September 2024: In Creators of Peace circles, women meet in small groups to explore their own peace-creating capabilities. This takes courage, says Delia Paul.
Seven women stepped into the “brave space” of a Creators of Peace Circle in the seaside suburb of Williamstown, Victoria, this winter season. In a series of five evening sessions, participants reflected on the meaning of peace, ways to build peace, and opportunities for peace in their own lives and communities.
Why a “brave space” for peace?
“In a society that emphasizes safe spaces for social interaction, Creators of Peace invites you to go deeper,” said Chebet Vincent, a Creators of Peace facilitator. “Stepping out and telling your story is challenging for many people, especially those not used to being heard, or who think that their actions will make no real difference.”
Creators of Peace Circles take place over 16 to 18 hours, often in weekly sessions or over a long weekend. During a Circle, participants take part in a series of conversations and activities to elicit their own thoughts and ideas, and they share stories of turning points in their own lives. While one person speaks, the others practice deep listening. Each storyteller is honoured with a moment of silence after her story. Others may then speak words of affirmation or express how a story has affected them. The story space, as facilitators often remind participants, gives gifts of time and attention that we may rarely receive. For listeners, it’s an opportunity to practice suspending judgement while fully hearing each person. At the conclusion of a Circle, each person sets an intention for specific actions they will take for peace.
Participant Jessica Jiang, a postgraduate student from China, participated in the Williamstown Creators of Peace Circle over five winter evenings in July and August. The Circle was diverse in terms of both cultural backgrounds and age groups, with participants ranging from twenty-somethings to sixty-somethings, representing East European, African and Asian heritage. The experience, said Jessica, provided opportunity for “openness and bravery to share our own bright and ‘dark’ sides” and was a chance to “find resonance and connection with people from diverse backgrounds.”
For co-facilitators Elise Sampson and Delia Paul, supported by community services student Aasha Gray, the Williamstown Circle was a chance to experience the joy of a Creators of Peace Circle once again, and to share that with others.
“We are planning more Circles,” said Elise. “The West is diverse, and the Creators of Peace approach is helping us gain more from living in such a diverse society.”
To take part in a Creators of Peace Circle, contact us.
