05/06/2024
As I’m preparing for my upcoming European retreat tour next month, I wanted to share some thoughts and insights about the essence and subtle alchemy of crafting the perfect retreat schedule.
I've got to be honest...this is one of my FAVORITE parts of curating a retreat experience. I like to pretend like I'm Goldilox when I'm planning my schedule. Because it's all about getting it 'just right."
If an event is over programmed, people walk away feeling exhausted and too 'full' and may miss what they came for. Whereas if it's under-programmed, people might miss out on the opportunity for transformation that they came on the retreat for.
Let's just say like there's nothing quite like getting it right...this (I believe) is why so many of my retreat clients come back to my events year after year and many of them say they have had 'life-changing" experiences on my retreats.
Want to know my secret?
I think it's all about the alchemy that can be created inside of the retreat container...
If we think of retreat as an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves and heed the deeper calling of "coming home" to our true self, then crafting the perfect schedule is essential. And each activity that we add changes the energetic alchemy of the experience for the group.
When orchestrated well - the alchemy of a retreat container can give people the space to feel their emotions and address long-suppressed feelings. This can manifest as joyful laughter, profound moments of deep belly laughs, or it might be expressed through exhaustion, tender hearts, and even heartfelt tears.
The key to that statement being SPACE.
But when not orchestrated well, or the schedule is packed too full or with too big of a variety of offerings, you risk the alchemical process of creating a retreat that fosters true transformation.
As a facilitator, I've come to see holding a retreat as a sacred medicine journey, a path of healing. Creating the perfect retreat experience involves a subtle alchemy, much like the tale of Goldilocks and the three bears. It's about getting things just right - which also means scheduling space to feel.
Want to learn more? Well, here are a few guidelines that you can follow when structuring the perfect retreat schedule:
➡️ Don't fill every moment. While there are countless activities to offer, allowing time and space for integration is crucial to ensure that your participants return home revitalized, not exhausted. Simplicity can be a gift that both you and your guests will appreciate.
➡️ Schedule a day off. Provide options for a full-day excursion or a day off, allowing your participants to curate their own experience. Everyone has different needs, and this flexibility empowers them to choose what suits them best.
➡️ Give your clients permission. Encourage participation in everything, but demand nothing. Grant them the freedom to listen to themselves, to prioritize their needs and desires during your time together. People cherish feeling supported and cared for, and this permission to self-care is a remarkable gift.
Designing the ideal retreat experience is an art, and I believe these insights can help you achieve it.
Want some help with this? I can help you! This is exactly what I specialize in! I've got a few openings this month in my coaching programs and prices start at just $1111-$5555, so there's something for everyone!
Just comment "retreat' below and let's have a chat to see if you'd be a good fit.