Circle Toward Wholeness is dedicated to providing innovative educational programs for inner peace and wellness. Developing inner peace and wellness is a life-long process. We begin by accepting where we are right now. This mind, this body, working and living in this place, with all of these relationships. All of the rest is awareness. Awareness that every day we make choices that determine our own health and happiness. Awareness that we are living in changing times. Science is catching up to understanding how the human body and mind really work. New medical information comes out daily. Is a medical system built on understanding disease really the direction we want to depend on? Can we focus on wellness instead? What affect does focusing on our own wellness have on our quality of life? Can we learn some new habits that make us feel better? Can we find a sense of well being speaking and doing that which makes us feel good about ourselves?
Circle Toward Wholeness works with a group of individuals we call facilitators. A facilitator is someone who has had an opportunity to learn a wellness tool that has changed their quality of life in some significant way. Many times this means they have trained with a leading specialist on this topic. They are passionate about the experience, they practice this form of wellness in their own lives and they are happier and healthier because of the practice. The path or the way we each move forward, the various experiences and practices that work, will be different for each one of us. The cool thing is that for every wellness tool that works for us, there is a whole community of folks out there with the same interest, practicing and enjoying the change it made in their quality of life. Connecting up with people who have similar experiences, so that you can share information makes the process of wellness fun.
Our Wellness Moments program is a series of practical tools for health and happiness. Every area of our life is affected by our health and every area of our life is an opportunity to practice health awareness. To improve our mental and physical health we need a better understanding of how our bodies, minds, hearts and souls interact with the systems around us. As our understanding expands, so does our freedom to make sustainable choices about our health and happiness.
Our Wellness Moments program consists of at least three routine components; a short video, cross-training exercises and a group discussion called Health Huddles. Videos will feature various facilitators, each sharing their knowledge and experiences with a wellness tool that has worked for them. Cross-training exercises will come in the form of a written document. There will be 4-6 suggested exercises related to the topic. There will also be reference information as well as a list of online resources or books if you are interested in learning more details. Some times there will be an additional audio file.
In the group discussion, called Health Huddles you will chose a goal from the list of exercises that most interests you. Most of the exercises are not time-consuming. They can be worked into your regular routines. Chose what works best for you each time. Be as honest with yourself as possible. If the exercise could impact your regular medication or medical care, be sure to notify your doctor or adjust it accordingly. Some times keep it simple. Other times be bold and try something new. This program is an opportunity for you to become more aware of what contributes most to your sense of wellness. When you find something that works, you may want to go back and further explore the topic. You can tailor the program to work best for you. Feel free to keep a goal on your list until you no longer need a reminder to continue doing it.
An important aspect of Health Huddles is to share what works for you and what does not. This is done in a space that encourages each of us to explore our own experiences. We will practice listening without providing feedback or advice to each other. We appreciate your willingness to share what is happening for you in this process. You are helping us develop a wellness program that supports people in various workplace environments in practicing skills that support a healthy, happy, sustainable life.
Thank you for that support!
"You have noticed
that everything an Indian does
is in a circle and that is because the
Power of the World always works in circles,
and everything tries to be round... Everything the
Power of the World does is done in a circle. The sky
is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like
a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest
power, whirls. Birds make their nests in circles, for theirs
is the same religion as ours. The sun comes forth and goes
down again in a circle. The moon does the same, and both
are round. Even the seasons form a great circle in their
changing. Our tepees were rounds like the nests of birds,
and these were always set in a circle. The nation's
hoop, a nest of many nests, where the Great Spirit
meant for us to hatch out children."
Oglala Sioux Holy Man
Black Elk
Volunteer Opportunities:
Build it and they will come! In uniting our many unique threads of wisdom we shall weave a strong beautiful tapestry to nurture ourselves and our community.
Circle Toward Wholeness is currently recruiting for the following volunteer committees:
COMMUNITY HOSTS: are key to spreading inner peace and wellness awareness in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. They understand that peace in the world begins within ourselves. They are interested in gathering friends or co-workers around a wellness activity. Community Hosts like learning, socializing and the sense of community that forms around common interests. Hosts provide a location and work closely with our Director and Program Facilitators to schedule a series of programs that successfully fills the niche they sense in their community. Initially, it may be a gathering to learn self-massage, forest gardening or to practice yoga or honest compassionate communication. It ends with healthier bodies, hearts and minds and meaningful, sustainable friendships.
PROGRAM HOSPITALITY: working closely with Program Facilitators, this volunteer team excels at feeding the senses what is required for successful studies of inner peace and wellness. Whether it be preparing tea and snacks, providing peaceful music, specifically arranging seating, or welcoming participants as they arrive, hospitality supports the facilitator and the eventual success of each event by being aware and present to the appropriate atmosphere required.
