How to Plan and Host a Retreat - Christine Kane

Plan a RetreatIf you’re passionate about the work you do, you’ve probably considered offering a getaway retreat so your clients can spend some intense high-focus time with you and other like-minded souls.

Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?

It is!

For 9 years, I hosted my own retreats, several times each year, that almost always sold out.  Not only was it a gratifying experience each and every time, but it also was a great income generator.  (The combination of passion and profits is a game-changer!)

My list has now grown so much that I no longer offer these more intimate retreats. (My events now attract 200+ people.)  Now, I meet many coaches, consultants, trainers and healers who want to host their own retreats.

If this sounds like you, here are some tips — straight from my personal “been-there-done-that” files — for how to plan and host your own retreats

1 – Build a List of Ideal Clients

It’s one thing to have a great idea for a retreat. But it’s a whole other thing to find people to come!

The great news about retreats is that your list doesn’t have to be huge in order to fill the spaces.  Many retreat centers offer options for 10-person retreats.

Still, you need to have a list – whether it’s your client database, or your eZine list – in order to market your retreat.

2 – Name your Retreat

Give your retreat a name.   This grounds your idea with a vision and purpose.

At first, I just called my retreat: “Women’s Retreat.”  (Not particularly exciting, huh?)

When I finally created the name, “The Unstoppable Power of Intention Retreat,” I was much more excited at the prospect of my retreats – and many more women expressed interest!

3 – Decide How Many People You Want at Your Retreat

My retreats had anywhere from 22 – 35 people in them.  Many of my clients have offered retreats for as few as 6 people. The choice is yours. What is ideal for you?

4 – Choose a Time-span for your Retreat

Retreats can range anywhere from 1 – 9 days. Or longer!  If you’re just getting started, I recommend a 3-day format.   This makes it easy for your participants to plan, to arrange travel, and doesn’t require too many days off from work.   Of course, this is also dependent upon the content you want to deliver.

5 – Choose a Location for Your Retreat

Where do you want to host your retreat?

First, let’s start with region.

I recommend that, at first, you keep your retreat close to home.   It’s great to have familiar surroundings and not have to travel far.  If you want to consider a more exotic location, it will obviously take a lot more planning on your part.

Next, let’s talk about choosing a retreat center.

If you do a Google search in your area, you may discover that there are a few small retreat centers that provide amazing options.  Many of these places are not luxurious – but they do allow for an affordable retreat experience for you as a host – and for your clients!

I recommend that you choose a space that offers lodging and meals.  Something special happens to a group of people when they dine and sleep on site – without the distractions of the outer world.

Take time to shop around and explore your options, review your pricing and weigh the pros and cons of each location.

6 – Price your Retreat

Putting a price tag on your retreat can bring up lots of stuff.

But you must challenge yourself NOT to play small.  Low prices can position your retreat as low-value.

Also, do not price your retreat just above the per-person price you’re paying the retreat center.    If you have cancellations or any unforeseen costs arise, you’ll be screwed.

I encourage you to stretch yourself.  Crunch the numbers and make sure you are making a profit!

Note: If the money and pricing is a little tricky for you – then you need to get my free DVD pronto!  It’ll give you the strategies you need to get over this hurdle. Click here immediately to grab your copy.

7 – Outline the Content of Your Retreat

Create a structure or framework that will guide the flow of each day.  There’s probably a natural beginning, middle and end you will follow.  In each element, map out the activities and teaching that will be included.

The key thing about content is this:

Don’t “over teach.”

Retreats (and events, too!) are meant to get participants to actually experience the work they never get to do at home. This means you have to give them the space to learn and take part in activities.

8 -  Commit to a Date for Your Retreat.

Many people play the “Ready Aim” game. They never actually fire. In other words, they never commit.

Yes, it can be scary to offer your first retreat – but commitment and decision are half the battle. Choose a date. And start marketing.  If you don’t know how to market, then join me at my Uplevel Your Business LIVE Retreat at the end of July!

