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When the world needs us to sit together, listen and connect

Activities 2018

21Nov '18

Circle at Thomas More High School in Antwerp

  • When Wednesday, 21st November, 2018
  • Where Thomas More National Campus, Antwerp
  • What During the diversity weeks, we will be doing a circle with the Applied Psychology students at Thomas More High School. This circle is meant to be a moment of quiet reflection, in a week that would be, for them, filled with emotions, impressions and experiences.  It would be a moment, spent together in a meaningful way, encountering each other as people. The circle aims to create, for the students, the opportunity to re-connect with themselves, and with fellow students.
  • Participation For students only
20Nov '18

Open Circle at the Sleutelbrug in Bruges

  • When Tuesday, 20th November 2018, at 19h30
  • Where Sleutelbrug, Beenhouwerstraat 1, Bruges
  • What Open Circle in the liberal centre, De Sleutelbrug in Bruges within the framework of the 11.11.11.-actie ‘Allemaal mensen’.This year the main theme is diversity. The idea is to connect people with each other, despite prejudices and fears. Citizens are often sceptic about refugees and migrants. They have often had extremely traumatic experiences before they arrive in Europe, only to run into a wall of suspicion when they eventually make it here. This is an invitation to climb over the obstacles and to get to the understanding that we are all really, merely people.
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Mandatory via brugge@demens.nu or via facebook
20Nov '18

Circle in the Atheneum of Bruges

  • When Tuesday, 20th November 2018
  • Where Atheneum Bruges
  • What Circle with pupils from the 4th Secondary year of the Atheneum in Bruges within the framework of the 11.11.11.-actie ‘Allemaal mensen’. This year the main theme is diversity. The idea is to connect people with each other, despite prejudices and fears. Citizens are often sceptic about refugees and migrants. They have often had extremely traumatic experiences before they arrive in Europe, only to run into a wall of suspicion when they eventually make it here. This is an invitation to climb over the obstacles and to get to the understanding that we are all really, merely people.
  • Participation Only for pupils
10Nov '18

Circle at Gestaltcongres in Rotterdam

  • When 10 november 2018
  • Where Rotterdam
  • What We are facilitating a circle at the Nederlands-Vlaams Gestalt Congres  in Rotterdam with the theme ‘Courage within, courage on the outside’. We want to build a culture of inclusive togetherness and dialogue that serves to heal, creating a renewed sense of connection, vitality, meaning and progressive engagement. By listening with an open heart to ourselves and to each other, and by communicating person to person – separate from our conventional roles – awareness and a sense of community can grow. It makes it possible to free ourselves from prejudices and dogma’s, and to make authentic and socially responsible choices. This demands courage. It takes courage to question ourselves as therapists. Circles are healing, but they are not group therapy. How can we start a self-healing movement in our society? This is a movement which does not limit itself to the therapy space, but that extends itself into the real-life spaces outside in society. We invite you to be part of this movement.
  • Participation On invitation only
4Nov '18

Open Circle at Wakker voor Vrede

  • When Sunday 4 November – Open Circle: 10:30 – 12:30 – Testimony Kristin: 15:00
  • Where Klerkenstraat 41A, Langemark-Poelkapelle
  • What Vredeswakes Langemark 2014-18 brings people together for four years around one goal: to stay awake to peace and especially to everything that stands in the way of peace today. On 4 November a circle is planned at 10.30 am. Subsequently, Kristin Verellen will testify during the ‘vredeswake’ at 3 pm. The Circles of We have the choice stimulate the self-healing power. They connect people from heart to heart, which makes it possible to transcend pain, sorrow, anger, fear, guilt and shame. They create openings to new meaning, joy, solidarity action and well-being. The Circles create for many the desire to bite back into life. A Circle is not a debate. During a Circle we create a moment in which we become silent for a moment. From what lives within us, we share a piece of our experience. Everyone does this in his or her own way: by telling something, by listening, by calling up an image… Everyone can take the floor, but that is not necessary.
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Obligatory via www.wakkervoorvrede.be
1Nov '18

