join nahla
Each weekly circle consists of 8-12 women-identifying participants. NAHLA is for women aged 21+.
There is magic that occurs when we come together in circle, and this magic is born from the integral nature of each diverse participant’s presence. By joining NAHLA Community, you’re understanding that your uniqueness is your gift to the circle’s ecosystem. All of you is welcome and wanted here; all of you is sacred. The nature of a circle is that everyone present wears two hats: we will all be seen AND we will all see others. We will all emote AND we will all be ground. We will all be water AND the riverbank that holds it. Each circle will be a dance of these two energies within us all; though of course in times of big storms, sometimes we need to be held more and that is beautifully natural and welcome, too.
To join NAHLA, we require each participant be a match for four agreements:
To commit to weekly attendance unless sick, out of town, or there is an emergency. Consistency is an important aspect in building intimacy and trust for all participants within a circle. It is also imperative in helping each person reap the rewards of being a part of the ecosystem. If we are having a bad day, we still show up. We may share as little as we like, we may stay wrapped up in a blanket silent on the floor and not wish to share at all, but we show up. You are so very welcome and wanted, however you are feeling. Breaks in circle frequency are taken over a few times a year including summer and December. If you have special circumstances that prevent you from being able to attend each week but you would still like to participate, please contact us.
To practice active listening and holding space. To listen not for the intent of answering, but to hold others deeply with your utmost presence. Each sharer will have the opportunity to steer how they would like to be held: either in just being witnessed but not seeking advice, or if they would like the circle’s feedback and contributions after their share.
To own our experience and to avoid projecting. To understand that any triggers that may arise are due to our own personal constitution, history and unique life’s curriculum. To understand that each participant, including ourselves, is sovereign and a whole separate universe in and of themselves. To not project our experiences onto another’s. To be responsible for witnessing our triggers, pausing, and personally responding, rather than quickly reacting without prior internal exploration on why they have arose and what they are teaching us.
To show up authentically. We believe the world is more beautiful when we each lean into what is true for us, and that each of our unique gifts are needed for balance. This is not a space for needing to try to be like anyone else. Only you can be you, and we want YOU. Entirely, extricably, wholeheartedly.