Community Conversations

with Madison Mallett and Hollie Meador
1st and 3rd Thursday Each Month • 7:30-9:00pm
In-Person or Online • Free to All

With the conclusion of our initial Community Conversations circle over the summer, we found ourselves in want of more opportunities to gather for community discussion. We realized how much we crave a space where everyone can vulnerably share and listen without judgment – even when faced with challenging topics.

In an effort to create more opportunities for this type of gathering, we are happy to have Madison – longtime Satya student and yoga practitioner, and all around great human – offer a twice monthly offering of a Community Building Circle practice. 

This regular practice will hold space for participants to engage in intentional conversations, centered around a particular theme. These themes may have resources that tie into global issues – such as our initial discussion with the conflict in Palestine, they might include preparatory questions for self-inquiry that relate to local issues, such as houselessness in Austin, or could be something more broad like Building Trust.

The theme of Building Trust is where we will begin. 

Practice Structure

This practice will utilize the structure of Community Building Circles (CBCs) to create the safe and welcoming environment for discussion, that are rooted in indigenous group gatherings. This structure allows for community members to gather and share openly about their experiences, while also listening to others with compassion. Facilitators guide participants through prompts in a safe and supportive space so that everyone can practice being vulnerable and witness the vulnerability of others. The structure of the CBC helps to build trust between community members, which aids in repairing relationships in the event of harm.

Each session will include a mindfulness practice for centering, an opening reflection, and reminder of the Community Conversations Circle values. Then, facilitators will guide the group through 3 question prompts, allowing space for each member of the circle to share, as well as ample space for listening. Participants can expect to experience intentional movement – either between poses, or at the end of the practice. Each session completes with a meditation to close the circle.

Please note that you are not required to attend every session.

Registration Available for In-Person or Online Attendance

You will be prompted to login to your student account to register