the
talking piece she may speak, or pass it without speaking.
Everything in the Circle is an invitation and silence deserves
respect. The talking piece goes around and around until all have
had their say.

9. Dreamweaver: The Facilitator
The facilitator of the Wisdom Circle is known as the
Dreamweaver.
He or she is the one who the links the dialogues
from different time frames –
the past,
the present and
the future.

10. Values of the Dreamweaver:
• Bearing witness requires simply listening with an open heart -to hear,
understand and acknowledge
• Nurture silence
• Encourage gently and yet acknowledge the need to be silent
• Allow tears without the need to stop them
• Be open and be willing to be surprised
• Keep confidentiality of what you hear in the circle
• Build the values that will guide the Wisdom Circle along with the
participants

11. Rules:
 Having one person speak at a time, allows for deep
listening and holding respect of each individual.
 Speaking and listening from the heart facilitates rich and
engaging dialogues.
 Listening with compassion and looking for the wisdom
that is being revealed by each individual is the true
essence of the circle experience.
 Encouraging and welcoming diverse points of view allows
for the creation of a space that free of judgment and
allows for consensus to emerge.

12.  Listening with discernment instead of judgment is the core value of
the Wisdom Circle process.
 Sharing leadership and resources is the basis of coming together as
equals engaged in the same quests.
 Deciding together how decisions will be made ensure that each
person feels a sense of belonging and solidarity.
 Working toward a consensus assures whole and complete ownership
of any outcome.
 Offering experience instead of advice is a way of acknowledging that
each individual is on a personal search in life and that life is simply
about evolution.

13.  Silence speaks. Allow silence and accept it. Something will
automatically emerge. Trust it.
 Deciding together what is to be held in confidence ensures that
personal stories can remain personal.
 Speaking from your own experience and beliefs rather than speaking
for others allows for genuine engagement and participation.
 Acknowledge that everyone has something to offer.
 Opening and closing the circle by hearing each voice helps each
individual come full circle with the dialogue that was going on.
 All are teachers, and all are learners. From the beginning this is
wholly clear.