Delicious Diversity Cohort

“Sometimes I feel stuck and I don’t know how to get out of a difficult space. It helps to hear that there are people – even if it’s a different struggle – that there are people to listen to you and who are willing to share. It’s good to know that we are each doing our best and doing whatever is possible.”

“The topics that Arpita chose to bring into the sessions were new to me – I didn’t expect it. Marginalisation and Privilege – that’s a conversation we need to have and I’ve not had it in many spaces. I always learn something new.

After attending safe spaces I notice myself checking on my own boundaries – am I comfortable? And that is feeling so good.”

“Arpita is very present in the session. The energy of connection and safety stayed throughout the sessions no matter how the situation changed. She naturally holds space to contain the changes so it doesn’t feel jarring.

Giving importance to silence stood out for me. That you don’t always have to share, you can receive also. Either you talk or just stay silent – I love that.”

“In the time between sessions, I work on the topics subconsciously and that is really a good thing for me. It also helps to settle down the emotions that emerge in a session.”

“This is a space for you to show up as yourself without fear of judgement. So far, we have discussed topics like self-care, slowing down, rest etc. Other things to know: We are all friends here. You are safe! It’s a good balance of lightness and seriousness You can speak if you want or stay silent or switch off your video. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

“Circles have been a space of sharing, authenticity, warmth and listening. It has been a space to listen, share silences and offer some solace to each other. The circles make me feel heard and held, and I wish for every single being to feel that way.”

“The circle was a safe space where I could come to feel a sense of community and share my needs as well as be there to support others with theirs.

They made me see that others were going through similar issues as I was and helped me not feel alone. This helped me work through things that I was stuck at because I knew I wasn’t the only one going through these things.”

“After every session, I’ve carried this sense of safety into the day. I’ve felt comfortable and calm through the next couple of hours at least. I think the circle really made me believe in safe spaces.

It showed up for me in the fact that I felt safe both during the session and carried that after session with me. That felt like a sense of power and community.”

“Feeling alone and isolated during the pandemic, I often found myself giving up hope about finding a sense of community and connecting with people. With these circles, I feel more hopeful and willing to keep searching for belonging.”