The Guest House Circle

Type of Circle: Popcorn

This is a good circle for high school students. We have used it with great success in continuation and alternative schools, where students volunteer to come to a circle that is not part of a regular class. Before using the Guest House format, have at least two or three “getting to know you” type of circles so students learn about the talking piece, guidelines, and make agreements. Clear agreements about confidentiality are especially essential for Guest House Circles. The poem speaks well to the intensity of the inner life of teens. It is read at the beginning of each circle.

• Begin by arranging the center with several talking pieces. 
  
• Read the poem and then announce: “The guest house is open. Everything is welcome. When someone is ready to begin, pick up a talking piece.” 
  
• There may be several minutes of pregnant silence before someone picks up a talking piece. 
  
• In Guest House Circles talking pieces are not passed around but are instead placed back in the center. There are often a few moments of silent waiting until another student picks up the talking piece. 

• Witness Round: Before closing the circle invite students to make witness comments about the circle. Witness comments can be about anything they noticed during the circle time.
• Closing Round: Invite students to pass the talking piece clockwise and share a brief comment about their experience in the circle. 

The Guest House
Rumi

This being human is a guest-house
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
Who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture, still,

Treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
For some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing,
And invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.