The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

WOMEN exchanging ideas and conversing with one another is at the heart of the Goddess Circle, a monthly gathering of like-minded individuals who by listening, understanding and sharing experiences aim to be a source of upliftment for others.

The Goddess Circle was started by life coach Alexis Bethel, who is also the owner and founder of Studio Ohana. She started the gathering to create a community of women who have conversations that heighten their awareness to various issues.  

A large part of the Goddess Circle focuses on personal development, Ms Bethel told Tribune Woman. 

“As women a lot of us have day-to-day conversations that don’t really feed our souls or allow us to fully express ourselves or what we have going on in our lives. The Goddess Circles really invites women to step out of their ‘everyday’ and have conversations that bring a deeper awareness, not only of ourselves but a greater compassion for what so many women experience,” she said.

While the group focuses on personal development, it also aims to bring new ideas to women who may be interested in learning.

“For instance, we’ve had circles on Reiki, essential oils, veganism, Ayurveda, etcetera. Some of these things women may have heard of but never really had access to. We really want to offer exposure of different ways of healing and living that women can choose to go deeper toward if they’re interested,” said Ms Bethel.

Meetings are usually led by Ms Bethel, however, guest speakers are invited from time to time to share information on a variety of topics. 

Tomorrow evening’s circle will be led by vegan chef Marlene Leduc, who will help to demystify veganism (or the plant-based diet). It will be held at Studio Ohana beginning at 7.45pm. 

During the meeting, the women will be instructed on how they can integrate more delicious, creative and accessible plant-based meals into their diets that also fulfill all nutritional needs. During the gatherings there will also be demonstrations of quick and easy vegan options.

The life coaching/personal development oriented circles are usually more interactive and have space for questions, breaking into small groups and coming back together for group discussions. 

“Other circles that focus more on introducing a new concept may be more of a talk with a Q&A session. The circle really does change in nature every month,” Ms Bethel said. 

The Goddess Circle model was first launched by Ms Bethel’s life coach in Washington, DC. Then, in July 2015, Ms Bethel introduced the Bahamian version of the Goddess Circle.

Here in Nassau, the Circle travelled from house to house of those women who volunteered their space. Since the opening of Studio Ohana in January 2016, the Goddess Circle now has a permanent home. All women are welcome to participate in the circle on a monthly basis.

• For more information visit http://www.studioohanabahamas.com.