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 ideals of a stable future for ourselves and our children, our trust in a safe and healthy planet.

Who and what have we lost or need to let go of? We reflect on what is still unspoken and unprocessed. What is it like to lose loved ones suddenly or at a distance? How do we grieve or not? How do we stand when life shows its raw side? What can still give us meaning… and what do we choose?

The Circles are a contemporary, creative form of an ancient ritual to celebrate, honour, commemorate, mourn, deepen, meet on a deeper level. The Circle is not a discussion. We share from heart to heart about what really touches us as human beings. Just being present and listening is also fine.

We have the Choice was born out of a civic initiative by Kristin Verellen – who lost her life partner Johan Van Steen in the Maalbeek attacks on 22 March 2016 – and a circle of friends. We have the choice has grown into an organisation with more than 50 volunteer circle counselors. Since the attacks, We have the choice has been guiding Circles, both on location and online, in different contexts at key moments, in collaboration with partner organisations.