Circle work can stir deep waters. When we give ourselves space to speak our truth, be witnessed and connect with parts of ourselves that may have been hidden or unheard, things can begin to shift.

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A gentle reminder: Although circle can offer space for reflection, connection and experiences that feel therapeutic, it is not therapy or a replacement for professional mental health support. If anything comes up that feels overwhelming or you feel you need more support, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or your GP. Seeking support is an act of care for yourself, and you deserve to receive the support you need. 

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If you need to speak to someone:

Samaritans is available 24/7. Call 116 123

Mind UK for grief support

CALM  Call 0800585858 Suicide prevention charity 

National Centre for Domestic Violence 

Women's Aid

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Sometimes our minds arrive at an understanding before our hearts and bodies have had time to catch up. You might leave circle feeling uplifted, energised, connected or inspired. You might feel reflective, tender, emotional or tired. You may feel a mixture of all these things, or something entirely different.

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There is no right way to feel, and no particular way you need to be.

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Please give yourself extra grace in the coming days following the circle ceremony. Allow the waters to settle in their own time, without feeling you need to make sense of everything straight away. You may notice thoughts, feelings, memories or realisations rising to the surface in the days and weeks ahead, particularly as you begin to speak your truth or acknowledge things you may have kept tucked away.

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Equally, you may find yourself feeling lighter, more alive or more connected to what you want. Give those feelings space, too. You don't need to turn every insight into an action or every feeling into something to figure out. Sometimes it is enough simply to notice what is happening within you.

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As you return to the busyness of everyday life, I invite you to care for yourself as a whole: mind, body, heart and soul. Think of this as an opportunity to replenish yourself, honour what has moved within you and nurture whatever is beginning to grow.

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And please remember not to carry the stories of the women you sat in circle with as your own. Please let go of what is not yours to carry and stay aligned with what is yours. 

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Nourish your body

• Rest a little more. Give yourself permission to slow down, take a nap or have an early night if you need it.

• Drink plenty of water and enjoy warm, comforting drinks.

• Eat nourishing food that helps you feel grounded and cared for.

• Take a longer shower or bath if you can. Let the water wash over you and offer a moment of pause, release and renewal.

• Physical touch, especially massage and holistic body work modalities, can be very nurturing. 

• Move gently. Stretch, walk, dance or simply notice what your body is asking for. You don't need to push yourself.

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Tend to your heart

• Let yourself feel what you feel. Try not to judge, explain or push away your emotions.

• Turn towards people you trust for comfort, connection or a listening ear, if that feels safe and available to you.

• Offer yourself the kindness you would offer a dear friend. You don't have to have all the answers.

• Make room for joy. Cultivate it if you feel able to. Let yourself enjoy something fully. Follow the little sparks that bring you alive and welcome laughter and silliness whenever you can. It is medicine afterall.

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Give your mind space

• Turn to your journal. Write freely, without needing to make your words neat or find a conclusion. You might ask yourself: What is staying with me? What am I noticing? What do I need right now?

• Spend some time away from noise and demands. A little quiet can help you hear your own thoughts more clearly.

• Resist the pressure to figure everything out. You don't need to make big decisions or take immediate action on every realisation. Give yourself time to feel clear and grounded before deciding what comes next.

• Meditation. With regular practice this can be deeply supportive. There are great apps such as Calm, Headspace and Plum Village that offer guided meditations and helpful resources.

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Reconnect with your soul

• Spend time among the trees and in nature. Notice the light, the changing leaves, the creatures, feel of the earth beneath your feet.

• Make space for whatever brings you home to yourself. Music, creativity, prayer, meditation, a candle, a favourite book or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

• Lean in and deepen your spiritual practice if you have one. 

• Mindfulness. Notice the small details of your life in the now moment. Let yourself be present without needing to achieve, fix or improve anything.

• Stay curious about what is unfolding. You may have planted a seed in circle. You don't need to force it to grow; give it the conditions it needs.

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And remember, you don't have to do all of these things. Let them be gentle invitations, not another list of things to get right. Choose whatever feels supportive and leave the rest.

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You have given yourself the gift of choosing yourself. Now give yourself the time and care to honour what that means.

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If anything surfaced during our time together that you would like further support or gentle guidance with, please feel welcome to reach out to me directly at hello@lucyvanb.com. You don't have to navigate everything alone, and reaching out for additional support when you need it is an honourable act of care for yourself.

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With love,

Lucy xxx