I had a student approach me and comment on the 14 pages in Kay Pranis’s book “Peacemaking Circles” dedicated to the talking piece. It was a good reminder for me. I have gathered a variety of talking pieces and my favorites are the ones that other people give me. Introducing a talking piece is a great opportunity to role model sharing. I have found pieces from nature to be calming. I like palm size or easily held with one hand. If you know me, you know I love my rocks as talking pieces.
Keep your eyes and heart open to a new piece, see what the piece brings out in Circle. A good talking piece can often be the subject of a getting acquainted round. I like to remind people if they are wanting to pass, to just take a moment and hold the piece and consider moving from head to heart. Checking in with the heart to make sure there is really nothing to say.
Leave a comment about your favorite talking piece!