Open Circle addresses personal challenges in healing environment

The Open Circle Network has been created as a nonprofit organization, under the auspices of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States, that invites Baha’is and friends facing challenging personal issues to explore the Writings, pray, share and learn in a spiritual, healing and confidential environment.

Its four regional conferences each year are designed to include all those who want to gather and feel supported, no matter what their personal struggle may be.

Open Circle’s mission is to explore spiritual principles and concepts related to difficult and challenging personal and social issues and to consider questions and concerns that arise in the application of these principles in individual and community development.

Open Circle activities draw directly on spiritual principles from the Baha’i Faith and are open to people of all religious and philosophical backgrounds. Primary issues addressed include addictions, abuse and trauma, sexuality and gender challenges, mental health challenges, and HIV/AIDS.

Race, gender, culture and class are explicitly addressed, as these factors affect how individuals and communities experience these challenges.

Each conference is a group experience that includes interactive opening activities, plenary talks, workshops, art, devotions, and free time for prayer, meditation and socializing.

Conferences are structured to provide a loving atmosphere for any soul who gathers to share, learn and heal. To preserve confidentiality and ensure a safe environment, participants are asked to attend the entire conference.

Upcoming conferences are:

• Sept. 12–15: “Leaven to the World: Dimensions of an Open, Expanding Community” at Bosch Baha’i School near Santa Cruz, California
• Nov. 8–10: “From Otherness to Oneness” at the 4-H Youth Development Center in Columbiana, Alabama
• May 14–17, 2020: Green Acre Baha’i School in Eliot, Maine (theme to be determined)
• Dates to be determined for the next conference at Louhelen Baha’i School in Davison, Michigan

All are welcome. Scholarships are available to assist with the cost of attendance. Participants are encouraged to bring their talents to share through art, music, dance, poetry, storytelling or more.

For more information and registration links, please see the Facebook page, or website (opencirclenetwork.org).