alumni gathering
in-person retreat on Vancouver Island
We’re celebrating! The Centre for Holding Space will be turning FIVE YEARS OLD in September 2025, and we’re inviting you to gather with us for an in-person retreat!
Come together with like-minded colleagues and
Holding Space practitioners from around the world!
Gather with compassion, love and friendship to hold space for each other & engage in fun and enriching activities. Move your body, share your thoughts, eat nourishing food, go for walks, explore what you have learned about holding space and other ways that we can use and apply these concepts.
A message from Heather Plett,
co-founder of the Centre for Holding Space:
Beloved alumni! I am delighted to announce that an Alumni Gathering Committee has been working hard behind the scenes to organize a special gathering for all alumni of our programs. This includes anyone who’s participated in an in-person or online event or workshop hosted by a member of the team at the Centre for Holding Space or by me before the Centre was formed.
I am delighted that the committee chose to host this in the special place where I now live, Vancouver Island! I look forward to being with you in-person!
A message from the Alumni Gathering Committee
Join us September 25-28, 2025
We’ll gather for dinner on September 25 and end after lunch on September 28th. There will also be an additional day, September 24th, for Certified Practitioners. (More details will be sent to Certified Practitioners.)
Our event will be a mixture of circle time, facilitated workshops in breakout sessions, evening group events, buffet-style shared meals, free space for visiting or resting, morning movement practices and other somatic experiences.
We’re delighted to announce that the following workshops and activities will be offered by members of our community (click title for more info):
Breakout Session #1
The Times We Live In, with Krista Pritchard
The intention is to explore the liminal space of enlivening dialogue and invite in difference, diversity of thought and perhaps even respectful debate?!
This circle is an acknowledgement of the times we live in – exceeding planetary boundaries, war, wealth inequality, late-stage capitalism – ecological, social & spiritual divides – cancel culture, “I’m right – you’re wrong”, the list goes on….
We’ll acknowledge this and respond by seeking to explore the liminal space between harmony-washing and polarising glory. The place where love doesn’t conquer all, the place of grey, where two seemingly opposing ideas can be present at the same time, & where ‘my truth’ is not held onto rigidly at the expense of wisdom.
We will welcome – power interwoven with love, and love infused with power – into the circle, to provide a strong container to hold us individually & collectively. We’ll invite old ideas to burn off, explore diverse perspectives and invite mystery to emerge in a myriad of forms – to reframe the narrative of our time.
Host: Krista Pritchard
Navigator & facilitator. Krista has a heart for change that emerges from within & sees this as the pathway for social change. She believes that when we can be with the complexities, unknowns & shadows within us, then we can hold space for others in this.
Krista works(ed) with people and organisations (not for profit, government & corporate) to reset. First helping them get clear on what’s really going on, then build a shared intention together with values to hold it, setting a new direction to move towards.
Her current enquiry is – ‘how might we hold space, together, for social change through enlivening dialogue and social arts, to re-frame the narrative of our time’.
Being Present to Self and Others by using Gentle Touch (self acupressure), with Jolanda Himmelstein
In this hands-on (ourselves) workshop we will explore ways of being present for ourselves and others by using the gentle form of acupressure in the tradition of Jin Shin Jyustu. Easy to learn holds can help harmonize energy on a physical, mental-emotional and spiritual level. Sinking into relaxed breathing will be an integral part of practising this healing art, which is often described as a relaxing, meditative experience.
Host: Jolanda Himmelstein
During the past 15 years Jolanda’s calling has been to support herself and others by strengthening the connection with their own healing energies. Her approach combines ancient techniques such as Qigong, the Art of Jin Shin (gentle acupressure), Sound Healing and Foot Reflexology with modern understanding, focusing on holistic well-being. Whether working one-on-one in her practice or facilitating groups, Jolanda’s overall goal is always to restore balance while promoting relaxation and deeper breathing, helping others to reconnect with their bodies to find inner peace.
