How to Structure a Grounding Opening Session for Your Retreat

As I pack my bags for my upcoming women’s hiking retreat in the Swiss Alps, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and reflection. I can hardly believe it’s just a week away!

While preparing my gear and double-checking the details, I’ve been thinking a lot about the structure and flow of a retreat—especially that important moment when students first arrive.

Why Your Retreat Container Begins Before Day One

Here’s the thing: creating your retreat container starts long before your students arrive. Every touchpoint—whether through DMs, email check-ins, or welcome packets—contributes to how your clients begin to feel held and seen in your space.

But once you’re in-person, giving your retreat a clear structure is how you set the stage for transformation. That starts with your opening session.

The Purpose of Your Opening Session

Whether your event is a quick weekend getaway or a full week-long immersion, your opening evening is your opportunity to help students land, settle in, and feel grounded.

Your goal? Create safety and clarity before diving into deeper work.

Structure offers comfort. That’s why I always begin with the basics—logistics and orientation—before moving into any vulnerable sharing or emotional activities.

What I Always Include in My Retreat Opening Session

After leading international retreats for the past 9 years, I’ve tested and refined my approach through a lot of trial and error. Here’s what I now include in every opening evening session to help shape the retreat container:

1. Opening with Embodied Movement

Before we move into the circle, I begin with a short, grounding movement or meditation practice to help everyone arrive in their bodies and the space.

2. Introductions & Acknowledgements

I introduce myself and any co-facilitators to establish leadership and build trust. I keep participant intros brief and low-pressure—just enough to start building connection without overwhelming anyone. (Remember: we have a whole week to go deeper!)

3. Retreat Schedule + Property Overview

People feel safer when they know what to expect. I go over the retreat schedule, location layout, and important logistics on the first night to give students a clear structure they can relax into.

4. Setting Expectations & Guidelines

Before anything personal is shared, I take time to set the tone and ground rules. I explain how I’ll be showing up as a leader and what I ask from them in return. This scaffolding creates the conditions for trust and transformation later.

5. Community Agreements

Creating group agreements around communication, respect, and confidentiality ensures we’re all on the same page. This step fosters an inclusive and intentional space for everyone to feel safe showing up fully.

Adjusting Your Structure Based on Retreat Length

If you're hosting a weekend retreat, it might feel appropriate to include a sharing circle or mini ceremony on the first evening. But for longer international retreats, I’ve found that students often need more time to settle in. That’s why I now host our official opening ceremony on the second evening, once the group feels more rested and grounded.

Final Thoughts: Build the Container, Hold the Space

These early logistics may not seem “transformational,” but they are essential to holding a safe and effective retreat container. Think of them as the foundation that allows the deeper emotional, spiritual, or creative work to unfold.

As you plan your next retreat, ask yourself:

• What do I want my students to feel as they arrive?

• How can I use structure to help them feel safe?

• What community agreements will support our work together?

I’d love to hear what you include in your opening session. What rituals or structures help you set the tone? Share with me in the comments or reach out directly—I’m always here to connect. 💬

Want more tips like this for planning powerful retreats?
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