Open Circle

Open Circle The Open Circle is a non-sectarian community dedicated to supporting the practices of mindful and op We operate on the generosity of our community.

The Open Circle is part of a new spiritual paradigm grounded in experiential awareness, rather than belief systems. We’re a non-sectarian community dedicated to supporting the practices of mindful and open hearted awareness, drawing inspiration from a variety of traditions & fields of study, which point to direct experience as a source of wisdom and love. Started in Berkeley, California in 2004, t

he Open Circle now host events on a regular basis in a few locations in the Bay Area and worldwide on the internet. Our mission is to support and make as accessible as possible a contemporary approach to spiritual practice that is grounded in direct and immediate experience, rather than conceptual belief systems. We do this by connecting people with timeless teachings and awakened teachers as guides, within the framework of supportive community.

* Timeless teachings — Our inspiration is drawn from both the world’s ancient spiritual traditions as well as contemporary psychology and science.

* Awakened teachers — Our meetings feature a variety of local and visiting contemporary spiritual teachers, many of whom are respected worldwide. All of them guide people home to the freedom and love that resides as the heart of their own experience.

* Supportive community — The Open Circle supports both an established San Francisco Bay Area community and a growing worldwide community. Locally, we not only host meetings, retreats, and talks, but we also host musical events, hikes and meditations. Our community events are characterized by compassion, mutual support, and dedication to the well-being of each member and all beings. Open Circle is a non profit organization dedicated to making these teachings of wisdom and compassion easily available.

Lisa Schumacher ~ Yes to Life – Resting in the Heart of Being A series of 4 Bay Area in-person events.In the midst of an...
02/10/2026

Lisa Schumacher ~ Yes to Life – Resting in the Heart of Being
A series of 4 Bay Area in-person events.

In the midst of an overloaded mind and constant striving, it’s easy to lose touch with the quiet wisdom of the heart.

“Yes to Life” offers a sacred space to pause — to rest, reflect, and rediscover the peace that’s already within you. Guided by Lisa’s compassionate presence, you’ll gently release the need to be more or do more—and begin to see beyond the fears and self-doubt that cloud the mind, awakening to the truth of who we really are.

This retreat is an opening — a return to love, stillness, and the simple joy of saying yes to life as it is.

We will begin each meeting with silence, followed by sharing our realizations and questions. There may be exercises in pairs that will help give you deeper insight for your awakening.

Join us for any or all in this series of in-person events
in Berkeley:

Thursday Feb. 19 (7:00pm – 8:45pm)
Friday Feb. 20 (7:00pm – 8:45pm)
Saturday Feb. 21 Daylong (10:30am – 4:30pm)

and in Sebastopol:
Sunday Feb. 22 – (2:00pm – 4:00pm)

https://opencirclecenter.org/event/lisa-schumacher-feb-19-2026/

Find direct link to upcoming events in the bio.

An open meeting in presence.We sit together in loving awareness.There is guidance, inquiry, and shared reflection.You ma...
02/03/2026

An open meeting in presence.

We sit together in loving awareness.
There is guidance, inquiry, and shared reflection.

You may listen, speak, ask questions, or simply sit.
All experiences are welcome.
Silence, thought, emotion, sensation.

A space to return to what is already here,
in the company of others.

All are welcome.

A***n Mateo ~ Open Meeting in Presence: Valentine’s Day Sitting
Saturday, February 14, 2026 @ 9:00am - 11:00am (Pacific Time)

https://opencirclecenter.org/event/arian-mateo-feb-14-2026/

Find direct link to upcoming events in the bio.

05/16/2025
12/17/2024

Embodiment Lab – Experiments in Embodying Presence with Ish*ta Sharma

Date: Sunday, December 22, 2024
Time: 10:30am–12:00pm (Pacific Time)
Location: Online Video Meeting

Join Ish*ta Sharma for a transformative session exploring the body as a doorway to presence and aliveness. Through somatic and energetic practices, this experiential lab will help you reconnect with your body’s innate signals to access healing, coherence, and embodied freedom.

What to Expect:
~Explore inner coherence and tune into sensate presence.
~Engage in somatic and energetic practices for healing and awakening.
~Share insights, ask questions, and deepen your embodied presence.

About Ish*ta Sharma:
A spiritual teacher and Core Energetics Practitioner, Ish*ta blends western mind and eastern spirit to facilitate embodied awakening. With 15+ years of advanced facilitation and a devotion to healing, she supports clients in finding ease in their bodies, joy in their hearts, and authentic connection to Life.

Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/3ZChdmV



Watch Ish*ta Sharma share how ‘everything is a call back to coherence’.

The Light Inside the Dark ~ In Honor of Solstice with Susanne MarieDate: Saturday, December 21, 2024Time: 9:00am–11:00am...
12/16/2024

The Light Inside the Dark ~ In Honor of Solstice with Susanne Marie

Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Time: 9:00am–11:00am (Pacific Time)
Location: Online Video Meeting

Join Susanne Marie for a special Solstice gathering, honoring the stillness and wisdom of the season. Together, we’ll explore resting in equanimity, embracing the darkness within with kindness and allowance, and preparing for the light of the longer days ahead.

What to Expect:
~Rest in the stillness of being, inspired by Solstice's wisdom.
~Open to inner reconciliation by meeting discomfort with acceptance.
~Nurture and heal through surrender and allowance.

Let’s gather in this potent moment to honor our journey and the evolving light within.

Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/3ZV5hho

12/11/2024

Reminder: Embodied Love with Lynn Marie Lumiere, MFT

Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm (Pacific Time)
Location: Online Video Meeting

Relationships can be both a teacher and a challenge, especially during the holidays. Join Lynn Marie Lumiere, MFT for a live session to explore awakened relating and how to navigate relationship triggers with presence, compassion, and love.

Key Takeaways:
~Transform triggers into opportunities for healing and growth.
~Stay connected while addressing projections and reactivity.
~Meet struggles with the loving presence of your being.

Live attendance is encouraged; recordings will be available.

Register now: https://buff.ly/4fcnjQT

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Berkeley, CA
94705

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