Teachers
Since 2014, I have been traveling in Europe with Manitonquat Medicine Story and his wife, Ellika. Wherever we are invited to lead circles, going whenever possible.
When I was quite new to the circles, I often heard Story say, “Once you are a leader, train your replacement.” This has stayed with me since Story passed away. Circles are not a one- or two-person show. Circles are a primal state of being that reconnects us to nature, to our fellow human beings, and ultimately to ourselves. Therefore, here at the Circleway Network, we strive to make this connection within the circle as accessible as possible for everyone who wishes to participate. Since Ellika and my capacities are limited and we cannot always meet the requests, we have specifically tailored our camps to teach people who want this and have been in contact with us for some time how we run circles, workshops and camps. This doesn’t mean we’re better than others. We simply share our methods, approaches, and attitudes so that everyone can find their own style without straying too far from the traditional knowledge of Story Manitonquat.
“Circles belong to the people, and the knowledge about them resides within each of us.”
That’s why more and more people from our inner circle are joining us, teaching and learning in this process. These people have already spent a lot of time with us. Therefore, I know their hearts and know that they always support the good search and the energy within the circle in the best possible way. Just as Ellika and I can’t be perfect, everyone who participates in circles will encounter people and perhaps have experiences that inspire their personal growth (AFGO). However, it is important to us, also with the understanding that we should think seven generations into the future, that circles become increasingly and consciously anchored within the human collective. Therefore, I am very happy that the pillars on which Circleway stands are being strengthened in this way, through dedicated individuals. Thank you to you and our team for working towards a hopefully better world.
Patrick
I love that I love living. I love that I have strong emotions and at the same time have the choice of how to listen to them. I love feeling connected to myself, others and Mother Earth. And I love that I have experienced listening, expressing and playing in circles. To me, circles are a map of how to connect with all of our relatives: humans, animals, plants and even stars! Circles are human. There is no dogma, only a child-like wonder at the Great Mystery. I support circles because I know they can change people’s lives, just as they changed mine. But they don’t happen on their own. Someone has to call them!
Linda
My name Is Linda. I'm in love with life, my family, and nature. I’m passionate and curious about discovering new things about myself, others, and the world around me. Together with my family, I met Story and Ellika at a Camp in 2012. My heart was touched by their words and actions, and since then, step by step, Camp after Camp, the Circleway has become an ever-greater part of our lives, contributing to transform them for the better. Out of this sense of gratitude, it came naturally to organize Camps and do what possible to support and help spread awareness of the CircleWay. Every Camp is unique, and I learn something good and new, with simplicity, layer by layer, I realize how little I know and how much there is still to discover, and how beautiful it is to do all of this together, in a circle.
Laura
I love the simple, authentic moments in life: being in nature, truly listening, and witnessing people feel free to be themselves and gently unfold. I cultivate the art of deep listening and I believe in the power of circles, in shared silences, in unhurried questions, in the joy of discovery and the wonder of play. The circle, to me, is a space of presence and truth. It is a place of welcome, openness of the heart, and joy of living. It connects us to the rhythm of the Earth, to the intelligence of the body, and to the magic of empathic listening, authentic relationships, and shared laughter. In the circle, everyone belongs, and we can show up just as we are. I support the circle because I believe in its transformative power. It creates trust, nurtures relationships, and allows each person’s uniqueness to emerge and be honored, thus contributing to a new human paradigm grounded in beauty, relationship, and the truth of feeling.
Johanna
Austrian organic farmer, Qi Gong teacher, mother of four. Infected with the Circleway virus since 2012 😉 I felt "home" after the first camp. Why I joined the network: As a mother, feeling community, having support, exchange, and appreciation has changed my life. I am grateful that through Circleway, my perspective and actions have changed towards greater vitality. We need each other, like a biotope; only through the interconnectedness of many different organisms can a healthy life emerge. I wish for all people to feel at home and experience their existence as meaningful within a greater whole. With my work at Circleway, I can contribute to this. What I love about life: water in all its forms, music, and dance.
Aurelia
I love about my life the dream world, to connect with animals, observe the wonder of nature, learn new things and create with my hands. The circle thaught me a new ancient and simple way to connect with each other, a tool that can create magical encounters with others, ourselves and nature. The pillar for a new way of living together in harmony.
Matteo
I love stories, jokes and songs. I love the indigenous wisdom that showed me how to life in harmony with nature. I love the dark deep space inside of me where dreaming the future into being. I love animals and their medicines: I work with their totem to awake the awareness of the gifts and the challenges in our life. In the circles I found healing, belonging and fun. It taught me how to talk from my heart and how to let my feeling out in a safe place where healing and transformation can happen. It taught me to listen deeply in a supportive way, showing me how to touch and be touched by another soul in a respectful and loving way. For me it's a map and a path to unity, cooperation and friendship. I support circle because in the last years I felt on my skin the healing power of real connections, because I believe that only taking care of our relationships we can protect this beautiful planet and grant a future to the next generations. We became human sitting in a circle and I believe it's time to come back and jump graciously into the future.