“To think, feel and speak—in whatever manner one can, and in whatever way that looks—is a feature of human existence. Certainly, the idea of being human is being able to express one’s inner world, inner ideas, inner fears, inner cares, and to do so with a confidence of being heard. And that’s the tricky part. Being heard and communicating effectively. And not being heard in any situation and in any context, but being heard in a space that is safe and open and inviting, but contained enough that your voice resonates and has meaning. You don’t find that everywhere. There are often times when my voice falls flat in the minutiae of the fast-paced world, and the chatter and the busyness of the rolling cars and the chores that need done and the errands that I have to run. There are so many things to do, so many places to be, so many people to see and so many cares to think about. Sometimes, too, there are so many fears that hold me back from speaking up. So many past experiences, histories and stories that I’ve buried and kept locked behind my teeth because I knew it wasn’t a safe place to speak them. And in that locking away, I tended to lose a bit of understanding of myself.

            But this talking circle in its unique way and is soft structure of comforting embrace of the differences of who we are, eased that tremendously. I don’t profess to be an outgoing person. I am remarkably shy about my experiences and the past experiences that I have had. They aren’t always pleasant, and they aren’t always a reflection of my strongest self—the self that we are often taught to project to the world. But in sitting and talking and learning in this safe space, I have come to know more about that inner me and understand that it is okay to be that person, and accept those smaller cracks and divots and unique attributes of who I am, and who I have become because of experience, because of genetics, and what have you. I have learned to embrace the good and the not so good. I have learned to sit with myself and experience the calming nature of wrestling with my emotions in healthier ways. I have learned to understand who I am on the inside and how that reflects on the out. I have learned, through the workshop of communication, how to speak about those inner thoughts and what they might be in terms of feeling. I have also learned how my views are impacted by the world around me and the past within me and how I can work to shape my responses and understand myself in new ways.

            This talking circle has opened up a space in me that is more reflective. It’s an opportunity to embrace that past self, the present self, and the potential for my future self each day. Not only does this program offer a chance to really look at ways to acknowledge what we go through and how we respond and why, but it gives you the techniques to embraces steps forward. It’s a progressive discussion on the whole self. And I appreciated the opportunity to attend each session where I could be vulnerable in a safe place, and really begin to look at myself more openly and honestly.” Kaleigh, parent participant