Open circle at the Boekenbeurs – Bouwcentrum Antwerp

  • When Thursday 1 November 3 PM: Conversation with Kristin Verellen – 4PM: Open Circle
  • Where Boekenbeurs Bouwcentrum Antwerp – Conversation with Kristin: Orange Stage Hall 3 – Open Circle: 2nd floor Orange Hall
  • What Circles – We have the choice has grown out of a voluntary citizens’ initiative of Kristin Verellen – who lost her life partner in the attacks of Maalbeek on 22 March 2016 – and a circle of friends. Since the attacks, this group of facilitators organizes moments of meaningful, connecting togetherness in Circle, in different contexts. They want to contribute to the common good by creating a culture of inclusion and dialogue, healing collective trauma in people and communities, transforming powerlessness into power and connecting people from heart to heart. At the book fair Kristin Verellen will present her book ‘Waar blijf ik met dat licht van mij?’ with photos of her partner Johan Verellen and poems by her. Moderator Sjoukje Smedts will talk to Kristin at 15h. Afterwards at 16h everyone who wants can participate in a circle and experience the power of being in circle. The circle continues on the 2nd floor.
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Obligatory
31Oct '18

Introduction circle for teachers in Antwerp

  • When Wednesday 31 October 12h – 12h45
  • Where Boekenbeurs – Bouwcentrum Antwerp – Yellow Stage – Hall 1
  • What Circles also appear to be a very powerful method within schools, both for teachers and pupils. Circles can be part of a longer deepening process. We share our experience with circles in the educational context and let you experience briefly how a circle works. At the book fair Kristin Verellen will present her book ‘Waar blijf ik met dat licht van mij?’ with photos of her partner Johan Verellen and poems by her.
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Obligatory
28Oct '18

Expo and book ‘Waar blijf ik met dat licht van mij’ at the Boekenbeurs

  • When From the 28th October to the 11 November. See opening hours here.
  • Where Expo Antwerp, Jan Van Rijswijcklaan 191, 2020 Antwerp
  • What At the book expo, at the stand of Lannoo, there are several photo’s of Johan Van Steen on display. You’ll also find  the book ‘Waar blijf ik met dat licht van mij’ with poems by Kristin Verellen and photo’s by Johan. 
27Oct '18

Open circle at De Tinten for Silence for Peace

  • When Saturday October 27th – arrive from 10.30am – circle starts at 11am
  • Where De Tinten, Nederpolder 6, Ghent
  • What De Tinten is aimed at people without valid residence permits. During the circle at De Tinten, everyone is welcome, with or without papers, with Belgian or foreign roots. In the circle we meet each other in what unites us, in being human. After the circle we join the sit-in of Silence for Peace at the City Hall.
  • Entrance Free contribution
  • Participation Registration not necessary, find the event on Facebook here. Maximum 50 participants.
26Oct '18

Network Circle – in collaboration with EAGT

  • When Friday 26 to Sunday 28 October 2018
  • Where Berlin
  • What In many parts of the world, therapists support people who are fleeing war or other political, social violence. They ensure the protection of their personal integrity and the application of human rights. They give space to encounters and contribute to a process of integration into the new community. Under the title Yes we care! Supporting human dignity in a collapsing field, a three-day conference of theEuropean Association for Gestalt Therapy (EAGT) is taking place in Berlin for therapists and people working in the field. Kristin Verellen and Jean Verstraete, who are part of the core team, will be invited as speakers. 
  • Participation On invitation only
6Oct '18

Open Circle – Woman in the world with Koleuren Gazette

  • When Saturday 6 October at 2 pm
  • Where Kunstacademie Geraardsbergen
  • What De Koleuren Gazette is a quarterly online newspaper with interviews and articles about and with newcomers from Geraardsbergen. The conversations and collaborations give rise to new initiatives that bring together people from different religions, cultures and ages. In the autumn, the Koleuren Gazette will start a women’s organization ‘Woman in the World’. Together we are organizing a Circle around ‘Being a woman – our talents’.
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Obligatory
4Oct '18

Photo Exhibition Johan Van Steen at Odisee

  • When 4 October – 24 October 2018, on weekdays from 8.30 am to 5 pm
  • Where Odisee, Huart Hamoirlaan 136, 1030 Brussels
  • What The photo exhibition of Johan Van Steen will be visitable on the beautiful campus of Odisee College. The school counts almost thousand students and is also accessible for visitors. In October, a lunch lecture with Kristin Verellen will be planned for the students.
29Sep '18