Improvisation and Play to Embody Holding Space Practices, with Susan Snyder
When a group needs engagement, movement, different viewpoints, or is in a place where words are not enough, improvisation and play can be powerful tools. I find that making space for play leads to increased connection, trust, and often deeper engagement. As a host and workshop facilitator, improvisation practices have deepened my ability to stay calm and present when difficult moments arise.
In this workshop I’ll share some of my favorite improvisation-based activities as a path to strengthen the circle, and empower participants to be more fully in the space together. We will play together, and I’ll share facilitation tips. As time allows, we can workshop ideas for specific situations. Introverts and shy people welcome.
Host: Susan Snyder
I will be arriving from my home in Berkeley, California which sits on the territory of xučyun (Huichin), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo speaking Ohlone people. Although I am a shy introvert, I found my passion and calling as a facilitator, educator, and coach. My life incorporating improvisation with Holding Space practices includes how I show up in my personal relationships (especially with my teenagers!), and the many facets of my work (Lecturer at the Haas School of Business/UC Berkeley, community preparedness trainer for the City of Berkeley, and private coaching work). I have an MA in Counseling Psychology/Drama Therapy from the California Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco, and almost 30 years of experience integrating improvisation into life.
Breakout Session #2
Trust the Process - Exploring Yourself through the Creative Experience, with Tara Hayden
I don’t know about you, but the world today can be a bit overwhelming! With that in mind, I have been on a journey of looking deeply at myself, finding ways to ground myself and function in this world as the best person I can be. I’d like to invite you to join me in some creative experiences using watercolours and pens where we will have the opportunity to look at ourselves through the lens of these creative experiences. In other words, there will be plenty of time to hold space for yourself. I visualize a nest where safe, brave space is provided. This workshop is definitely about process vs. product. If you are interested in exploring some parts of yourself that may be hiding in the dark through a shared art experience with others who are on that same journey, this workshop might be for you!
Host: Tara Hayden
My name is Tara Hayden
I am an artist, educator and certified Holding Space Practitioner with a passion for being of service to the world whether it is through my art or through my many other passions.
With quiet but deep groundedness, I explore creativity in many different forms such as painting, calligraphy, fiber arts and life.
My offerings support others to explore their inner worlds that they may connect deeply with themselves.
When I am not making art you will find me outside with my horses, learning to listen deeply to myself through my connection to my horse and nature.
I believe art and creativity gives one the opportunity to expand their perspective of the world and of themselves. I believe being creative is looking at the world in your unique way and having the opportunity to express it. I think that by genuinely expressing yourself through the creative process, you offer up new perspectives that can heal and change the world. Just offering the beauty of yourself to the world is a healing act.
I am an artist, educator and certified Holding Space Practitioner with a passion for being of service to the world whether it is through my art or through my many other passions.
With quiet but deep groundedness, I explore creativity in many different forms such as painting, calligraphy, fiber arts and life.
My offerings support others to explore their inner worlds that they may connect deeply with themselves.
When I am not making art you will find me outside with my horses, learning to listen deeply to myself through my connection to my horse and nature.
I believe art and creativity gives one the opportunity to expand their perspective of the world and of themselves. I believe being creative is looking at the world in your unique way and having the opportunity to express it. I think that by genuinely expressing yourself through the creative process, you offer up new perspectives that can heal and change the world. Just offering the beauty of yourself to the world is a healing act.
Circle Within the Body: A Somatic Exploration, with Alissa Hill
This experiential workshop invites participants to explore Circle as a living presence within the body. Using somatic inquiry, storytelling, and movement, we will gently uncover how the Circle lives inside us: where we center ourselves, which inner voices are speaking, and what parts of us long to be witnessed.
Through sensory storytelling, small group reflection, movement and a meditative forest walk, we will deepen our capacity to listen, both inward and outward. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of connection to their own embodied wisdom and an invitation to carry the principles of Circle into daily life through presence, awareness, and compassion.
Participants will need to bring their own earbuds and a device they can use to listen to a pre-recorded meditation for the forest walk, and it would also be a good idea to wear comfortable clothes to move around in.
