Cercle de Parole: Gathering around questions that matter

A Cercle de Parole (circle of speech/dialogue, from French) is an intimate gathering where we explore questions without easy answers. Drawing on Circle of Trust® principles developed by Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal, these circles create space for genuine inquiry - not debate, not advice-giving, but the holding of multiple truths together.

Some questions benefit from collective wisdom rather than individual answers. In a Cercle de Parole, we bring our different experiences and perspectives to questions that feel alive - about art, ethics, relationships, meaning-making, and the complexities of being human.

We gather around a question Each circle explores a specific question - one that invites multiple perspectives and has no single "right" answer.

We create a strong container Clear guidelines ensure this is a space for genuine inquiry: confidentiality, no cross-talk or advice-giving, speaking from "I" rather than "we," honoring silence and reflection.

We explore, not debate The purpose isn't to convince or conclude, but to hear how different people navigate the same question. We turn to wonder rather than judgment.

We trust the process Through guided reflection, sharing, and deep listening, insights emerge that couldn't arise alone.

Drawing from Circle of Trust® touchstones:

Invitation, not demand - share what feels true for you, pass when you need to

Multiple truths can coexist - we speak our own truth while respecting others' truths

No fixing, saving, or advising - we offer loving witness, not solutions

Turn to wonder - when challenged, we get curious rather than defensive

Trust the silence - reflection is as valuable as speech

Deep confidentiality - what's shared here stays here; what's learned here leaves here

Not a salon - Salons center around a guest's expertise and story. Cercles center around a shared question.

Not a workshop - Workshops teach skills or frameworks. Cercles explore complexity without teaching.

Not a Story Circle - Story Circles focus on personal narrative sharing. Cercles focus on inquiry.

Not therapy or processing - While occasionally we may create space to process collective difficulty, most Cercles are philosophical and contemplative inquiry.

What do we do with art when the artist falls from grace?

How do we practice discernment without judgment?

When does self-care become self-indulgence?

What do we owe to our past selves when we've outgrown them?

How do we hold multiple truths about someone/something we once revered?

Anyone drawn to contemplative inquiry

Those who appreciate nuance and complexity

People who want to explore difficult questions with others

Members of the Le Trente community seeking deeper dialogue

Anyone tired of hot takes and quick answers

Note: Cercles require presence, patience, and willingness to sit with discomfort. If you prefer clear answers and action plans, this format may not be the best fit.

Format: Online via Zoom (intimate groups of 10-15 participants) or in person in Geneva
Length: 90-120 minutes
Facilitation: Led by Anne V Mühlethaler, drawing on her training as a coach, mindfulness teacher, and Circle of Trust facilitator
Frequency: Monthly or as questions arise
Investment: Pay-what-you-can (suggested contribution €35/CHF 35)

Stay Informed:

Join our mailing list to be notified when new Cercles are announced, or check our Luma calendar for upcoming gatherings.

Credits & Acknowledgments:

This format draws on Circle of Trust® principles developed by Parker J. Palmer and the Center for Courage & Renewal (couragerenewal.org), and circle facilitation approaches from Tara Mohr's work on contemplative gathering.