When the world needs us to sit together, listen and connect
We have the choice
We have a Choice has grown out of a voluntary citizens’ initiative by Kristin Verellen – who lost her life partner in the attacks of Maelbeek on 22 March 2016 – and a circle of friends. In a world where harshness, polarization, extremism, blind violence and terror lead to traumatizing situations, we want to build a culture of inclusive togetherness inclusion and dialogue.
Circles
The Circles, guided by professional facilitators, offer a qualitative moment in which we become still and quiet, then share with each other in words or in silence what is going on inside of us.
In addition “We have the choice” also develops other projects to support its mission.
Planned Circles
“We all contribute to the greater whole”, wrote Gerlinde Flo to Kristin Verellen. She articulates beautifully how we like to put the Circles in the world: as healing rituals that contribute to a society where we know ourselves as connected with each other. You are very welcome to participate in the Open Circles. Here you find the planned circles.
“Thank you for this space to think about our love, our loss and all that we share… It was a moment to come down from our busy-ness, to allow ourselves time and space to reflect and feel, and to share both laughter and tears…. Suzy”
“I treasure these moments of stillness together in the circles. I feel connected with myself, with the others, with the world. I can welcome the emotions, stories and reflections that we share in the group, through silence and through words. I return home with more clarity. Dorothy”
THE 22-03 GATHERING BRUSSELS
The 22-03 gathering Brussels: A CIRCLE A DAY + CIRCLE TO COMMEMORATE & CONNECT A CIRCLE A DAY — 22 MARCH 2023 — A living monument for peace 13h - 17h De Brouckèreplein, Brussel Connection, equality, slowing down, peace, presence ... Do you want to join the circle? Welcome to this first circle of A CIR [...]
Interview with Kristin Verellen in ‘Le Soir’
Kristin Verellen, founder of We have the choice, in Le Soir. "Ca demande une vigilance de tous les instants, d'être présent dans sa propre vie. Si on ne fait pas attention, nos pensées nous emmènent rapidement vers le passé, vers ce qui est arrivé et pourrait se reproduire et voilà nos angoisses projetées [...]
Online Circle ‘Loss & Love’ • 22 March 2021
We are much more interconnected than we thought. We are discovering this today in the current pandemic as we did 5 years ago during the attacks in Brussels. Both then and now, we are living in a fragile period. We risk losing some of the things that are precious to us. Our loved ones and friends, our idea [...]
Circles & activities
THE 22-03 GATHERING BRUSSELS
13h – 17h
De Brouckèreplein, Brussel
3pm – 4:30pm
Place De Brouckère, Brussels (tent)
We will have time to listen to each other and share our experience of what we consider to be today’s challenges and hopegivers in our personal lives and in society. We want to explore how we can choose to continue to see what connects us rather than what pulls us into polarization, alienation or conflict. The circle will be guided by experienced facilitators in Dutch, French and English. Everyone can speak their own language. Silence is also welcome.
CIRCLE TO COMMEMORATE AND CONNECT — The 22.03 gathering Brussels
- When Wednesday 22 March 2023 from 15h till 16h30
- Where De Brouckèreplein Brussels
- What Seven years ago, on March 22, 2016, the attacks in Zaventem and Maalbeek affected everyone in our country. It was a tragic event that left us with an ongoing clear choice: Do we answer hate with more hate and fear or do we resolutely choose connection and kindness?
We invite you at the 22-03 gathering at the Brouckèreplein in Brussels. Besides the silent moving circle of A CIRCLE A DAY outside at the square, there will be a circle ritual accompanied by ‘We have the choice’ inside the large tent between 3pm and 4:30pm.Everybody is welcome to join this circle in order to ‘remember and reconnect’. People passing by, victims, relatives, fellow citizens, first responders, young and old …We will have time to listen to each other and share our experience of what we consider to be today’s challenges and hopegivers in our personal lives and in society. We want to explore how we can choose to continue to see what connects us rather than what pulls us into polarization, alienation or conflict. The circle will be guided by experienced facilitators in Dutch, French and English. Everyone can speak their own language. Silence is also welcome.THE 22-03 GATHERING is an initiative of artist Alexandra Jacquet, initiator of A CIRCLE A DAY, and ‘We have the choice’ vzw/asbl, an organization that was founded in response to the attacks in Brussels in 2016, initiated by Kristin Verellen who lost her partner in the event. ‘We have the choice’ has been facilitating connecting circle rituals for human connection that mark important transitional moments for more than 6 years. Partners of THE 22-03 GATHERING are V-Europe and Hummus.
- Participation Free
- Registration Not needed