Bonus Tip #1:  Keep it simple

If you’re just getting started, don’t try to plan a retreat on that Greek island you’ve always wanted to visit.  Retreats are about learning and experience. Though adventure can be a component, many times retreat hosts make it harder on themselves by being too aggressive with their early retreat goals.

(HINT: This is often because they fear that they themselves are not “enough” – so they try to superficially make the retreat seem more exciting. Don’t do this.)

Bonus Tip #2:  Allow space

Many years ago, I went to a personal growth retreat that literally exhausted me. The hosts were obviously so frightened of not giving enough content that they dragged the participants around from one activity to the next.

The best thing about this retreat? It taught me what NOT to do when I was hosting my own retreats!

My retreats had lots of space built into them.  Yes, it can be scary to allow space because it feels like you’re not working!   But the gift of holding space for your participants IS working. And it provides a great value.  Be strong enough to allow for this.

——–

In the comments below, let me know: have you ever considered hosting or leading a retreat? What stops you?

 

76 COMMENTS ADD A COMMENT
  • Kim Roberts

    “But the gift of holding space for your participants IS working. And it provides a great value. Be strong enough to allow for this.” Great advice! It has taken me years to learn this. thanks for sharing.

  • James Stinson

    Hi Christine, great content and I also enjoyed reading many of the comments it really helps me to understand things both from the side of someone is going to host a retreat. As well as from the side of someone who has a retreat center . For anyone looking for a good venue we have a 15 Bedroom Retreat Center in Costa Rica calle for anyone looking for a good venue we have a 15 Bedroom Retreat Center in Costa Rica called Coravida.. I am happy to work with people to organize the retreat and flexible, and I’m open to collaborating with other coaches and teachers! They can email me james@jamesrick.com

  • Debbie

    Aloha,
    I have hosted 3 retreats for organizations I am a member of and the women had an amazing time. I have everyone to complete a survey to in order to fine tune or improve. In which I have each time, so much so I believe I’d like to start a business, although I use vacation homes , where there are 2-4 people in one room, personal chef to prepare all meals, fitness instructors and instructors with content. Pricing has been a little sketchy where I have came out of pocket for the gifts for all in attendance. I am excited to look at the DVD and would love to talk to you for 30 minutes. Please advise. Thanks and have a great day!

  • cindy

    Thank you for your tips! Just what i needed to read! I’ve been doing solo retreats for years now and I felt led to start one with friends. I’m so excited and your post was just what I needed. I plan to start with friends so I can get some constructive feedback. I have a tendency to be a perfectionist so this will definitely be out of my comfort zone.

  • Michael

    Have some questions about hosting a retreat:
    * Should you create a business to do this?
    * Do you have to pay taxes on profits made?
    * Do you need to have additional insurance, even if the place you are hosting has insurance?

    • Christine Kane

      No you don’t have to create a business. And depending on your business / personal income structure – you’ll have to pay taxes. (Ask your accountant about this. i am not licensed to give you accounting advice! 🙂 ) I never had extra insurance. i say keep this simple as possible at first. but this is a matter for an attorney if you are nervous about it.

  • Winnifred Walcott

    Hi Christine, Thank you for starting this blog. I worked with parents and caregivers to provide self-care for themselves. I also work with corporate executives to promote self-care in their lives.

    My dream, my goal and my passion is to operate successful retreats. I just retired from my job and just started my business. I am planning a health retreat this fall from my home. I figure that I will start with at least 10 people and keep increasing each time.

    Very excited about the idea and thanks to you and others for the posting, this gives me a platform of where to start.
    I am in gratitude to everyone.

  • annie

    Hello, thank you for this article, it is very helpful. I am planning a retreat with 2 colleagues, and we are planning on renting a large cabin/house in Lake Tahoe. Any recommendations on how to set pricing, if some are going to have beds, and then others are going to “rough it”, with an air mattress?

    • Christine Kane

      I would suggest two different pricing packages. One for the beds (add in a few extras like a massage, etc – and make it the higher end package) and the other is the more basic package. have fun!

