The Resiliency Circle (everything you need to know)

A monthly virtual space where we gather, write, play, and grow

What is it?

The Resiliency Circle is a once-a-month virtual gathering that I host for paid readers of For the Birds. Born of my belief that we need strengths-based, trauma-informed lenses in our creative practices as much as our therapeutic ones, I craft these hour-long gatherings so that they are nourishing, generative, and fun. Neurodivergent and highly sensitive folx are especially welcome and encouraged to attend!

What does a gathering look like?

Usually we write, with me guiding the group through a series of themed prompts. Sometimes we chat. Sometimes we “body double” and work on our own separate projects in each other’s company. I make a gentle plan for each session, which I announce beforehand (so you can decide if it’s something you want to show up for).

A few examples of past gatherings:

• One time we investigated the quality of our attention, and wrote about the things we love.

• One time we talked & wrote about success / failure / freedom.

• One time we used Brenda Ueland’s notions of the “human ego” versus the “divine ego” to reflect on our own creativity.

• One time we took turns sharing one thing we were struggling with and one thing we were celebrating.

• One time we read Joan Didion’s “On Keeping a Notebook” and had a mini reading & discussion club.

And more. So, so much more. But the through-line is always the same: we tend our creativity by using our creativity, and also by reflecting on it.

When does it take place?

Beginning in 2025, and to better accommodate global readers, I’ll be shifting back and forth between two different meeting times:

• 5:15pm Pacific / 8:15pm Eastern on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evening

• 9:30 am Pacific on a Friday morning

I do my best to schedule gatherings with the moon in mind.

FAQ

1. How much will I be expected to engage? As an autistic human, I hold spaces with neurodivergent accommodations front of mind. I generally don’t “call on” people or push folks to talk or share. I encourage you to show up fully, but on your own terms of fullness. Keeping your camera off and/or limiting your contributions to the chat (or just writing & thinking quietly alongside the rest of us) is always welcome, and never seen as a less valuable form of participation.

2. I want to attend, but I can’t afford a paid subscription. Reach out and I will comp your subscription! My priority is getting folks into the room who need and want to be there.

3. Are there replays? Not at this time. I’m holding these in the spirit of being in time&space together.

You simply cannot learn and know at the same time, and this is a frustration all artists must bear.

~Mary Ruefle

Questions? Requests? Reach out!