Why the Sharing Circle Helps a Person Feel Better

I see numerous people say they feel better after sharing. It may not be right away, but they do come in the Sharing Circle and declare they feel better. But why does it help a person feel better? I would like to share my thoughts on a few reason why this is so.

For one, a person doesn't feel so alone. That when they share they are no longer an isolate. That there are people, in the same boat or not, that actually care and are willing to listen. They are companions to the person in their moment of need. This satisfies the great need for recognition, which helps us feel better.

Second, a person feels heard. They get the recognition that helps them feel like more of a person. That someone values them. Then they think, well maybe I am worth something. They are understood, and perhaps they can understand themselves more. Perhaps they feel, well if they can understand me, maybe I'm not so bad, maybe I'm not such a monster, maybe I'm not so different. This change in perception satisfies our great need for self-esteem, which helps us feel better.

Lastly, it's a safe space to explore problems and to gain clarification of feelings. To lay it all out without fear of criticism, judgement and evaluation. It's a space where people no longer have to waste their time and energy defending who they are and how they feel. This is great because if we can explore our problem, we gain the insights we need to solve them, if they need to be solved at all. And we have the opportunity to discover and to release pent up emotion. And this has a releasing affect, which helps us to feel better.

These are the reasons I believe the Sharing Circle helps a person to feel better. If these great needs are met, then it makes a positive difference and growth in a person's life. They feel better! The Sharing Circle is a place that allows us to be our self. And that in itself is a great gift.. I hope people continue to use it and I recommend: Get out there and share!

Thanks for listening!