  • Ruchika

    Hey Christine,
    It is amazing how you have answered everyone in detail to help them with their queries. Thank you!
    I am interested in doing retreats for angel healing and meditation. I haven’t ever done one and I feel guided to do one. Please guide me how I can promote it as I don’t have a long list of people to invite. I also wanted to know if any month/time of the year is better to host a retreat. Thank you in advance..

  • Marie

    Thank you Christine-
    It has been a pleasure to read through a few years of posts.
    I have done day long and 3-day retreats in my home. Always the same comments ~ the girls want to get away and not go home until retreat is complete.! So I am turning my private vacation chalet into a 5 guest retreat space. First retreat will be next month and I haven’t even advertised but I am manifesting a full house.

  • Marie-Claire Thauvette

    Hello Christine,

    I have had a successful Intimacy Couple’s retreat called ‘This Couple Is On Fire’ by SexiBliss in Ottawa, Canada. I feel that this would be amazing to do over a week on an Island as a getaway in winter. There is something really special that happens when a couple leaves their cell phones, TV, children and city behind. My issue is that I am not sure where to go. Do you have any suggestions? Do you know of a beautiful getaway resort? I am ready, I am confident! The workshop is changing lives! I would give the couple lots of ‘practice’ time! I just need the place. HELP!!!

    • Pearl

      I am reading on all this steps and nodding my head all the way, all the response to everyone’s question is helpful too!

      i have had this dream for many years, to do a couple’s retreat. i started drafting my project plan in 2010 and opened a facebook page but i had little confidence because i was never married. Unfortunately this dream wont let me go, i wake up everyday to thoughts of it for five full years it never left my mind and now i have friends who are married and have huge problems, i keep wondering why do they call me to their house all the time? but again i am fearful that people will judge me to help them think of ways to improve their marriages.

      i am a trained counselor, and have done a training in HIV/AIDS discordant couples but i now head the only Hospice in my city, Gaborone in Botswana ( southern Africa)

      I am eager to have just one retreat and see the response but its my dream to help marriages not to break and help couples be aware of themselves.

      Thanks for your steps, i am thinking of a 1st retreat end of Septmber.

      • Marie

        Hello Pearl it is most fortunate you keep having this reoccurring dream. It’s the sacred letting you in on a secret. That you are very good enough and actually very talented and equipped to run this retreat. Tell everyone ~ you’ll have sold out retreats with amazing results saving the sacred bond of marriage and relationships which are not thought of as sonsacredi anymore! To your success dear one.

  • Aleisha

    I really want to do a retreat..I have the perfect idea and believe in my hearts that it would be tremendous…i want it to be intimate about 20 to 30 people….but I’m having trouble getting a good venue..or hotel cost…..can I solicit sponsers even though I am not a non profit?

  • Cathy Nykolaishyn

    Hi! I’ve just been throwing the idea around in my mind of doing an artist retreat. I live in a wonderful area, location isn’t as much of a problem as finding contacts. (people to teach) I also do not know how to make a profit for myself without overcharging people. Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

  • Christine Boucher

    Hi Christine,

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. I live in a gorgeous location and have found the perfect accommodation and currently working upon the structure of the retreat I will be offering. I am so excited to begin this new venture and appreciate all your information. Yes I totally agree, down time is essential to reflect upon the moment and enjoy the environmental surrounds. Watch this space!!

    Christine Boucher

  • Khalilah Olokunola

    This is such an amazing write up for retreats . Im planning on hosting a 3 day retreat for a group I founded last year called Powerful Women but have hesitated a bit but after reading I feel confident in going for a Staycation type retreat where we will be away but still in our city in a tranquil location. Thank you for these tips!

    Best
    Khalilah

  • Aesha Jarmon

    Hello my name is Aesha Jarmon and I would like to have a Women’s retreat that would help compell Women to Christ and have a powerful relationship with him and I would like to have workshops and praise dancers to make it memorable. Any advice you have for me?

