Facilitated by M Rudder

Dates: May 8, June 12, July 10

Hosted by Bloom Local

What are Deep Listening Circles?

In a deep listening circle, the experience is one of inclusion and care. An intimately-sized group co-creates and defines the values, practices, and questions that are important during our time together. Moving from ‘I’ statements and inside of a confidential space, there is a choice to share to the degree that feels best to each person, including choosing to sit in silence for a moment or simply passing to allow the next person to speak, with no pressure, expectations, or judgment. What rises from each round of sharing feeds and informs the next round of sharing and listening. This is a space of exploring and re-weaving your stories, a place of resonance with others and deep acceptance for the wholeness of who you are.

Grow another root of your LGBTQIA+ community virtually by joining this intimate gathering of entrepreneurs, artists, healers, and leaders from around the region! Together we’ll co-create a culture of care, joy, vulnerability, and connection as we dive into what needs to be spoken about from the heart of our lives and our work in these times, laugh together, and learn from each other. 

All members of LGBTQIA+ professional and small business communities near and far are welcome to gather in this virtual space. Only 8 – 10 spaces are available in each circle. 

Registration

Only 8 – 10 spaces are available in each circle meeting. $5-$30 sliding, advance registration is requested.

Accessibility

Captions will be turned on during meetings. If you have accessibility needs related to connecting in a virtual forum such as Zoom, please email luc@bloomlocal.live or message us @bloomlocal413 on Instagram, and we will gladly work with you over email or via phone to determine how we can best meet your needs. 

About the Facilitator

M Rudder (they/them)

M Rudder (they/them) is a Japanese-American non-binary, trans, and queer facilitator, spiritual director, and artist, living on unceded Nipmuc & Pocumtuck land, who centers agency, connection, liberation, presence, and wholeness. They hold spiritual care for the queer and trans community at the forefront of their work, whether through deep listening circles, facilitation, communal seasonal rituals, spiritual accompaniment, or creating works of art or writing.  They cultivate opportunities to explore a deep sense of belonging to oneself, each other, the natural world, and the sacred. They hold a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art, an MSc. in Applied Conflict Studies, and a certification for Spiritual Direction from Still Harbor. Their time spent with elders from indigenous traditions of China, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, West Africa, and the US also deeply informs their worldview and approach to the wholeness of their life.

About Bloom Local

Bloom Local is a homegrown network of creative entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community of the CT River Valley. Our Mission is to unite locals with LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses and organizations, nurturing a community where a culture of support blooms.