What are Sister Circles?

Just like medicine, sister circles have been around since time immemorial. A modern term for a ritual so ancient and so natural it didn’t previously need a name, sister circles refers to the gathering of women to talk, share stories, and listen to one another, without anyone jumping in to fix, give feedback, or offer advice.

Historically, these types of spaces would happen organically, especially in situations where women gathered together to cook, sew, and tend to one another. These days, though, they’re much harder to find - especially in professions like medicine, where it can be as tough to share stories with people outside of the field as it is in it, which is why Florescence was created.

Why Florescence?

Unlike nature, which has its seasons for rest and for bloom, modern medicine does not. In a world that seems to be spinning faster by the day, Florescence offers an intentional place for women in medicine to pause. To notice how the seasons are impacting us and our work, explore where there might be more room for blossoming, creativity, joy, play, or lightness, and extend an invitation to explore more of them in your life.

A modern take on an ancient art, Florescence was created for women in medicine who want more than what traditional peer groups offer, understand the benefits of reflective storytelling, and are drawn to the idea of gathering together in a beautiful space, leaving perfection at the door, and coming together over food, flowers, fire, and conversation.

It’s for women who don’t always feel like these spaces are for them, but who don’t really know what kind of spaces might be. The ones who aren’t quite sure where they fit, but feel drawn to something bigger. The ones who love nature and beauty, are awed by the seasons and love the elements, but aren’t sure how it fits into this work.

What Florescence is and isn’t:

Florescence is a seasonal sanctuary open to women working in medicine across all specialities and career stages. While it is CPD, it isn’t your average “wellbeing” professional development workshop or seminar, and, although it is structured and boundaried, it isn’t too rigidly held or full of rules and restrictions.

Florescence is a space for people to share their stories, but it isn’t just a place where you have to dive deep and share struggles and setbacks. Instead, it’s a space where everything is welcome, including joy, wonder, delight, and all the things that help us get up in the morning and keep showing up for our work in medicine, even - or perhaps, especially - when it gets hard.

What to expect at Florescence:

Now: As soon as you sign up, you’ll receive an email with more details. If you have dietary issues or other requirements, you’re invited to share these with us as soon as possible so we can make sure you can join in and don’t have to miss out on any of the good food and fun.

The day before: Just before we gather, you’ll receive another email with directions to the venue and a few last-minute reminders, including a reminder of our shared values - like confidentiality and agreeing not to give advice - that allow spaces like Florescence to work so well.

On the day: Florescence takes place at the gorgeous Riverbank Cafe beside the River Wharfe in Burnsall, with candle-lit tables, crackling fire, and a beautiful view of the fading light over the Yorkshire Fells. There’s plenty of parking close by and we have the whole venue to ourselves, so you don’t have to worry about back-up plans or privacy concerns.

The structure of the evening: We begin the evening by sharing a delicious light supper together, giving us the chance to get to know one another and ease into the space. After this, we’ll gently transition into the circle space, gathering together around a stunning seasonal centrepiece, and giving anyone who wants to speak the chance to share their stories. Depending on the season and the needs of everyone on the day, we’ll also share seasonal poetry, journalling prompts, gentle mindfulness and breath-based practices, and opportunities for creative expression.

The closing of the space: After the sharing circle, there’ll be a little more time to linger, meander, and soak up the space before we head back out into the world.

Join us - a space for women in medicine to breathe, bloom, and belong.