  • Nicky

    Hi, this is JUST the sign I’ve been looking for! I have been wanting to set up a happiness retreat here in France, initially from home as my home is well situated. My only block is the list and marketing! Gojng to have to sit down and do some brainstorming! Thank you for the nudge!

    • Avril

      Nicky,

      Bless your heart! I wanted to offer an at home retreat to young family experiencing stress. Hold in my heart the willingness and see how this family who need the help will turn up to receive the retreat.

  • Wendy

    Christine, I am looking at holding my first retreat and would like to invite various speakers to talk, how do I know how much to offer them, especially if they are not famous?
    Do I ask them to speak and offer them whatever private meeting they have, they can ask a charge?
    It’s a little overwhelming at times lol.
    Wendy.

  • Shawn Fugett

    I am in the beginning stages of starting my blog but feel the urge to start a retreat. The name is Soul Sisters Annual Retreat. I want it to be 3 days. I have no client list and want to know how to get started.

  • Lisa

    Hi Christine,

    great article, thank you! Especially the “overdoing it” part – you got me there!

    One questions, how far in advance do you plan your retreats?
    I sent out a newsletter a few days ago, announcing retreats for November – so 9 months to go – and someone got back to me saying they have to file they leave requests for a year by the first of January and whether there will be anything in 2015 – woah. I didn’t expect that .. and I have no clue about 2015 .. Or should I?

    Thanks a lot,

    Lisa

    • Elena Belloiu

      I live in Ca. but I also have a house in Transylvania, Romania ( just finishing the construction ), I am seriously thinking to start some kind of retreat ( maybe a writer retreat )…for longer periods of time. I need advice, advice, advice.

  • Beth

    We actually had a “retreat” a few times at Hard Knocks in Raleigh. Its a great indoor laser tag place, but its not just about Laser tag, its way above and beyond that.

  • Sunita

    Dear Christine,
    I’m still playing with the idea of becoming a coach.
    As I don’t know where to start, I was thinking I could maybe do a retreat for some of my friends, make it fun and inspirational, and there give my abilities a test. Is that a good idea?
    I expect my friends to be supportive, so my first so called coaching session doesn’t burst the bubble too soon 🙂

    • Nicky

      Hi, sunita, I was in the same situation as you and set up workshops – half or one day a month. They are beginning to grow, and it’s incredible fo see the effect on groups and that what I coach works! This has given me the courage to take it a step further and do retreats. It alsogives you testimonials to put on your retreat details;) good look!

  • Amy LaBossiere

    Excellent article. I own a retreat center in Connecticut and our successful group leaders use this mindset. Thank you for the inspiration.

  • Anne

    Thank you for such an awesome article! I am in the beginning stages of planning my first retreat. Your article reinforced much of what I already knew along with giving me some things I hadn’t thought of. Thanks!

    Anne

  • Dale Anne Potter

    I am trying to plan a retreat and my limitations right now are:
    a) local is Saskatchewan for me – Regina and/or Saskatoon are not discounted or regular direct flight airports.
    b) prices for hotels or facilities here in Saskatchewan are almost double for the same thing or more amenities in the US.

    My list is worldwide and I am thinking a destination that is easy to fly to would be better…
    Am I being too limiting?

  • Zakiyyah Lana

    Blessings Christine,

    I am grateful to have found your blog just by googling how to create a retreat. Everything you said is perfect for me especially about feeling like I am not enough.
    I have given several retreats in the past both locally and internationally and they have been great. But I have also had those insecurties about not being creative enough…or knowledgeable enough or speaking eloquently enough. ..so I have played it small and comfortable with close friends. They all enjoyed but I haven’t built a new list and old friends don’t want to keep going to same place.

    My niche is Jamaica and the retreat center is very rustic but comfortable. So I am having to find women who are not looking for luxury but rather for the sacredness of the experience. I have begun planning a retreat for Sept 2014 and have contemplated going to a resort for accommodations and having the workshops at the retreat center. I realize I am doing that out of Fear.

    My soul purpose is to offer these retreat experiences as my Brand. ..so I feel like I need to stay the course and trust the Universe to bring the right and perfect people.