Host: Alissa Hill
Alissa Hill (MPCC-Provisional) is a somatic practitioner, trauma-informed clinical counsellor, and wellness facilitator with over six years of experience supporting individuals and communities across North America and Ecuador. She blends clinical insight with embodied practices, drawing from her background as a registered yoga teacher, Thai massage therapist, and sound healer, to help people build resilience, regulate stress, and reconnect with themselves.
Her approach is grounded, compassionate, and rooted in nervous system awareness. Alissa currently works in violence prevention and courage building with STOPS to Violence Saskatchewan. She also facilitates individual sessions, group work, and retreats. Her debut book, The Spine of Soft Things, launches in fall 2025.
Her approach is grounded, compassionate, and rooted in nervous system awareness. Alissa currently works in violence prevention and courage building with STOPS to Violence Saskatchewan. She also facilitates individual sessions, group work, and retreats. Her debut book, The Spine of Soft Things, launches in fall 2025.
Here and Now: A Gentle Witnessing of Ourselves, with Mary Scholl & Iván Suazo
This session invites us to delve into the Self-Exploration Tool not as a roadmap or performance tracker, but as a gentle mirror—a way to witness where we are, where we’ve been, and what might be calling us next. In community with fellow alumni, we will explore how the tool supports deeper self-understanding, especially in moments of uncertainty, transition, or complexity. Honoring the spiral nature of personal unfolding, we’ll reflect on shifting patterns, the co-existence of shadow and light, and the quiet invitations that may lead us toward ourselves. This is not a space for fixing or striving, but for noticing, naming, and welcoming—a space for being, remembering, and becoming. Come as you are. Bring your bowl—however cracked, full, dusty, or hidden it may feel today.
Hosts: Mary Scholl and Iván Suazo
Mary Scholl and Iván Suazo are certified practitioners with the Centre for Holding Space and facilitators in the Foundations program. They also serve as core members of the Institute for Collaborative Learning (I4CL) in Costa Rica, where they weave Holding Space principles into education, community development, and relational learning.
Mary is the founder of I4CL, an educator and facilitator with over 30 years of experience in language teaching, adult learning, and mindfulness. Her work centers on creating learning spaces that honor complexity, foster deep presence, and cultivate empathy and relational agility. She brings a long-standing practice of Nonviolent Communication and mindfulness to her Holding Space facilitation, both locally and internationally.
Iván is the Assistant Director of I4CL and brings more than 25 years of experience supporting educators and their communities across Latin America. As a Holding Space practitioner, interpreter, and learning guide, he is known for his ability to build inclusive, culturally grounded spaces for reflection, connection, and growth. His work is deeply informed by NVC, intercultural facilitation, and the art of listening across differences.
Breakout Session #3
Holding Space for Hidden Dynamics – an Experiential Introduction to Systemic Work and Constellations, with Pasha Elstak and Lienke Pet
In this 2.5-hour experiential workshop, we introduce the basics of systemic work and constellations — a way of revealing the hidden dynamics in families, teams, and life stories. By holding space for these dynamics, we create a space where we can explore how they impact us in the way we interact with others and in the way we take our place within the systems we operate in. Through guided exercises and live constellation(s), you’ll get a first-hand experience of how systems carry memory, tension, and movement — often across generations. We’ll guide you through some of the key systemic principles, and invite you to reflect on your own existing patterns and hidden dynamics.
No prior experience needed. Curiosity welcome.
No prior experience needed. Curiosity welcome.
Hosts: Pasha Elstak and Lienke Pet
Pasha and Lienke live and work in The Netherlands. They guide individuals, leaders, teams and professionals who are looking for more depth in their work and within themselves. They combine systemic work, body-based awareness, and experience in organisational development in a way that invites slowing down, sharp observation, and genuine connection. Embodied (systemic) leadership, they call it.
In their coaching and team sessions, they create a clear and safe space to explore patterns and dynamics that often originate within your own system(s) of origin. They impact your place, position and role in the interaction with others. Don’t expect ready-made solutions, but thoughtful questions, attentive facilitation, and room to discover what truly matters for you.
