Faith | Gather in conversation circles to talk, listen and be heard

We were driving at a snail’s pace through some neighborhoods in one of the many delightful Pacific coastal communities.

These towns populate US-101 like occasional multi-faceted jewels interspersed among stretches of multiple forest-green beads across a crooked black string.

Along with the homeowners’ many creative (and some not-so-creative) reminders to slow down, I noticed something heartening.

In this particular town near the ocean, along with some amazing flower gardens, a remarkable number of yards had circles of chairs. Sometimes just three or four, more often twice or thrice that many. Chairs of all shapes and sizes, though by my very unofficial estimate, the “Adirondack” was most popular model.

Most groupings centered around fire pits built of various designs and materials. Many were out in the open, some were naturally shaded by trees, while others featured fabric awnings or sturdier structures overhead.

Circles of chairs.

What else could they be for, other than facilitating that basic and necessary social function of conversation? And what else could be more essential to our humanities and communities than conversations?

Each time I laid eyes on yet another circle of chairs in that small coastal town, I smiled and felt a bit more hopeful.

Conversation circles.

Perhaps more than dining or walking together, being seated in a circle creates an optimal setting to talk and to listen, a place to hear and be heard.

Back in the day, many churches and other religious groups featured sewing or quilting “circles” that included both creating something useful and providing opportunity for conversation. Similarly, perhaps that’s one reason support groups can be so helpful for personal growth.

Gathering in a circle is timeless and mutually powerful.

Consider the Confluence Project Story Circles created by artist Maya Lin (who also designed the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC). Built in 2010 at Sacajawea State Park where the Snake River flows into the Columbia and where First Nations gathered for centuries, the seven “Story Circles” serve historic, educational, and inter-cultural purposes. (A quick web search will reveal more informative details.) While some of the Circles rise above the grass, others are a foot or so below ground level, creating a place to sit and “talk story.”

We desperately need conversations, whatever the venue and wherever the location.

Whether sharing ancient narratives or current family news, side-splitting humor or earnest discourse, evocative poetry or singing old favorites—I believe all conversation circles greatly contribute to what makes us people.

And if you invite others or Others into your circle, so much the better!