Reading Circle Guidelines

  • Readings will be recommended by circle members and determined by consensus.

  • Participate one selection at a time or commit to every session. Let time and interest guide you.

  • Number of meetings  and time between them will be dependent upon the length of the reading selected and also agreed upon by consensus.

  • All members will agree to reading the selection before each meeting. Flexibility will be given to members. We trust your presence indicates adequate ability to participate in an informed discussion (i.e., have some knowledge &/or curiosity about the selection).

  • Moderator for each meeting is selected based upon who recommends the agreed upon reading.

  • Moderator facilitates discussion.

    • Can prepare discussion questions.

  • Guardian for each meeting is (ideally) the moderator from the previous reading.

    • Guardian monitors time to give each participant ample time to speak in the 90 minute session.

    • Guardian also monitors the balance of participation and helps keep the focus on the reading.

Garden of Old Bones Reading Circle

Please consider joining us for the Garden of Old Bones Reading Circle where Garden members come together to share selected books, stories, essays, poems, articles, etc. of personal interest and to learn from each other’s unique perspectives.

We hold moderated conversations on the subjects of feminine spirituality, aging and legacy, the creative process, conscious eldering and more. Our values are collaboration, flexibility, spaciousness, and commitment to a connected conversation about the topics we select. We may combine art and other expressions with our reading to deepen the experience.

This is a generously co-created experience. We collaborate on the selections, the pace of reading, and the dates and times to meet. There will be a moderator for each session who will guide the discussion, and a guardian to protect the group guidelines.

Special thanks to Helen Matusow-Ayres, with Lezli Censullo, for bringing this idea to life for the Garden of Old Bones. May it flourish!

Additional information for each book discussion meeting will be posted in our Calendar.