Be Seen
Be Heard
And Witness
We gather to share soulful and somatic poetry
What is Sacred Poetry Circle?
It is a sacred act to express our deepest thoughts and feelings through poetry. We co-create a circle of fellow poets, poetry lovers, singer/songwriters, and sacred witnesses to hold and be held within a compassionate container. We read our own poetry or the works of our favorite poets aloud, not as performance, but to share our deepest parts within loving community. We come to listen and be heard, to see and be seen.
Soulful and Somatic Poetry
The invitation is to read poetry that resonates with the depths of the human experience, that touches into soulful emotions and somatic sensations. Speaking from this place of embodied vulnerability allows us to be authentically seen and heard.
Sacred Witnessing
The circle holders all hold space for the poetry reader through compassionate and active listening. The unfolding of the reader’s words and emotions are held in attuned presence. Each poem is received as a meditation, including a meditative moment after each reading for integration.
Connect with Community
The circle embodies our shared wholeness. When we gather in the circle, we have the opportunity to truly connect with one another within a sacred container. We share agreements to create safety. We begin with check-ins and close with reflections.
Poetry in the Park
From Spring through Fall, the circle gathers in nature’s beauty.
Land Acknowledgement
Our circle gathers on Asheville public lands, the ancestral home of the Anikituwagi (ah nee yun wee YAH), often known as the Cherokee, who called this place Togiyasdi, “Where They Race.” These lands were seized through broken treaties, oppression, and outright violence. We harken to the voices of the earth, the ancestors, the Cherokee Sovereign Nation, and the indigenous peoples of these lands.
Sundays at 1 pm
Haw Creek Park
Asheville, NC
Sacred Poetry Circle gathers and picnics at the park at 1pm.
The circle begins at 1:30pm.
Free event, no RSVP required. Donations appreciated.
Weather permitting, check Instagram for updates.
Overflow parking at Beverly Rd lot and at East Asheville Library.
Circle Flow
- 1:00 pm Gather and Picnic
- 1:30 pm Begin the Circle
- Agreements, Meditation, and Check-ins
- 1:45 pm Poetry Reading
- 2:45 pm Reflections & Integration
- 3:00 pm End the Circle
What to Bring
- Your own poetry or poetry by favorite poets
- Blanket or something to sit on
- Food and drink to picnic
- Layered clothes for outdoor weather
Poetry is one of the ancient arts, and it began as did all the fine arts, within the original wilderness of the earth.
Mary Oliver
Poetry and language are often at the heartbeat of movements for change.
Amanda Gorman
If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry.
Emily Dickinson
When I began to listen to poetry, it’s when I began to listen to the stones, and I began to listen to what the clouds had to say, and I began to listen to other. And I think, most importantly for all of us, then you begin to learn to listen to the soul, the soul of yourself in here, which is also the soul of everyone else.
Joy Harjo
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I read?
Read what comes from the heart. You are encouraged to read your own poetry. You are welcome to read from a favorite poet, but please be sure to credit the original author. We have a little poetry library to read from, too!
What are the circle agreements?
Circle agreements are fluid and evolving. They will be determined and agreed to within each circle. They generally include being respectful to each other, listening during a reading, refraining from critique, removing distractions from the circle, and speaking from the heart. Find out more about Agreements and Guidelines.
Do I have to read to be in the circle?
While you are encouraged to read, it is not a requirement of the circle. Your presence as a sacred witness is an invaluable contribution.
May I sing and play an instrument?
You are welcome to sing songs with lyrics, especially if you wrote the song. Acoustic accompaniment is welcome at low to moderate volume. Please no recorded music or loud percussion.
What if my poetry isn’t good?
Your poetry is welcome as it is. This is a place to share authentically. Your poetry will not be judged or graded. Beginners are welcomed and encouraged!
Are any subjects off limits?
Please be respectful and considerate with your reading selections. Poetry is often controversial and triggering, and there is space for pushing the edge. Please include a trigger warning for especially provocative material. Discriminatory language is not welcome.
How much time do I have to read?
Please select one poem to read per round whether it is short or long. You are welcome to read multiple rounds allowing for the sharing of multiple poems. This way, the circle can hold the presence of each poem on its own.
May I use my cell phone?
Please have your phone on silent and preload any poetry you would like to read before the circle begins. You are welcome to do your poetry reading using your phone to read from. Please do not use your phone while others are reading. Please do not record or take photos during the circle without consent.
