Connection Lab

Fortnightly

Thursday or Friday | 18:45-21:30
Shambhala Centre, SW4 6AY (London)

The Invitation
An Exploration of Authentic Relating and Presence

Connection Lab is a space to slow down, tune in, and explore what it means to connect—both with ourselves and with each other - through the practice of Circling. Whether you're completely new to Circling or have years of experience, you're welcome here.

Sessions are facilitated by experienced practitioners who will guide the space. You can expect a supportive environment where you’re invited to show up as you are—whether that’s curious, unsure, playful, challenged, or anything in between.

Connection Lab is a place to practice being human together—imperfectly, tenderly, and with presence.

Come experiment with us.

FAQs

What happens at each session?

Each session offers a blend of guided practices and open exploration. We'll start with simple, accessible exercises designed to help you speak honestly, listen deeply, and become more aware of your inner world and relational patterns. From there, we’ll move into more spacious forms of connection, allowing what’s alive in the moment to shape the experience.

When?

We meet on Thursdays or Fridays each fortnight - check the tickets to see which nights we're running.

Sessions formally start at 19:00 but doors will be open at 18:45, and we'll formally close at 21:30 but you can stay until 22:00.

What is Circling?

Circling is a relational mindfulness practice that brings people into deeper connection with themselves and others. Through a mix of present-moment awareness, honest expression, and deep listening, we explore what it's like to truly be with one another—as we are.

Who's it for?

Anyone who wants to explore the way they relate to others. Beginners & experienced circlers are both welcome :)

Also, if this kind of transformational group environment feels like it could be overwhelming or destabilising for you—especially if you’re currently experiencing significant emotional challenges or mental health concerns—and you’re unsure whether you’d be able to take care of your own needs during the sessions, we recommend taking time to reflect before signing up. 

What to bring

We’ll provide tea and snacks. You’re welcome to bring a bottle of water or anything else you need to feel comfortable.

Who are we?

Our leaders are all experienced in facilitating Circling events. 

Any questions?

You can contact us on stmbspaces@gmail.com.

  • Sam, thank you so much for your Circling workshop which completely blew my mind. Coming into the session, I thought I knew what it meant to be present, to listen and to pay attention but coming out of the session I realised how little I know. Thank you for showing me what is possible when I ground myself into true presence

    Mohammed, previous participant

  • Oli creates a beautiful, supportive space for us to explore ourselves, build connection and feel present. A wonderful experience.

    Ian, previous participant

  • I often experienced high-intensity emotions during these sessions, but I felt a lot of trust and care in the environment, and so I was able to express them. I came out of each session feeling aliveness, as if everything looked sharper - I always enjoyed my subsequent tube rides home where I noticed and savoured a lot more in my surroundings than usual.

    Charlotte, previous participant

  • “I was new to circling and didn’t know what to expect, but Oli led the way and held the space beautifully. I think there’s huge value to circling - in learning to bring a meditative spirit to interactions and deepening connection with others.”

    Zahir, previous participant

  • I felt a sense of deep-allowing in the way the space was held, and I'm so grateful for this. It's as if this invited all the dynamism in the room to emerge (exciting!!! / activating!!!), and for us to witness each other in our now-ness. There were also some stand-out moments for me, of feeling directly invited into "really being here now" in connection, that feel so precious, and I'm gonna take them with me like little glowing "presence portals" in my life-napsack! Thank you for the realness, nowness, allowing, holding,

    Jasmine, previous participant