There is Magic in a Circle

Launching my programme from magic lands?

Last week I headed down to Tintagel, Cornwall to launch ‘Do Workplace Health Right’ Live 2025. I wanted to be on magical land to release my magic, my new programme, into the world. My weekend consisted of a shaman disco in an ancient stone circle, swimming through the enchanted Merlin’s Cave at Dawn on Sunday (just as the New Moon appeared) and laughing more than I have for years. As I launched my new work programme into the world. A perfect blend of worlds.?

Tintagel is one of the most otherworldly places on the British Islands: Tintagel’s Castle is the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. Merlin’s Cave where I swam was where Merlin the wizard hid the baby Arthur to protect him and is the site of mystical experiences and transformations throughout the ages. You can feel the old ways in the land beneath your feet and as you look up to the dozens of crows circling overhead. Crystals in the rocks adding to the magic in the town and the land.?

Knights of the Round Table?

One reason I went to Cornwall to launch ‘Do Workplace Health Right’ Live 2025 is my fascination this year with the power of the circle. King Arthur was known for his round table. A deliberate and conscious shape whereby he and his Knights sat as equals regardless of their individual social or financial status. Everyone heard, listened to and seen, their views and thoughts included in discussion and decisions.?

I’ve been reading and exploring the concept of the circle a lot this year. I’ve been reading ‘The Circle Way’ by Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea and working my way slowly through ‘The Bigger Prize - Collaboration not Competition’ by the legend that is Margaret Heffernan.?

I’ve also been playing with circles in my life. Attending ‘Women’s circles or Red Tents’; having circle time with my children, and using the circle structure when conducting ‘Listening Exercises’ in my client work. I ensure that every workplace health, mental health or change strategy I write is on the back of numerous ‘circles’ or focus groups which include the voices of all different demographics of the organisation. Employees being given a voice, heard and seen. Listened to and learned from.???

Once you start to look at shapes you realise how little of the world and society we have created uses the circle. Organisations are usually structured as a pyramid or triangle with hierarchy. Schools, governments, companies give voice to those with power, higher up the pyramid. Their words deemed more powerful by virtue of their status, job title, company name, wealth… Perceived power comes with the right to be heard. The voice of those at the bottom of the pyramid given less strength or space, They remain unheard.?

This ‘cult of the expert’ is also seen on the conference circuit. Keynotes and speaker slots are gifted to those with the right job title and company name and who have paid the most in sponsorship. The room setup to view the raised stage containing the speakers with the audience listening and a short Q&A. A triangle not a circle. The raised expert sharing their wisdom to the crowd.?

The magic within a circle?

Our ancients understood that magic, power and transformation comes in a circle form. King Arthur understood that effective leadership came from a round table. Lessons the modern world has forgotten.?

I launched the magic of ‘Do Workplace Health Right’ Live 2025 into the world in an ancient stone circle as I want this to be a community and circle experience. Yes, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and expertise, but I am also there to learn and to listen. My guest experts (I’ll start unveiling these next week) are people I want to learn from and to interact with. Individual attendees each have their own expertise and knowledge to contribute and share. By listening to and holding the space for all voices, we will all leave the 3 month programme transformed, more knowledgeable and having created magic along the way.

I designed ‘Do Workplace Health Right’ Live to be the first international and multidisciplinary 3 month programme to really support and nurture people working in workplace health, mental health and wellbeing. Interactive discussion, networking and a sharing of experience. Where people feel seen and heard as well as learning from others. A circle.?

Where else could I launch it but Tintagel?! Dancing around a stone circle and swimming in the mystical cave of transformation where Merlin protected King Arthur? The King known for understanding the power of a circle and a round table?

I’d love to have you join - Sign up here?

Have a good week?

Best Wishes

Amy x?

P.S. See you at Mad World next Thursday - October 17th?

I’ll be attending in the crowd as a punter (they never let me speak as I don’t have a job title and ‘work for myself’? :-)) next week’s Mad World conference in London. I’m looking forward to seeing many friendly faces there. If you are in London and about then do come - https://madworldsummit.com/. It’s a great place to catch up and network. I’m very much looking forward to it.?