Circling and Authentic Relating Practice Guide: Learn the group conversation practice that will transform all of your relationships and bring you the love, friendship and community that you want

by Marc Beneteau

Circling is a group conversation practice, and part of a rapidly-growing worldwide movement called "Authentic Relating". It is a unique developmental practice that is about "getting somebody's world", being seen and accepted for who we really are, and feeling connected to other human beings and part of a larger whole. Circling may also be our best modern-day hope for creating a kinder and gentler society, one that would be less polarized and more attuned to real human needs. And on top of all this, Circling is super-fun and very affordable!

The Circling and Authentic Relating Practice Guide is the most comprehensive digital resource available on the Authentic Relating movement. In addition to a practice guide with many examples of what to do and say in groups, it also contains a history of the movement, a section on precursors (which include Integral theory, Non-Violent Communication, and "we-space"), an extensive resources section, sample leader formats, and instructions for starting your own groups, either in person or online.

This 2nd Edition has been updated and expanded with a new introduction, additional chapters on Circling contexts, and a description of the powerful practice of Developmental Circling

Genres: Psychology, Self Help

91 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2017

Reviews

[Richard Kemp · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has quite a lot of (what looks like) decent and thoughtful content for somewhat-experienced circlers, but is absolutely useless for a novice. The author never once clearly states what circling is, so after reading half way through the book I felt as if I knew less useful and relevant information than when I started.

It would be 1* for novices, and really "it's not aimed at novices" - even if true - would not be an adequate excuse for not properly describing the subject matter. I give 2* instead because what content the book does have is not bad at all, as far as I, a novice, can tell.

[Aaron Gertler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 / 5. Explains the basics of circling reasonably well, with just enough historical background and discussion of "advanced concepts" to sate a few of my mild curiosities. It would've been nice to have a sample dialogue or two -- had I not circled before, I wouldn't have had much of an idea what the author was talking about. And the one-book-for-every-reader approach means that almost everyone will want to skim the last two-thirds rather than reading closely.

All in all, for a free PDF, it's a good first step to understanding circling if you don't have anyone with whom to circle. (Still, you'll want to find a group as soon as you can if this really piques your interest -- it's a very tricky experience to describe in writing.)