The Wisdom of Council
Building Connection, Community, and a Regenerative Future
Let’s talk about something real. In this world of constant noise—emails, notifications, endless to-do lists—how often do we truly feel seen? How often do we stop, take a breath, and let ourselves be fully present? Disconnection has become the norm, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a way back, a way to reawaken the kind of connection that lights us up and reminds us who we are.
That way is council. It’s not a gimmick or a fleeting trend. It’s something ancient, timeless, and deeply human. Council invites us to gather in a circle, speak from the heart, and listen deeply. Sounds simple, right? But don’t underestimate it—council has a way of cracking us open, healing what’s been broken, and weaving us back into belonging. It’s about witnessing and being witnessed. It’s about holding space for each other’s humanity.
This isn’t just something nice to do. It’s something vital, something ancient, something that could change the way we live and connect with one another. So let’s explore what council is, where it comes from, and why it matters now more than ever.
What Is Council?
Picture this: you’re sitting in a circle with a group of people. There’s no hierarchy, no head of the table, no one rushing to interrupt. Someone begins to speak—not to perform or debate, but to share something real. Maybe it’s a story. Maybe it’s a question. Maybe it’s a feeling they’ve been carrying for weeks. When they’re done, the next person speaks. And as each voice rises, the rest of the circle listens—not just with their ears, but with their whole being.
This is council. It’s not about fixing or impressing or finding the “right” thing to say. It’s about showing up, just as you are, and being held in the presence of others. Council reminds us of something our fast-paced world often forgets: every voice matters, every story belongs, and connection is what makes us human.
In council, something shifts. We leave behind the world of quick replies and surface-level exchanges and step into a space where depth, honesty, and care reign. It’s not just about what’s being said; it’s about how it’s being heard. In a world so hungry for meaning, council gives us a way to truly be with one another.
The Principles of Council
What makes council so powerful is its grounding in a few simple yet revolutionary principles:
Speak from the Heart: Share your truth as it feels in the moment—messy, raw, or beautifully polished.
Listen from the Heart: Tune in completely, not to respond but to truly hear. (Yes, that means putting your inner monologue on pause.)
Be Lean of Expression: Say what’s essential. It’s not about hogging the talking stick or rehearsing your TED Talk debut.
Spontaneity: Let the moment guide you. The best words are often the ones you didn’t plan.
These principles create a space where everyone can drop the masks we wear in our daily lives. It’s a space of trust, where we can speak without fear and listen without judgment. Council invites us to be fully human—nothing more, nothing less.
And let’s be honest: doesn’t that sound like exactly what we need right now? We live in a world that encourages us to present only the polished version of ourselves. But in council, you can bring the whole, unfiltered, glorious mess of your humanity. And the amazing thing? It will be welcomed.
Where Does Council Come From?
Council isn’t new. It’s as old as firelight and shared meals, as ancient as the stories our ancestors told to make sense of the world. Across cultures and continents, people have always gathered in circles to share, heal, and connect.
In North America, Indigenous talking circles have been practiced for generations. The talking stick, passed hand to hand, ensures that every voice is honored and every story is heard. These circles remind us that respect and listening are the foundations of community.
In Africa, council often takes place under the shade of a palaver tree—a baobab or fig tree, rooted in the earth and stretching toward the sky. Here, elders and community members come together to resolve conflicts and share wisdom. The tree itself becomes a symbol of strength, connection, and the continuity of life.
For the Māori people of New Zealand, council happens during hui on marae, sacred communal spaces that link participants to their ancestors. These gatherings reflect the Māori belief in whakapapa—the interconnectedness of all living things, past, present, and future.
Aboriginal communities in Australia sit in yarning circles, where stories are shared, wisdom is passed down, and relationships are strengthened. These circles aren’t just about talking—they’re about weaving together the threads of community.
And in the Arctic, the Sami people of Northern Europe gather around árran, the central fire. The fire connects everyone in the circle, symbolizing warmth, life, and unity. It’s a reminder that even in the harshest conditions, connection can sustain us.
What ties these traditions together is the understanding that humans thrive in connection. These circles are more than places to talk—they are places to be seen, to be heard, and to be held.
Council in Rites of Passage
Some moments in life demand more than just getting through. Birth, adolescence, marriage, grief—these are times of transition, times when we need to pause and ask, “Who am I now? And who am I becoming?” Traditional cultures understood this. That’s why they created rites of passage—ceremonies to mark these thresholds and guide individuals into their next chapter. Council is often at the heart of these rites, offering a space to prepare, reflect, and integrate.
Imagine you’re about to embark on a solo fast in the wilderness, a wedding, or a transition into elderhood. Before you begin, you sit in council to share your hopes and fears. During the journey, council becomes your anchor, a place to process and be held. And when it’s all over, you return to the circle to tell your story. Through the act of storytelling, your transformation is witnessed, mirrored, and celebrated.
