Preparing for ONLINE REST + RISE Sacred Support Circles

Welcome to Rest + Rise!

My name is Shayla – I am the Founder of THE SACRED WAY, which is my soul aligned mission of inviting the Sacred Back to Society through Workshops, Coaching, Community and Ceremonies, like this one. 

You have been invited into the ancient tradition of ‘Sitting Circle’ – Yes there’s a lot to unpack here, especially if you’re new to ceremony or don’t quite understand the terminology, and there is a lot to explain, so please forgive the long post. 

Ceremonies date back to the beginning of time, humans have long been sitting in sacred circles like we will be doing today. Circles are the most ancient, sacred shape across time, cultures, traditions and spiritual lineages. 

They are universal symbols of…

• Unity + equality  (all face the center, all reflect the Divine, no one above or below, all honored)
• Eternity + Wholeness (no beginning, no end – completeness of being)
• Container of Energy (holds energy like a bowl, present awareness)
• Divine Order (Proverbial womb of God, alignment with Divine, Invite the sacred into the space)

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Sacred Intention

My intention for this Sacred Support Circle is to hold the frequency of safety, presence, love and clarity. Rest + Rise (R+R) was designed as a support for those going through hard times. Whether struggling with grief, overwhelm, insecurity, doubt, anxiety, depression, financial issues, health concerns, divorce, as a first responder, whatever it may be…

• The circle can hold your burdens 
• The circle gives you permission to rest, to take a sacred pause in your busy life
• The circle can witness your experience. You are allowed to acknowledge your trauma. You are not required to endure one hardship after another and keep going like nothing’s happened, expected to just “get over it”
• The circle helps you process so you can release to make space for joy and peace and relief
• The circle allows you to rise into your God given potential. You are only stuck if you want to be. You have the choice to take up your mat, and walk… you are already free. You just need to claim it. 

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SAFETY:

In order to keep this space safe, I need to explain a few things:

Sacred Space

We are entering sacred space which means we are inviting God, Spirit, Creator, into ceremony with us. Your presence is key to creating an impactful ceremony. Try to avoid anything that will distract you. 

This time is for YOU. Feel free to add to the sensory experience with dim lighting, candles, essential oils, soft textures and anything else that will create a space that feels inviting to you. 

Safety is of the highest concern, in every capacity. Everything is an invitation, not a requirement. Feel free to skip anything that doesn’t feel in alignment for you. Whatever is said in circle, stays in circle. Privacy and respect are absolutely required. This is a judgement free zone. We are not here to fix anyone, we believe each one of us has the medicine inside ourselves, to heal. We are here to witness one another and honor each other as sovereign beings. 

We also acknowledge that we move in our own authority to make the choices that are right for us. If you need to use the restroom, take a call, or this isn’t for you, that is totally fine, there is zero judgement, do what you’ve got to do, you don’t need permission. 

Breathwork Safety

The breath is critical for life and becomes a sacred tool for healing, clarity and inner alignment. We forget to breathe when we are disconnected from our bodies. Breathwork brings us back into the body, it regulates the nervous system, releases stored trauma, connects us deeper to Spirit, and the present moment. 

I am going to guide you to breathe in a rhythmic pattern to specific songs, but this should not feel forced at all. If at any point something doesn’t feel right in your body, please return to your natural breath. You are always in control. It is normal to feel some tingling in your hands and feet because your body is taking in so much oxygen at one time. But if ever you feel dizzy, panic or overwhelm, open your eyes, continue to your natural breath and move your body to feel grounded.

Breathwork is coming back home to your body, not leaving it. 

Because breathwork is such a powerful tool for healing… if you are pregnant, have a history of seizures or epilepsy, severe anxiety or panic disorders, heart conditions, or very recent trauma, you may want to opt out of the breathwork portion and take the very gentle approach by just breathing naturally through it. 

Everything is an invitation. You are not obligated to do anything you are not comfortable with. You are in full control. Again, if you need to, open your eyes and move your body. 

Disclaimer: By participating in this circle, you are acknowledging and agreeing to creating a safe container for rest, healing and renewal. If you do not agree, that is totally fine, you are released in love and free to leave the space with zero judgement. 

The entire ceremony will take between 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how it flows. If you need to leave at any point, feel free to do what you have to do. If you have any questions, please email me or message me through The Tribe and I will respond as soon as I can. 

I’m looking forward to Sitting Circle with you and am honored to be your guide on this Sacred Journey. Until then… 

Blessings + Peace,

Shayla D. 

www.thesacredway.faith