If you are reading this then you should thank a woman because none of us would be here without one. The nurturing power of birth is the miracle given by a mother. This inherent wisdom of giving life against all odds also represents the fearless attitude we must embody as we face the future. Though International Women’s Day was started in 1911, it has continued to evolve and blossom to address the contemporary needs of society. The Global Sisterhood combines ancient practices such as honoring the cycle of the moon, with the emerging capacity to network, communicate, and share a global community online through social media. This merging of ancient and modern provides a perfect template for where humanity is needing to go and it is only fitting that women everywhere are leading the charge.
How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! -Maya Angelou
Sister Circle in Texas
A Globally Synchronized Event Planned for March 8 at 7pm in Your Timezone
Unify, a popular social media and networking platform, has pioneered the globally synchronized event since 2012. This has included meditations, prayer initiatives, social actions and playful flash-mobs designed to remind individuals that we are stronger when we come together and focus on what unifies us rather than divides us. Two empowered, passionate, and inspiring women, Lauren Elizabeth Walsh and Emma Clare Juniper brought their entrepreneurial expertise to Unify in late 2015. By early 2016 the Global Sisterhood launched for International Women’s Day with a global event hosted by 750 women’s circles in 65 countries. The success was so great that a Facebook Group followed with women’s monthly meditations on the new moon that continues to grow.
The Global Sisterhood supports women interested in hosting a local circle with a Sister Circle Guidebook, Organizer toolkit, poster, and private Facebook Group. The guidebook is available in over 6 languages! These local groups are supportive environments for women to grow, explore, and heal together that are united by a global online platform that allows for synchronized events on the new moon. Once each year on International Women’s Day this network joins with many groups across the planet to honor the important role that women play in our society. This year, on March 8, at 7pm in your timezone, there will be meditations and ceremonies to commemorate this special day and potent time to honor the feminine while cultivating sacred sisterhood.
In Her Own Words:
The Global sisterhood first began for me on International Day of Peace 2015. I was invited to speak at an event following the Global Synchronized Peace Meditation at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The event was with both men and women, but I requested that I do something specific for the women. The event producers loved the idea of having a time where men and women were separated, so they arranged for me to speak in the back courtyard and the men remained inside. To begin my speech I said " I have competed with women. I have judged you, I have judged myself, and I am sorry.” I spoke for a while about the silent dynamics between women within society, and also about how the world needs women to truly know our true worth, heal ourselves, lift each other up so we can all transform the world. I then invited women to stand in a circle where I gave each woman a pink carnation. We all closed our eyes, and took a vow to be loving to ourselves, to each other, and to practice true sisterhood. Afterwards, Patrick Kronfli, co-founder of unify asked If I wanted to produce a global event for Unify that honors women. I had never done anything like that before, but I felt the call in my heart to give it a try. I knew I needed help, and he introduced me to Emma. From the moment Emma and I met, magic began to take place. Through our sisterhood we launched an event that turned out to be more epic and powerful then we could have imagined. The event had so much energy, that it naturally became a movement of women gathering every new moon with a new theme. -Lauren Elizabeth Walsh, Co-Founder Global Sisterhood
What is a Sister Circle?
As described by their website, a Sister Circle is “A sacred, women-only space where we share our journey, insights, and stories. It is a safe space for women to be heard, seen, and to transform. We inspire self-forgiveness, empowerment, and healthy relationships with other women.” Since the beginning of time, all cultures have gathered in circles for healing and support. Today, thanks to the internet, we can experience this globally and locally simultaneously!
Sister Circle in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Get Involved!
When you visit the Global Sisterhood Website you will be able to sign up for the free audio broadcast that features a prayer/meditation led by Lauren Walsh and Emma Juniper, along special guest Mona Polacca, a Hopi elder of the International Council of the 13 indigenous grandmothers. Partnering with NGO, Women for Women, this year you also have the opportunity to “sponsor a sister” a program designed to support women in conflict-zones, marginalized women, and refugee women.
Not Just for Women
Though women supporting each other in this powerful way is important beyond measure, Women’s Day is not just for women. Since the majority of people who have read this article are women, it is important to communicate to men why this day and time is important. Men need to learn to support and also hold space for this healing process and communicating this to the men in your life is important. When women are empowered, healthy, and feeling loved, the whole world benefits greatly.
On March 8, please tune in to the audio broadcast online, join the global event or be an ally and support the women in your life. The whole month of March is Women’s History Month, so this will continue after the global broadcast and meditation on the 8th. During times of such political division, the world needs the nurturing, life-giving essence of the feminine and whatever we do to support our sisters, the women in our life, the more we will ALL blossom!