The Sharing Circle
By Dr. Jacqueline Marie Maurice
Starting in a Good Way
First and foremost, I would like to start this article in a Good Way.
I would like to give thanks to the Ancestors, Those who came before me, to our Elders, to the Grandfathers, to the Grandmothers, to the Clan Keepers, to the Knowledge Keepers and many others who share their truth, story and vision. To all of you, I humbly give thanks and honour you. Each of you are the strength, courage, wisdom, light and energy within our Sharing Circle.
Solidarity
ICM Saskatoon provided a powerful gift and that being the Sharing Circle.
While the Sharing Circle creates a sense of place and, a personal and culturally safe space, it is more than that. The Sharing Circle is open to many community members who may have experienced Residential School and Sixties Scoop Intergenerational Trauma, Mental Wellness and Addictions, Grief and Loss, Homelessness, Gang involvement and various Abuses.
Yet it is within these lived experiences that we come together and, stand and heal in Solidarity. Within this Unity, there is experience, strength, hope, validation and accountability. The Sharing Circle is the place where we learn to stand up and take a stand with our Story, our Truth, our Beliefs and our Healing. Unity is real Strength. We stand together.
Justice
They say that Justice brings real concerns to life for Justice, Peace and Genuine Respect for people. Undoubtedly, the ICM Saskatoon Sharing Circles have facilitated equality, equitable discussions, peace, calmness and honouring all those who are a part of these powerful Circle connections and experiences. This in turn results in a Sacred environment that is non-judgmental, safe, respectful and solid. Thus, we as Circle participants put the “solid” in Solidarity.
Respect
After listening deeply to many Stories in the Sharing Circle, I have learned the harsh truth and reality that many of us come from a place that was unsafe, unpredictable, filled with uncertainty and with absolutely no respect. Within the Sharing Circle, we learn and practice positive regard and respect for one another, reciprocity and create healthy relationships (“The three Rs”). Importantly, with the support of the Sharing Circle and journeying through uncertainty, vulnerability and the various pains, losses and traumas of our past, we receive one of the most valuable gifts: respect for ourselves.
When we have learned respect for ourselves, we can then attract respect, care and love from others. And do not be mistaken – we all deserve respect, care, love and compassion.
Compassion
Within the ICM Saskatoon Sharing Circles, we listen deeply to the sufferings, pains, misfortunes of other Circle participants. We become aware to the fact that we are no longer alone. We are mindful that but for the Grace of our Creator, there go I.
These common strivings create a real bond of Solidarity, Justice, Respect and Compassion – an unconditional love that many of us are learning and learning to receive. And then we can truly share our Truths, Stories, Respect and Compassion with others. This is one of the most powerful gifts that come with the teaching that states “when we help ourselves, we help others“.
Closing this article and the Sharing Circle in a good way
Full Circle – how I began is how I would like to close this reflective article:
I would like to give thanks to the Ancestors, Those who came before me, to our Elders, to the Grandfathers, to the Grandmothers, to the Clan Keepers, to the Knowledge Keepers and many others who share their truth, story and vision. To all of you, I humbly give thanks and honor you. Each of you are the strength, courage, wisdom, light and energy within our Sharing Circle.
Humbly submitted,
Dr. Jacqueline Marie Maurice
Waseskwin (Grandmother Rainbow Woman)
Dr. Jacqueline Marie Maurice
Ph.D., M.S.W., B.I.S.W., R.S.W. & C.C.P.