A little over two years ago I began my first conscious journey around the sacred wheel of the 13 Grandmothers. My experience in this wise woman’s circle has rocked my world, healed my heart and truly changed my life in countless ways.

This weekend I will walk through the gateway of initiation as a member of the Changing Woman Sisterhood. I’ve have deep respect for the women in our circle. I have learned so much from each of them. We’ve laughed, cried, freaked out and even felt like we were going crazy at times. Together, we lost our way and found ourselves again. We have witnessed the joy and sadness of this earth walk for each other. During our initiation ceremony we will spiral back to the beginning of the wheel, circle inward and consciously come back home to ourselves.

When women come together and share from the heart:

• We learn to let down our masks.
• We learn that we each have permission to relax into who we are in the moment.
• We can be vulnerable or strong.
• We can participate or pass.
• We learn that we have a choice.
• We learn that we are not responsible for what other people think
• We don’t have to accept or respond to others’ projections.
• We learn to simply show up.

I’ve witnessed warrior women become soft and watched quiet women find their voice and learn to stand their ground. We practiced resonance and grounding techniques. We faced our shadows. We stepped into the responsibility of healing our lineage and in doing so, healed 7 generations of the women who came before us and the next 7 generations to come.

Powerful. Profound. Healing.

Throughout this journey, the grandmother’s gave me countless gifts and heavy blows to my ego. We walked through the forest on sacred ground and contemplated what we most needed it heal. During our first healing weekend we worked as a team preparing food, shared stories, drummed, sang and receiving powerful healing in the sweat lodge that we built together.

For this coming weekend I’ve been asked to identify what I am ready to let go of to make space for the woman I will become. I plan to let go of my inner tyrant’s hold on me along with the insecurity that often comes from harsh self-judgement and the “Who am I to be/do/say”? questions that come up on occasion. I will fill the space by opening myself to receive grace, compassion and self-love for the rest of the days of my life. I will practice remembering that I am worthy of all that I desire in this lifetime.

I’ve learned so much in these last two years. I’ve grown as a woman and feel I’ve crossed the threshold into adulthood. I’m really clear about what I’m responsible for. I’ve learned to ask for help, to lighten up and trust the process. ‘Trust and Surrender’ has been my personal mantra during this sacred journey. (Highly recommended for control freaks, perfectionists and high maintenance personalities)

One of the most powerful take aways over this period of time is the value of circling up with a community of women. The gift of learning how to set a safe container anchored in love which gave us the chance to receive our perfect knowing for that moment in time.

I am so thankful to come away with a rich tapestry of friendship, storytelling, healing, prayer, creativity, ruthless compassion and so much more.

I couldn’t have found a better teacher than the woman who facilitates our group. Lorraine is powerful, brilliant, flexible, funny and creative. She fills up a room with boundless energy, endless wisdom and a deep well of acceptance. She has taught me so much about community. She set and anchored a safe and sacred container for transparent stories, and deep healing. Thanks to Lorraine and my sisters, I have become a wheel dancer deepening into the present moment. This is my sacred life.

If you’ve been considering joining a wise women’s circle, I highly recommend that you do some research and find a group that resonates with you. Here’s some of what you can expect if you say yes to steeping into a community circle:

• You’ll experience women you connect with immediately.
• You’ll meet women who push your buttons.
• You’ll meet women who remind you of people you’ve known before.
• You’ll see yourself in the mirror of the group’s stories
• You will meet your shadow, learn to shine your light and give her hug.
• You’ll have a better understanding of why people behave the way they do.

Every woman brings value and teachings to her community. Every Transformation Goddess who says yes to dancing around the wheel is in for one hell of a ride.