THE LISTENING CIRCLE
Simple, collective practice of deep listening
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The Listening Circle is intended as a small-scale antidote to the echo chambers and ‘us vs them’ narratives dividing society.
It is a container to discuss a relatable topic, collectively practising active listening and compassionate understanding, especially where there is disagreement: polarity doesn't need to be toxic!
This means simply listening closely without thinking of a response and speaking without attempting to convince others, appreciating the varied perspectives and experiences of those of us living here together in the same city.
It is not a debate: the point is not to 'win', to reach a superficial consensus, or to fall into wishy-washy relativism. Instead, it is to appreciate and practice the healthy tensions of difference, and to leave with seeds of thought that we didn't bring into the space.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- A maximum group of 10 people
- A different topic for each week: deliberately open-ended, they are intended to prompt different responses from everyone so that we can expand each other
- A ‘brave space’ for intentional and compassionate discussion, informed by modalities such as Non-Violent Communication, Authentic Relating and Mindfulness
- A semi-structured format that provides space (but not pressure) for everyone to share and feel heard
- Lightness and levity: because good conversations are easier (and more fun!) when we don't take ourselves too seriously and embrace experiment and play
- A final round to reflect on a contribution made by someone else: a seed of thought you are taking with you, whether or not you agree
- Tea, biscuits and watermelon covered by donations
- Time before and after to talk, integrate or awkwardly stare
DATES AND PROVISIONAL TOPICS
- Thursday 19th June: Honesty and white lies
- Monday 30th June: Excess and abstinence
- Wednesday 9th July: What does progress look like?
- Tuesday 5th August: Us and them
- Wednesday 20th August: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable...”
For more information please visit https://bristollisteningcircle.blogspot.com/2025/06/bristol-listening-circle.html
It is a container to discuss a relatable topic, collectively practising active listening and compassionate understanding, especially where there is disagreement: polarity doesn't need to be toxic!
This means simply listening closely without thinking of a response and speaking without attempting to convince others, appreciating the varied perspectives and experiences of those of us living here together in the same city.
It is not a debate: the point is not to 'win', to reach a superficial consensus, or to fall into wishy-washy relativism. Instead, it is to appreciate and practice the healthy tensions of difference, and to leave with seeds of thought that we didn't bring into the space.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- A maximum group of 10 people
- A different topic for each week: deliberately open-ended, they are intended to prompt different responses from everyone so that we can expand each other
- A ‘brave space’ for intentional and compassionate discussion, informed by modalities such as Non-Violent Communication, Authentic Relating and Mindfulness
- A semi-structured format that provides space (but not pressure) for everyone to share and feel heard
- Lightness and levity: because good conversations are easier (and more fun!) when we don't take ourselves too seriously and embrace experiment and play
- A final round to reflect on a contribution made by someone else: a seed of thought you are taking with you, whether or not you agree
- Tea, biscuits and watermelon covered by donations
- Time before and after to talk, integrate or awkwardly stare
DATES AND PROVISIONAL TOPICS
- Thursday 19th June: Honesty and white lies
- Monday 30th June: Excess and abstinence
- Wednesday 9th July: What does progress look like?
- Tuesday 5th August: Us and them
- Wednesday 20th August: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable...”
For more information please visit https://bristollisteningcircle.blogspot.com/2025/06/bristol-listening-circle.html
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