Long-Term Circle

Online meetings monthly.
Weekend retreat at Pastime Farm.

This ongoing circle, established in 2017, is aimed at inspiring, provoking and supporting each member’s individuation. From the perspective of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), individuation springs from specific core competencies. These include one’s ability to experience the present moment, stay open to phenomena, understand oneself to be the context for experience, and, from that state of being, take spontaneous action in the direction of one’s values. All aspects of the circle support developing and deepening these core competencies.

  • The Annual Course must be completed prior to applying for a circle. In addition, participation in the Monthly Seminar is recommended. Participation in both of these contexts creates a foundation for entering the circle, which aims at something deeper: embodied wisdom of the core competencies (described above) by means of deep contemplative practices and purely extemporaneous teachings.

  • Circle is reserved for graduates of the prerequisite course (either live or asynchronous). Priority is given to those who have also participated in the Monthly Seminar. It is appropriate for women of all ages, colors, backgrounds, disciplines, gender identities, and expressions. If you'd like to join us, then please get in touch to complete an application.

  • If there is availability within a circle, Kelly assumes full responsibility for identifying the best candidate(s). She will consider applicants with attention to group diversity, relative level of personal growth, and applicant-to-circle attunement. Attunement is determined as follows:
    Can the circle support this woman’s growing edge in a way that is unique, important, and timely?
    Can this woman contribute to the circle in a way that is consistent with its purpose?

Participation  

Flexible hybrid format.
Online meetings + on-land retreat.

This advanced-level, long-term circle was established in 2017. We met in person for one Sunday per month. Three years later, in response to shelter-in-place, we shifted to a hybrid format. We’ve come to appreciate the flexibility of meeting online – paired with the stabilizing force of gathering for in-person retreats.

  • We gather annually for a weekend retreat at Pastime Farm. The agenda is intentionally spacious — allowing plenty of time to relax, unwind, and return to naturalness. Teachings are extemporaneous. The focus is on reconnecting.

  • Live, online meetings take place on the second Sunday per month (from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT). We take a one-hour lunch break at 11:30. In order to protect the sanctity of our meetings, please offer your undivided attention to all those present (including yourself) and maintain a distraction-free environment.

  • Because space is limited to 9 participants, the cost of registration is for the enrollment period in its entirety. (Essentially, it holds your seat in the circle.) Registration will not be pro-rated based on attendance or decision to exit early.

Weekend Retreat

Sleepover for the weekend.
Or, if you prefer, feel free to commute.

Weekend retreat offers the space and place for deep reunion. We have an agenda, however, no pre-determined topic. Instead, teachings are delivered extemporaneously based on what is arising within the group at that moment. You might therefore experience traditional ACT teachings, guided depth meditation, dyad/triad inquiry, open discussion, and spontaneous one-on-one coaching. Nighttime activities are optional (e.g., bonfire, dancing under the stars).

  • Chef-crafted vegetarian meals will be provided. Options will be available for those with pre-reported food allergies and/or sensitivities. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.

  • Arrive at/after 2p (and no later than 3:30p) because our welcome meeting is at 4p. // Teaching sessions are throughout the weekend alongside plenty of free time. Nighttime activities begin at 8p and are optional (e.g., bonfire). Quiet hours are 10p – 7a. // Our Closing Session is from 10a-12:30p on Sunday. Depart at/after 2p (and no later than 3:30p).  

  • Weekend Retreat takes place at Pastime Farm — a private property in the San Francisco Bay Area. The address will be provided upon confirmation of your registration. Until then, aim your travel plans toward Sunol, California.

  • Our small hobby farm has a relaxed, down-to-earth, and harmonious vibe. By day, you can expect to be greeted by two cats, a dozen hummingbirds, and our friendly flock of chickens. After sunset, birdsong is replaced by that of our five resident barn owls-- and one very loud frog. If you’re a sensitive sleeper, please bring earplugs.

  • Accessing the house, cottage and cabins requires walking over relatively flat ground covered by bark mulch, as well as climbing stairs. The property offers many places to rest, including picnic tables, benches, and Adirondack chairs. Accessing these areas requires walking over uneven terrain, climbing stone steps, and remaining alert for holes created by our chickens. Please reach out with any questions.

Accommodations

If you choose to sleepover during our weekend retreat, then you can request a single- or double-occupancy room, with a private (attached) or a shared (separate) bathroom. Visit this Lodging page for detailed descriptions and photographs of all retreat accommodations.

  • Three rooms within the main house are available during group retreats only: Fig Room, Sun Room, and Office. The Fig Room is located upstairs and has two beds (Queen, Twin Daybed). The Sun Room is located downstairs and has a twin daybed. Both of these rooms share a bathroom located downstairs (near the laundry room). The Office has a trundle bed, a private half bath, and is located downstairs.

  • Two cabins are located near the main house—each with a custom, built-in, adult bunkbed (Queen on bottom, Twin XL on top). The detached bathroom is shared with another cabin. Palm cabin has a cozy feeling with greater privacy (smaller windows set high). Olive cabin has a more light-filled feeling (large window, higher ceiling).

  • The 700-square-foot cottage is located near the garden, fire pit, and chicken coop. It is split into 2 adjoining spaces (each with a Queen bed and private bath) separated by a locked door. This is the only lodging on the property with private bathrooms. Oak has a large window looking onto the garden. Sequoia has a small kitchenette.

  • Depending on the season, you can choose to bring your own camping equipment. In that case, you’ll be responsible for set-up and clean-up. There is an area in the back yard near the olives trees and dance floor (perfect for your tent). Near the main house, you’ll have access to the “outhouse” (flushing toilet), and an outdoor shower (with hot & cold water).