    Also your advice about pricing not just what retreat center is charging is divine timing because I have never made any money on my retreats because I didn’t want it to cost too much for Fear no one would come. So I never included anything for myself and sometimes have lost money because I had to put out extra money. Through your encouragement and that of friends I am going to create an income from this retreat and believe I am worthy and deserving of doing what I Love and prospering!

    I am looking forward to receiving your DVD and learning more from you.

    Namaste
    Zakiyyah

    A

  • Mark

    Thanks for the info…especially about SPACE!

  • Sarah Christiansen

    Christine, I did not realize you are a singer! You are wonderful!! I myself am a singer……..

  • Sarah Christiansen

    Hi Christine, My business partner and I need your help. We started a retreat not too long ago and really need to revamp it. We advertised on adwords for about 3 months and did not get one person interested in it. The retreat is in St. Croix, USVI. I am from there and visit often. We found the perfect place to have it. Can you visit our website and let give us your input? We would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. Sarah

  • faith duncan

    hi christine. i want to plan a 3day treat for 6 workaholic friends, very young at heart too. i need ideas on activities that would give them optimum relaxation, take their minds totally off work, create some bonding and add value to their lives. i also need ideas on a name for the retreat. thank you

  • Ani

    I would love to, but am worried about the funding aspect prior to. What steps would I need to take to build up that financial foundation to start hosting retreats. Love the insight you’ve given too by the way 🙂

  • Kaz Pollard

    Thank You for the info. Love your photo on the chair – really cool – and real… Kaz

  • celia

    I have been dreaming of planning a retreat for 3 years now. Your website is just another sign that I am getting closer to accomplishing my dream. Part of my plan is for 5 amazing women, two nights two days, I will be offering hikes, massages, and reflecting by the river or just relaxing alone or retreating to an area on the property to journal. I need to work on pricing, date and a name. Your website is a gem and I love reading all the comments.

  • Sally Ferguson

    Christine,
    I’ve planned retreats for our women at church for 8 years. Your formula for planning is right along the pattern I’ve used. Retreats are important for connecting!

  • Christine Kane

    Rock on Hilary! (I saw it!) 🙂

  • Hilary

    I’m reading this late, and even if no one sees this, I still want to PROCLAIM IT! I am going to host my first retreat March 9th and 10th 2013.

  • Herdis Pala

    Worrying about not having enough content and/or how to structure my content in a way that people value it and what I deliver.

    • Christine Kane

      Herdis – Start by asking “What would I most want out of a three day retreat?” Your guidance is a great starting point! Don’t try to get it perfect. Just start creating the framework. Baby steps!

  • Thea van Dijk

    With two collega we are planning a retreat next year. This is exactly what we need. Exspeccially the free time between. And not being afraid to do to little.

  • Chris

    I’ve been trying to do this very thing. Maybe now i will and can!

  • Kalia

    Aahhh Christine- Feel like this was written just for me : ) Thanks for the timely retreat, and for all the awesome support in UYB!! My retreats are taking shape, and I just need to set a date and do it!!

    • Kalia

      Okay, so of course I meant the timely post… freudian slip?

    • Christine Kane

      Great news Kalia! And you will choose a date – and your retreat will be perfect!

  • Araceli

    I have a question about the open spaces you mentioned vs. cramming a bunch of stuff during 3 days. By spaces do you mean completely free time during the three days or light activities that are voluntary…I was wondering and would appreciate your reply 🙂
    Thanks!

    • Christine Kane

      Araceli – Great question! The space was them taking time to integrate or be alone or go into the woods – and I built it in throughout the three days. I got better and better at knowing when to do that for the very best results. But there was a lot of time for them to get quiet, ask questions, discover and be alone. then we would come back together for some teaching or experiential activity — all structured around a framework that I created and designed. Does that make sense?

