Play Circles

From earliest childhood, each of us learns the importance of the circle in relation to play. The circle represents a unique model of community in which there is no hierarchy because all points in the circle are equal. It is also an ideal configuration for transmitting and amplifying the love and joy of each individual. Being in a circle lets each person see the others' faces, observe their expression, and look into their eyes.

PlayHaven designs its community events and activities so that they are play circles. These circles are playful ceremonies that conform to the following structure:

1. Departure. Circles begin with a gesture that indicates we are leaving the mundane world behind and entering into a sacred space.

2. Intention-seeting. At the outset, we dedicate our play to someone or something. This means using our intention to direct our love and joy to specific people, places, groups, plants, animals, or other entities.

3. Invocation. We invoke the intuitive forces that guide our circle. One simple way to do this is by chanting OM.

4. Play. Whatever way we choose to play as a group is the focal point of our ceremony, which is guided by a trained facilitator.

5. Silence. After we have played, we spend a few minutes in silence.

6. Closing. We close our circles the same way we opened it during the invocation. We also go around the circle and say our names.