  • There is a space for van hook-up (electricity, water). While you are welcome to dump greywater (from sinks) please be certain to not dump wastewater (toilet). Near the main house, you’ll have access to the “outhouse” (flushing toilet), and an outdoor shower (with hot & cold water).

  • Commuters are welcome to all activities and meals. At the minimum, plan to be on the property from 3p – 8p Friday, 10a – 7p Saturday, and 10a – 2p Sunday. These pared-down time frames ensure that you are part of each gathering. They omit breakfast and evening activities.

Circle Agreements

Agreements are necessary to create the holding space for this work. Before registering, please review each of the policies below.

  • Kelly is severely allergic to synthetic fragrance and, if exposed, will immediately experience anaphylaxis. Before applying for the Long-Term Circle, determine the amount of effort required for you to arrive and stay fragrance-free by checking the ingredients in your hair, body, and laundry products. (If the word “fragrance” or “parfum” is listed in their ingredients, then it will be a problem.) By registering, you are agreeing to forego fragrance entirely, not bring residue on your belongings, and not bring any items containing “fragrance” or “parfum” onto the property. If you arrive with fragrance, you will be asked to leave immediately -- without refund.

  • Whether you're traveling from out of town or participating as a commuter, please honor the requested arrival and departure times. Attend all Teaching Periods -- including the Opening (at 4:00p) and Closing (until 12:30p). Plan your travel accordingly.

  • Due to high fire hazards, there is no smoking, incense, candles, or open flame of any sort to be used on the property — except in the designated area (at the bonfire). If you wish to use the area, then please let Kelly know in advance.

  • We do not allow marijuana or illegal drugs on the property. Please do not bring or use them on the property (e.g., micro-dosing, psychedelics).

  • Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. - 8 a.m.

  • There is no way to prevent potential conflict of interest when gathering a group. If you arrive in the meeting room of our first online meeting, and discover a conflict of interest with another Circle member, then please take care of yourself by exiting the meeting. Let Kelly know the situation immediately by emailing (office@kellyminor.com). We will find a time to speak and consider alternatives.

  • Each member of the Circle is entitled to confidentiality. This is a shared responsibility. By registering, you agree to protect the identities of everyone in the circle -- and to not disclose any information about participants to outsiders. This includes their identities as well as anything they might have shared at any time within the gathering.

Registration & Policies

Fall Retreat (on-land)
Dates: October 9-12, 2025
Arrival: Thursday 2 - 8 p.m.
Departure: Sunday 1 - 2 p.m.*
(After 10 a.m. at earliest for Eastbound flights)
Location: Pastime Farm - Sunol, CA
Registration Fee: $2,200
Lodging Fee: $50 - $450
Scholarship: $500 off

November 9 Meeting (online)
Hosted by circle members

Monthly Meetings (online)
2nd Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT
Dec 14, Jan 11, Feb 8, Mar 8
Fee: $800
Scholarship: $300 off

  • The Registration Fee covers our time together online (i.e. monthly meetings) as well as on-land (i.e. weekend retreat activities and meals). If you’re participating as a commuter during the weekend retreat, then there are no additional fees. If you’re sleeping on the property, then there’s an additional Lodging Fee (ranging from $50 - $450 for the weekend).

  • The Registration Fee covers our time together online (i.e. monthly meetings) as well as on-land (i.e. weekend retreat activities and meals). If you’re participating as a commuter during the weekend retreat, then there are no additional fees. If you’re sleeping on the property, then there’s an additional Lodging Fee (ranging from $50 - $450 for the weekend).

  • A $300 fee reduction is available to qualifying school teachers, active/inactive military, mental health workers (e.g., social workers, psychiatric aides and technicians), and mental health trainees (e.g., clinical interns, medical residents, postdoctoral fellows) if they would not otherwise be able to afford circle. If this applies to you, then please let me know.

  • Circles are long-term and ongoing; however, registration is broken into enrollment periods. Enrollment is for the period in its entirety. Registration will not be pro-rated based on your attendance, retreat availability, or choice to exit early.

  • Kelly is severely allergic to synthetic fragrance and, if exposed, will immediately experience anaphylaxis. Before applying for retreat, determine the amount of effort required for you to arrive and stay fragrance-free by checking the ingredients in your hair, body, and laundry products. (If the word “fragrance” or “parfum” is listed in their ingredients, then it will be a problem.) By registering, you are agreeing to forego fragrance entirely, not bring residue on your belongings, and not bring any items containing “fragrance” or “parfum” onto the property. If you arrive with fragrance, you will be asked to leave immediately -- without refund.

Register Here

If you are currently a member of the circle, then this is the place to re-enroll. If you’re not in a circle, and would like to be, then please reach out via the Inquire page,

  • Before continuing, review the circle agreements and policies stated above. (Be especially certain to understand what is required to meet the fragrance-free policy. If you arrive at the weekend retreat with fragrance, you will be asked to leave.)

  • Click here to complete the Questionnaire.

  • Click here to sign the Liability Waiver.

  • After reviewing your Lodging options, click here to complete the Lodging Request.

  • I'll respond to you by email after receiving your submissions -- letting you know what lodging is available and how to complete your registration.

  • Follow the steps provided in the email to make payment. (At that point, your lodging is secured.)

  • Check your inbox for an automatic confirmation email providing access to our Circle Resources page. This is where you’ll find everything necessary for our time together -- whether online (Zoom meeting links) or on-land (address, agenda, what to pack). If you can’t find it, then check your junk folder for an email from Acuityscheduing.com.

Jean Shinoda Bolen on Circles:

“When women come together and make a commitment to each other to be in a circle with a spiritual center, they are creating a vessel of healing and transformation for themselves, and vehicle for change in their world.”