Holding Space on Retreat
It’s one thing finding a venue that’s affordable, easily accessible and has all the facilities you need. Then there’s the marketing, selling and getting people to actually book it. But what happens once you’re there? How do you hold the space and maintain a professional, yet approachable, and friendly atmosphere without losing your cool or your cred?
Here are 12 tips from 15 years of getting it right (and sometimes wrong):
1. Before the retreat
Send out a friendly email with your personal contact details, venue contact details, what to bring, where they’ll be met at the airport/train station, directions, rough outline of schedule. Lots of information makes people feel safe! Pre-empt all the questions and save yourself a lot of time and repetition.
2. Arrive with, or before, your guests and leave with, or after, them
If it’s your retreat (and you’re not just being paid to turn up and teach) you need to create a safe container from start to finish. Let your guests feel held and supported; that way they will need less hand-holding.
3. Organise an introductory talk by the venue manager or yourself to help the guests to orient themselves
Let them know where to find things, rough schedule, trips, massages, nearest pharmacy, wifi connection hotspots :-)
4. Begin with a group meal or yoga session or both
Breaking the ice with introductions before yoga, get each participant to speak, maybe in a playful format, for example sharing some silly piece of info like something unusual they’ve done in their lives. Then share some info about yourself (unless they know you already) the yoga and your teaching style.
5. During the retreat
Try to spread your time between your guests equally, don’t just hang out with your best mates. Sit with different people at mealtimes, get to know them individually and find out what practices they like/need/struggle with. Be available at regular times in case they need something, but BE SURE TO SCHEDULE DOWNTIME FOR YOURSELF. It can be exhausting!
6. Find the balance between the social and professional
Guests often project all kinds of ideas about what they think you’re like onto you. Be yourself but don’t overshare. If you’re having your own difficulties, find alternative outlets rather than loading up on your clients.
7. Be supportive
Keep an eye on everyone. If they don’t show up to a class, or at mealtimes, ask the other guests. Go to see them in their room if you think they may be sick. Help them to find a doctor if needed.
8. Be prepared for emotional release, it’s part and parcel of the practices we share
Offer a friendly ear, or hug (if appropriate). But remember YOU ARE NOT A THERAPIST (unless you are). DO NOT GIVE ADVICE you are not qualified to give.
9. Difficult guests
It is your responsibility to keep the vibe sweet but you cannot control all eventualities. Many difficult guests really just want attention. Give them some attention. Try to work out what it is they need and if that is available for them. But know when to concede defeat.
10. Do your own practice
This is vital if you are to be supportive to others. Schedule time and space for this.
11. At the end
Have a celebratory meal, ceremony or a circle where everyone gets a chance to share. Perhaps a group om or each saying something short and sweet.
12. After the retreat
Email them all thanking them. Send a copy of the group photo. Let them know where to find you: social media/yoga studios, future events.
