SACRED CIRCLE

 Here is the secret symbol and signal of where my work begins when help build and sustain a sports culture...The Sacred Circle.

In the circle of life, we are all connected. It’s designed to create unity. We are all equal in the circle. We are all one, related. The power of the world always works in circles.”
Oglala Lakota Nation

Every one of my 115 championship cultures win the day by connecting in a circle. This gesture aligns them with our core values, our mission, our goals and our “WHY”...why we come together and play the game. It is a signal for everyone to connect and announces that we are ready to begin our work. It’s a signal to remind us that we are here for each other to win the day and begin the work we promised to complete.

The circle has been used also as a sacred symbol for thousands of years by various ancient cultures such as Celtic, Taoist, Buddhist and Native American tradition. For the American Indian, the circle is the symbol of Mother Earth in complete balance with no beginning and no end. They have referred to it as the “Sacred Hoop.” Chief Black Elk, Lakota warrior and visionary, reminds us how all the power of the world forms the shape of a circle. The Lakota nation gathered in circular formations because the circle was a symbol of connection and harmony in the universe.

I believe that this sacred symbol is perhaps more relevant and profound today than ever. For my work, it is emblematic of the connection, caring and core values of the cultures I help create with athletic teams. All of my teams use the CIRCLE as a reference point and reminder of who we are, what we do and most importantly why we do it. The significance of the circle is particularly germane to sports when you think about it. All balls are round; a home run is referred to as a round tripper – you round the bases; you play a round of golf placing the ball in a round circular hole; basketball is often called a game of hoops or round ball; you circle the bases in baseball; the circle appears in center court and on the midfield line; defenses and offenses mimic circular patterns. The examples are extensive.

I introduce my teams from the very beginning to the power of the circle and ask them to conduct their practices and games from that sacred space and go outward from there. When we assemble in the circle for the first time, I quickly remind them of its significance for our culture, what I want them to take from it and apply to our team’s journey. Here is what I

talk about with them and I encourage you to do the same when introducing this cultural iconic symbol to your team. Get the team into a closed circle and say:

•   As we stand in this circle notice how we stand together, side by side, unified as one, connected and cohesive.

•   Notice that the circle represents the universal, divine mystical journey with no ending.

•   The center of the circle is an empty space. Let it be a reminder of how we keep our minds empty, full of potential, ready to fill it with all that we need to know as we go forward open and receptive to new possibilities. In Japanese, this “negative space” is called Ma, reminding us to step back and see with a whole perspective. It is the concept of less is more.

•   The shape of the circle is the letter “O” which stands for our ONENESS of heart, oneness of soul, one mission, one goal. Feel connected with our hearts.

•   The shape allows us to see each other, eye to eye, the eyes being the windows to the soul, communicating non-verbally our readiness to serve one another and go to battle for something bigger than each other.

•   Notice how we are all equal...no one in front of you, no one in back, no one above you, no one below. We are equal yet diverse, whole and inclusive, connected and strong.

•   We are a protected boundary, not to be penetrated by the opponent or unwelcomed.

•   With your eyes closed, feel the energy and strength of our group. Remember your promises, to out and Win the Day.

  At first, you may have to read this to the group until memorized. Either way the power of the circle is felt by all. Every time the team enters the circle – before the start of practice, prior to a game, team locker room meetings, bonding and team building exercises, the athletes can feel such power. I always use the circle as the starting point of any team activity which signals...we are ready to begin.