Core Series

Our "Core" series is a category of events/spaces where we deep-dive into AR & Circling practice with the same committed group of participants for a set period of time.

We currently offer the 'core' intention (details below) in three different formats. Core Practice Group (CPG), Core Practice Group Plus (CPG+) and Core Immersion. The content below sets the baseline for the Core Series and then some of the offerings may have some important differences which are then explained in those sections.

Core Practice Group (CPG) is a series of indefinite participation (minimum of 1 calendar quarter) where participants make a quarterly committment to join and attend the sessions they can and only miss those they must. The sessions take place every week on the same day of the week. As the end of the quarter approaches, the leadership will check in with each member of the group to see if they intend to continue with the group (renew for the next quarter) or if they intend to exit the group. Those exiting the group will begin a closure process with the group and a new participant will join the group in the absent space in the next quarter. CPG is open to participants who have attended at least 3 Circling events and have been Circled at least once.

There are two variants of CPG. There is CPG and CPG+ (working title). CPG follows the intention for core as set out above and under the "What is Core Series?" below.

CPG+ has the following differences: Participation is on an application basis. There is a form to fill out and an intake interview to establish if the group and it's intention(s) are compatible with the applicants intentions. We engage in this process as an effort to maintain potency within the group. The other key dinstinction of CPG+ is we use the practice of Circling as the primary basis of engagement and the focus of our practice, however we privilege each individuals intention for their participation in the group over practice-alone. What this means is coaching and direct feedback is available (and may be offered) from the leadership in service of supporting the participants intentions. Such interventions are not considered part of Circling practice.

Upcoming Dates - CPG (Online): The first CPG online cohort quarter will begin Oct 7th, 2019, please check our meetup page for vacancies and registration.

Upcoming Dates - CPG+: The current CPG+ cohort is full and there are no vacancies. We have a waitlist, if you'd like to be added to the waitlist, please reach out to us.

Core Immersion is a deep-dive weekend long AR and Circling immersion. Again the same intention as outlined below in the "What is Core Series?" applies, in the format of a 3-day weekend immersion.

Upcoming Dates - Winter 2019/2020

What is Core Series? - The video below was created for a past Core series offering named "6-Week Core Circle" and while we do not currently offer that container, the content in the video applies to all Core Series session spaces.


AR is effectively a group of relational practices (often in the form of 'games' or 'experiments') where the intention of each is in service of strengthening our relational muscles around the CORE AR concepts.

Before getting into the concepts, it's probably better to address why we think this work is important. First off we'd caution that we could easily expound on the theory with many examples of how central to our being and our society we believe this work to be. But really what it's about is raising consciousness and awareness such that we can feel more centred and grounded in who we are: to gain clarity and acceptance of ourselves so that we may heal and/or grow.

A principle belief we hold is that growing our capcity is best done in relationship (any kind, from stranger to family). So we gather in a space with others and create a container that serves for us to engage, because no matter how much self-work or therapy we may have done, it's in relationship that we are best reflected and in relationship our patterns emerge and in relationship we must grow to do relationship better.

So what are the Core concepts that we work on and practice to help us do relationship better?

• Honor yourself
• Own our experience. Such that we gain greater awareness to it, and such that we communicate in a way that retains our power and minimizes 'hidden' violence through impact.
• Stay in connection, with yourself primarily, then with other and what's between you and the other.
• Extend Regard, by endeavouring to find the truth in all perspectives, whether we agree or understand. This leads to an intention of accepting others where they are without any requirement they be different.

Exercising these concepts accumulates into an intersubjective meditation practice called 'Circling'. Talking about Circling again could span thousands of words, but in short, it's part group conversation, part meditation and part art-form. It's a practice where we try to get other's worlds. Get what it's like to be them, in the present moment. One of the richest practices of human connection there is, is not only feeling understood but accepted for who we are. Circling gives us access to this experience.

So why the Core Ceries?
ART offers up many drop-in work/playshop type events on a monthly basis where we play relating games via Connection Lab, focus on the present (here-and-now) moment in T-Group or focus on an intersubjective meditative practice called "Circling". These events are great introductions to AR and places where you can experience others with a shared intention for a greater quality of connection than may otherwise be available, for many, there is a sense of community at these events. And, these events, at times may barely scratch the surface of what is possible in immersive connection. Something that an intimate group, meeting on a consistent basis, growing these relationships, building trust and relaxing into connection and vulnerability has a much better chance of revealing.

As such, we invite you to join the next intimate Core Series group where we stretch and build on these muscles and use them in relationship with ourselves and others in the group.

And lastly, some testimonials from past Core series events.

"The Core [Series] experience was extremely enriching for my life. It allowed me to deepen my authentic relating skills and connect more deeply with other members in a way that would[n't] otherwise be possible. The breadth and depth was just right to take my authentic relating experience to the next level. Both Taylor and Joanna were phenomenal leaders and facilitators"
- Will (business owner/consultant)

"In Core, I had the opportunity to express parts of myself that I haven't been able to before [due to the] presence of caring and interested listeners, as well as to offer that to the other participants. This helped me to gain insights into myself that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Joanna and Taylor led by example by being vulnerable and sharing their own struggles with the group."
- Cameron (sales representative)

"[Core] allowed me to form deep connections with people who I met there and deepen the connections I had with the people I already knew."
- Kevin (software developer)

"Core was an incredible experience where I felt truly seen and was able to learn how to provide that space for others. Provocatively vulnerable and honest, Core allowed me to identify blind spots in the way that I relate to others, so that I could better show up in my personal and professional life. I highly recommend the experience!"
- Cherry (teacher)