Modern programs like the School of Lost Borders, Cascadia Quest, and Animas Valley Institute have brought these practices into contemporary life. And let me tell you—it’s just as powerful now as it was then. These rites remind us that transitions aren’t just personal—they’re communal. And council is the bridge between the two.
Building Community Through Council
Let’s zoom out a little. What does council mean for communities? It’s more than just a practice—it’s a blueprint for how we can live and thrive together.
When we sit in a circle, we learn to listen as a community. Not to reply, not to solve, but to truly understand. We practice speaking from the heart, sharing truths that might otherwise stay hidden. And as we do, we start to see ourselves in each other. Our struggles, our joys, our humanity—they’re not so different after all. Council also becomes a space for collective healing. In times of division or loss, the circle holds us. It reminds us that we don’t have to carry our burdens alone. Together, we can find our way forward.
But here’s the thing: council doesn’t just connect us. It empowers us. When a community starts to trust each other deeply, they gain the capacity to dream, to create, and to act. Whether it’s organizing a neighborhood cleanup or standing together for justice, council lays the foundation for meaningful, collective action.
Now let’s zoom out even further. Imagine a world where humans and the Earth thrive together—a world where our communities are resilient, adaptable, and deeply rooted in care. Council can help us get there.
At its core, council teaches us to listen—really listen. To each other, to the land, to the generations yet to come. It reminds us that every voice matters and that our choices ripple outward in ways we can’t always see. This kind of awareness isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential for building a regenerative future. A regenerative future isn’t just about restoring ecosystems—it’s about restoring relationships. Council reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. And when we embrace that, we become capable of creating a world that works for all beings.
A Way Forward
Here’s the invitation: take a seat. Join the circle. Share your story. Listen to someone else’s. And watch as the magic of council unfolds.
The circle is waiting, full of laughter, tears, wisdom, and joy. All you have to do is step in.
Join us at one of our in-person community councils or field courses in Mount Vernon, WA.
Resources for Exploring the Power of Council
If council has sparked something in your heart—an ache for deeper connection, a curiosity about ancient wisdom, or even a hunger to bring this practice into your life—you’re not alone. Council is a gift meant to be shared, and there’s a whole world of resources waiting to help you explore it further. Here are some of the books, schools, and blogs that can guide you on this path.
Books to Deepen Your Understanding
These books are like sitting in a circle with the authors themselves—rich with insights, stories, and tools to bring council to life.
The Way of Council by Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle*
This is the book on council. It dives into the principles and practices of council with clarity and heart, offering both practical advice and soulful reflection. It’s the perfect place to start.
The Circle Way: A Leader in Every Chair by Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea*
Blending ancient circle practices with modern applications, this book is for anyone who wants to lead with authenticity and inclusivity. It’s like a handbook for creating spaces where everyone belongs.
Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of Nature and Psyche by Bill Plotkin*
While not solely about council, this book explores how communal practices like council support soul discovery and transformation. It’s a profound guide to understanding the role of nature and shared experience in personal growth.
Schools and Organizations to Learn From
Want to dive deeper? These organizations live and breathe council. They don’t just teach it—they embody it.
The Ojai Foundation
A pioneer in modern council practices, the Ojai Foundation offers workshops, training, and resources to bring the art of council into schools, businesses, and communities. This is where tradition meets innovation.
theojaifoundation.orgSchool of Lost Borders
Known for its wilderness-based rites of passage, this school uses council to prepare participants for transformation and guide them through integration. If you’re craving soul work, this is your place.
schooloflostborders.orgAnimas Valley Institute
With a focus on deep nature connection and soul discovery, Animas Valley Institute incorporates council into its programs to help participants find meaning and belonging.
animas.orgCascadia Quest
With a focus on rites of passage and nature immersion, Cascadia Quest uses council as a core practice to foster transformation and community.
cascadiaquest.orgRewild Portland
This organization combines ancestral skills with community-building practices, including elements of council. Their work is rooted in resilience and regeneration.
rewildportland.com
Blogs and Online Resources to Inspire You
Sometimes, all it takes is a spark—a story, an article, or a reflection—to remind you why council matters. These blogs and websites offer that spark.
Center for Council
A nonprofit dedicated to spreading council far and wide. Their blog is full of resources, reflections, and real-life stories of how council is transforming lives and communities.
centerforcouncil.orgCouncil Heart
This blog dives deep into the art and heart of council, written by seasoned facilitators who live and breathe the practice.
councilheart.comWisdom Bridge
Created by depth ecologist Francis Weller, this site explores council, rituals, and nature-based practices that help us reconnect to what truly matters.
wisdombridge.netThe Work That Reconnects Network
Based on Joanna Macy’s work, this site explores council-like practices as part of building resilience and fostering regeneration. It’s a resource for changemakers and community builders alike.
workthatreconnects.org
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