Holding Space for Others
A retreat with Heather Plett
“We must come together in ways that respect the solitude of the soul, that avoid the unconscious violence we do when we try to save each other, that evoke our capacity to hold another life without dishonoring its mystery, never trying to coerce the other into meeting our own needs.” ― Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speak
What does it mean to hold space for someone else? It means that we are willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgement and control. See Heather's article that went viral in 2015.
At this retreat, we will practice the art of holding space for other people.
All of us have opportunity to hold space for other people, whether they are our children, students, friends, neighbours, clients, patients, coworkers, or employees. Some of us do it professionally (as facilitators, teachers, chaplains, hospice workers, medical professionals, etc.) and most of us do it voluntarily (as parents, family members, friends, volunteer workers, church members, etc.).
This retreat is for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of what it means to hold space so that they can more effectively do it for other people. No level of expertise is required - only a willingness and a level of personal growth and maturity that allows you to be a support to other people.
In this retreat, participants are asked to present their own experiences in holding space for others so that the retreat community can expand this concept with each other — for holding space is different in every environment.
At this retreat, Heather will teach about the concepts she is researching and writing about for her upcoming book (tentatively called: Be the Bowl: The Fine Art of Holding Space) as well as bring her 20 years of teaching and personal experiences.
Our conversations will focus on such topics as:
In support of these conversations, we will explore multiple creative and spiritual practices that will help us hold space for others (ie. labyrinth-walking, Enneagram, creative art-making, mindfulness and body practices). Participants at the retreat will be encouraged to consider what they can contribute to our collective learning. For example, you may have a body movement practice, mindfulness practice, creative practice, or community-building practice that you could teach us? (Those who sign up will be sent an invitation in advance and time will be set aside for peer-learning.)
The Circle Way will be used as the primary container for learning and community-building at this retreat. Participants at this retreat will learn how to hold space for similar conversations using the principles and practices of The Circle Way.
While we are learning, we will be uniquely held by the sacred space that is Welcome to the BIG House. The land, the creatures, the garden, and the beautifully-designed indoor spaces will hold space for us as we practice holding space for others. Few spaces are as uniquely suited for this kind of learning as the BIG House, beautifully situated in the rolling hills of Queensland, close to Mount Cooroora and Mount Pinbarren, a sacred site of the original people of the land.
While there, participants will also have access to bonus offerings such as massage and other healing practices.
Together, we work to make it both a safe space for vulnerability and trust and a brave space for personal growth and hard questions.
What does it mean to hold space for someone else? It means that we are willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgement and control. See Heather's article that went viral in 2015.
At this retreat, we will practice the art of holding space for other people.
All of us have opportunity to hold space for other people, whether they are our children, students, friends, neighbours, clients, patients, coworkers, or employees. Some of us do it professionally (as facilitators, teachers, chaplains, hospice workers, medical professionals, etc.) and most of us do it voluntarily (as parents, family members, friends, volunteer workers, church members, etc.).
This retreat is for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of what it means to hold space so that they can more effectively do it for other people. No level of expertise is required - only a willingness and a level of personal growth and maturity that allows you to be a support to other people.
In this retreat, participants are asked to present their own experiences in holding space for others so that the retreat community can expand this concept with each other — for holding space is different in every environment.
At this retreat, Heather will teach about the concepts she is researching and writing about for her upcoming book (tentatively called: Be the Bowl: The Fine Art of Holding Space) as well as bring her 20 years of teaching and personal experiences.
Our conversations will focus on such topics as:
- The basics of holding space (ie. how to “be the bowl”)
- How to hold space when there are imbalances of power and privilege (ie. race relations, workplace power dynamics, etc.)
- How to hold space in difficult contexts, when complex emotions and conflict may be present.
- How to recognize when you’re not the right person to hold space for someone.
- What’s the opposite of holding space?
- What unique skills and understanding may be required in holding space for trauma and shame?
In support of these conversations, we will explore multiple creative and spiritual practices that will help us hold space for others (ie. labyrinth-walking, Enneagram, creative art-making, mindfulness and body practices). Participants at the retreat will be encouraged to consider what they can contribute to our collective learning. For example, you may have a body movement practice, mindfulness practice, creative practice, or community-building practice that you could teach us? (Those who sign up will be sent an invitation in advance and time will be set aside for peer-learning.)