Together, they form Bureau Neerland: a space where leadership doesn’t start with control or persuasion, but with holding space for what emerges and presence with yourself and with others.
In their coaching and team sessions, they create a clear and safe space to explore patterns and dynamics that often originate within your own system(s) of origin. They impact your place, position and role in the interaction with others. Don’t expect ready-made solutions, but thoughtful questions, attentive facilitation, and room to discover what truly matters for you.
Together, they form Bureau Neerland: a space where leadership doesn’t start with control or persuasion, but with holding space for what emerges and presence with yourself and with others.
Grief Cafe, with Barbara Swanston
We live in a grief-illiterate society that avoids and minimizes grief. This is an opportunity to have frank, open, compassionate discussions about loss, grief and how we can hold space for ourselves and others.
Host: Barbara Swanston
After the death of my son, Terry, by suicide I was confronted with grief and despair I could not have imagined. It took a long time to come to terms with my loss and my grief. It’s been 15 years and I am a suicide and grief awareness advocate. In addition to my own experience I have supported and worked with many people grieving all kinds of losses.
Walking a Labyrinth to Well-Held Space, with Emily Gillies
In this facilitated labyrinth walk, explore self-reflection/awareness as the foundation for holding space well and key to fostering connection with others. Participants will be given simple prompts to invite reflection while walking the on-site labyrinth, and will have opportunity for circle conversation. Please wear footwear suitable for outside or bare feet (weather dependent). Note that the labyrinth may be accessed any time during our retreat for personal use/meditation. This workshop is for those interested in a guided, communal experience to deepen their holding space skills.
Host: Emily Gillies
A Master Practitioner with the Centre for Holding Space, Emily learned The Circle Way with Heather in 2016, and has been co-facilitating CFHS programs since 2018. A creative person by nature she also loves music, preaches at church, questions narratives, and weaves rugs on her double-harness floor looms. Emily lives in the cozy prairies of Saskatchewan, Canada, with her two nearly-grown-up sons, her beloved motorcycle, and her cat who has appeared in lots of zoom calls!
Breakout Session #4
The Art of Wandering in Liminal Space, with Helena Hartholt
In this workshop, I take people to explore the liminal space in a creative way. With the help of creative (writing) exercises and meditative exercises, they will get to know and explore the concept of wandering in liminality, without getting lost. A necessary phase to transform. I do this by means of 7 steps that are described by Jitske Kramer, corporate anthropologist, in her latest book Tricky Times.https://tricky-times.
Host: Helena Hartholt
I am Helena Hartholt, 59 years old and living in Assen, Holland. I have been working my whole life to give a voice to people who are otherwise less heard. I have been certified at the Center for Holding Space this year. I focused my practicum on exploring people’s stories with creative (writing) exercises, in order to gain a new perspective on their lives, both in the past, present and future. My goal is to make people more aware of where they are and what patterns they carry with them, and how they can look at them differently. Preferably 1 on 1 or in small groups in circle. I’m inspired by Mary Alice Arthur, Diane Millis, Vivian Broughton and Christine de Vries.
Grounding Ourselves, Grounding our Groups, with Tina Schlabach
For those interested in gentle mind/body/spirit practices experienced together in the supportive energy of a small group, this may be for you. We will engage with easy to learn Capacitar practices to listen to our bodies and to calm and tenderly care for our nervous systems. Some of these practices will likely be familiar to you, others may be new. The name “Capacitar” is a Spanish word meaning to empower, to awaken, to bring each other to life. I have found these practices helpful when opening or closing many kinds of circles, meetings, and groups. We will share what we know about how caring for our personal nervous system regulation plays an important part in freeing us from getting stuck in unhealed trauma cycles of harming ourselves or harming others. This is a time in our world-in-crisis when we must intentionally and compassionately care for ourselves, and those with whom we work closely in community.