    • Kimberly Wills

      May I reaffirm the need for FREE time? … I went to a martial arts retreat that was jam-packed with activities; some were voluntary like a volleyball match and a nighttime trek into the woods. I did not do the night trek because I wanted enough sleep to be refreshed for the first morning activity, and I felt a little disappointed and jealous when I awoke around midnight to hear the crowd coming back laughing & loudly talking, as if I had missed something fun. Don’t let anyone feel like they’re missing something. Maybe you could offer a certain room if they want to meet others & socialize during a break, but nothing someone would feel bad missing if they need a nap or to be alone a while. It is definitely a *need* for some people to not be around people too much.

  • Christina Ammerman

    Hi Christine!
    I went to one of those earlier retreats you had at Bend of Ivy Lodge outside Asheville. You called that one the “Great Big Dreams” retreat. I can’t remember anymore what year it was – maybe 2007? You provided an amazing experience, and in the years that followed it was my dream to hold my own retreat. I finally took action on that last November, offering my first “Angel Immersion Retreat.”

    If I were to add a Bonus Tip #3 to your list, based on my experience, it would be to Let the Event Unfold Imperfectly. There were many things that did not happen quite the way I expected, including having some of my own “stuff” come up and having some very human moments instead of being the enlightened spiritual leader that I was supposed to be. (That last part is verbatim from one of the participants; she and I were co-Creators in digging up our respective “stuff” that weekend.)

    I was so traumatized by the event’s imperfections that it took me till last month to open and read the feedback forms that the participants had submitted; I assumed they’d all have scathing things to say about how unprofessional I was. But you know what? The feedback was very complimentary: No one mentioned the embarrassing human moment, and one woman gave me an awesome testimonial. As with most things, it wasn’t the train wreck I thought it was.

    P.S. One of the participants asked on Facebook just last week whether we’re having another retreat this fall. 🙂

    • Christine Kane

      That’s great Chris! And I remember you well! Congratulations — and next time, be willing to move forward with your own forgiveness for the not-so-great stuff and let go and create the next great experience for your peeps! (So — when IS the next retreat? this fall??) 🙂

  • moyra

    thanks, I am at the dreaming stage of hosting a retreat. to be honest its just something I want to do for me and my friends. like a holiday but with an intention and activities. it would be about creativity, forging connections and support. thanks for the tips, I am evernoting your page for future reference. at the same time I can see that biting the bullet and creating the space is also a good move. thinking!

    • Christine Kane

      That’s great Moyra! The women who used to be regulars at my retreats have now created a once a year reunion retreat just to hang out as friends and share and make vision boards. Whenever any group comes together with intention, great things can happen — have fun!

  • Kelly Pfeiffer

    Christine,

    I’m planning a 3 day retreat for March of 2013. I want to have time to add to my list of clients between now and then and revamp my website after returning from your UpLevel Retreat next week!! I know that while I’m in Atlanta with you, I’m going to learn some great ways to connect with clients and I want to take time to do that this fall and winter before hosting the retreat in March. I also want to plan some other tele-classes and write my VFO to be able to build a list and create interest so that I am able to fill my retreat with my numbers I’ve set as my “must have” number to make profits from my retreat. Of course I’d love to sell out my retreat too!!!!
    I’m so excited about attending your retreat in Atlanta next week!

    • Christine Kane

      Me too Kelly! I’ll see you there! And congratulations on setting a date for 2013!

  • Ulla Thøgersen

    Thank you for your great advice Christine. I have decided on the number 4, as the number of participants for my one day workshop at my office space. I’ve sent out 3 marketing mails for my small list and shared them with 800 people on LinkedIn, which is where my traffic is. I have activated friends. I have one participant and 10 days (workshop is on July 30th) to have another 3 participant find me and share the day with the participant I already have. What is your best advice besides keep believing in the project? The workshop is a ‘Empower you – from vision to reality’ workshop.

    • Christine Kane

      Ulla – Well, one thing to recognize is that a Linked In following isn’t going to be as devoted to you as your own list of people. So I would suggest putting the word out there via your own contacts, friends, former co-workers and really spread the word. See what happens with basic “warm letter” work. Internet marketing isn’t always the best marketing path when it comes to something as intimate as your first retreat! Let me know how it goes!

