Introducing... 7 Cups Sharing Circles!
The CM team has been giving a lot of thought to new ways we can support the community through consistent activities that you can rely on seeing every day. We wanted to try something completely fresh, and Im excited to share what were about to trial!
We are launching a series of open chats called Sharing Circles. These will happen twice a day to accommodate two different time zones.
The most important characteristic of a Sharing Circle is the intention behind it, which is to create an inclusive space where individuals listen to each other, with their hearts rather than their heads. These chats are dedicated to the giving and receiving of support in a turn-based setting where each participant has the chance to share and be heard.
How will it differ from discussions? These circle meetings have a unique structure that is unlike our discussions and open chats. We took inspiration from the brilliant system groups like AA and OA have perfected and used the core elements to create our own reimagining of the circles as it applies to 7 Cups!
Another unique aspect of this chat style is it will mimic the environment of group listening. Instead of talking all at once, randomly, or waiting for the host to finish asking questions, the host will ask each person joining to enter a queue (ex. typing a <3), and everyone will get a turn to speak and share their feelings. This will go on until the queue is empty. Once the person speaking is done, everyone else can offer words of encouragement and praise. (Youll understand how it flows when you attend!).
Who can participate?
Only members can enter the queue. Listeners are welcome to show support, take part in the rituals and reach out to the members later to check on them (highly encouraged!).
How can I get involved?
We will be looking for help with these as they will run twice daily, and on both adult and teen sides, which means 4 opportunities to care for each other each day! And the cool part about this is: if you are a mod, you can lead!!! This event is one we want to be accessible to everyone because this event belongs to everyone. Please contact @ASilentObserver @Hope or myself if you want to be a leader!
Please keep in mind that this a a totally new wild idea, so it's likely that we will be evolving this as we go and learn from all of you!
Look forward to the announcement of our first 7 Cups Sharing Circle in your alerts this week!
The community team has been doing a lot of research in this space and has been working on this idea for the last couple of weeks. I think it is going to be a great addition to our current group support. It'll also link to daily check-ins in SCs. We have a lot to learn. I'm encouraged to see this positive response! Looking forward to seeing this evolve!
@Heather225 This is indeed a great initiative. I sure want to be a part of this.
Brilliant! 
Is this similar to the Share Your Story room with a bit more structure to it?
@AffyAvo
not rlly...read the top bru
@leafcatampy I did. In Share Your Story, turns were taken and those in the room would support each person as they had their turn. You're a teen and wouldn't have been around when the room existed, so not sure why you think this isn't similar to it.
@Heather225
What time zone does 7Cups orginate in?
@Gardenyarn Standard 7 Cups time is US Eastern time. There's a converter for your local time zone here: 7 Cups Date and Time
(The web servers for www.7cups.com appear to be in Oregon, where the time is US Pacific time, but that has no real significance.)
Charlie
that sounds good
@Heather225
Great idea!
@Heather225
Sounds amazing! Can't wait! :)
@Heather225
When do the circles start and where will the schedule appear hopefully with an announcement.
@Heather225
This is a wonderful idea...