Arriving into 2026

January in the IFS Community Circles was about arriving and orienting. We’re right in the middle of winter. an invitation to be slowing down rather than rushing ahead. Beginning the year gently, as we actually were, rather than how social media and our culture thought we ought to be.

Across the circles, we held a shared focus on welcoming and orientation. Not doing. Being. Like a bulb resting underground before spring, we allowed ourselves to pause and settle, trusting that quiet work was happening even when nothing looked like it was moving.

Orienting together

We began by orienting. In IFS terms, this means noticing who is here inside us. How we feel in our bodies, right here right now. Our thoughts, feelings, sensations, impulses. The tired parts. The hopeful ones. The parts already scanning ahead. The parts that want goals and direction, and the parts that don’t.

Rather than choosing between them, we invited them to come join us, made space to notice and listen. Nervous systems were supported to feel ‘safe enough’ to arrive, both individually and together. There is no pressure to share or perform insight. Presence is always enough.

This tone shaped the month. Slowing down helps people feel more grounded and more able to stay with themselves and each other.

Self led intentions

As the month unfolded, we gently introduced Self led intentions. These were not goals or resolutions, but present moment ways of living that the system could relax with.

We explored intentions such as:

I am present and curious.
I notice my parts with compassion.
I choose what feels right for me.
I stay connected to myself while I’m with others.
Rather than pushing for change, these intentions invite Self leadership. Parts that are sceptical, striving, or critical are welcomed into the conversation rather than overridden. Yay!

Community and collaboration

January’s circles were held as collaborative community spaces, in person across Gloucestershire and online, with a team of co facilitators. IFS trained and IFS informed therapists and coaches. These circles are not therapy groups, but experiential spaces where people can experience some IFS by living it, together.

Being alongside others in a non pressured way, co regulating with each other.. Community. Many people named how helpful it was to arrive without expectation and to feel met where they were.

If you’re looking for an IFS therapist or coach I highly recommend everyone from this team. Those who currently might have an opening or two… you can look up and easily find hopefully… Karen Maxwell, Amy Matthews, Nicola Stait, Lorraine Sela, Anna King, Jeremy Knowles.. and IFS trained by IFSI coaches Lou Perkins and Paul Dykes.

The Round Table videos

Alongside the circles, with the help of my son and Dr Saba in Pakistan who puts the videos together for me, I posted shortish IFS Round Table videos explored familiar inner dynamics. Tussles about sharing or holding back in groups. Parts that wanted to fit in and get it right. Parts that preferred to stand back. Parts working hard to keep things from feeling chaotic.

These sketches helped normalise inner conflict and highlight how Self can hold the whole system with curiosity and compassion. They offer a light, accessible way into IFS ideas, especially around relationships and group dynamics.Teaching in a playful way!

Looking ahead

January sets the ground for the year ahead. By orienting before setting off, and by allowing Self led intentions to emerge rather than forcing them, we can move into February with a focus on parts mirroring and the dance between us and others.

For January, beginning gently is enough.