Monday, December 16, 2013

What do Bees and the Circle Process have in Common?


I am happy to announce that after 2 year in the making, and after 2 years before that exploring Circle as a Master's thesis for Environmental Education- my baby has finally arrived and it's just in time for Christmas!

I'd like to introduce you to my first published book: Circlebee: A book about Circle & bees.

It's a short (150 pages), educational resource and guide for - how to keep Circle - as seen through the world of bees. Drawing from the wisdom of bees and beekeeping, I explain what is meant by the Circle process and describe how we can use it for empowering collaboration, and for creating healthy communities for all.  I also offer a new take on Circle and pioneer this message: Circle is environmental education in practice!!!

While ultimately this book is to further the knowledge and practice of Circle, it also brings to light the plight of the bees which serves as a mere paradigm for other environmental concerns we now face today. Circlebee offers a message of hope in a time of ecological crisis and uncertainty, and tells of a way to take better care of self & better care of others, so that together - we can take better care of the natural world starting with the tinniest bee.

Finally, if you are interested in Circle, beekeeping, or work in the field of community-building, the environment or education - this book is definitely for you!

I invite you to order a copy today - and enjoy this bee-autiful read! 
Visit my website for contact & order information: www.thebumblebeecircle.com

Stay tuned for more exciting events around the celebration of Circlebee in the New Year including a book launch party, bookstore readings, library visits and more.  It's going to bee awesome and I can't wait to fill you in!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Circle to Kick-Off the First Community Meeting

May 29th is National Day of the Honeybee!


Today I called the first Beekeepers meeting for folks that live in Chilliwack, Aggasiz-Harrison, & Hope. Being the very first time for people to meet others present - Circle practice was a great way to 'break the ice'. 

I used a hive tool as the talking piece for each person to introduce themselves, share what they love about bees & beekeeping, and talk a bit about what they are hoping to get from a beekeeping community, and what they bring to that community. The hive tool made the perfect talking piece - considering that it is the most held & used object in beekeeping practice - it received several chuckles in agreement.

There were three rounds of sharing:
1. Introduce self, hometown, style of beekeeping, and what you love about bees & beekeeping.
2. What do you hope to get from a beekeeping community, and what do your bring to it (e.g. skills/gifts)
3. Anything you would like to add? And being that it is National Honeybee Day - in celebration of the bees - and what they give to us (diversity & life), in what ways do you honor them, and give back to them.

So much was gleaned from these three rounds; and they served to set the group pace of sharing, and respectful listening & speaking. The conversation then flowed into connected, respectful, freestyle clusters.

What a great way to start a new community - by applying a community-building tool - right from the get-go!  I'm so happy this tool was well received. I wonder how many present were experiencing this process for the first time?