Host: Tina Schlabach
Tina lives in the borderlands between Mexico and the U.S., on the traditional lands of the Tohono O-odham peoples, in Tucson, Arizona. She is a recently retired pastor and spiritual director. Tina currently leads Casa Cardo, an organization for housing and accompanying asylum-seeking single migrant women with children, who are resilient survivors of abuse and violence. Tina is a Capacitar practitioner (see website www.capacitar.org) , a global network which freely shares a toolbox of practices for trauma healing and wellness body movement and relaxation. In her family she is learning how to support a beloved young adult son who is neurodivergent with mental health challenges. Tina feels deeply sorrowful for the aggressively cruel policies being implanted in the U.S. and is committed to creating and holding space for healing communities at the local level, which can serve as fractals for growing and expanding outward. In this community work, with her family, friends, a sweet golden retriever mix companion, and morning coffee with reading and journaling, she finds daily joy.
Conversation Combo, with Franky De Cooman
This breakout session is a double offering: two conversations for the price of one! (haha)
Using facilitated circle conversation, participants will discuss one topic and then the other, with a break in between.
First topic: The Overlaps between Psychological Safety and Holding Space: There is overlap between Holding Space & Psychological Safety. There are also differences. Let us have some conversations on this…
Second topic: Holding Space with Less Words: Holding Space is a wordy practice. What if the receiver of Holding Space is less wordy? I, for example, work with people having intellectual disabilities. How can you let them feel it? Let us explore!!!
Host: Franky De Cooman
Former statistician and Computer Scientist, but always interested in the human being behind the nerd. This never ending quest led me to Holding Space as a way of living. I completed the CFHS Certification Program in 2023.
Other Activities
Morning Altars: Community, Connection & Celebration! with Anne Gordon
An activity that invites everyone’s participation to build a community Morning Altar that brings together Nature, Art & Ritual around our theme of Community, Connection & Celebration! The activity will be introduced at our opening ceremony. Then you are invited to contribute to the building of the altar on your own time during the weekend. And we will celebrate its completion toward the end of the weekend.
Host: Anne Gordon
Anne Gordon is certified life coach and Morning Altars Teacher who lives with her family in Bend, Oregon.
Holding Space through Song, with Leah Robshaw Robinson
During our retreat, we’ll explore the many ways group singing can be used as a technique for holding space. Through oral traditions of song leading, we’ll learn and sing songs that can be used for cultivating group identity, surfacing and expressing strong emotions, and building collective courage. Basic song leading skills will also be taught, if there is interest. No singing experience required!
Host: Leah Robshaw Robinson
Leah Robshaw Robinson (she/her) believes all flourishing is mutual and strives to build relationships rooted in reciprocity and generosity. A graduate of the Centre for Holding Space’s Practitioner Certification Program, she weaves connection and community into all facets of her life. Her career path includes coordinating youth after school programs and adult community education programs, serving as the executive director of Friends for a NonViolent World and working as a career counselor for people with barriers to employment. Other common titles include spouse, mom, auntie, daughter, sister, neighbor and friend. She graduated from Lisa Littlebird’s Songleader Flight School in 2020 and enjoys using community singing to hold space in creative ways.
Yoga Classes (optional)
Thursday Morning (Certified Participants) with Alissa Hill
A gentle, restorative practice designed to soften the body and guide you back home to your own heart. We’ll explore spacious heart openers and grounding shapes to help direct the love you so generously offer the world inward. Beginners welcome.
Alissa Hill (MPCC-Provisional) is a somatic practitioner, trauma-informed clinical counsellor, and wellness facilitator. See her additional bio details in Breakout Session #2.
Friday & Saturday Mornings with Mary Beth Winner
How can we be more compassionate to ourselves and others, and increase compassion in the world? By practicing it.
This class is low & slow and somatic in nature, which is a practice of compassion. By moving and sensing slowly with curiosity, we cultivate a moment to moment awareness of what is arising and the opportunity to meet whatever it is with tenderness to nurture not only ourselves, but our connectedness to all life. The initial movements may be unfamiliar to the students, and we may or may not get around to a “traditional” yoga pose, but I will guide you through everything. If you are looking for a fast flow class, this is not that. But you should be calm and ready to navigate your day with more ease.
