FAQs

Where is The Retreat Space?

Right here, online. The Retreat Space is currently a virtual space where we are growing a community for connection, healing, the arts, and expression. We have a long-term dream to open a retreat center in the woods. We’re not sure yet where that will be, but all signs point to either New England or Asheville, NC.

Do you offer in-person retreats?

No. We are practicing responsible social distancing. But as soon as we are able to be physically close, we plan to offer in-person gatherings.

What can I expect during an online gathering?

We meet live on Zoom, which is an online platform for connecting people all over the world through a video meeting. When you arrive in the Zoom room, you’ll be able to see Quinn, the facilitator, and other participants. You can choose to turn your camera on or off. If your camera is off, people will see your name only. Your microphone will automatically be turned off. If the gathering is being recorded, that will be announced at the beginning. Only people who turn on their mic and “take the floor” will be in the recording (usually just Quinn and the facilitator).

When we are ready to start, Quinn will open the gathering with a few announcements about The Retreat Space, what to expect during the gathering, and ground rules for a safe, sacred space. She will introduce the facilitator, who will lead the gathering. At the end, Quinn will close the gathering. You’ll receive an email survey asking for feedback after the gathering. This helps us enormously, as we are just starting out and want to co-create a space that serves you.

Some gatherings will be quiet and guided, and others will be social and discussion-based. This will be clearly explained in the description of the gathering and in the announcements at the beginning.

How do I join an online gathering?

In order to join an online gathering, you need to register in advance. Just go to the Gatherings page, click the gathering you want to join, and click the Register Now button. This will take you to a Zoom registration form. Enter your name and email. You should instantly get an email with confirmation and details about the gathering. At the end of the email is the link for joining your gathering. When it’s time to join, click on the link. Zoom will open up, and you’ll be in our virtual retreat space.

If you have any issues with this process, please let us know! We are still working out the kinks. Email: theretreatspaceinfo@gmail.com.

I’ve never used Zoom before. Help!

Don’t worry! Zoom is pretty easy. Check out this quick tutorial before you come to class. You’ll need to download the program if you don’t have it already—it only takes a couple minutes.

Why are your online gatherings free?

This is an incredibly intense, scary time. People all over the world are experiencing varying levels of physical, emotional, and financial hardship. The Retreat Space community is coming together to serve the collective during this time. Free access to community and self-care is critical to the health of our society. This is a love offering to you, from us.

Will your offerings always be free?

For now, they are. We are working on a way to accept donations for our amazing facilitators very soon. Many of them are losing income, and The Retreat Space wants to help support them. Donations would be an optional love offering from you to them, if you found deep value from the gathering and had the means to contribute.

As things evolve, we plan to offer some paid offerings at an accessible cost.

I have gifts to offer. Can I facilitate a gathering or submit a recording?

Amazing! We want to hear from you. Please email us some information about you and your gifts. The more detail, the better. We will review your materials and be in touch. If it’s a good fit, we’ll set up a phone call to chat. Email us at theretreatspaceinfo@gmail.com.

What topics does The Retreat Space cover?

We are open to new things! At its heart, The Retreat Space is about connecting deeply and reverently to the earth, to others, and to our highest selves. We do this by exploring the arts, creative expression, earth-based wisdom, deep healing, personal growth, sexuality, movement, magic, play, connecting to nature, emotional wellness, soulwork, and so much more.

What is The Retreat Space’s philosophy about teachers and spiritual guides?

The Retreat Space knows that each of us carries our own wisdom and knowing inside of us. Facilitators at The Retreat Space are loving, supportive guides who are here to provide support and tools to point you back to yourself. We firmly believe that you don’t need anyone or anything to make you whole or improve your life. You are already whole and you are the only one who knows what’s best for you, your life, and your body.

At The Retreat Space, you are not students. You are equals in this community, and your voice matters. There is no hierarchy or authority who knows better than you.

The Retreat Space has a zero-tolerance policy for teachers or guides who use shame or intimidation tactics, tell you they know better than you, or put themselves on a pedestal. If you have any concerns as a member of this community, email theretreatspaceinfo.com.

How do you create a safe space?

The Retreat Space is an inclusive, judgement-free space. Our goal is to make you feel safe enough to explore new things and experience deep healing in a supportive environment. Quinn and our facilitators are fierce protectors of sacred space, and we will do our best to make sure everyone feels supported.

Everyone is enthusiastically welcomed at The Retreat Space. At the beginning of each gathering, we will remind you of the following principles.

We treat the other members of this community with fierce respect and kindness.
We do not judge ourselves or others in this space.
We keep an open mind and an open heart as we try new things and interact with people who are different than us.
We bring our full, authentic selves into this space.

If you have any concerns or suggestions for making this space safer, please email theretreatspaceinfo@gmail.com.

I’m loving this platform. How can I help?

We love you too!

You can help spread the word. Please tell your friends about The Retreat Space and ask them to sign up for email updates.

If you’d like to volunteer your time, give us feedback, or send us ideas, we would love to hear from you. Email theretreatspaceinfo@gmail.com.