    • Claudia Sofia

      Hi,

      One good place to start is Meetup.com, it is a website that would allow you to create a “club” based on each individual preferences within your area. I am a member of a hiking group as well as one meditation club.
      I am reading this post because I would like to retire in few years and open a small retreat somewhere near the lakes in Ontario,

      Good luck!,

      • Deb

        I have done my own Meetup writing group and it was wonderful!
        I’ll be restarting again
        Deb

  • Alice Osborn

    Hi Christine,
    Thank you so much for this very timely post! I’ve been giving writing workshops for six years now and am ready to host my own retreat in NC in the mountains. I have a great mailing list and now need to find the perfect retreat center–I’ll be a retreat participant at Wild Acres in Little Switzerland, NC next month to see how it all works. Thank you again for these tips–especially the one on pricing!
    Alice Osborn, Raleigh, NC

    • Christine Kane

      You’re welcome Alice! And I used to use Bend of Ivy near Asheville. They have a fabulous and very sacred 64 acres north of Asheville. Your writers will love it! Good luck!

      • Alice Osborn

        Hi Christine,

        I just booked my writers’ retreat at Bend of Ivy next Aug 23-25 with Walker, who says “hi” to you, BTW. Thanks so much for the support–it means the world to me!

        Alice

    • bobbie johnson

      hi,im doing a women reteat in nov.im trying to see if someone can give me samples of a good name for my reteat,its just a girly get away,thanks

      • Pamela

        Bobbie- ‘ just a girly getaway ‘ sounds just fine to me!

  • Leah Campbell Badertscher

    Hi Christine,

    I’m hosting my first retreat ever in three weeks: WHAT WANTS TO HAPPEN: The Ultimate Creativity Retreat. Although I already have things in the works and participants coming (though not sold out…yet), I still found your advice helpful and the timing felt like a nod from the Universe at a time when I’m feeling excited but also pretty nervous, so thank you. Your two bonus tips resonate with me especially. I’ve been feeling inclined to include more and more material/activities because I so want to over-deliver, so to read what you wrote about the tremendous value of being strong enough to hold the space for others was EXACTLY what I needed to be reminded of at this time. Thank you again, Christine!
    XO-
    Leah

    • Christine Kane

      Leah – Congratulations! That’s great! And yes, I’m very happy you can spot this piece of advice. It will be so amazing for you and them for that space to be there. Let me know how it goes!!!

    • Kimberly Wills

      I *LOVE* the name “What Wants to Happen”!! It’s so great; it instantly reminds me to get in touch with the Universe and stop blocking the flow. Thanks for the mini-reminder, and good luck with your retreat!

  • Suzanne G

    Christine, I would love to host a retreat. The biggest thing stopping me is self-doubt. Would any of my clients or their friends consider what I have to say worth their time and money. Really need to work on that, because it is holding me back big time.

    Thanks for the step-by-step process. This will be a great motivator to step past the fear and just do it.

    • Christine Kane

      Suzanne – Unfortunately (or rather, FORTUNATELY) the ONLY way to get over this is to offer it and see what happens. Start with a very small number at first. But you do have to choose a date and go for it. (It really helps to map it all out at first too – that way you KNOW that you’re offering something amazing!)

      • Kathy McD

        Christine, your advice to Suzanne is spot on. I’m been wanting to do a retreat, and actually got a nudge from the Universe. I’m holding my first retreat this weekend – a one day event “Simply Happy Living”. I’m starting out small, but I’ll learn a ton from the experience and will deliver a great experience to my participants.

        Do I wish it were bigger? Sure. But I’ll get there. Right?

  • Nneka, Working Mystic

    Hi Christine, I actually started all this with workshops and small group classes. I sooo want to do a retreat, but I don’t think my list is there yet. I also don’t think that I have enough experience to host 3 days.

    • Christine Kane

      Nneka – You’re probably more ready than you think. Jus’ sayin’. 🙂