The Healing Circle
Healing circles are sacred events involving individuals committed to helping one another in prayer. It is crucial to note that these activities are conducted ceremony-like, where people have small talks, pray, sing, and dance. At Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC), the healing circle provides a platform where indigenous people share their sorrows, experiences, and related stories. The believers of this practice have strong faith and believe the ceremony symbolizes wholeness and a form of human communication. Notably, a traditional healer oversees the healing circle and encourages the members to participate via singing, worshipping, prayer, and storytelling. It is believed that healing circles help people to heal wounds, emotions and pain inflicted by self or others.
A Healing Circle Held at a Friend’s House
I heard about Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle online, and since I am not judgmental, everyone is entitled to their beliefs. I shared my curiosity with a coursemate who knew more about healing circles. It was a lucky day for me because, on the weekend, my coursemate would be part of a healing circle at a friend’s house. I was invited to attend, and I had mixed feelings about the whole thing starting from my expectations and how everything would unfold in my eyes. I was excited and scared simultaneously, but I had to try it and have first-hand experience with healing circles.
On Saturday evening, I prepared myself ready to attend this indigenous practice. I went along with my coursemate and his entire family. They were dressed differently, and I felt awkward and uncomfortable momentarily, but I had to master courage and proceed where the sacred gathering was taking place. I was informed that a family member had been battling cancer for over two decades, and the gathering was organized specifically for this old lady. When we arrived at the compound, we were directed to the basement where the activity was happening. We were about thirty members, including the cancer patient.
When all the expected visitors arrived, the meeting started with each person introducing themselves. The man in charge gave us a briefing on the patient’s medical report and all the essential details the members needed to know. Everyone was dressed in white, and both genders had covered their heads, which made everything seem sacred. Our goal was to ensure the patient was happy because she was going for chemotherapy two days later. The gathering was meant to encourage her, pray and make her feel as comfortable with the whole process as possible. We were to remind the patient that she was strong and capable of facing anything; it was vital to note that chemotherapy was just a medical procedure, and she would still receive healing through our prayers and support.
We started with singing, they were melodies I had never heard before, but I still went along and proceeded with a worship song. Afterward, the patient’s condition was discussed as its impact on her family, friends, and the community. The readings from (NASC) Counseling Resources (n.d.) concurred that during these gatherings, there is usually a discussion where the matter gets analyzed, including its effects on close associates and the community. From that discussion, we learned the patient had been battling cancer for the past 24 years; she was a widow with no children. That is why the community has taken care of her and her needs.
During storytelling time, other victims and survivors of cancer shared their healing journey. They acknowledged the role played by the group in ensuring their well-being in all aspects, such as emotionally, physically, and psychologically. We formed a circle and surrounded the patient in prayer, asking for the supreme power for divine healing of the patient. This prayer time was the most emotional moment I have ever had, and I wished the patient received healing. We held each other’s hands and raised our faith for the patient. Afterwards, we shared a meal and drinks since we all believed the mission had been accomplished. We then gave the word of encouragement to the patient and gifts individually. I did not carry anything specific, but I had some cash that I gave the patient, hoping it would support her in one way or another. Everyone did so, and before we left, the traditional healer thanked me for honoring their practice and invited me to the next gathering. I was happy, part of a good course, and I hoped to attend such gatherings.
Reflection
From my experience at Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle, I learned that healing circles are better than online platforms, put it. I also realized that healing circles are of many kinds, like circles for the sick, widows/widowers, and criminal offenders. Participating in a good course where the community has gathered together to bring relevant support and care to their loved ones was good. My heart melted with so much love that people were willing to share with the needy. The thirty members that attended the healing circle for the cancer patient brought all sorts of gifts to the woman, which was so fulfilled emotionally and in every other crucial aspect. My general impression of the gathering was positive. However, I heard, the patient had neglected scientific treatment of the condition hoping to receive divine healing. It was until cancer spread rapidly in her body that the members and she decided to seek scientific interventions.
Ignorance is a destructive disease, and I am glad they realized their mistake and sought effective means to treat cancer. I will teach other believers and the general public that having your beliefs, faith and norms regarding matters is crucial, but we should never bargain our lives with such beliefs. It is a mistake that many people make. To make my arguments clear, I am not disputing the fact that faith does wonders, but we should not dwell on something that, to an extent, affects our reasoning in critical subjects. The healing circle at my course master’s friend was an eye opener of how people sometimes can be ignorant but realize their mistakes save everything.
Lesson Learnt
Healing circles are so informative on different subjects. For instance, at Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle, I learned many things about cancer at the gathering I attended. The methods of screening cancer, how it spreads, the effects on people and how to manage cancer and people living with cancer. Suppose a member is suffering from a specific condition. In that case, they invite a specialist who educates them concerning diagnosis, prevention, spread, and effects, including pharmacological and traditional healing techniques. I also learnt that the members of the healing circles show togetherness compared to another group of believers. They love and care for one another as their own; they help take care of hospital bills, buy groceries and food for the victims, and financially help them. The practice brings people and the community closer.
The most precious gift I got from the gathering was an invitation to attend future gatherings and the privilege of supporting a sick person who had no one but a member of the healing circle to gain support. I got to experience their world and acknowledge how fortunate I was since people are genuinely suffering around the globe, so having someone to rely on means a lot to some people if not all. Participation in the event proved essential in preparing me for my helping practice. I now know the requirements and expectations regarding all activities.
Conclusion
Healing circles are sacred events dedicated to helping one another through prayer and support. For instance, Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle was explicitly meant to pray for the cancer patient who had been battling the disease for more than two decades. Notably, healing circle activities are ceremony-like, where people have small talks, pray, sing and dance. The healing circle provides a platform where indigenous people share their sorrows, experiences and related stories. The believers of this practice have strong faith and believe the ceremony symbolizes wholeness and a form of human communication. Notably, a traditional healer oversees the healing circle and encourages the members to participate via singing, worshipping, prayer, and storytelling. It is believed that healing circles help people to heal wounds, emotions and pain inflicted by self or others. Gifts and relevant support, whether emotional, financial or psychological, are also given to the victims.
References
Counseling Resources. (n.d.). Niijkiwendidaa Anishnabekwewag Services Circle. Retrieved March 13, 2023, from http://www.niijki.com/counselling-resources.html
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