My yoga practice started 25 years ago after the death of my dear dad. Like so many people who first come to yoga, I was looking for solace. Yoga saved my life. The practice helped me to come home to myself and find the internal space and peace to be able to navigate the roller coaster of life. My first teacher was Margaret Hahn of Omaha Yoga school. After yoga and physical therapy helped me to overcome a debilitating cervical spine issue in 2014, I decided to teach. My hope as a teacher is to help students find their own way to living in the present moment through an inquiry-based practice using sensory awareness, breath and gentle movement.
I’ve been teaching for 10 years-influenced by the work of Pete Blackaby, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, Lisa Petersen and primarily Donna Farhi.
Sunday Morning with Krista Pritchard
Gentle moving, breathing & being to start your day.
Krista has practiced yoga for 14 years & taught for 5. She loves to hold space for people to connect to a deeper presence within. See her additional bio details in breakout session #1.
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Emerging Futures: A Sculpture of Possibilities, self-directed
In this self-directed optional activity, in pairs or solo, you have the opportunity to explore your emerging future. Through the power of your intuition & hands, you’ll create a simple sculpture that represents future possibilities using materials you find in every day life. You’ll be supported in representing a current life/work situation through objects, then reflect on what is present from different perspectives. This process facilitates letting go of habitual ways of thinking to discover new insights & allow the final stage of the process to emerge – a new version of the sculpture which expresses the future that is waiting for you.
Host: Self-directed with instructions and materials provided
Labyrinth Opportunities, self-directed
As an additional self-guided activity during our stay at the Bethlehem Centre, please feel welcome to avail yourself of the various labyrinths on the grounds. In addition to an incredible outdoor installment of an 11-circuit Chartres Labyrinth, the facility also houses the Godden Finger Labyrinth Museum, located in one of our breakout rooms (The Oak Room). More details can be found on their website: https://bethlehemcentre.com/
Host: Self-directed
Somatic Experience: Qigong (optional), with Jolanda Himmelstein
Meditative and at the same time playful and easy to follow exercises (adaptable to all abilities) will take us into the world of waves, seaweed, rainbows, silkworms (in their liminal space – and beyond) and connect us with Earth, Heaven, Sun, and Moon energies.
Be prepared to breathe deeply, have fun, and to be relaxed and invigorated at the same time. No previous experience is necessary, but an open mind will be helpful and comfortable clothes and shoes or no shoes will contribute to the experience.
Host: Jolanda Himmelstein
After growing up mainly in Switzerland, my interests led me to study English, Mandarin and things Chinese. I felt drawn to pursue a career as a language teacher and I very much enjoyed teaching students of different ages and in different contexts for several years. Becoming a mother of two and our immigration to Canada led to new discoveries: Qigong, Sound Healing, Jin Shin Jyustu (gentle acupressure) and foot reflexology. I found my calling – to support myself and others to strengthen the connection to our own healing powers. This leads me to teaching again…
Somatic Experience: Sound Healing (optional), with Jolanda Himmelstein
You may look forward to a plethora of sounds brought to you with the help of crystal blows, metal singing bowls, rain stick, ocean drum, chimes, small gongs and more. As every sound bath is a unique creation, I am very curious as to what will be unfolding amidst so many experienced holders of space!
Sound healing is generally most enjoyed while lying down (sitting is also possible, of course). It is therefore suggested to bring a yoga mat, blanket, possibly a pillow and whatever else might enhance your comfort while experiencing the meditative magic of sounds as well as the silence in between…
Host: Jolanda Himmelstein
During the past 15 years Jolanda’s calling has been to support herself and others by strengthening the connection with their own healing energies. Her approach combines ancient techniques such as Qigong, the Art of Jin Shin (gentle acupressure), Sound Healing and Foot Reflexology with modern understanding, focusing on holistic well-being. Whether working one-on-one in her practice or facilitating groups, Jolanda’s overall goal is always to restore balance while promoting relaxation and deeper breathing, helping others to reconnect with their bodies to find inner peace.
