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
Circle for victims in collaboration with V-Europe
- When Saturday September 2
- Where V-Europe, Ottignies
- What Saturday, September 2, we invite victims of the attacks in Brussels on March 2016 to attend a circle ritual. Seven years ago, the attacks shocked our country. It was a personal and collective tragedy that made us realize that we all have a choice every day: answer hate with fear and more hate, or choose love and more connection. The court trial this year brought the past into the present again. Stories of perpetrators and victims remain with us. Again, in this moment, can we feel what this does to us and continue to choose for connection? Everyone is welcome to join this circle to reflect on how we can hold those we loved close to our hearts, and how we can also move on with our lives after this intense period of the trial. We make time to listen to each other. The circle is guided by experienced facilitators in Dutch, French and English. Everyone can speak in their own language. Silence is a language too. This circle is an initiative of V-Europe, a major victim support organization in Belgium, and ‘We have the choice’, a voluntary organization that has been offering circles for human connection in various multicultural contexts for 7 years at significant moments of transition as a positive response to the attacks in Brussels in 2016. ‘We have the choice’ was founded by Kristin Verellen, who lost her partner in the attack in Maelbeek
- Participation Free
- Registration Only on invitation by V-Europe
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.
