How To Start a Knowledge Circle
Spiritual Community Building In the Aquarian Age
Release 1.05
April 14, 1998Knowledge Circles are a way to link-up with others who give a high priority to their spiritual growth and to tuning-in a more desirable civilization. In the course of the Aquarian Age Knowledge Circles may mature into true higher consciousness communities. In the meantime Knowledge Circles provide an opportunity to increase your awareness, knowledge base, and connect with others having similar purposes. If there is not a Knowledge Circle in your area, you may find it a rewarding project to start one. You will be calling forth a community of uplifting friends with whom you may share the possibilities of higher consciousness. Here are some suggestions for getting started:
- Make a list of all the people you know that might enjoy participating in a Knowledge Circle.
- Depending on circumstances, contact them in person, by telephone or by sending them a postcard specifying a time and place for an initial meeting. If you send postcards, follow-up with a phone call if possible.
- Ideally there should be at least three participants, but even if it's just you, or you and one other, you can begin there. You should quest to find others. Of course, a Knowledge Circle can have many more participants, but it can consist of as little as three participants.
Three Key Roles
Although the creation, maintenance, and development of a Knowledge Circle should be a shared responsibility, there are three key roles that should be under the responsibility of at least three individuals, although more than one individual may carry out each role. Actually, it is more desirable for more than one individual to be responsible for each role. As the group grows each of the roles may be handled by a committee responsible for each role, which are: the organizer role, the communications role, and the host/ess role. Additional roles may be created as the group expands. For example, if the group desires to raise funds for various activities, then a fourth role would be a treasurer role. Participants should arrive at a consensus as to who will take responsibility for each role.
Organizer Role
The organizer role has the function of birthing, overall monitoring (mothering), and facilitation of the Knowledge Circle. Organizers should hold an optimal vision of the character and direction of the group. This role calls for initiative, vision, insight, dependability, flexibility, and resilience. If you are the one who is taking the initial steps of starting the Knowledge Circle, then naturally you are already in the organizer role.
Communications Role
The communications role calls for creating and maintaining a communications system.
Getting the word out about special events or important developments relevant to the interests of the Knowledge Circle may be inexpensively and expediently achieved by creating a phone network. With a phone network the task of calling is borne by everyone in the group, not just by one or a few, and thus is easier. Organizing the phone network should be one of the first priorities of the group.
A redundant circularly-structured phone network may work best. The circle can be expanded as new people get involved:
In this type of network each individual receives two calls and makes two calls. Structuring so that each individuals receives two calls helps minimize the incidence of breaks in the network. Also anyone in the network can start a communication, and the message will return to the communication originator signaling that the communication has been transmitted through the entire network.
It is important to respect people's desires of whether or not to be part of the phone network. Only those who want to be part of the network should be included.
Of course, communications can also be conducted by other means, such as snail mail and email. The latter is very efficient if everyone has email access.
For the sake of having a back-up, the organizer or a second individual serving in the communications role should always keep a current listing and structure of the communications network.
Host/ess Role
The host/ess role consists of moderating each meeting and facilitating a friendly ambiance and assuring an emotionally safe space. Meetings should be relaxed yet focused. The host/ess should use a checklist covering the details for hosting a comfortable Knowledge Circle.
A different individual can host each meeting or series of meetings. The task of hosting meetings should be shared rather than borne by just one individual. The host/ess should see to it that the meeting space is at least comfortable in regards to lighting, temperature, seating, reasonably clean and at best cozy. One suggestion for invoking a high vibration is to open and conclude each meeting with the sounding of Tibetan chimes, Tibetan bell, Stannard Energy Chime, or other such instrument. Also, playing space or classical music before just prior to each meetings adds a conducive ambiant touch. Other forms of music may be played which are congruous with the theme of the meeting.
It is also nice to have snacks and refreshments which participants can bring or that a designated individual brings and that is funded by member contributions. Note that all food provided at High Vibration Academy activities should be vegetarian, i.e., free of meat, poultry, or fish or their derivatives. Also, there should be no smoking in the meeting room.
If you have a nice meeting space available, then the question of where to meet is not an issue. It could be someone's home, or a meeting space at a local community building that might be available inexpensively or free of cost. If no such space is available, then consider meeting at a neighborhood coffee shop. Consider the location and ambiance of various establishments and decide which might be suitable. Consider the character of the meeting location. But even if you do not have an ideal meeting place, go ahead and meet anyway. Through the synergy that is likely to develop in the group, new meeting places are likely to come to light.
At the first meeting decide when you will have future meetings. The group may have various ideas and issues about when to meet and how often. The important task is to arrive at a consensus. The group may want to schedule regular meetings on a certain day of the week of the first, second, third, or fourth week of each month. Or the group might consider meeting according to a phase of the Moon, or when the Moon and Sun are trine, etc. This is something for the group to decide.
