Are larger groups with more than 10 members supported in LISN? Yes, of course.

A group of people may primarily be linked in the form of an affiliation/club/association that demonstrates common interest or purpose.

Because of size and organization, LISN_Organizations may not have the spiritual intimacy of a LISN_circle.

Typical examples are:

religions (religious beliefs and denominations) which are people who connect with a common belief or faith.

ethical stances (eg ecological protection) and

behavioral similarities (Eg Alcoholics Anonymous).

Group hierarchies are supported in LISN affiliation groups in order for members to find people who share these affiliations.

e.g. I may be starting a LISN_CIRCLE or council and I wish to invite others who are “Spiritual But Not Religious” to join. If someone has indicated they have indicated they are “Spiritual But Not Religious”  and have made this public (every affiliation can be private or public) then I can find and invite them.

Considering affiliations is also a way of understanding self. Why do you want to affiliate? etc

Humans organize themselves in many ways. We are complex beings, and like to affiliate and know where we stand in belonging to, or affiliating with, other humans.

LISN provides each group with the ability to have a parent group. (The group to which it affiliates or belongs)

For example, if I have a 100 people in a spiritual group, it may be a religious group or a group to protect the environment, it doesn’t matter what, there typically will be small LISN_groups that connect together – it could be to pray together, or a listening circle, or an ethical action group. Let’s say there are 8 subgroups of 10 each, leaving 20 who are just part of the main group, but not active in a small group.

With me so far?

Now each of the sub-groups can be formed, maintained and have their own calendar, members, and group intent etc within LISN. That is simple. But how does the larger group keep track of the subgroups?

They form subgroups and assign the major parent group as the parent.

If you choose menu option GROUPS > LIST GROUPS you will see only a few major groups listed, and for each of them there are child groups shown.

If you click on child groups, you will be shown the groups that belong to that heading.

This hierarchy can be very deep, especially with religions. Have a look at abrahamic religions as an example. Each child has further children nested below in a family tree.

Hence it is quite easy to support subgroups in any group.

Any member can create a group and invite friends to that group. Whoever creates a group becomes the administrator of that group, but may assign joint administration or transfer administration rights.

Each group is required to select tags which indicates the intent of the group.

Generally this is an easy choice, but you are welcome to contact us if you need guidance.

In addition to the group tag (Type of group, the purpose for which it exists) you may want your group to also have a parent, which indicates a single affiliation or belonging to a wider group. Your group would then be a sub-group or child group of the chosen parent.

These two are illustrated here:

Let’s say I have a LISN_circle group of 6 people that is meeting to meditate. I can form that on my own and become the administrator, invite friends and operate.

The type of group (Group tag) chosen will be [LISN CIRCLE]

after continue to 2 Settings

Choose public, private or hidden group, a LISN CIRCLE will typically be private.

On settings tab there are group types listed, THESE ARE FOR LISN CIRCLE ONLY and any number of relevant intentions can be checked.

Next step 3 Photo – optional profile photo can be loaded (or skip)

Next step 4 Documents – Set permissions to upload any documents you may wish to share (or skip)

Next step 5 Location – Specify the location where the group meets. If it is virtual, it is suggested to use the location of the administrator (Country, Postcode minimum) as you type matches will be shown, select from the list to be a valid location.

Next step 6 Cover Image – default will be loaded, can be skipped.

Next step 7 Invites – You can add friends to your group. Or you can upload friends into your group in bulk by contacting LISN admin.

Next step 8 Hierarchy –

Click on the field marked “No parent group”

If you are a member of other groups, you can make this group a child of one of the groups you belong to.

The parent will be chosen from the list provided:

Select who can amend the parent, typically only group admins.

Select what activity you want to see from the parent tree above.

Congratulations, you are now the administrator of a LISN CIRCLE!

You can edit all of the above as administrator by SEARCH group name, click on group, and then click MANAGE tab

Talking circles, peacemaking circles, or healing circles, as they are variously called, are deeply rooted in the traditional practices of indigenous people.

 In North America, they are widely used among the First Nations people of Canada and among the many tribes of Native Americans in the US. Healing circles take a variety of forms,but most basically, members sit in a circle to consider a problem or a question.

The circle starts with a prayer, usually by the person convening the circle, or by an elder, when an elder is involved. A talking stick is held by the person who speaks (other sacred objects may also be used, including eagle feathers and fans). When that person is finished speaking, the talking stick is passed to the left (clockwise around the circle). Only the person holding the stick may speak. All others remain quiet.

The circle is complete when the stick passes around the circle one complete time without anyone speaking out of turn. The talking circle prevents reactive communication and directly responsive communication, and it fosters deeper listening and reflection in conversation. It also provides a means for people who are prohibited from speaking directly to each other because of various social taboos to speak and be heard.

Healing circles are often called hocokah in the Lakota language, which means a sacred circle and is also the word for altar. The hocokah consists of people who sit together in a talking circle, in prayer, in ceremony, and are committed to helping one another and to each other’s healing. Hocokahs may participate together in purification and other ceremonies and usually camp together when traveling to larger gatherings, such as the sun dance. Healing circles have also been used for recovery from alcoholism in some aboriginal communities.

From

Introducing Healing Circles and Talking Circles into Primary Care in The Permanente Journal

Sitting in circles to tell stories, to hear what is happening, and to process community issues was always present. Everyone understands the beauty of sitting around a campfire and listening to stories. Being heard is a great gift, and learning to listen equally important.

Then with the industrial, and now the information, revolution, many people found it difficult to locate groups where their needs to do this are met. This is what LISN is offering, to connect people to appropriate LISN_circles.

LISN encourages members to form a group, or participate by joining one, and becoming part of the spiritual LISN_CIRCLE movement.

Many emerging LISN_circle disciplines have statements of intent for intimate support of spirit/soul.

Some also have codes of practice for their circles or councils.

Illuman, as an example, has Five Touchstones :

• Centering: we are grounded in the power of the here and now.
• Gathering: we listen deeply to each other’s stories.
• Connecting: We choose others with whom to walk, shoulder-to-shoulder.
• Releasing: We let go of the ways that no longer serve us.
• Serving: We honor the earth and  serve the whole human community.

Courage & Renewal, has 11 touchstones.

Such statements of intent are similar to each other.