Network Circle – Study weekend Sint-Jozefsparochie Sint-Niklaas

  • When Saturday 29 September 2018 at 4.30 p.m.
  • Where Oude Abdij Drongen
  • What Every year about 60 people from the St. Joseph parish go to the Old Abbey in Drongen for a study weekend. Each time an important moment for their community. This year they will be working on the theme ‘Seeing with new eyes’.  In the 2 circles we organize there, the participants explore the theme together. 
  • Participation On invitation only
29Sep '18

Open Circle at ‘Leven en/of Dood – Polariteiten ontmoeten elkaar’

  • When saturday 29 september 13h30
  • Where SINT-BAAFSABDIJ, Voorhoutkaai 43 (entrance Coyendanspark), Ghent
  • What We live in a society where everyone feels uncomfortable at the difficult moment of death, we prefer to outsource death professionally and take little time for mourning. ‘Leven en/of Dood – Polariteiten ontmoeten elkaar‘ wants to invite people to consciously reflect on the existential and vulnerable theme of life and death, in dialogue with each other. Life and death have their own value and are at the same time inextricably intertwined. On saturday september 29th you can join a circle of We have the choice at the event.
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Obligatory
28Sep '18

Photo-Expo Johan Van Steen at ‘Leven en/of Dood – Polariteiten ontmoeten elkaar’ in Ghent

  • When september 28-30
  • Where SINT-BAAFSABDIJ, Voorhoutkaai 43 (entrance Coyendanspark), Ghent
  • What Johan Van Steen was a passionate photographer. His dream to come out with his photography was abruptly interrupted by the attack of March 22, 2016. Light and Shadow is a tribute to a man who was able to embrace light and shadow in his life and art. Where do Waar blijf ik met dat licht van mij? (Lannoo), a book with photography by Johan Van Steen and poems by Kristin Verellen, is an ode to love, the fragile beauty of life and the deeper connection between people. The book is for sale during the expo.
  • Entrance free
  • More info www.levenenofdood.be
11Sep '18

Network Circle – Meeting evening NVAGT

  • When Tuesday 11 September 2018 at 19h30
  • Where PTC Gentbrugge
  • What A meeting evening with Kristin Verellen and Gestalt therapists (NVAGT – Dutch Flemish Association of Gestalt Therapy and Theory). They make a Circle and exchange experiences and see how they can integrate rituals such as a Circle into their work.
  • Participation On invitation only
3Sep '18

Photo exhibition Johan Van Steen – lecture Kristin Verellen at Expo18

  • When from Monday 3 September to Friday 21 September (opening hours on the website kunstinoostende.be)
  • Where EXPO18, Ijzerstraat 18, Ostend
  • What EXPO18 is an exhibition space in Ostend and is managed by Geert Meeschaert. At the request of Geert, the photo exhibition of Johan Van Steen will be on display for 3 weeks. On Friday 7 September at 19h, Kristin Verellen will give a lecture in the exhibition, followed by a drink.
1Sep '18

Network Circle – Orchard conversations with dr. Boydens

  • When 1 September 2018 at 2 p.m.
  • Where Droomgaard, Broechem
  • What In the Droomgaard, an apple orchard in Broechem, Dr. Eric Boydens accompanies people who are affected by burn-out. He organises inspiring sessions so that people can reconnect with what they really want to create. Tormented by Kristin’s story and the way she showed how movingly beautiful and difficult inner choice processes can be, Eric Boydens decided to invite her to organize a Circle together.
  • Participation On invitation only
24Aug '18

Open Circle at ‘Sufi Tales – Round Table’

  • When Friday august 24th 20h
  • Where DE FOYER – ATELIER M, Werkhuizenstraat 17, 1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek
  • What ‘Sufi Tales – Round Table‘ is a round table discussion with Dr. Nour Kabbani, a renowned Sufi teacher from the USA. The purpose of this event is a cross-fertilization between organizations acting from the heart. It will be an opportunity to connect and research mankind and the new social paradigm that wants to emerge. You can participate in an open circle of We have the choice at 20h. The event starts at 18h.
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Obligatory
13Aug '18

Network Circle with FeMENism II – theater voor gelijkheid

  • When 13 and 18 August 2018
  • Where Destelheide Dworp
  • What ‘FeMENism II – theater voor gelijkheid’ is an international youth exchange and is the continuation of ‘FeMENism’, a project organized by La Ligue de l’enseignement in Marseille in the autumn of 2017. The aim is to examine the relationships between men and women and to work together towards gender equality and inclusion. Through a theatre workshop, gender identity and gender stereotypes are investigated by 24 young people between the ages of 18 and 25, from 4 countries. We organize a circle at the beginning and at the end of the work process.
  • Participation On invitation only
22Jul '18