Knowledge Circles are forums for learning and discussing any field of knowledge that may be helpful for upliftment, enrichment, and the expansion of consciousness. Participants are encouraged to research and make presentations on subjects that they are personally interested in. Here is a list of subjects to "prime the pump":
Techniques for activating our various forms of intelligence, new models and psychology of interpersonal relationships, understanding the nature of our rights and their protection, emergence of the Goddess, metaphysical systems of past and present, shadow psychology, new science and suppressed or underground technology, New Age communities, sexual awareness, mind machines, creative computer applications, techniques for developing psychic ability, power spots, the Kabalah, optimal nutrition and nutritional research, permaculture, ET intelligence and contacts, mathematics of consciousness, research & legislation on mind-expanding psychoactive substances, ascension, oxygen therapy, Mayan time, astrological insights, new dimensions in visual and musical arts, alternative forms of healing, alternatives to the 9-5 workstyle, dream reality, hedonic engineering, insights into social engineering, to list a few, and subjects not usually associated with "spiritual", "New Age", or "consciousness" themes, but of significant interest and value, can also be presented at Knowledge Circles.Each meeting should have a focus which could be: a presentation by a Knowledge Circle participant, an audio or video tape, group book study, guest speakers, experiential workshops, or open discussions.
Participant Presentations
Presentations by participants are encouraged. These may consist of topics in which the presenters are knowledgeable, or that they have studied. During the first part of the meeting the presenter should give an oral discourse followed by questions and answers and discussion. To create a presentation a participant can simply pick a book on a topic that interests them and prepare a presentation. For topic ideas, check the archives at the academy website, and expand on any archived article's subject matter.
The presenter should prepare a summary list, outline, or exposition of important points, and have copies for each participant. A text or HTML file of the summary may also be sent to the academy for possible archiving in the academy's website.
Audio and Video Tapes
There are many audio and video tapes that might be shown at Knowledge Circle meetings. The tapes can be obtained from various participants who have tapes of interest or borrowed from metaphysical bookstores, or local public libraries. However, the tapes should be reviewed beforehand to see if they would be of interest. The group may also purchase tapes and archive them in a local Knowledge Circle library.
Group Book Study
A Knowledge Circle can base its studies around a book that the group consents as being worthy of study. The study can be conducted in any of several ways, depending on the nature of the book and the disposition of the group.
One method of study consists of randomly reading aloud a passage from the book followed by group discussion invoked by the passage. This can be repeated several times as time permits. The suitability of this method of study depends on the nature of book. It works best with scripture-style writings or material which is not linearly structured.
Another method consists of simply going through the book from start to finish, reading aloud from the book, a section at a time, followed by discussion.
A third method consists of having each member of the group read the book ahead of time and then discussing a one chapter or section per meeting.
Guest Speakers
There are many individuals with expertise in various fields who would be glad to give presentations at Knowledge Circles. Many will present free of cost in exchange for offering their services or products to the audience. Others may want a fee, in which case the group needs to decide how much they are willing to pay and perhaps make an offer to the speaker. These speakers may be found in various metaphysical and holistic health directories distributed at metaphysical bookstores and natural foods coops.
Experiential Workshops
From time-to-time the group may enjoy experiential awareness exercises led by a workshop leader. This can include personal and group self-awareness that help bring into expression the non-verbal and pre-verbal strata of being prior the more social and surface mind-level of common conversation. Some of what lies here is powerful, primal, and "magical". And for those reasons participation is voluntary, and no one should be pressured to participate. Ideally an environment is created in which feelings that have not had a voice may be expressed. Awareness Groups of this kind focus on the here-now experience of each participant. The theory and techniques of gestalt therapy as popularized by Fritz Perls are useful for awareness groups.
Open Discussions
These type of circles are open forums for free expression about anything. They are spaces for participants to speak from the here-now of the heart. The here-now can be interesting or uninteresting depending on whether one focuses on its surface chatter or on the depths of the heart. If one draws from the depths, then the here-now is very much alive. Participants can simply voice the deeper spontaneity of the moment or speak to a specific question of relevance.
Other Activities
The group is encouraged to be creative in engaging in other activities that serve the stimulation and expansion of consciousness. For example, other activities may consist of trips to aesthetic natural locations or power spots, local and distant.
Planning Meetings
Special meetings or part of other meetings may be designated as necessary for planning the schedule and direction of activities.
Specialized Subgroups
Some participants who want to specialize in various areas or wish to pursue specific activities at a higher, more focused, thorough, or intense level, may form specialized subgroups for such purposes.
The context of all academy teachings and activities is Spirituality in the broadest sense. Spirituality can be understood as consisting of four major aspects typified as Transcendence (non-dualism), Relationships (ethics, psychology, governance), Creativity (art, self-expression), and Wisdom (knowledge and understanding). Participants are encouraged to commit to a spiritual way of life which they conduct in accord with their expanding personal understanding. To facilitate spiritual growth the academy suggests certain teachings, some of which are available on the academy website as well as through consultations and classes.
The purpose of academy teachings is to provide a certain level of knowledge that may serve participants as well as establish a baseline of understanding within the academy community. Academy teachings will become increasingly available at a verbal level.
The academy encourages everyone to further develop all of their skills and potentials in due course of time.
In order facilitate cohesion and effective action, the group should only venture projects when there is at least a 90% consensus, unless a specialized subgroup is formed. Discussion and revision of plans should be negotiated until at least a 90% consensus is reached. Setting up a system where a simple majority of 51% gets its way is not recommended since such a system inevitably causes group polarization, fracturing and strife.
