Guardian Circles - Seasonal Journeys of Shared Purpose

Step Into a Living Cycle of Change

Guardian Circles are guided journeys (virtual or in-person) designed to align your personal transformation with the rhythms of the natural world. The ultimate aim is to discover how each of us can uniquely serve our local, more-than-human communities. Circles are structured, cooperative paths to find your regenerative purpose.

We are now hosting exploratory Circles in small, supportive groups, through which participants tap directly into one of the four, seasonal gateways: awakening, growth, harvest, and surrender.

Circle Structure & Weekly Rhythm

Structure, adapted for local and virtual groups:

  • Duration: Three months (aligned with a season)

  • Frequency: Weekly gatherings (in-person or virtual based on group preference)

  • Meeting Length: Two hours

  • Location: Easily accessible natural spaces or comfortable virtual settings

Weekly Rhythm:

  • Weeks 1, 2, and 4: Group meetings to share reflections, engage in simple rituals, and discuss weekly themes.

  • Week 3: Solo or paired nature exploration, self-guided with simple prompts.

Specific meeting days and times will be determined collaboratively by circle participants based on availability.

Upcoming Seasonal Circles (Open for Registration)

Each seasonal circle aligns with equinoxes and solstices. Explore dates, availability, and sample activities:

  • ☀️ Summer Circle (June Solstice – September Equinox)
    Expansion: deepening presence, community action, and growth.
    Sample activities: Threshold walks, sun mapping, shadow seeking
    👉 [Contact us or someone currently signed up]

  • 🍂 Fall Circle (September Equinox – December Solstice)
    Harvesting: reflecting, gathering wisdom, and gratitude.
    Sample activities: Gratitude mandala, ancestor walks, mutual graciousness ceremonies
    👉 [Contact us or someone currently signed up]

  • ❄️ Winter Circle (December Solstice – March Equinox)
    Release: letting go, resting, and clarifying vision.
    Sample activities: Darkness meditation, bare-tree reflections, dream tracking
    👉 [Contact us or someone currently signed up]

  • 🌱 Spring Circle (March Equinox – June Solstice)
    Awakening: reconnecting with vitality, curiosity, and new beginnings.
    Sample activities: Sit-spot practice, nature journaling, intention midwifery
    👉 [Contact us or someone currently signed up]

Circle Project & Guardian Designation

Each seasonal circle culminates in a tangible, local, regenerative project—individually or designed collaboratively with fellow Circle members—to be implemented in over the three months following the End of Season Gathering. Projects should provide clear benefits to local ecosystems and human communities and consider opportunities to support, and impacts on, frontline communities, including those recovering from climate-fueled events.

Example projects:

  • Creating a community pollinator garden

  • Organizing the restoration of a local stream

  • Launching a tool-sharing service

  • Providing an ongoing support framework for a youth climate group

Participants reconvene three months after the circle ends to share experiences, insights, and to to support each other with next steps. Upon successful reflection and demonstration of implementation—or clear, thoughtful revisions and a plan to re-attempt—participants earn the designation “Guardian” with a bioregional modifier, as in “Blue Ridge Guardian” or “Coastal Chaparral Guardian.” Aspiring Guardians can identify their home bioregion here, but are welcome to define an ecosystem of responsibility by different parameters.

Personal Rites of Passage

A significant part of Guardian Circles is the ancient and important practice of creating personal rites of passage. These ceremonies formally acknowledge life's transitions, challenges, and triumphs within a supportive community. Each circle collaboratively designs unique rites of passage for every participant, formally recognizing key moments like career shifts, parenthood, grieving, and new beginnings. As Guardians, you'll always have this peer network to support and honor future moments of change and growth.

What You’ll Gain

  • A stronger sense of personal and shared purpose

  • Lifelong tools for navigating change with courage, joy, and grace

  • Connection with a diverse and dedicated peer group

  • A meaningful relationship with your local seasons and ecology

  • A tangible regenerative project with clear community benefit

  • The earned designation of "Guardian," backed by parent climate support network The Climate Coaches.

  • The opportunity to become a guide for future circles in the season you've completed, once you've successfully implemented your project and earned your Guardian designation—no additional fees or training required. Our vision is a thriving community of Guardians who deeply know themselves, understand how to seek support, and humbly ask for and offer help.

Role of the Circle Guide

Seasons are our oldest and wisest teachers on the eternal subject of change—no human could hope to offer comparable guidance. The role of your circle guide is therefore not to lead, but to facilitate your collective journey. The guide personalizes activities according to the unique needs, passions, and goals of each group, supporting members through service project ideation and planning, rite of passage creation, addressing logistical or interpersonal challenges, and acting as a solidarity partner, ally, and friend during throughout.

Our first and current Circle Guide is Michael (Aweed) Nyoka. Michael has led wilderness encounters as a Wildlife Preserve Ranger, Public Nature Guide, Exotic Wildlife Educator, and Trail Builder. He is qualified in emergency first aid, leadership development, survival techniques, and small group facilitation through the U.S. Marine Corps. He has also a certified nature interpretation guide through the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the founder and principal instructor of the San Diego Foraging School.

FAQ

What if I can’t attend every gathering?

Regular attendance helps build trust and connection, but occasional absences are understandable. Recordings and peer check-ins help you stay connected.

Can I join more than one seasonal circle?

Yes! Many participants find value in experiencing multiple seasons as they build deeper connections and learnings.

If you have additional questions, please reach out!