Open Circle and lecture at Watou Arts Festival

  • When Sunday July 22th at 14h30 and 17h30
  • Where KUNSTENFESTIVAL WATOU, Parochiezaal, Watou (Poperinge)
  • What ‘Desire and comfort’ is the overarching theme of the 38th edition of the Watou Arts Festival. Vzw Kunst collected stories of artists and poets, which you can discover along the route through the village of Watou. On 22 July at 17h30 you can participate in a circle of We have the choice. At 14h30 you can already attend a lecture by Kristin Verellen.
  • Entrance Free – TO PARTICIPATE AT THE LECTURE OR/AND AT THE CIRCLE, YOU MUST ALSO HAVE A DAY TICKET FROM THE ARTS FESTIVAL WATOU. YOU CAN BUY THIS ON THE SPOT FOR 19.5 EUROS / ADULT.
  • Registration Obligatory
8Jun '18

Open Circle Ramadan Cérise d’Eté Schaarbeek

  • When Friday, June 8 at 7:30 pm
  • Where GC De Kriekelaar, Rue Gallaitstraat 86B, 1030 Schaarbeek
  • What This year also, the Circles will be present in Muslim communities in Brussels and Antwerp. Organizations offer an iftar meal to their communities during the month of Ramadan. The iftar meal marks the breaking of the Muslim fast every day at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Iftar gatherings are joyous moments of togetherness, with food and drinks being shared, often with a whole community.
    We organize the Circles just before the meal – as a moment of quiet, introspection and togetherness.
  • In partnership with GC De Kriekelaar and Citizenne
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Obligatory
1Jun '18

Open Cirkel Ramadan Dar Al Amal Molenbeek

  • When Friday, June 1 at 8 pm
  • Where Dar Al Amal, Rue de Ribaucourtstraat 51, Molenbeek
  • What This year also, the Circles will be present in Muslim communities in Brussels and Antwerp. Organizations offer an iftar meal to their communities during the month of Ramadan. The iftar meal marks the breaking of the Muslim fast every day at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Iftar gatherings are joyous moments of togetherness, with food and drinks being shared, often with a whole community.
    We organize the Circles just before the meal – as a moment of quiet, introspection and togetherness.
  • In partnership with Le Foyer / Dar Al Amal – La Maison des Femmes
  • Entry Free
  • Registration Obligatory
26May '18

Open Circle Ramadan Molenbeek

  • When Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 pm
  • Where Community Center Maritiem, Rue Vandenboogaerdestraat 93, Molenbeek
  • What This year also, the Circles will be present in Muslim communities in Brussels and Antwerp. Organizations offer an iftar meal to their communities during the month of Ramadan. The iftar meal marks the breaking of the Muslim fast every day at sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Iftar gatherings are joyous moments of togetherness, with food and drinks being shared, often with a whole community.
    We organize the Circles just before the meal – as a moment of quiet, introspection and togetherness.
  • In partnership with Molenbeek City Council
  • Entrance Free
  • Registration Required
4May '18

Circle Atheneum Antwerp

  • When? 4 May from 8.20 till 10.00 and from 15.00 till 16.40
  • Waar? ATHENEUM Antwerp
  • Wat? Pupils from the 6th grade (highschool) share with each other how they see their future and what all those years at school has taught them.
22Mar '18

Reconnection Ritual with choreographer Lisbeth Gruwez and dervish Osman Catik

  • Whenr? 22 March 8 p.m.
  • Where? BOZAR, Rue Ravensteinstraat 23, 1000 Brussels
  • What? Two years ago Kristin Verellen lost her life partner in the terror attack at Maelbeek station. Circles – We have the choice is her response to this and other forms of hardening, polarising and extreme violence. A citizen’s initiative that uses an age-old ritual – the Circle – in new ways, in places where there is a need for people to stop, listen and connect. In places where cultures come into contact with one another, for example. This Reconnection Ritual, with choreographer Lisbeth Gruwez (Voetvolk) and dervish Osman Catik (Derwish Advisory), is also an encounter between East and West. It is an invitation to form a ‘We’ which embraces the ‘I’ alongside hundreds of fellow citizens and young dancers from all over the world.
  • Entrance? Free entrance
  • Booking? Booking compulsory
21Mar '18