Handling Conflicts
When a group of people meet, there is a range of dynamics that inevitably form between and among participants. The interpersonal dynamics range from friendly to adverse. Amicable sentiments are no problem. And even personality clashes, although unpleasant, can lead to progress if handled in a constructive manner.
What is important is that the group allow enough space for conflicts between participants to exist without there being major dramas that cause schisms that undo the group. Yet if some participants want to go on their own way, or start another group, that is fine. Nonetheless, there should always be an intention to work through difficulties and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. Work as much as possible with the idea of making it possible for everyone to have what they want without offending or putting others at an unfair disadvantage. Moreover, all should bear in mind:
Self-Responsibility
Each participant should understand that s/he is responsible for hirself. Self-responsibility is one of the fundamental foundations of spiritual growth. Although the academy encourages compassion, it equally discourages victim roles.
A Knowledge Circle may want to undertake any number of creative or service projects:
Land
The group may want to acquire raw land or improved real estate for creating retreats, study centers, communes, communities, and other projects. Participants may establish a fund for this purpose and conduct fundraising activities as well as make contributions by pledge or sporadically as they feel moved.
Property of all kinds can be acquired through and held in a trust granted by the academy to specific members of a Heart Circle (described below) who shall serve as fiduciaries as governed by the trust indenture.
Group Meditations for Global Benefit
Knowledge Circle participants may want to initiate global meditations focusing on healing the planet in various arenas or join in on global meditations initiated by other groups.
Fundraising
Participants may engage in any fundraising activities, such as creating special events involving high-profile guest speakers or performers, pledge drives, donations for merchandise, vegetarian dinners, etc.
Entrepreneurial Projects
Many spiritually-minded people find it difficult to mesh with the cultural ambiance of most workplaces. They feel like strangers in a strange land because life-giving values are not honored in such work environments. Some group participants may want to start various enterprises that honor life-giving values and provide a flexible and supportive work environment. Although these projects are likely to be challenging and require a serious commitment, the success of any such project would be highly rewarding both in a practical sense of providing financial support for the participants, and in a spiritual sense of having created an enterprise that has a spiritual business culture and ambiance.
Community Service Projects
As the group becomes established some participants may be moved to originate community service projects according the needs of a particular time and place. The key concept here is Service — for the sake of improving the quality of life on this planet.
Part of the benefit of having Knowledge Circles is to have a network of kindred spirits that reaches far and wide, conceivably all over the world. Knowledge Circles should maintain friendly communications with other Knowledge Circles, and if all parties agree make friendly visits when traveling to other areas where there are Knowledge Circles. Communication among Knowledge Circles in various locations can also be conducted via the High Vibrations Academy website and internet in general.
Knowledge Circle participants may become members of the academy Heart Circle, which are simply participants who would like to carry-out the academy's work and ideals in a more focused manner for the purpose of personal conscious evolution, enjoyment, fulfillment, and planetary enlightenment. It is for those who feel at home with this form of spiritual life. The Heart Circle takes greater responsibility to care for the optimal deployment and expression of the academy on this planet.
The academy is guided by the leadership of the General Director in conjunction with the Heart Circle. The academy supports participants in any reasonable way so long as they respect the High Vibrations Stance. And although participants are free to engage in any constructive or creative activity in the name of High Vibrations Academy, the General Director reserves veto power, understood as the power to forbid, as a safeguard against tendencies and activities that in his or her discretion lead away from the original inspiration that conceived the academy. The veto power is designated to be rarely used and only as a last resort.
Something very important and that all participants should realize is that in order to create a Knowledge Circle they must bring their goodwill and highest sense of spirit to bear on the project. Participants bring to the Knowledge Circle what their spirits bring to it. Ask yourself: What do I bring to this situation? What quality do I bring to it? What do I do with the opportunities and potentials provided by the space opened by the circle?
Devotion to higher ideals and knowledge is a key cornerstone and foundation. High ideals, if that is what they truly are, are qualitative abstractions that uplift you. You get "high" off of them. They are what give life to anything and that includes the Knowledge Circle, which is a form that the love of knowledge takes. Devotion to ideals creates enduring beauty, and beauty beyond visual beauty. Such devotion gives rise to a high quality of life and prevents the human world from getting too ugly! Knowledge Circles are a form of spiritual celebration, and they should be regarded as sacred circles. They are special occasions dedicated to spirit.
The Knowledge Circle that you start may be as casual or as formal as participants make it. It depends on the wants and inspirations of the participants. Knowledge Circles help anchor the Aquarian energy of the New Age in creative and fulfilling ways.
Freedom To Be
Another important concept participants should be mindful of is the intention to have, as much as possible, an environment in which every individual feels free to be and express who they are, whatever that might look like as they move through the natural flow of their lives. Each individual is unique and walks a unique path.
May all who read this be motivated to increase their understanding.
We hope that the suggestions given here help you call forth a Knowledge Circle in your part of the world!
We welcome your comments or questions.
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Common law © 1998 Vorpal Sol