The Circle Way will be used as the primary container for learning and community-building at this retreat. Participants at this retreat will learn how to hold space for similar conversations using the principles and practices of The Circle Way.
While we are learning, we will be uniquely held by the sacred space that is Welcome to the BIG House. The land, the creatures, the garden, and the beautifully-designed indoor spaces will hold space for us as we practice holding space for others. Few spaces are as uniquely suited for this kind of learning as the BIG House, beautifully situated in the rolling hills of Queensland, close to Mount Cooroora and Mount Pinbarren, a sacred site of the original people of the land.
While there, participants will also have access to bonus offerings such as massage and other healing practices.
Together, we work to make it both a safe space for vulnerability and trust and a brave space for personal growth and hard questions.
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Looking to hold space for yourself in a meaningful, heartfelt way? Then Heather's first retreat at Welcome To The BIG House might be what you are looking for. This retreat will be held on 12-15 October and there is a special price if you would like to attend both retreats.
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Testimonials from Heather's retreats last year....
"The Writing with an Open Heart workshop with Heather Plett was a most delightful and empowering event. Among 20+ other women I found my ‘writing muse’ could come along side me and still be safe and secure. It has been a part of me for many, many years, as for various reasons it had remained silent. The invitation was to open my own heart and invite a long awaited, hidden companion, to finally come out in the open. The space of the Circle Way provided a beautiful process in which hearts, dreams, hurts, wounds, as well as delights, joys, laughter and lots of hope for writing in the future could be shared in a most gentle, holding container of love and respect." - Rhonda
"The Writing with an Open Heart workshop with Heather Plett was a most delightful and empowering event. Among 20+ other women I found my ‘writing muse’ could come along side me and still be safe and secure. It has been a part of me for many, many years, as for various reasons it had remained silent. The invitation was to open my own heart and invite a long awaited, hidden companion, to finally come out in the open. The space of the Circle Way provided a beautiful process in which hearts, dreams, hurts, wounds, as well as delights, joys, laughter and lots of hope for writing in the future could be shared in a most gentle, holding container of love and respect." - Rhonda
Holding Space For Others:
Full price: $1,865 Including GST
Includes accommodation and all nourishment
Commuter price
Full price $1,495 including GST
If interested in both of Heather's retreats, a total of 9 days:
Full Price: $3,395 including GST after 1 October
Commuter Price for both retreats
Full price: $ 2,690
Please click here for the Registration Form..
If you would like more information on Welcome To The BIG House please check out our Information Pack Here..
Location
Welcome to The BIG House is located in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland on the Sunshine coast, Australia. We offer a safe sacred place for people to rejuvenate and heal.
Accommodation
$110 per person/night, twin share, before and after the event. A very limited opportunity is available for your own room with ensuite or own room with shared bathroom during the workshops. Extra $95 per night for your own room with ensuite. For participants attending both retreats, we offer you a special price of $85 a night, twin share, if you wish to stay in-between workshops.
Nourishment
Nourishment is sourced mainly from our own organic vegetable garden, or sourced from other local growers. Nourishment is vegetarian, with vegan and gluten free choices. Please ensure to let us know of any dietary requirements.
Full price: $1,865 Including GST
Includes accommodation and all nourishment
Commuter price
Full price $1,495 including GST
If interested in both of Heather's retreats, a total of 9 days:
Full Price: $3,395 including GST after 1 October
Commuter Price for both retreats
Full price: $ 2,690
Please click here for the Registration Form..
If you would like more information on Welcome To The BIG House please check out our Information Pack Here..
Location
Welcome to The BIG House is located in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland on the Sunshine coast, Australia. We offer a safe sacred place for people to rejuvenate and heal.
Accommodation
$110 per person/night, twin share, before and after the event. A very limited opportunity is available for your own room with ensuite or own room with shared bathroom during the workshops. Extra $95 per night for your own room with ensuite. For participants attending both retreats, we offer you a special price of $85 a night, twin share, if you wish to stay in-between workshops.
Nourishment
Nourishment is sourced mainly from our own organic vegetable garden, or sourced from other local growers. Nourishment is vegetarian, with vegan and gluten free choices. Please ensure to let us know of any dietary requirements.
