Listening Circles healthy response to CDL

"A circle offers the chance to speak candidly within a trustworthy, safe environment. Distance learning means there isn't always a trustworthy place for students to speak freely."

Posted October 2020

Staff Reporter

Virtual Listening Circles, started on Sept. 25, are a healthy and necessary way to open up discussions about race, sexual assault, harassment, and anxiety or stress during COVID distance learning.

It is important to let students speak out. A Listening Circle offers a safe area for students to open up. It’s an opportunity for students to speak about different topics, for those who desire to voice their thoughts and haven’t had the chance to. A circle offers the chance to speak candidly within a trustworthy, safe environment. Distance learning means there isn't always a trustworthy place for students to speak freely.

For stressed and overwhelmed students, the Listening Circle will be a friendly place to reduce negative emotions. According to The New York Times, when the brain deals with fear, aggression, or anxiety, amygdala is activated. Its job is to handle the “flight or fight” response. The limbic system is also activated, which determines if something is of danger to and if a response if necessary. However, when the brain is overcome with stress or anxiety, this specific area can take control and can overrule sensible thought processes. U.C.L.A states that forming feelings into words, which is called “affect labeling,” can decrease the amygdala response.

Listening Circles may also improve students’ abilities to speak up and build confidence for those who are unable to speak in front of others well, including tackling serious topics that are important to discuss, like sexual assault, racism, and loneliness.