Authentic Relating and Circling emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a convergence of personal development, communication science, and spiritual inquiry. Rooted in the human potential movement, Gestalt therapy, Nonviolent Communication, and group encounter work of the 1960s–1980s, these practices evolved in response to a cultural hunger for deeper presence and emotional intimacy. Early pioneers in Boulder, Colorado—such as the founders of the Integral Center who were influenced by thinkers like Ken Wilber and the Integral philosophy community—began shaping structured exercises and games that emphasized relational mindfulness, vulnerability, and embodied awareness. They introduced “Authentic Relating Games” to help participants experience truthful connection, curiosity, empathy, and self-expression in a safe, facilitated environment.

From this foundation, Circling developed as a more meditative and interpersonal consciousness practice, sometimes described as “relational yoga” or “a Zen koan of connection.” It focuses on staying with present-moment experience, revealing inner truth, and witnessing others with non-judgmental curiosity. Over the past two decades, Authentic Relating and Circling have expanded globally, reaching communities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Today, they inform leadership development, therapy, men’s and women’s work, community building, spiritual retreats, and corporate training—continuing to evolve as modern modalities for emotional literacy, relational intelligence, and collective transformation.

Below is a breakdown outlining the most prominent styles and lineages within Authentic Relating and Circling: