My heart was especially touched by the ability of the group to accommodate the changing needs of the gathering as it unfolded. The Millionth Circle was invited to present an experiential part of the congress where women could actually sit in circle with a sacred center, listening and speaking from the heart. We made a plan of how the hour and a half would manifest. However, when unforeseen things happened, it turned out that the plan was not rigid. Because the over arching field of intention set by the group was one of beauty, inclusion, and nurturing, the container was able to accommodate events that we could not predict.

Even though we planned to close the doors at a certain time and not allow women to wander in late, there were some who did come in later and in the spontaneity of the moment the women in the room welcomed them with almost no interruption of the flow. These newcomers formed their own small circles with a convener slipping in to help them.

One of the new groups did not have a colorful scarf to form a centerpiece for the circle. With sublime inventiveness, the facilitator took off her lovely kimono over top and spread it out to form an artistic focal point. Besides the new groups that formed, each small group became fluid and opened its circle for another member. Our original plan needed to be expanded in the moment. A convener provided candles to the newcomers when she noticed the need. This was all done in a field of beauty and grace. In my group, the newcomer was deeply appreciative when she received her candle. Although it seemed but a small gesture, its very inclusion proportionately made a huge difference. I am so nurtured by the graciousness of women. I love our ability to attend to the smallest detail, and the trust that builds between us when we work together for a vision that is bigger than any one of us alone.