Circles of Power

Native Americans and Africans routinely built round houses.  Circular houses and round barns remain unique in the United States, though the landscape is dotted with roundhouses once used to service locomotives and send them on their way.  The word circle (a noun) represents a simple closed curve consisting of all points at a fiven distance from a spot inside it called the center.  The word circle (a verb) means to enclose or surround.

The metaphor of the circle charmed Eric Butterworth, the writer.  All his books invite readers into his  circle of curiosity.  His book The Concentric Perspective: What's In it From Me? (1989), uses the image throughout.  Butterworth explores how our perspecives of our lives shape our lives.  He suggests that when we live from the "circumference of experience" we make decisions from our egos, apart from our intuition (47).  The center of the circle represents Spirit.  He calls on us to return to that spiritual center through prayer and meditation: "There is a mystical center in all; the whole of God is present at every point in space; God is the environment and the center in which I live, move and have being (2)."

The circumference of the circle is also the edge of the circle.  As I have written before, the edge may imply risk.  It may also suggest expansion and growth.  Circling may mean to enclosed, surround, or include.  Jesus critcized the Pharisees of his day for limiting their circle and excluding people form experiencing the Divine.   Jesus' understanding of the Divine allowed for a wider circle: the sick, the outcasts and people outside the Jewish faith, particularly the Samaritans.  Jesus' actions were anchored in God, the center of his being.

In The Concentric Perspective, Butterworth quotes the poem "Outwitted" by Edwin Markham (1852-1940): He drew a circle that shut me out--Heretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.But Love and I had the wit to win:We drew a circle that took him in!Markham taught at the California State Normal School (now San Jose State University).  His circle of admirers grew to an international status.  His poetry reflected idealism, mysticism and support for America's poor.  Markham and Butterworth realized that we may all, at times feel shut out of a circle; we may not be included in decisions that affect us.  Butterworth invites us to utlize the practice and action of love.  Anchor yourself in God, the center of your being.  Then imagine a circle that includes everyone who concerns you (58).  Bring them to mind and picture good in their lives.  Use the power of the circle!