Spiritual/ Self-Development Book Club • Weekly Sharing Circle • Leicester

Spiritual/Self-Development Book Club • Weekly Sharing Circle • Leicester

Join us for an uplifting and transformative journey in The Soul Library - a spiritual/self-development book club - where together we journey through life-changing, soul-nourishing books.

Together we tread gently, navigating the realm of personal growth and spirituality with other like-hearted souls every Sunday morning.

Discover new perspectives, connect with others on a similar journey, and gain valuable insights to enhance your spiritual and personal development. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or just starting to delve into this realm, all are welcome to join our vibrant community.

• We meet once a week in a deeply nourishing, safe and supportive space, to discuss spiritual & self-development literature.

• We read beautiful books at a very gentle pace, sharing with each other our experiences and insights about what we’ve read each week.

• We explore and discuss spiritual ideas, concepts and practical exercises.

• You will be given the opportunity to share openly and freely in an attentive, non-judgmental environment.

• You will be listened to, supported and held unconditionally.

"Never before have I been able to be so unapologetically me and still been loved and accepted. The Soul Library creates a safe, sacred space for me to let down my barriers and show my vulnerability, whilst exploring new ideas and new ways of thinking. I feel loved and held in this circle of warmth and have experienced a huge spiritual growth in the 2+ years I have been attending." - Vicky R.

"The Soul Library has had a profound impact on my life. I joined during a low point in my life and have seen a genuine evolution in my outlook & attitude, which has translated to real progress. I have learned about the importance of empathy & forgiveness, and how important human connection is in an increasingly disconnected world." - Alex G.

"Since joining The Soul Library I am more content in my self and have experienced a greater level of self-acceptance and inner peace. The circle has nourished my mind on a mental, emotional and spiritual level." - Clare F.

"I honestly believe that Olivia has a gift and is tuned into what needs to be done to help each participant get the most out of every session. Her gentle open approach is reassuring, offering a safe place for all so that sharing is not scary or unsettling. Since attending the Soul Library my tool box is better equipped to help me maintain an inner peace and an understanding that while not perfect, I am enough." - Carol G.

"The Soul Library is like a big, supportive hug. Fundamentally, what I've gained is a thread back to my body and heart." - Bina C.

WHAT MAKES A CIRCLE DIFFERENT TO A SOCIAL GATHERING?

We have some very gentle guidelines that ensure everyone's safety, and allow space for everyone's voices. We are encouraged to be mindful of the length of time we share, so we can all be heard equally. We refrain from interrupting when people are speaking. And we refrain from offering any advice, comment or feedback on what people have shared. We speak only through our own lens about our own experiences, which creates a space free from interjection and judgement.

HOW OFTEN IS THE CIRCLE?

The Soul Library circle is held once a week, for 1.5 hrs.

DO I HAVE TO COME WEEKLY?

Weekly attendance is encouraged, though not expected.

My intention is to create a space that feels like home, that allows for a full body exhale, so coming along each week feels like coming home - a joy and never a chore.

Being a member of The Soul Library is mostly a commitment to yourself and your own healing process. Consistency of attendance contributes to consistency in our healing, as we learn to stay loyal to ourselves beneath all the inevitable internal and external fluctuations we experience.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE IN THE CIRCLE?

Membership is limited to 8-10 members per group. This allows for trust and intimacy to build within the group, and time & space for everyone’s voices.

At any one time there may be between 3-8 members.

I’M AN INTROVERT AND REALLY SHY IN GROUPS. HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO TALK?

You would be free to share as little or as much as you’re comfortable with. Sharing is always an invitation and choice, never compulsory.

I'M LOOKING FOR A SHARING CIRCLE. HOW CLOSELY DO YOU STICK TO THE BOOKS?

The books are a framework upon which the circles are structured. We extract themes and ideas from the books and then expand on those in relation to our own experience. The books are a gentle guide to contain our conversations, but we share on so much more than the text itself. We share our hearts, our lives, our wounds. We are in no way constricted by the words on the page.

I’M REALLY BUSY & WORRIED I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE READING EACH WEEK. HOW MUCH READING IS THERE?

We read the books at a really gentle, manageable pace. Usually 20-30 pages a week.

ARE THE BOOKS RELIGIOUS?

No. We read books that explore healing at a psychological, spiritual and physiological level. This is very much a transformative space, not a prescriptive space, so each individual is supported in finding their own unique tapestry of techniques and modalities that work for them.

I'M APPREHENSIVE ABOUT JOINING AN EXISTING GROUP.

Yes dynamics shift slightly with new members, but in a really gorgeous exciting way. Everyone in the group is so open and warm-hearted and so welcoming of new members. Newer members say they felt accepted from the start and that they always belonged.

I DON'T CONSIDER MYSELF A SPIRITUAL PERSON. IS THAT OK?

We read books that fall under psychological and /or spiritual development. The 'spiritual' books we explore tend to focus on meditation/ deeper ways to connect with ourselves. There is absolutely space for everyone's individual feelings/ experiences/ beliefs.

I also think the word 'spiritual' can be confusing. We often hold many erroneous associations with the word and what we think it means. I definitely did! Spiritual for me means connecting to our inner knowing, our heart wisdom, and the endless wells of awe and gratitude within all of us.

“A circle of women may just be the most powerful force known to humanity. If you have one, embrace it. If you need one, seek it. If you find one, for the love of all that is good and holy, dive in. Hold on. Love it up. Let them see you. Let them hold you. Let your reluctant tears fall. Let yourself rise fierce and love gentle. You will be changed. The very fabric of your being will be altered by this, if you allow it. Please, please allow it.” ∼ Jeannette LeBlanc

Membership of The Soul Library is priced at £25/ month.

The first payment can be sent through Eventbrite, or message me to avoid booking fee. Thereafter it would be via standing order.

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Olivia is a Breathwork Facilitator, Space Holder, Intuitive Guide, Writer and passionate Self-Healer. She believes deeply that we are our own healers, in the magic of circles and the alchemy of our own breath.

Olivia's journey through, and recovery from, substance addiction, self-harm, depression and developmental trauma has gifted her a unique insight into our wondrous ability as humans to heal ourselves, and an unshakeably solid foundation to hold space for your unfolding with limitless compassion and empathy.

Host or Publisher Olivia Mendoza