Last year, I had the pleasure of participating in a Goddess Circle, which was also a Circle Dialogue. Since then, I have been a firm believer that this ancient practice is one of the best ways to create a safe space for meaningful conversations.

Therefore, when I met Ame-Lia Tamburrini, the founder and principal of Hum Consulting, who facilities and teaches about Circle Dialogue, I leapt into the opportunity to interview her for my podcast. For many years, Ame-Lia has been engaging with indigenous communities and corporations to discuss challenging and critical issues that are highly divisive in their communities. Hum Consulting was born out of that interest and aims to create more harmony, unity and momentum in communities, one conversation at a time.

I love it when she said, "Circle Dialogue is not just about forming a decision, but it is also about having experiences to feel more connected to one another." This is exactly what we don't get enough of these days!

There are many ways of using a Circle Dialogue. We can use it to be heard and to share, or for leadership development and growth, or for communities to use for reconciliation. The circle represents how we are all interconnected and to practice empathetic listening. We get to unmask ourselves or let go of the social expectations to just be ourselves and open our hearts.

When you sit in a circle, one of the guiding principles is that only one person can talk at a time. A talking stick or totem will be passed around in a circle and so everyone will get their turn, but until then, it is all about listening and holding the space in respect for the speaking person.

If you would like to connect with Ame-Lia Tamburrini or find out more about her work, please visit Hum Consulting.

Interview Highlights

* Depends on how we engage, we can end up becoming more divided or connected.* How to turn a conversation around or avoid starting on the wrong foot* Creating space and time for people to get beneath their positions. Think about what are the core needs to be addressed, e.g. to belong, to feel safe and to be seen. If there is no space in the conversation for that, people focus on their positions and we won't get very far with that conversation.

* Three core principles

Intention - Setting our own Intention before stepping into the dialogue. What is that I want to create or contribute to?

Curiosity - It helps to open our hearts to create space to listen differently, instead of being full of anticipation or even shut down before going in.

Take Responsibility - Our life experiences are the result of our thoughts. We need to take responsibility for our thoughts and feelings.

* We all want to be liked, but we cannot control how others think of us or what they do, but we can choose how we are going to respond or react.* Many indigenous communities use circles for ceremony, for governance, for celebration and restorative justice as well.* Instead of asking What's wrong with that person, ask what is his/her story?* Blaming and shaming may be an easy way out, but it doesn't solve the underlying problem.* The many ways of using circle dialogue e.g. goddess circle - for women to be heard and to share, or for leadership and growth, or for communities to use for reconciliation.