Open Circle BRUSSELS KAAITHEATER in the context of Re:Rite

  • When? 21 march 2018 from 18:30 till 20:00
  • Where? Kaaitheater | Sainctelette Square 20 | 1000 Brussels
  • What? Open Circle followed by a conversation with Jone Salomonson, Koen Vansynghel and Kristin Verellen.
    MOURNING, COMMEMORATION & NEW RITUALS
  • Host? Kristin Verellen
  • Facilitation of the Circle? Stien Michiels & Karen Van Heuckelom
  • More info? www.kaaitheater.be
14Mar '18

Open Circle in BRUSSELS on March, 22

  • When? 22 March 2018 at 17:30 till 19:00
  • Where? BOZAR, Salon royal | Rue Ravenstein 23 | 1000 Brussels
  • What? 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. After the Circle you can join us for the “Reconnection Ritual” with choreographer Lisbeth Gruwez (Voetvolk) and derwish Osman Catik (Derwish Advisory) in the Horta Hall. CAUTION, for this part you have to book on the website of BOZAR.
9Mar '18

Circles Zinnema Brussel

  • When? 9-10 march 2018 at 20u30 and 11 march 2018 at 15u30
  • Where? Centrum voor Amateurkunsten Zinnema in Brussel (Anderlecht)
  • What? Two Circles in the context of ‘Aline’, a theatre play (in Dutch) written and directed by Stien Michiels, addressing issues of vulnerability, authenticity and connection. In collaboration with CGG Brussels Lila. (Centre for mental health).
  • Registration? Registration via Zinnema.
2Mar '18

Ready to explore the silence “In Between” the melodies?

A little while ago one of the biggest “Circle”-events took place, during the Waerbeke conference in Antwerp. Steven Vrancken’s live music was a very welcome support for everyone to be able to drop deeper into the silence, and the heart-to-heart connection.

On March 1, Steven was again a partner for We have the Choice: his voice and piano supported the words of Mohamed El Bachiri at the book-launch of Waar blijf ik met dat licht van mij?

If you want to experience Steven’s music to the fullest, you are most welcome to his concert in Ghent, March 24th. Wouter Vercruysse on cello and Edwin Vanvinckenroye on violin / vocals, are the featured guest musicians. More info & tickets:   www.stevenvrancken.com

1Mar '18

Bookpresentation

  • When? 1 march 2018 – 20.00
  • Where? KVS_Box | Arduinkaai 7 – 1000 Brussels | (metro IJzer/Yser)
  • What? Book presentation by Kristin Verellen with Stien Michiels, Mohamed El Bachiri & Steven Vrancken, Tutu Puoane & Ewout Pierreux, Helen Borremans, Peter Jacquemyn, Simen Van Mechelen.
29Jan '18

Training Circle Facilitator

  • When? 29 january 2018 – from 9.30u till 17.00u
  • Where? Venue to be confirmed (Brussels area)
  • With? Kristin Verellen, Jean Verstraete & Stien Michiels
  • Price? Free
  • Lunch? Take something with you to share with the others
  • Engagement? Participate in 2 Circles on beforehand. Afterwards facilitate at least 2 Circles
18Jan '18

Open Circle

  • When? 18 January 2018
  • Where? 3E, Kalkkaai 6, 1000 Brussels
  • Supervisors? Kristin, Stien & Johan

Legende  

  • Circles  
  • Projects  
  • Trainings  

Circles

Participating in a Circle is free of charge.

Register:
You are registered when you have received a confirmation by e-mail.  If you are coming with more than one person, please register each person individually.

​Can’t join us on any of these days?
More dates will be added. Subscribe to our newsletter  to be kept informed.

​Good to know:
In a Circle you can speak your own language. The facilitators speak Dutch, French and/or English depending on the people present. Even if you do not understand everything everybody says, we see time after time that listening in a Circle takes place on many levels. The language of silence and connection is universal.

Principles in a Circle:

  • What is shared in a Circle is confidential.
  • Each participant agrees to participate authentically and respectfully, and treats the others as equivalent.
  • We speak from human being to human being. This means that nobody speaks in the capacity of a role, function or rank.
  • No press, no pictures, unless all participants have expressed their agreement explicitly.
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