We will gather at Bethlehem Centre, a beautiful facility located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
It can be reached by flying to Vancouver International Airport, or Victoria BC. Ferry passage may apply, and groups from the airport may be able to be coordinated together. Someone from our committee will be happy to answer your travel-related questions. (Contact information below.)
Three nourishing meals are provided every day with your registration fee – food & lodging details here.
Options for accommodations are:
- single occupancy in a room with a single bed
- double occupancy in a room with two single beds
- single occupancy in a room with a double bed
Let’s gather in circle for connection & inspiration!
Retreat Costs:
All prices are in Canadian currency.
Fees cover all accommodation and food costs. There is no cost for programming (see below).
| Three Nights |
|---|
| Single occupancy, double bed: $1100 |
| SOLD OUT - Single occupancy, single bed: $1000 |
| Double occupancy, single beds: $800 |
| Four Nights (for certified practitioners) |
|---|
| Single occupancy, double bed: $1350 |
| SOLD OUT - Single occupancy, single bed: $1200 |
| Double occupancy, single beds: $950 |
| Additional for partner: |
|---|
| Three nights: $600 (for single or double bed) |
| Four nights: $700 for single beds, $750 for double |
Note: Partner fees cover food and accommodation (double occupancy, double bed).
The agenda of the retreat is being organized based on the principle of ‘offer what you can, speak to what you need’. In order to keep rates minimal, no facilitation or other program organizing costs are being charged or paid for by retreat fees. There is also an intent to use any excess funds to build a bursary fund. This would be a travel bursary fund which can help offset travel costs on an as-needed basis, and to equalize financial strain between those who are near and those far away. The bursary is only intended for travel and does not include accommodation.
Would you like to have some of your travel expenses covered (up to a maximum of 50% – depending on amount raised)? Email us at hsalumnigathering@gmail.com to request a bursary.
A few other important details:
- Any excess funds not distributed towards travel costs will be donated to the CFHS for ongoing scholarships.
- In order for this event to run, a certain number of participants have to demonstrate commitment by March 19, 2025. If you are intending to join this gathering, we encourage you to register early.
- Minimum deposit is 30% of the applicable retreat fee. If selecting partial payment, full payment is required by: August 5, 2025.
- Registrations accepted until: September 1.
Cancellation policy:
– Full refunds available until March 22, 2025
– 50% refund available March 23-Sept 13, 2025
– No refund available after Sept 14, 2025
Questions? Contact us at hsalumnigathering@gmail.com.
We hope you’ll join us! We can’t wait to connect with our global community!
Need more inspiration? Here’s what you’ll get at the gathering:
- Daily schedule of events that includes group plenaries, small group discussions, and free times
- Opening and closing circles
- Morning movement practices and other somatic activities
- Opportunities to learn from fellow Holding Space practitioners and deepen your own practice
- A chance to enjoy friendships off the screen
- Reflect on your Holding Space work and consider its evolution
- A celebratory evening in honour of the Centre’s 5-Year Anniversary – which may be streamed online to share with our friends around the globe
- Sleeping accommodations in the room configuration of your choice
- Bedrooms include linens, bath towels, a desk and a chair, and a place to hang clothes
- Bathroom/shower facilities near each room, shared between 2-3 people
- Three nourishing home-style buffet meals each day which include grown-on-site produce and accommodation of (most) dietary needs (see website: Place | Bethlehem Centre )
- Group access to various meetings rooms
- Casual sitting and gathering spots around the property
- Access to Guest Lounges in each accommodation building which include microwave, mini fridge, and sink
- Access to beautiful grounds including a labyrinth, a reflective pond, a lake with hiking paths and swimming, and many picturesque resting places
- Partners can join for Morning Movement practices, meals, and the CFHS’s 5th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday evening