This is a space of collective care, not therapy.
We gather as humans, not as roles.
We come together to slow down, listen inward, and witness each other - gently and without fixing.
These are the shared intentions that hold our circle:
1. Take Space, Make Space
We come as humans first - ready to learn, unlearn, and be held with humility. No one is “the expert” here. Notice when it’s time to speak, and when to make space. Contribute to the collective, not from extraction, but from care.
2. Speak from the “I”
Share from your own lived experience. Speak for yourself only; we witness, not fix. Advice or interpretation is offered only when explicitly invited.
3. Maintain Confidentiality
Stories shared in this circle stay here. Protect each other’s privacy - be in a space where you can’t be overheard, and don’t retell others’ stories, even with good intent. You’re always welcome to share what you experienced or learned.
4. Honor Lived Experience
Every body, story, and ancestry holds wisdom. Somatic, spiritual, collective, or individual - each path to healing is valid. There is no single “right way” to return to ourselves.
5. Acknowledge Power and Privilege
Be mindful of how power, privilege, and access move through this space. Decenter yourself when needed; uplift voices that are often unseen. This is an ongoing practice, not a perfect one.
6. Address Harm with Care
We expect imperfection. When harm arises, we approach it with curiosity and accountability - as acts of repair, not shame. We learn together how to stay in relationship even when it’s uncomfortable.
7. Move at the Pace of Consent
Everything here is an invitation. You may pass, turn off your camera, rest, or step away at any time. Your nervous system leads. Trust your rhythm.
8. Be Real and Human
You are welcome as you are - messy, tired, joyful, uncertain. This isn’t a space for performance. Eat, cry, breathe, stretch, move or rest as you need. We honour intent and impact in equal measure.
9. Align with Liberation
Root & Return is grounded in values of disability justice, decolonial healing, and collective liberation. Respect for these principles is foundational. We are all in an ongoing practice of unlearning and repair.
10. Support, Safety & Boundaries
This space may bring things to the surface. If you feel overwhelmed during a session, you can message me privately or step away - your care is primary. If you need additional support, I can help signpost to grounding resources or referral options after the call.
Between sessions, I’m not available for ongoing emotional processing or crisis support. This helps keep our shared space clear and sustainable. If you have practical or accessibility questions, you’re always welcome to email me.
Accessibility
Zoom live captions are enabled. If you need other adjustments to participate more fully, please let me know - I’ll do my best to meet you there.